Suntech Unveils High-Efficiency Solar Module for Israel

Suntech Power Holdings Co, the world's largest producer of solar panels, unveiled the Suntech 300W Vd series, a new generation high-efficiency solar module, for Israel, available immediately. Powered by Suntech's SuperPoly processing technology, a superior silicon casting and wafering process that produces higher-quality multicrystalline wafers, the module achieves up to 15.5% conversion efficiency, well above the 13% to 14% efficiency of conventional polycrystalline solar modules. The introduction of Suntech's 300W Vd series reaffirms Suntech's commitment to offer industry leading solar products for Israeli customers.

"The new module delivers 10% more power than conventional polycrystalline products leading to lower balance-of-system and installation costs per watt," said James Hu, Suntech's president for Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa. "Israel's excellent solar resources make solar power a viable and highly cost competitive energy solution that can help the country move towards energy independence."

Suntech's new 300W Vd is a 72-cell module comprised of 6-inch black square cells that delivers one of the highest power per weight ratios in the industry. The module features a +/- 5% power tolerance and exceptionally low oxygen content leading to strong resistance to light-induced degradation. In addition, the modules are built to withstand all weather conditions including 3.800 N/m2 (~270 km/h) wind load and 5.400 N/m2 (~55 kg/m2) snow loads, well above IEC standard requirements. The product is ideally suited to rooftop installations where weight, power, and aesthetics are key customer considerations.

The 6-inch square cells in the new product contain minimal oxygen content and achieve 18% conversion efficiency. Suntech's in-house R&D and wafer production team developed the technology based on a hybrid wafer manufacturing process that combines the high efficiency of monocrystalline wafers with the cost-effectiveness and reliability of polycrystalline wafers.

With lower energy consumption during ingot production, the STP 300-24/Vd solar modules are even more environmentally friendly and reduce the energy payback time by almost one-third compared to conventional monocrystalline modules. The new solar module also features an anti-reflective surface trapping the sunlight into the cells combined with a hydrophobic self-cleaning surface structure. Suntech's new 300W Vd series solar module is available immediately for Israeli customers.