Perspective is an interesting thing. Over the last four years, no Solar Analytica gauged solar module has eclipsed the combined efficiency characteristics of the Maxeon 3. Quite phenomenal to think that the original design in a rapidly evolving technology world would retain the pinnacle of specification for almost half a decade. That’s the power of an elite Design.
However, efficiency is one aspect and means little if alternative elements don’t meet your selection criteria. You’re doing your research. That’s commendable. It’s now time to discover whether the Sunpower Maxeon 3 offers you the solar energy advantage you extensively seek.
Model:
Sunpower/ Maxeon 3.
Variants:
Maxeon 3 (104-cell); 390 / 395 / 400 W.
Maxeon 3 (104-cell) BLK (Black); 355 / 375 W.
Maxeon 3 (112-cell); 415 / 425 / 430 W.
TLDR:
One of the most efficient solar panels commercially available; 22.6%STC/ 171 W/m2 NOCT. The Maxeon 3 defines the pinnacle of module efficiency characteristics. If outstanding Efficiency and elite Performance is a priority for your project, the Sunpower Maxeon 3 is unrivalled in 2022.
The following detailed product analysis for the Maxeon 3 should be used as a guide only. Individual circumstances and compatibilities must always be taken into account when selecting the ideal solar module. This content comprises the Solar Analytica Assessment Criteria based on available product specifications at compilation (refer to post date).
Image; Maxeon 3 104-cell solar module. Power Range: 390W-400W.
An uncompromisingly elite Design, Maxeon Gen 3 solar cells remain free from front surface busbar obstruction allowing the maximum amount of light to be absorbed
1. Design:
Above Avg (Cat4)
Elite 4.5/5
An uncompromisingly elite Design, Maxeon Gen 3 solar cells remain free from front surface obstruction allowing the maximum amount of light to be absorbed. Connected from the rear in what’s referred to as an Integrated Back Contact (IBC) copper grid adds strengthening properties to the cell preventing fracturing in adverse conditions. A proprietory Design that possesses unrivalled advantages and ensures the Maxeon 3 thrives in the following classifications.
Illustrating usefulness with the ability to harvest the most energy possible from a limited area, Maxeon 3 is the enduring feature component at Powerhouse Brattørkaia. A collaborative entry and award winner at the 2020 Smarter E Award in the “Outstanding Projects” Category. Setting new expectations for corporate energy strategy, Powerhouse Brattørkaia is the world’s northernmost energy-positive building designed to generate more energy than it will consume in its lifetime. Outstanding use of the limited surface area.
Sub-Category | Characteristic | Reference | Class. | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cell Type | Monocrystalline (Maxeon Gen III) | Maxeon 3 data sheet section; Operation Condition & Mechanical Data, Solar Cells (download). | Above Avg (Cat5) | 5.0 |
Formation | 125mm, 104 Maxeon Gen III IBC (Integrated Back Contact), 112 Maxeon Gen III IBC (Integrated Back Contact). | Maxeon 3 data sheet (download). | Above Avg (Cat5) | 5.0 |
Contact | Patented rear-side, tin-coated, copper metal grid (foundation), IBC (Integrated Back Contact). | Maxeon 3 data sheet (download). | Above Avg (Cat5) | 5.0 |
Enhanced | IBC or Rear Contact, no busbar obstruction. | Maxeon 3 data sheet (download). | Above Avg (Cat5) | 5.0 |
Encapsulate | High-transmission tempered anti-reflective. NO manufacturer specified Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate laminate substrate. | Maxeon 3 data sheet section; Operation Condition & Mechanical Data (download). | Average | 2.5 |
Certifications | TÜV. | Maxeon 3 data sheet section; Tests And Certifications (download). | Above Avg (Cat5) | 5.0 |
Awards | Indirect Recognition; Powerhouse Brattørkaia Wins 2020 Smarter E Award in “Outstanding Projects” Category with Sunpower Maxeon 3 solar modules. | Press release (download). | Above Avg (Cat3) | 4.0 |
Design Overall | Maxeon 3 | Above Avg (Cat4) | 4.5/5 | |
Sub-Category: Product asset which compiles the category. Characteristic: Scoring characteristic/gauge of the Sub-Category. Reference: Reference material from which the sub-category Characteristic has been derived (where multiple reference documents exist see Reference documents tab at the bottom of this post). Class. (Classification): Solar Analytica classification of the nominated score range. Rank: Solar Analytica ranking points nominated per solar module property attributing toward an individual sub-category (excluding overall row). Overall (row): combined average of each Sub-Category.
