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Suntech STP-NT11/48QGSF-490
Suntech Brand review

STP-NT11/48QGSF-490

490 Wp TOPCon
ComparePV verdict

Efficiency leader, no clear weak spot

Rank 2,468 of 14,129
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
490
Strong · top 12%
Efficiency (%)
24.50
Strong · top 1%
Density (Wp/m²)
245.2
Strong · top 1%
Temp (%/°C)
-0.260
Strong · top 3%
Weight (kg)
21.5
Strong · 2.5 kg below median
Warranty (yrs)
30
Typical · median 30 yrs

The Ultra T 3.0 series represents Suntech's new generation of photovoltaic modules, built around third-generation N-type TOPCon cells featuring advanced edge passivation. What sets this line apart is its proprietary quarter-cut (multi-cut) technology, which drastically reduces the internal current of the cell - resulting in lower resistive losses and significantly reduced hotspot risk, translating into a longer, trouble-free service life for the installation. The bifacial double-glass construction captures light reflected from the ground, boosting real-world energy yield on both pitched rooftops and large-scale ground-mount farms. Ultra T 3.0 panels are engineered to perform in demanding climates - resistance to high temperatures, salt mist, and ammonia makes them well suited for coastal installations as well as agricultural environments. A robust anodized aluminum frame delivers high mechanical strength, backed by certified load-bearing test results, keeping the module reliable under heavy snow and strong wind loads. This is a solution for installers and investors seeking the balance of high efficiency, low annual degradation, and long-term IEC-certified reliability that lowers the real levelized cost of energy (LCOE) over the system's lifetime.

Ranking

1,096 panels in the segment TOPCon 450-500 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 24.50% 22.52% Strong · top 1% 82
Power density 245.2 225.2 Strong · top 1% 82
Temperature coefficient -0.260 -0.290 Strong · top 3% 515
Weight per kWp 43.9 52.2 Strong · top 3% 353
Performance warranty 30 yrs 30 yrs Typical 21
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

3 positive · 0 caution
Best for

Commercial and utility-scale.

Strengths
24.50% module efficiency

Top 1% of the TOPCon 450-500 W segment, against a median of 22.52%. Ranked 82nd in the whole database.

245.2 watts per square metre

Top 1% of the TOPCon 450-500 W segment, against a median of 225.2. Ranked 82nd in the whole database.

43.9 kg per kWp

Top 3% of the TOPCon 450-500 W segment, against a median of 52.2. Ranked 353rd in the whole database.

Notes from the database
  • At 24.5% efficiency, this panel is 2.0pp above typical TOPCon 450-500W modules (median: 22.5%)
  • At 245.2 W/m² power density, this panel generates 20.0 W/m² more per unit area than TOPCon 450-500W median (225.2 W/m²)
  • Temperature coefficient of -0.26%/°C vs median -0.29%/°C means ~1% less power loss at 65°C
  • 21.5 kg weight - 2.5 kg lighter than TOPCon 450-500W median (24.0 kg), reducing installation effort
  • #82 for efficiency, #515 for temperature performance out of 14129 panels

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 490 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 24.50 % Strong Segment median 22.52%
Vmpp · Impp 30.96 V · 15.83 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 36.68 V · 16.64 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 1762×1134×30 mm · 2.00 m² of roof
Weight 21.5 kg Strong Strong · 2.5 kg below median
Cells 192 · TOPCon Monocrystalline
Coefficient Pmax -0.260 %/°C Strong top 3% of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.220 · 0.043 %/°C
Product warranty 25 years Hardware defects only
Performance warranty 30 years Typical median 30 yrs · median 30 yrs
End-of-warranty output 88.8 % Equals 435 W guaranteed
Degradation 1.00 → 0.35 % First year, then annual

Datasheet charts

Open datasheet PDF

Measured curves published by Suntech in this model's datasheet. A chart carrying a wattage was measured on that variant alone - only the ones that describe 490 Wp appear here. The rest cover the whole series.

