SunPower’s X-Series solar panels are some of the best photovoltaic (PV) panels available. They are characterized by the latest technology and certified durability. Part of SunPower’s range of solar solutions, these panels deliver 60% more energy than conventional panels over their 25-year lifetime.
If you want to learn more about the SunPower X-Series, this SunPower X-Series review is for you. Here we analyze the technology contained in these modules, their technical specifications, strengths and advantages, compare them to other options and explain which applications are more suitable for them.
SunPower X-Series solar panel technology
The SunPower X-Series is equipped with Maxeon Gen III solar cells, an outstanding solar technology available. In this section we explain how this technology works.
Maxeon Gen III solar cell
Maxeon Gen III solar cells feature cutting-edge technology with an efficiency of 24.3% and delivers 25% to 35% more power than conventional cells. The technology realizes high-quality monocrystalline silicon wafers with a black anti-reflective coating on the front and Interdigital back contact (IBC) or all-back contact technology with a tin-plated copper metal grid on the back of the cell.
These cells make SunPower X-Series modules resistant to light-induced degradation (LID) while providing a low temperature coefficient and excellent performance in broad light spectrums. The cells are also environmentally friendly as they contain completely lead-free components.
Specifications and details of the X-Series solar panels
Residential X Series
The Residential X series includes the X21 and X22 variants. The X21 features a traditional design with superior aesthetics and an output power of 335W, while the X22 modules are the latest technology and offer superior performance with an output power of up to 360W.
- module efficiency: Up to 22.2%.
- Nominal output power: 335W – 360W.
- temperature coefficient: -0.29%/ºC
- operating temperatur: -40ºF to 185ºF
- Dimensions: 61.3 x 41.2 x 1.8 inches
SunPower X-Series residential modules are designed to deliver more power with fewer modules installed. With 96 Maxeon III solar cells with a conversion efficiency of up to 22.2%, the X-Series modules can deliver up to 360W for the most powerful module in the series, while the all-black design can deliver up to 335W.
Each SunPower X-Series module has Class A appearance and is protected by high-transmission, anti-reflective, toughened glass with a Class 1 black anodized frame. The modules withstand extreme climate conditions and are covered by SunPower’s 25-year warranty.
Commercial X series
The commercial X series has a slight variation between the X21 and X22 options. The X21 has 128 solar cells for an output of up to 470W, while the X22 modules have 96 cells for an output of 360W.
- module efficiency: Up to 22.2%.
- Nominal output power: 360W / 445W – 470W
- temperature coefficient: -0.29%/ºC
- operating temperatur: -40ºF to 185ºF
- Dimensions: 61.4×41.2×1.8in / 81.4×41.2×1.8in
Commercial Designed for commercial and large-scale applications, SunPower’s X-Series features 96 and 128 Maxeon Gen III solar cells to deliver 360W for the X22 and 445W-470W for the X21 options. The size between both options also varies.
These modules have a B-class appearance and are protected by a high-transmission, anti-reflective hardened glass with a class 2 silver anodized frame. They have a slightly lower resilience to extreme climates than residential variants, but are also backed by a 25-year warranty.
Strengths & Benefits of the SunPower X-Series
The SunPower X-Series has many strengths and advantages that make it an excellent solar solution for a variety of applications. These are some of their key strengths and benefits:
Durable and resilient design
A slightly flexible tin-copper design for the Maxeon Gen III solar cells makes the SunPower X-Series resistant to corrosion and cracking. They are also resistant to light-induced degradation, resulting in a 2% to 3% higher energy output.
More energy is released during its lifetime
The SunPower X-Series modules combine high durability with excellent performance can supply 60% more energy compared to conventional modules. In the first year, these modules deliver 45% more power than conventional options, but after 25th year they produce 81% more electricity than conventional ones.
Better performance at high temperatures
Maxeon Gen III solar cells have a low temperature coefficient of -0.29%/ºC. This means that the SunPower X-Series modules can generate about 1-2% more energy at a high temperature of 35-40 °C, making them ideal for regions with hot climates.
Increased performance in different light conditions
The performance of the SunPower X-Series modules is improved in cloudy and low light conditions, thanks to the cutting-edge technology of Maxeon Gen III solar cells. This increases the energy yield of the SunPower X-Series by around 1% compared to conventional modules.
25 year guarantee
The SunPower X-Series is built to last and last, which is backed by SunPower’s 25-year product and performance warranty.
High aesthetic design
The features of the X21 series the characteristic all-black design from SunPower that delivers great power output without detracting from the aesthetics of the home. This property makes them a unique solar solution in locations where aesthetics is a key factor for installing PV modules.
Comparison of the SunPower X-Series
To understand the range of the SunPower X-Series, it is better to compare it to competitor options and even other modules developed by SunPower. In this section, we make these comparisons.
SunPower X-Series vs. 360W DNA 120 Aptos Solar
Aptos Solar’s DNA 120 solar panels are also a popular option in the US, competing with the SunPower X-Series. Let’s compare both options.
Both companies have developed PV modules with an output power of 360 W, but they have different technologies. Maxeon Gen III solar cells have an efficiency of 22.2%, while DNA split cells only achieve an efficiency of 19.73%. This means that to produce 360W, Aptos Solar panels need to be larger and weigh 4.09lbs. heavier than the SunPower X-Series.
The temperature coefficient is another key difference between both modules. With a temperature coefficient of -0.29%/ºC, the SunPower X-Series performs better than the DNA 120 in hot climates. The only aspect where Aptos Solar’s DNA 120 outperforms the SunPower X-Series is the warranty ; These modules have a 5-year longer guarantee, so a total guarantee of 30 years.
SunPower X-Series vs. M-Series
Comparing the SunPower X-Series to the M-Series allows us to understand the key differences between the two solar solutions developed by SunPower.
There are several differences between the SunPower X-Series and M-Series, such as: B. Technology, output power and signal output type. M series modules feature 66 Maxeon Gen VI cells, which are larger and have a conversion efficiency of 22.8%. The M series with a larger size reaches 440W output power, which is far superior to the 360W of the X series.
The built-in inverter of the M series creates another big difference. This inverter produces an AC output from M-Series modules instead of the typical DC output from the SunPower X-Series. Despite being similar panels, the M series has several advantages over the X series.
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SunPower X-Series vs. A-Series
The SunPower X-Series vs. A-Series creates another interesting contrast. The A Series is very similar to the M Series, including AC output, but features slightly older Maxeon solar cell technology.
The SunPower A-Series features Maxeon Gen V cells with an efficiency of 22.8% and offers 65% larger cells than the Maxeon Gen III. The A series also features a larger size and weight, but instead of having the 360W for the M series, the power rating increases to 425W.
Performance in hot climates remains the same as both have the same temperature coefficient. They also have the same guarantee.
When should you choose the X-Series for your project?
SunPower X-Series modules feature older technology than the A- and M-Series, but they have similar conversion efficiencies and are far better than traditional options on the market.
residential projects want to achieve higher performance on small roofs can benefit from the SunPower X-Series. These modules can be a game changer on roofs with limited space, as smaller modules can be rearranged into different shapes to better fit the roof. This makes it easier to mount more X series modules than A or M series which are larger in size.