Crystalline silicon (c-Si) technology is used in 95% of solar cells manufactured worldwide, but the efficiency and performance are determined by variations in the structure of the cell. One of the best and most advanced solar cells featuring cutting-edge technology are the Maxeon monocrystalline solar cells, used in the SunPower flexible & Maxeon fixed frame solar panels.
These are called IBC solar cells (Interdigitated Back Contact) and is a patented design with many advantages over the competition:
Solid copper backing for cell strength
Copper is a better conductor than the baked on aluminum ribbons (silver lines) of other panels
Being on the back the copper is better protected from corrosion and moisture
Active solar surface is not blocked
Robust stamped metal interconnect tabs between cells allow room for expansion & contraction
Here's a small recap of the SunPower/Maxeon IBC solar cells history:
Gen I - 2004. First >20% Efficient Solar Cell. First commercially available IBC solar cells.
Gen II - 2007. World Record Panel Efficiency. New cell architecture. First IBC laser processing, higher efficiency, lower cost.
Gen III - 2015. New cell architecture. First commercial tunnel junction solar cells, higher efficiency. World Record Panel Efficiency.
Used in the SunPower 110W (flex), SunPower 170W (flex) & Maxeon Air 330W (flex) also SunPower 370W (fixed), Maxeon 415W-R (fixed) & Maxeon 470W (fixed)
Gen 5 - 2019. Simplified process, larger wafer size (65% bigger than Gen III) reduced cost. First 400W Residential Panel
Used in the SunPower A-Series 410W
Gen 6 - 2020. Larger wafer size (5% larger than Gen 5)
Gen 7 - 2022. Latest generation of Maxeon's patented TOPCon cell technology in a shingled-cell design. Simplified process and reduced cost. Higher efficiency. Upside to 26% efficiency. Currently used only in large scale commercial solar projects.
Gen I | 3.42W | 125mm x 125mm | 22.5% |
Gen II | 3.49W | 125mm x 125mm | 22.7% |
Gen III | 3.54W | 125mm x 125mm | 24% |
Gen 5 | 6.19W | 161.7mm x 161.7mm | 22.2% |
Gen 6 | 6.49W | 166mm x 166mm | 22.8% |
Gen 7 | shingle cells | ~26% |
Let us know any questions you might have about Maxeon solar panels:
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