Additional datasheet references; Maxeon 3 BLK, Maxeon 3 (112- Cell).
Image; Powerhouse Brattørkaia Wins 2020 Smarter E Award in “Outstanding Projects” Category with Maxeon 3 solar modules.
2. DURABILITY:
Above Avg (Cat4)
Elite 4.3/5
It needs to be tough to invest in superior technology with 24/7 exposure to the elements. Without a doubt, Maxeon 3 possesses elite Durability specifications, particularly for areas where Damp-Heat (humid climates) or extensive temperature swings occur (desert climates), attributing beyond excessive resistant capabilities.
Positive/ Negative wind loading and Hail resistance align with IEC average specifications. However, this is a module with diverse, outstanding environmental durability characteristics ready for installation in some of the worlds most challenging environments.
Sub-Category | Characteristic | Reference | Class. | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Positive loading | Test load – 5400 Pa, min10% coverage ratio, temp. 25 ±5°C, max humidity 75 %, ±5 % load uniformity, 3 cycles of 1 hr applied load. | IEC 61215-2 MQT16 (external). | Above Avg (Cat2) | 3.5 |
Negative loading | Test load – 2400 Pa, min10% coverage ratio, temp. 25 ±5°C, max humidity 75 %, ±5 % load uniformity, 3 cycles of 1 hr applied load. | IEC 61215-2 MQT16 (external). | Average | 2.5 |
Damp heat test | 6000 Hrs – Test Temp: (85 ± 2)°C, Relative humidity: (85 ± 5)%. | IEC 61215-2 MQT13 (external). | Above Avg (Cat5) | 5.0 |
Thermal cycle test | 800+ (2000+) Cycles – Temp range: (-40 ± 2) to (+85 ± 2) °C. | IEC 61215-2 MQT11 (external). | Above Avg (Cat5) | 5.0 |
Potential induced degredation | Resistant. | (IEC TS 62804) PID determined by MQT 13, MQT 15 & MQT 01 of IEC 61215-2 & Clause 5.5 Voltage stress test (external). | Above Avg (Cat5) | 5.0 |
Salt mist resistance | Severity 6 – CX Offshore, ToW (N/A). | IEC 61701 (external). | Above Avg (Cat5) | 5.0 |
Amonia resistance | 1 cycle = test section 1 + test section 2 = 24 h, Total test duration = 20 cycles (480 h). | IEC 62716 (external). | Above Avg (Cat5) | 5.0 |
Sand and dust resistance | LC1 (6h+): Speed: 20m/s ±2m/s, Duration: 120min for front side / 120min for rear side. | IEC 60068-2-68 (external). MIL-STD-810G | Above Avg (Cat5) | 5.0 |
Hail impact resistance | Diameter: 25mm ±5%, Mass: 7.3-grams ±5%, Speed: 23m/sec ±2%,. | Base, IEC 61215-2 & 61646 (external). | Average | 2.5 |
Durability Overall | Maxeon 3 | Above Avg (Cat4) | 4.3/5 | |
Sub-Category: Product asset which compiles the category. Characteristic: Scoring characteristic/gauge of the Sub-Category. Reference: Reference material from which the sub-category Characteristic has been derived (where multiple reference documents exist see Reference documents tab at the bottom of this post). Class. (Classification): Solar Analytica classification of the nominated score range. Rank: Solar Analytica ranking points nominated per solar module property attributing toward an individual sub-category (excluding overall row). Overall (row): combined average of each Sub-Category.
