SunPower Launches New 19% Efficient Panel Line

The SunPower E19 Series includes the E19 318-watt, 96-cell solar panel with an efficiency rating of 19.5 percent and the E19 238-watt, 72-cell solar panel with an efficiency of 19.1 percent.

The company said the modules feature larger, more powerful all-back contact solar cells that deliver three percent more surface area per cell, boosting panel efficiency by reducing unutilized space. The panels also have an anti-reflective coating that allow for more diffuse off-angle light to be captured, generating more energy per rated watt than a conventional solar panel.

The coating and the larger area cells result in a darker, more aesthetically pleasing appearance, SunPower said. The E19 Series maximum efficiency solar panels are designed for use in situations with constrained roof space.

"We are pleased to deliver a solar panel with an unprecedented efficiency of 19.5 percent," said Tom Werner, SunPower CEO. "SunPower, now celebrating our 25th anniversary, has the expertise and experience to deliver the technology needed to reach this milestone. I'm very proud that we continue to exceed industry standards with this new E19 Series product line."

In addition to the new SunPower E19 Series product line, the company is also offering its current 18 percent efficiency or greater solar panels in the SunPower E18 Series product line. This family of panels includes 96-cell and 72-cell configurations, ranging from 305-watts to 225-watts.

The new SunPower E19 Series product line will be available for shipment to residential and commercial customers via SunPower's North American and European dealer networks in the third quarter of 2010. The SunPower E18 Series product line is available for immediate delivery.