Linear power degradation over time (1% first-year, 0.35% annual) Linear power degradation over time (1% first-year, 0.35% annual) Whole series

Simulations

Live - change any input
Lifetime output & value
30 years at 1200 kWh/kWp/year and €0.50 per kWh
Power in year 30
-
Lifetime energy
-
Energy value
-

Degradation from this panel's own datasheet figures. No inverter, soiling or shading losses.

Heat losses
-0.260 %/°C against a segment median of -0.290
-
Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
Suntech STP-NT11/48QGSF-490 490 W 24.50% -0.260 21.5 kg You are here
LR7-54HJD-510M 510 W 25.00% -0.240 23.5 kg +20 W, cooler, +0.5 pp
AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw 495 W 24.80% -0.260 21.0 kg +0.3 pp
LR7-54HJD-505M 505 W 24.70% -0.240 23.5 kg +15 W, cooler, heavier
WST-505BKX54-A2 505 W 24.70% -0.260 25.0 kg +15 W, heavier
AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw 490 W 24.50% -0.260 21.0 kg Very close match
LR7-54HJD-500M 500 W 24.50% -0.240 23.5 kg +10 W, cooler, heavier
CIPRO-TN9C54M-500W 500 W 24.50% -0.260 21.4 kg +10 W
STP430S-H48-Nfb 430 W 21.50% -0.290 21.5 kg -60 W, hotter, -3.0 pp
STP435S-H48-Nfb 435 W 21.80% -0.290 21.5 kg -55 W, hotter, -2.7 pp
STP440S-H48-Nfb 440 W 22.00% -0.290 21.5 kg -50 W, hotter, -2.5 pp

Found 1402 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 1432 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 3651 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 3999 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

About the Ultra T 3.0 series

6 answered

These answers cover the whole series. Where a figure differs, the specification above is this module's own.

How much power does the Suntech Ultra T 3.0 panel generate and who is it for?
Modules from the Ultra T 3.0 series reach a maximum power of up to 670 Wp, placing them among high-output industrial-grade panels. This high unit power lets installers reduce the number of modules needed to hit a target system size, lowering mounting structure and labor costs. It's a strong fit for both large commercial rooftop installations and ground-mounted solar farms.
How does TOPCon technology in the Ultra T 3.0 differ from classic PERC cells?
The 3rd-generation N-type TOPCon cells used in the Ultra T 3.0 offer higher efficiency and a lower annual degradation rate than older P-type PERC cells. Additional edge passivation reduces carrier recombination at the cell edges, resulting in higher energy yield under low-light conditions and a smaller power drop over years of operation.
What does quarter-cut technology bring to the Suntech Ultra T 3.0 panels?
Quarter-cut technology splits each cell into four segments instead of the standard two used in half-cut designs. This significantly lowers the current flowing through each cell fragment, reducing thermal losses and substantially cutting the risk of hotspots, i.e. localized overheating within the module. In practice, this means higher module reliability and lower failure risk from partial shading.
What warranty comes with the Suntech Ultra T 3.0 panels?
Suntech provides a standard 25-year product warranty and a 30-year linear power output warranty on the Ultra T 3.0 modules. This means the manufacturer guarantees a defined minimum power output level over three decades of operation, which is a key factor in ROI calculations and lifecycle levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for the installation.
Are the Ultra T 3.0 panels suitable for coastal or agricultural installations?
Yes, the Ultra T 3.0 series was engineered for demanding environmental conditions. The panels are certified resistant to salt mist and ammonia exposure, making them well suited both for installations located close to the coastline and for agricultural sites, where standard modules could corrode faster.
Is Suntech a reliable solar panel manufacturer worth trusting?
Suntech is a Chinese tier-1 manufacturer with over two decades of presence in the PV market, indicating financial stability and reliability in honoring warranty commitments. Tier-1 status confirms the company uses its own production lines and has a documented track record of supplying large-scale projects, which matters for a long-term, 30-year power warranty.
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