Image; Maxeon 3 Integrated Back Contact (IBC) copper metal grid design (no busbar obstruction).
more impressive is the reliability of high output as temperature derating factors encroach on potential output ability
3. Efficiency:
Above Avg (Cat5)
Outstanding 4.9/5
Setting the peak benchmark in module Efficiency, the Maxeon 3 range offers outstanding characteristics in all forms of efficiency to maximise the power output potential of any nominated area. What’s more impressive is the reliability of high output as temperature derating factors encroach on potential output ability. 22.6% module efficiency at Standard Test Conditions (STC) is impressive; however, even more remarkable is converting such efficiency into NOCT (Nominal Operating Cell Temperature) Efficiency derates the module output by a mere 1.19%, translating into an outstanding energy density of 171 W/m2 NOCT.
Sub-Category | Characteristic | Reference | Class. | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Module efficiency (max) | 22.6% | Sunpower Maxeon 3 data sheet section; Electrical Data, Panel Efficiency (download). | Above Avg (Cat4) | 4.5 |
Temperature coefficient (Pmax) | -0.27%oC | Sunpower Maxeon 3 data sheet section; Electrical Data, Power Temp Coef. (download). | Above Avg (Cat5) | 5.0 |
Power tolerance (max) | 0~+5% | Sunpower Maxeon 3 data sheet section; Power Tolerance (download). | Above Avg (Cat5) | 5.0 |
NOCT power density (max) | 171 W/m2 | Calculated, input source; Sunpower Maxeon 3 data sheet; Module Power STC, NOCT, Temp Coefficient, Dimensions (LxW) (internal post). | Above Avg (Cat5) | 5.0 |
Efficiency Overall | Maxeon 3 | Above Avg (Cat5) | 4.9/5 | |
Sub-Category: Product asset which compiles the category. Characteristic: Scoring characteristic/gauge of the Sub-Category. Reference: Reference material from which the sub-category Characteristic has been derived (where multiple reference documents exist see Reference documents tab at the bottom of this post). Class. (Classification): Solar Analytica classification of the nominated score range. Rank: Solar Analytica ranking points nominated per solar module property attributing toward an individual sub-category (excluding overall row). Overall (row): combined average of each Sub-Category.
Additional datasheet references; Maxeon 3 BLK, Maxeon 3 (112- Cell).
Image; Reduced 125mm/ 4.92″ cell size aids module efficiency of the Maxeon 3 (left), Maxeon 5 152mm/ 6″ solar cell (right).
4. PERFORMANCE:
Above Avg (Cat4)
Elite 4.4/5
When investing in class-leading power production, there’s a high level of expectation surrounding performance over time. Therefore, how does Maxeon 3 perform over its nominated 25-year period? Considerably well and as in previous categories, nothing short of an Elite standard. Each year after the initial first year, which factors a maximum 2% degradation, the Maxeon 3 solar module shall degrade at no more than a mere 0.25%—ensuring an output within 92% of the solar module minimum peak power rating by year 25.
Greater added value presents itself in the form of Product guarantee assurance. Often overlooked, should the power degrade by more than the nominated degradation factor at any point in time, Sunpower/Maxeon will support the Maxeon 3 in all critical aspects of assurance with limited parts, service and transport coverage.
IMPORTANT: The Maxeon 3 performance guarantee should be interpreted in conjunction with the entire Warranty for Maxeon PV Modules / SPR‐MAX, SPR‐E and SPR‐X Commercial Document#: 536004 REV A or that of which succeeds it. Listed below are the Solar Analytica data point indicators for gauging analysis only and are not a substitute for interpretation of the performance guarantee.
