The Maxeon brand (formerly Sunpower) has an illustrious reputation for not doing anything by halves. With such a reputation often related to pushing the limits of module efficiency boundaries, what options exist if ultra-high efficiency isn’t necessary for your instance? Welcome to the Maxeon Performance 3 series. The shingled cell solar panel designed to reach a broader market yet still retain the Maxeon advantage through qualities other than industry-leading efficiency.
Model:
Sunpower/ Maxeon Performance 3 series.
Variants:
Performance 3 AC; 370-385 W.
Performance 3 BLK (Black); 315-335 W.
Performance 3 BLK (Black); 365-390 W.
Performance 3 COM; 405-420 W.
Performance 3 UPP; 475-500 W.
TLDR:
With a track record of innovation, the shingled cell technology used within the Maxeon Performance 3 series sets a standard of protection against environmental stresses such as shading, temperature swings, and high humidity. The shingled cell technology lowers shading effects, ensuring better day-to-day performance when compared to conventional modules.
The following detailed product analysis for the Maxeon Performance 3 series 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 (solar modules) based on available product specifications at compilation (refer to post date).
Video; Sunpower Maxeon Performance 3 series preview.
1. Design: 87/100
It’s the classification that ultimately defines the overwhelming appeal of the Maxeon Performance 3 series. Visually seamless variants assist in captivating a broader cross-section of residential admirers. At the same time, the improved economic viability of industry and utility-scale module designs appeal to large project developers seeking a reputable, long-standing brand.
But what about the design specifics? An overall design that no-doubt appeals to the astute researcher, the Maxeon Performance 3 series design can be considered unique compared to conventional solar modules. Enhanced with no front surface busbar obstruction and interconnected via conductive adhesive cell contacts in a native shingled cell design, the Maxeon Performance 3 series boasts numerous outstanding Design features. However, unlike alternative Maxeon modules and to improve viability, a P-Type monocrystalline cell structure forms the foundation of this overall superior solar module design.
Sub-Category | Characteristic | Reference | Class. | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cell Type
| Monocrystalline | Performance 3 data sheet section; Operation Condition & Mechanical Data, Solar Cells. | Above Avg (Cat2)
| 70 |
Formation | Shingled Cell | Performance 3 data sheet. | Above Avg (Cat5) | 100 |
Contact | Conductive adhesive | Performance 3 data sheet. | Above Avg (Cat5) | 100 |
Enhanced | No busbar obstruction, PERC – Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell. | Performance 3 data sheet section; Operation Condition & Mechanical Data, Solar Cells. | Above Avg (Cat5) | 100 |
Encapsulate | High-transmission tempered anti-reflective superstrate. WITH manufacturer specified Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate laminate substrate. | Performance 3 data sheet section; Operation Condition & Mechanical Data. | Above Avg (Cat3) | 80 |
Certifications | TÜV. | Performance 3 data sheet section; Tests And Certifications. | Above Avg (Cat5) | 100 |
Awards | General Recognition; Sunpower Wins Solar Industry Sustainability Award. | Press release. | Above Avg (Cat1) | 60 |
Design Overal | Maxeon Performance 3 series | Above Avg (Cat3) | 87/100 | |
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.
2. DURABILITY: 86/100
Entering the Durability classification, it becomes apparent why the Maxeon Performance 3 series is a popular choice for many. Durability sub-classifications are predominantly outstanding and contribute towards the overall elite, Above Avg (Cat4), Durability rating. Front/ Rear wind loading and Hail impact resistance remain in line with industry average specifications ensuring the Maxeon Performance 3 series can thrive in diverse global 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 (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 Performance 3 series | 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: 70/100
The Maxeon Performance 3 series exceeds Average international solar module Efficiency ratings. We’ve simply come to peak expectation with the Efficiency specifications attached to most modules delivered by the Maxeon brand (formerly Sunpower). However, this particular classification assists the economic viability of a Maxeon solar module option for a given project where an outstanding Efficiency requirement isn’t a limiting factor. What must be considered, there are certain Efficiency swings between Maxeon Performance 3 series models, which affect the overall solar module ranking and Efficiency classification (continued below).
