SunPower Launches New AC Solar Panels with Integrated Microinverter Solution

SunPower Corp., a Silicon Valley-based manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems, launched the SunPower® E18 & E19 AC Solar Panel series, integrating industry-leading ac microinverters with its high-efficiency solar panels. SunPower states that it is the market share leader in the U.S. residential market.

The E18 & E19 AC solar panels offer residential customers increased flexibility, as panels with microinverters can be easily installed on most homes, including those with complex rooftops or shading from trees, chimneys and other obstructions. Power generated by the rooftop solar system is optimized at the individual solar panel level, delivering a greater overall energy yield, and is easily monitored to ensure maximum power is being produced. According to the company, the attractive design of the ac solar panels, combined with the most efficient and reliable solar technology, are backed by SunPower’s industry-leading 25 year warranty. Microinverters are integrated with SunPower’s solar panels at the factory level, reducing installation time, complexity and overall cost of the system.

"SunPower’s AC solar panels are an industry game-changer, offering our customers the highest efficiency solar panels integrated with best-in-class microinverters," said Jim Pape, president of SunPower’s residential and commercial business group. "SunPower has historically offered the most reliable solar panels with guaranteed performance, and our new ac solar panels broaden our reach into the residential market."

SunPower ac solar panels are integrated with the SolarBridge Pantheon™ microinverter. The all-black E18/225W ac solar panel and the maximum-efficiency E19/240W ac solar panel will be available in the U.S. in early 2012. The ac panels feature SunPower’s 22.4 percent efficient patented Maxeon™ cell technology. The all-back contact Maxeon solar cell is said to capture significantly more sunlight and conducts more electrical current than conventional solar cells, and holds the world record for efficiency among commercially available, mass-produced solar cells.

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