Sub-Category | Characteristic | Reference | Class. | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1st-year degradation (max) | 2.0% Power Output degradation for the first year. (PV Modules will be at least 98% of the Minimum Peak Power rating for the first year). | Warranty for Maxeon PV Modules / SPR‐MAX, SPR‐E and SPR‐X Commercial Document#: 536004 REV A, global, section 1 Limited Warranty. (downoad). | Above Avg (Cat4) | 4.0 |
Annual degradation (max after year-1) | 0.25% p.a (Power Output will decline by no more
than 0.25% per year for the following 24 years after the initial 1st year). | Warranty for Maxeon PV Modules / SPR‐MAX, SPR‐E and SPR‐X Commercial Document#: 536004 REV A, global, section 1 Limited Warranty. (downoad). | Above Avg (Cat4) | 4.5 |
Performance guarantee period | 25-years (Power Output will be at least
92% of the Minimum Peak Power rating on the final year). | Warranty for Maxeon PV Modules / SPR‐MAX, SPR‐E and SPR‐X Commercial Document#: 536004 REV A, global, section 1 Limited Warranty. (downoad). | Above Avg (Cat4) | 4.0 |
Performance guantee assurance | Parts, service and transport | Warranty for Maxeon PV Modules / SPR‐MAX, SPR‐E and SPR‐X Commercial Document#: 536004 REV A, global, section 1 Limited Warranty. (downoad). | Above Avg (Cat5) | 5.0 |
Performance Overall | Maxeon 3 | Above Avg (Cat4) | 4.4/5 | |
Sub-Category: Product asset which compiles the category. Characteristic: Scoring characteristic/gauge of the Sub-Category. Reference: Reference material from which the sub-category Characteristic has been derived (where multiple reference documents exist see Reference documents tab at the bottom of this post). Class. (Classification): Solar Analytica classification of the nominated score range. Rank: Solar Analytica ranking points nominated per solar module property attributing toward an individual sub-category (excluding overall row). Overall (row): combined average of each Sub-Category.
Image; Sunpower E-Series solar modules installed Toyota Motor HQ, North America. Sunpower Maxeon 3 is built on over three generations of proprietary IBC technology.
5. Guarantee:
Above Avg (Cat4)
Elite 4.5/5
Elite solar module guarantees are rare amongst the abundance of solar panel options available. As competition for market share increases, so do guarantee periods. A Guarantee period is often only as strong as the fabric that contributes towards it. What must be considered alongside intrinsic Guarantee factors are the elements that can affect guarantee security, including the availability of suitably educated installers within a nominated region and Guarantee assurance.
Featuring a resounding 25-year product guarantee period, the Maxeon 3 leverages off a certified installer network with additional installer benefits to ensure intimate product knowledge and brand loyalty. Sunpower Maxeon possesses an exceptional track record of Outstanding guarantee assurance, in the unlikely event of a claim, supporting all aspects of transport, parts and service, bolstered by over 35-years of manufacturing innovative success.
IMPORTANT: The Maxeon 3 product guarantee should be interpreted in conjunction with the entire Warranty for Maxeon PV Modules / SPR‐MAX, SPR‐E and SPR‐X Commercial Document#: 536004 REV A or that of which succeeds it. Listed below are the Solar Analytica data point indicators for gauging analysis only and are not a substitute for interpretation of the product guarantee.