Sub-Category | Characteristic | Reference | Class. | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Module efficiency (max) | P3; 19.9%. P3 COM; 20.4%.P3 UPP; 20.9% (80). | Performance 3 data sheet section; Electrical Data, Panel Efficiency (reference documents). | Above Avg (Cat2) | 70 |
Temperature coefficient (Pmax) | -0.34%oC | Performance 3 data sheet section; Electrical Data, Power Temp Coef. (reference documents). | Above Avg (Cat2) | 70 |
Power tolerance (max) | 0~+5% | Performance 3 data sheet section; Electrical Data, Power Tolerance (reference documents). | Above Avg (Cat4) | 90 |
NOCT power density (max) | P3; 148 W/m2.P3 COM; 152 W/m2 (60).P3 UPP; 155 W/m2 (70). | Calculated, input source; Performance 3 data sheet; Module Power STC, NOCT, Temp Coefficient, Dimensions (LxW) (internal post). | Average | 50 |
Efficiency Overall | Maxeon Performance 3 series | Above Avg (Cat2) | 70/100 | |
Efficiency Overall | Maxeon Performance 3 COM | Above Avg (Cat2) | 73/100 | |
Efficiency Overall | Maxeon Performance 3 UPP | Above Avg (Cat3) | 77/100 | |
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.
Industry (commercial) and utility-scale Maxeon Performance 3 series modules benefit from an Efficiency boost when the overall size of the solar module increases. Such a result re-classifies the Performance 3 UPP to an Above Avg (Cat3) superior Efficiency ranking.
4. PERFORMANCE: 78/100
Ahead of the market average, Maxeon Performance 3 series solar modules factor a minimal 2% degradation in year 1. Subsequently, degrading at no more than 0.45% per annum the following 24-years from installation. Such a result guarantees the power output should be no less than 87.2% of the nominal output value (at Standard Test Conditions) by year 25. As with all Maxeon solar modules, Performance guarantee assurance is comprehensive, covering; parts, service and transport should the Performance 3 series not meet performance expectations over the nominated period.
IMPORTANT: The Maxeon Performance 3 series performance guarantee should be interpreted in conjunction with the entire Warranty for Performance PV Modules / SPR‐P3 Residential (or SPR‐P3 Commercial) document February 1, 2021, or that of which succeeds it. Listed below are the Solar Analytica data point indicators for ranking 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%. | Warranty for Performance PV Modules/ SPR-P3 Residential, Feb 1 2021, section 1. Limited Warranty (reference documents). | Above Avg (Cat3) | 80 |
Annual degradation (max after year-1) | 0.45% p.a. | Warranty for Performance PV Modules/ SPR-P3 Residential, Feb 1 2021, section 1. Limited Warranty (reference documents). | Above Avg (Cat2) | 70 |
Performance guarantee period | 25-year. | Warranty for Performance PV Modules/ SPR-P3 Residential, Feb 1 2021, section 1. Limited Warranty (reference documents). | Above Avg (Cat1) | 60 |
Performance guantee assurance | Parts, service and transport | Warranty for Performance PV Modules/ SPR-P3 Residential, Feb 1 2021, section 2. Claims Process and Coverage (reference documents). | Above Avg (Cat5) | 100 |
Performance Overall | Maxeon Performance 3 series | Above Avg (Cat3) | 78/100 | |
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: 88/100
Ultimately, the Guarantee of the Maxeon Performance 3 series will seal the deal for many. It’s one of the better 25-year product guarantees attached to a solar panel for a secure energy investment by one of the longest-standing solar module manufacturing companies.
