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Suntech STP440S-B72/Pnh+
Suntech Brand review

STP440S-B72/Pnh+

440 Wp Monocrystalline Bifacial 70%
ComparePV verdict

Middle of its segment, heavy for its output

Rank 11,234 of 14,129
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
440
Typical for its class
Efficiency (%)
20.20
Weak · bottom 16%
Density (Wp/m²)
201.8
Weak · bottom 16%
Temp (%/°C)
-0.360
Weak · bottom 8%
Weight (kg)
28.1
Weak · 4.6 kg above median
Warranty (yrs)
30
Typical · median 30 yrs

The Ultra S series from Suntech combines proven half-cut cell technology with a multi-busbar current path layout, shortening the current transverse propagation distance within each cell and reducing resistance losses. The use of large-format 166 mm silicon wafers enables high module power output while keeping a compact footprint, which directly translates into a smaller installation area and lower mounting structure and labor costs. Half-cut cell technology lowers the average operating temperature of the cells, limiting power loss at higher panel temperatures, while the multi-busbar architecture improves electron collection and boosts energy yield even under partial shading conditions. A non-destructive cell-cutting process minimizes microcracks and linear losses, contributing to the module's long-term reliability. The Ultra S series performs well both in rooftop installations on residential and commercial buildings and in smaller ground-mounted solar farms, where high power density per square meter matters most. Thanks to optimized BoS cost (Balance of System), investors can achieve a lower LCOE for the energy generated by the installation. This is a solution for those seeking a proven, mature silicon technology delivering high energy density and stable performance over many years of operation.

Ranking

7,198 panels in the 340-540 W band, all technologies
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 20.20% 21.50% Weak · bottom 16% 12,039
Power density 201.8 215.1 Weak · bottom 16% 12,088
Temperature coefficient -0.360 -0.300 Weak · bottom 8% 12,425
Weight per kWp 63.9 52.7 Weak · bottom 6% 13,039
Performance warranty 30 yrs 30 yrs Typical 21
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

0 positive · 3 caution
Best for

Residential, commercial and shaded-installations.

Not ideal for

Weight-limited structures, hot climates and roofs where every square metre has to count.

Watch-outs
63.9 kg per kWp

Bottom 6% of the 340-540 W band, against a median of 52.7. Ranked 13,039th in the whole database.

-0.360 %/°C temperature coefficient

Bottom 8% of the 340-540 W band, against a median of -0.300. Ranked 12,425th in the whole database.

201.8 watts per square metre

Bottom 16% of the 340-540 W band, against a median of 215.1.

Notes from the database
  • At 20.2% efficiency, this panel is 1.6pp below the database median of 21.8%
  • 201.8 W/m² power density is 16.2 W/m² below database median (218.1 W/m²) - requires larger installation area
  • -0.36%/°C temperature coefficient - 0.06pp worse than database median (-0.30%/°C), expect higher hot weather losses
  • At 28.1 kg, this panel is 1.6 kg heavier than the database median (26.5 kg) - more demanding for installation crews
  • Bifacial design (70% factor) captures reflected light - adds 4-10% yield on ground-mount or white roof

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 440 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 20.20 % Weak Segment median 21.50%
Vmpp · Impp 41.00 V · 10.74 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 48.80 V · 11.47 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 2096×1040×30 mm · 2.18 m² of roof
Weight 28.1 kg Weak Weak · 4.6 kg above median
Cells 144 Monocrystalline
Bifaciality 70 % Rear output as a share of front
Coefficient Pmax -0.360 %/°C Weak bottom 8% of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.304 · 0.050 %/°C
NOCT 42 °C At 800 W/m², 20 °C ambient
Product warranty 12 years Hardware defects only
Performance warranty 30 years Typical median 30 yrs · median 30 yrs
End-of-warranty output 85.0 % Equals 374 W guaranteed
Degradation 2.00 → 0.45 % First year, then annual

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
-
With bifacial gain
-

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

Heat losses
-0.360 %/°C against a segment median of -0.300
-
Bifacial gain
Rear gain over light concrete: -
-

Model: bifaciality × albedo × 0.6 view factor. A first-order estimate, not a yield simulation.

Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
Suntech STP440S-B72/Pnh+ 440 W 20.20% -0.360 28.1 kg You are here
AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw 490 W 24.50% -0.260 21.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +4.3 pp
STP-NT11/48QGSF-490 490 W 24.50% -0.260 21.5 kg Cooler, lighter, +4.3 pp
JAT54S40-485/LR 485 W 24.30% -0.260 19.3 kg Cooler, lighter, +4.1 pp
AIKO-A485-MCE54Mw 485 W 24.30% -0.260 21.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +4.1 pp
AIKO-A485-MAH54Mw 485 W 24.30% -0.260 21.5 kg Cooler, lighter, +4.1 pp
GK-5-54HG-485M 485 W 24.30% -0.260 21.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +4.1 pp
ZEUS 3.0+ 108 485WP 485 W 24.30% -0.260 24.2 kg +45 W, cooler, +4.1 pp
STP435S-B72/Pnh+ 435 W 20.00% -0.360 28.1 kg Very close match
STP435S-B72/Pnhg 435 W 20.00% -0.360 24.5 kg Lighter, -5 yr warranty
STP440S-B72/Vnh 440 W 20.20% -0.360 24.5 kg Lighter, -5 yr warranty
STP445S-B72/Pnh+ 445 W 20.40% -0.360 28.1 kg Very close match
STP445S-B72/Vnh 445 W 20.40% -0.360 24.5 kg Lighter, -5 yr warranty
STP450S-B72/Pnh+ 450 W 20.60% -0.360 28.1 kg +10 W, +0.4 pp
STP450S-B72/Vnh 450 W 20.70% -0.360 24.5 kg Lighter, +0.5 pp, -5 yr warranty
GKA120N-PRO-590W 590 W 23.82% -0.300 26.7 kg +150 W, cooler, +3.6 pp
GKA120N-PRO-585W 585 W 23.62% -0.300 26.7 kg +145 W, cooler, +3.4 pp

Found 234 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 325 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 352 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 1082 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

About the Ultra S series

6 answered

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

What is half-cut and multi-busbar technology in Suntech Ultra S panels, and does it actually improve energy yield?
Half-cut means a standard cell is split in half, so current travels a shorter path and resistive losses are lower. Combined with a multi-busbar grid, the lateral current path is cut by up to 50%, further reducing losses and improving electron collection. In practice, the Ultra S achieves higher efficiency (up to 20.6%) and performs better under partial shading than older full-cell modules.
What warranty comes with Suntech Ultra S 460Wp panels?
Suntech provides a 12-year product warranty covering material and workmanship defects, plus a 30-year linear power output warranty. This means that after 30 years of operation, the module should still deliver a guaranteed percentage of its initial rated power, following the degradation curve stated in the manufacturer's datasheet. This is typical of Tier 1 manufacturers and gives investors confidence in long-term project returns.
Are Suntech Ultra S 460Wp panels suitable for a residential roof?
Yes, the Ultra S series is designed for both residential rooftop installations and commercial buildings, as well as smaller PV farms. Compact dimensions from 166mm wafers and up to 460Wp output deliver high power density per square meter of roof, which matters when roof space is limited. The module weight (about 24.4kg) and reinforced mechanical load rating make it compatible with standard mounting structures.
Is the Suntech Ultra S a bifacial panel?
No, the Ultra S 460Wp series is a monofacial module, generating power only from its front side. If you need extra yield from reflected light off the ground or a light-colored roof, you would need to consider a separate bifacial product line from Suntech. The Ultra S is better suited where a simpler, proven design and lower unit cost at high module power are the priority.
How do Suntech Ultra S panels perform in high roof temperatures?
Half-cut technology lowers the average cell operating temperature compared to classic full-cell modules, reducing power loss during hot weather and roof heat buildup. Smaller cells dissipate heat more effectively, and the non-destructive cutting method minimizes microcracks that could worsen losses under temperature cycling. As a result, the Ultra S maintains more stable output in summer than older designs without this technology.
Is Suntech a reliable panel manufacturer, and where are the modules made?
Suntech is a China-based manufacturer classified as Tier 1, meaning it has a documented track record of financial stability and years of industrial-scale PV module production. Tier 1 status lowers the risk of manufacturer bankruptcy during the warranty period and makes warranty claims easier to process. The Ultra S series is not discontinued and remains currently available in the product lineup.
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