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Report: Sunpower Maxeon 3.

Collaborative by Collaborative
April 29, 2022
in Reports, Featured, Modules
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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.

Related: 

THE SUNPOWER MAXEON SOLAR PANELS SET TO DOMINATE 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). 

Video; Sunpower Maxeon Solar module preview.

1. Design: 94/100

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.
Cell Type
Monocrystalline (Maxeon Gen III)
Maxeon 3 data sheet section; Operation Condition & Mechanical Data, Solar Cells (reference documents).
Above Avg (Cat5)
100
Formation
125mm, 104 Maxeon Gen III IBC (Integrated Back Contact), 112 Maxeon Gen III IBC (Integrated Back Contact).
Maxeon 3 data sheet (reference documents).
Above Avg (Cat5)
100
Contact
Patented rear-side, tin-coated, copper metal grid (foundation), IBC (Integrated Back Contact).
Maxeon 3 data sheet (reference documents).
Above Avg (Cat5)
100
Enhanced
IBC or Rear Contact, no busbar obstruction.
Maxeon 3 data sheet (reference documents).
Above Avg (Cat5)
100
Encapsulate
High-transmission tempered anti-reflective. WITH manufacturer specified Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate laminate substrate.
Maxeon 3 data sheet section; Operation Condition & Mechanical Data (reference documents).
Above Avg (Cat3)
80
Certifications
TÜV.
Maxeon 3 data sheet section; Tests And Certifications (reference documents).
Above Avg (Cat5)
100
Awards
Affiliated Recognition; Powerhouse Brattørkaia Wins 2020 Smarter E Award in “Outstanding Projects” Category with Sunpower Maxeon 3 solar modules.
Press release (reference documents).
Above Avg (Cat3)
80
Design Overall
Maxeon 3
Above Avg (Cat4)
94/100

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. Class.: Solar Analytica classification of the nominated score range. Points: 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. 

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2. DURABILITY: 86/100

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.
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 (reference documents).
Above Avg (Cat2)
70
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 (reference documents).
Average
50
Damp heat test
6000 Hrs – Test Temp: (85 ± 2)°C, Relative humidity: (85 ± 5)%.
IEC 61215-2 MQT13 (reference documents).
Above Avg (Cat5)
100
Thermal cycle test
800+ (2000+) Cycles – Temp range: (-40 ± 2) to (+85 ± 2) °C.
IEC 61215-2 MQT11 (reference documents).
Above Avg (Cat5)
100
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 (reference documents).
Above Avg (Cat5)
100
Salt mist resistance
Severity 6 – CX Offshore, ToW (N/A).
IEC 61701 (reference documents).
Above Avg (Cat5)
100
Amonia resistance
1 cycle = test section 1 + test section 2 = 24 h, Total test duration = 20 cycles (480 h).
IEC 62716 (reference documents).
Above Avg (Cat5)
100
Sand and dust resistance
LC1 (6h+): Speed: 20m/s ±2m/s, Duration: 120min for front side / 120min for rear side.
IEC 60068-2-68 (reference documents).
Above Avg (Cat5)
100
Hail impact resistance
Diameter: 25mm ±5%, Mass: 7.3-grams ±5%, Speed: 23m/sec ±2%,.
Base, IEC 61215-2 & 61646 (reference documents).
Average
50
Durability Overall
Maxeon 3
Above Avg (Cat4)
86/100

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. Class.: Solar Analytica classification of the nominated score range. Points: 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. 

3. Efficiency: 95/100

Setting the peak benchmark in module Efficiency, the Maxeon 3 range offers outstanding characteristics 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.
Module efficiency (max)
22.6%
Sunpower Maxeon 3 data sheet section; Electrical Data, Panel Efficiency (reference documents).
Above Avg (Cat4)
90
Temperature coefficient (Pmax)
-0.27%oC
Sunpower Maxeon 3 data sheet section; Electrical Data, Power Temp Coef. (reference documents).
Above Avg (Cat5)
100
Power tolerance (max)
0~+5%
Sunpower Maxeon 3 data sheet section; Power Tolerance (reference documents).
Above Avg (Cat4)
90
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)
100
Efficiency Overall
Maxeon 3
Above Avg (Cat5)
95/100

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. Class.: Solar Analytica classification of the nominated score range. Points: 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. 

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4. PERFORMANCE: 93/100

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.
1st-year degradation (max)
2.0%.
Warranty for Maxeon PV Modules / SPR‐MAX, SPR‐E and SPR‐X Commercial Document#: 536004 REV A, global, section 1 Limited Warranty. (reference documents).
Above Avg (Cat4)
80
Annual degradation (max after year-1)
0.25% p.a.
Warranty for Maxeon PV Modules / SPR‐MAX, SPR‐E and SPR‐X Commercial Document#: 536004 REV A, global, section 1 Limited Warranty. (reference documents).
Above Avg (Cat4)
90
Performance guarantee period
40-years.
Warranty for Maxeon PV Modules / SPR‐MAX, SPR‐E and SPR‐X Commercial Document#: 536004 REV A, global, section 1 Limited Warranty. (reference documents).
Above Avg (Cat4)
100
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. (reference documents).
Above Avg (Cat5)
100
Performance Overall
Maxeon 3
Above Avg (Cat4)
93/100

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. Class.: Solar Analytica classification of the nominated score range. Points: 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. 

5. Guarantee: 92/100

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.
Guarantee period
40-years.
Warranty for Maxeon PV Modules / SPR‐MAX, SPR‐E and SPR‐X Commercial Document#: 536004 REV A, global, section 1 Limited Warranty. (reference documents).
Above Avg (Cat4)
100
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. (reference documents).
Above Avg (Cat5)
100
Manufacturer established
1985 (37-years).
Wikipedia: Sunpower Corporation (external)
Above Avg (Cat5)
100
Certified installer network
Yes, WITH additional end-user/ installer benefits.
Linked from manufacturers regional websites.
Above Avg (Cat5)
100
Manufacturer bankability
CCC+, Feb 2022.
PV Moduletech bankability ratings (external).
Above Avg (Cat3)
60
Guarantee Overall
Maxeon 3
Above Avg (Cat4)
92/100

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. Class.: Solar Analytica classification of the nominated score range. Points: 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. 

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Overall: 92/100

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
Score
Detail
Design
Elite
Above Avg (Cat4)
94
Criteria >
Durability
Elite
Above Avg (Cat4)
86
Criteria >
Efficiency
Outstanding
Above Avg (Cat5)
95
Criteria >
Performance
Elite
Above Avg (Cat4)
93
Criteria >
Guarantee
Elite
Above Avg (Cat4)
92
Criteria >
Overall: Maxeon 3
Above Avg (Cat4)
92/100
Design.

Durability.
Efficiency.
Performance.

Guarantee.

Overall.
Accuracy matters.

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). 

How was this score calculated.

The Sunpower Maxeon 3 range of solar modules has been calculated using the Solar Analytica Assessment Criteria (solar modules) 2.1.1.

References.
  • 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 >
Maxeon solar panels overall.

How does the current range of Sunpower Maxeon solar panels compare against each other?

  • Compare in detail.

At the time of writing the following Sunpower Maxeon solar panels were analysed alongside the Maxeon 3 series;

  • Sunpower Maxeon Performance 3.
  • Sunpower Maxeon 5.
  • Sunpower Maxeon 6.
Tags: Maxeon 3Sunpower/Maxeon
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