Embedded within the 25-year Guarantee period is a comprehensive Guarantee assurance providing three critical aspects of (limited) parts, service and transport security in the unlikely event of a product failure. A Certified installer network to selected regions offers added installer benefits to provide end-users with an appropriate manufacturer endorsed installer who intimately understands the Maxeon Performance 3 series range.
IMPORTANT: The Maxeon Performance 3 series product guarantee should be interpreted in conjunction with the entire Warranty for Performance PV Modules / SPR‐P3 Residential (or SPR‐P3 Commercial) document February 1, 2021, or that of which succeeds it. Listed below are the Solar Analytica data point indicators for ranking analysis only and are not a substitute for interpretation of the product guarantee.
Sub-Category | Characteristic | Reference | Class. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Guarantee period
| 25-years (300-months). | Warranty for Performance PV Modules/ SPR-P3 Residential, Feb 1 2021, section 1. Limited Warranty (reference documents). | Above Avg (Cat4)
| 80 |
Guarantee assurance | Parts, service and transport. | Warranty for Performance PV Modules/ SPR-P3 Residential, Feb 1 2021, section 2. Claims Process and Coverage (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 (Cat1) | 60 |
Guarantee Overall | Maxeon Performance 3 series | Above Avg (Cat4) | 88/100 | |
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.
Overall: 82/100
Maxeon possesses wider appeal from high-end to mid-range accessibility influencing a broader market share in the form of the Performance 3 series. A decision which no doubt has had its rewards for this world-famous brand. This distinctive Maxeon solar panel uses a shingled-cell formation upholding characteristic design qualities of a front surface free from busbar obstruction for maximised light absorption.
Possessing elite Durability specifications and a renowned 25-year guarantee, the Performance 3 series is an ideal Maxeon solar module solution where leading efficiency is less of a consideration. Now one of the most popular Maxeon module options with a broad scope of model offerings. An AC module option, colour coded residential variants and refined commercial solar panels ensure a stable energy investment to a wide project cross-section wanting superior Maxeon value.
Category | Classification | Score | Detail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Design
| Elite | Above Avg (Cat4) | 87 | Criteria >
|
Durability | Elite | Above Avg (Cat4) | 86 | Criteria > |
Efficiency | Very good | Above Avg (Cat2) | 70 | Criteria > |
Performance | Superior | Above Avg (Cat3) | 78 | Criteria > |
Guarantee | Elite | Above Avg (Cat4) | 88 | Criteria > |
Overall: Maxeon Performance 3 series | Above Avg (Cat3) | 82/100 | ||
Overall: Maxeon Performance 3 COM & UPP | Above Avg (Cat3) | 84/100 | ||
Maxeon has a reputation for manufacturing elite solar modules. Therefore, it’s noticeable when a deviation occurs, as in the chart below. The deviation exists predominantly within the efficiency stakes, still considered Very Good against the industry average. It is an interesting perspective to see how closely aligned the Maxeon Performance 3 series is to its industry-acclaimed counterparts for what should be a considerably lower cost.
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General product questions should be made using the comments section at the bottom of this post for community feedback (keep scrolling).
The Sunpower Performance Series range of solar modules has been calculated using the Solar Analytica Assessment Criteria (solar modules) 2.1.1 >
- Sunpower Performance 3 AC BLK data sheet.
- Sunpower Performance 3 BLK (315-335 W) data sheet.
- Sunpower Performance 3 BLK (365-390 W) data sheet.
- Sunpower Performance 3 COM data sheet.
- Sunpower Performance 3 UPP data sheet.
- Warranty for Performance PV Modules / SPR‐P3 Residential warranty document.
- Warranty for Performance PV Modules / SPR‐P3 Commercial warranty document.
- Sunpower Solar IEC referenced installation manual.
- SunPower Wins Solar industry Sustainability Award Press releases.
- 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 Maxeon solar panels compare against each other?
At the time of writing the following Sunpower Maxeon solar panels were analysed alongside the Sunpower Maxeon Performance 3 series;
