SunPower Corp. (Sunnyvale, CA), a silicon solar-cell company and a subsidiary of Cypress Semiconductor Corp., announced a new line of higher-efficiency solar-electric panels that offer customers higher power density than SunPower's current solar panels. Several performance-enhancing features have been incorporated into the new product line, including larger-area solar cells that improve power generation within the existing panel dimensions.
The new product line includes three new solar panels rated at 100 W, 215 W and 220 W and named the SPR-100, SPR-215 and SPR-220, respectively. With panel efficiencies of up to 18.3%, the new products produce up to 50% more power in a given roof area compared to conventional solar panels, and also reduce per-kilowatt installation costs. The new SPR-215 panel incorporates the company's all-black design that enhances the appearance of roof-mounted solar systems.
The new panel line will be available starting in late 2005 in North America through SunPower's dealer network, and in Europe through the company's channel partner SunTechnics.
