Maxeon has been leading the solar industry for decades with their patent protected IBC (Interdigitated Back Contact) solar cells. We are now seeing solar panels built with the latest Generation 6 (Gen 6) solar cells that are ~70% larger than the Generation 3 solar cells. The increase in size means less cells per panel (typically 72 v. 112) which means less connections and soldering so less potential for weakpoints and the panels weight less overall.
The Gen 6 solar cells are used in the Maxeon 475W panel we have available currently and, looking ahead a little, in the new Maxeon 440W that we will have available soon....
Click the button above to read our other blog post about Maxeon solar cell generations for more details but some of the other Maxeon solar cell advantages include:
Thick Connectors
Solar cells expand and contract daily due to temperature swings; this puts heavy stress on the connectors of the cells. To prevent this, Maxeon solar cells has built-in thick connectors that are resistant to these temperature changes. These are a stamped metal (tin plated copper) with small 'holes' to allow for thermal stress relief.
Bigger Conversion Area & Superior Aesthetics
With IBC technology all the connectors are at the back of the cell, eliminating the "silver lines" you see on the front of a non-Maxeon panel. This means none of the active solar surface is being blocked and the result is a higher area of impact for sunlight. Watch out for other non-Maxeon panels that don't have the "silver lines" on the front as they may have just put them on the back of the cell. Great they no longer block the sun but they are still the same baked-on aluminum paste/ribbons that are porous & prone to corrosion.
What about Maxeon Gen 7 solar cells?
Maxeon's newest generation (Gen 7) of patented TOPCon cell technology is a shingled-cell design that you will see in large scale commercial solar projects. It has a simplified manufacturing process, reduced cost & higher efficiency but is not a panel Sun Powered Yachts has access to at this time.
Have any questions about going solar aboard don't hesitate to get in touch:
Comments