Sub-Category | Characteristic | Reference | Class. | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Guarantee period | 25-years (300-months). | Warranty for Maxeon PV Modules / SPR‐MAX, SPR‐E and SPR‐X Commercial Document#: 536004 REV A, global, section 1 Limited Warranty. (downoad). | Above Avg (Cat4) | 4.5 |
Guarantee assurance | Parts, service and transport. | Warranty for Maxeon PV Modules / SPR‐MAX, SPR‐E and SPR‐X Commercial Document#: 536004 REV A, global, section 1 Limited Warranty. (downoad). | Above Avg (Cat5) | 5.0 |
Manufacturer established | 1985 (37-years). | Wikipedia: Sunpower Corporation (external) | Above Avg (Cat5) | 5.0 |
Certified installer network | Yes, WITH additional end-user/ installer benefits. | Linked from manufacturers regional websites. | Above Avg (Cat5) | 5.0 |
Manufacturer bankability | CCC, Q1 2021. | PV Moduletech bankability ratings (external). | Above Avg (Cat3) | 3.0 |
Guarantee Overall | Maxeon 3 | Above Avg (Cat4) | 4.5/5 | |
Sub-Category: Product asset which compiles the category. Characteristic: Scoring characteristic/gauge of the Sub-Category. Reference: Reference material from which the sub-category Characteristic has been derived (where multiple reference documents exist see Reference documents tab at the bottom of this post). Class. (Classification): Solar Analytica classification of the nominated score range. Rank: Solar Analytica ranking points nominated per solar module property attributing toward an individual sub-category (excluding overall row). Overall (row): combined average of each Sub-Category.
Image; Maxeon 3 BLK. Byron Bay, Australia.
Overall:
Above Avg (Cat3)
Elite 4.5/5
You’re the type of person that doesn’t do anything by halves. Maxeon 3 positions itself on the podium as one of the most comprehensive solar module options to astute energy investors. A well rounded, ultra-high performing asset to ensure uninterrupted energy production beyond an extensive 25-year period. If doing something right once to virtually set and forget is an appealing concept, then the Maxeon 3 is a shortlist must.
It’s not cheap, but blue-chip investments rarely are. Nothing short of elite characteristics overall embedded within the Maxeon 3 upholds the distinguished reputation of this highly regarded module manufacturer. The Maxeon 3 is an ideal solar module solution for any project where high yields and sustainability are a strong consideration.
Category | Classification | Ranking Points | Detail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Design | Elite | Above Avg (Cat4) | 4.7 | Criteria > |
Durability | Elite | Above Avg (Cat4) | 4.3 | Criteria > |
Efficiency | Outstanding | Above Avg (Cat5) | 4.9 | Criteria > |
Performance | Elite | Above Avg (Cat4) | 4.4 | Criteria > |
Guarantee | Elite | Above Avg (Cat4) | 4.5 | Criteria > |
Overall: Maxeon 3 | Above Avg (Cat4) | 4.5/5 | ||
Maxeon 3 (Silver -below) continues to surpass within the realms of Efficiency. However, the newly released Sunpower Maxeon 5 receives a rankings boost due to its bolstered Durability criteria. The discrepancy positions the energy-dense Maxeon 3 a mere one ranking point below its super durable counterpart.
Is there a sub-category value that requires an amendment? Submit an amendment request using this Amendment request form.
General product questions should be made using the comments section at the bottom of this post (keep scrolling).
The Sunpower Maxeon 3 range of solar modules has been calculated using the Solar Analytica Assessment Criteria (solar modules) 1.3.2.
- Sunpower Maxeon 3 (104-cell) data sheet.
- Sunpower Maxeon 3 (104-cell) BLK data sheet.
- Sunpower Maxeon 3 (112-cell) data sheet.
- Warranty for Maxeon PV Modules / SPR‐MAX, SPR‐E and SPR‐X Commercial warranty document.
- Sunpower Maxeon 3 white paper 40-year Useful Life.
- Sunpower Solar IEC referenced installation manual.
- Powerhouse Brattørkaia Wins 2020 Smarter E Award in “Outstanding Projects” Category Maxeon Solar Technologies Mediaroom.
- IEC 61215-2 External site >
- IEC 61701 External site >
- IEC 62716 External site >
- IEC TS 62804-1-1 External site >
- IEC 60068-2-68 External site >
How does the current range of Sunpower Maxeon solar panels compare against each other?
At the time of writing the following Sunpower Maxeon solar panels were ranked alongside the Maxeon 3 series in accordance with the SAAC V.1.3.2;
- Sunpower Maxeon Performance 3.
- Sunpower Maxeon 5.
- Sunpower Maxeon Performance 5.
