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Suntech STP440S-B72/Vnh
Suntech Brand review

STP440S-B72/Vnh

440 Wp Monocrystalline
ComparePV verdict

Middle of its segment, weak in heat

Rank 11,723 of 14,129
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
440
Typical for its class
Efficiency (%)
20.20
Weak · bottom 16%
Density (Wp/m²)
202.1
Weak · bottom 16%
Temp (%/°C)
-0.360
Weak · bottom 8%
Weight (kg)
24.5
Typical · median 23.5 kg
Warranty (yrs)
25
Weak · bottom 17%

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 202.1 215.1 Weak · bottom 16% 12,050
Temperature coefficient -0.360 -0.300 Weak · bottom 8% 12,425
Weight per kWp 55.7 52.7 Typical 10,132
Performance warranty 25 yrs 30 yrs Weak · bottom 17% 9,912
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

Hot climates, tight roof space and roofs where every square metre has to count.

Watch-outs
-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.

20.20% module efficiency

Bottom 16% of the 340-540 W band, against a median of 21.50%.

202.1 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%
  • At 202.1 W/m², this panel generates 16.0 W/m² less per unit area than database median (218.1 W/m²)
  • -0.36%/°C temperature coefficient - 0.06pp worse than database median (-0.30%/°C), expect higher hot weather losses
  • Weight of 24.5 kg (2.0 kg below database median of 26.5 kg) allows easier transport and roof mounting
  • #11956 for efficiency, #12345 for temperature performance out of 14005 panels

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 2095×1039×35 mm · 2.18 m² of roof
Weight 24.5 kg Typical Typical · median 23.5 kg
Cells 144 Monocrystalline
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 25 years Weak bottom 17% · median 30 yrs
End-of-warranty output 84.8 % Equals 361 W guaranteed
Degradation 2.00 → 0.55 % 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
-

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
-
Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
Suntech STP440S-B72/Vnh 440 W 20.20% -0.360 24.5 kg You are here
AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw 490 W 24.50% -0.260 21.0 kg +50 W, cooler, +4.3 pp
STP-NT11/48QGSF-490 490 W 24.50% -0.260 21.5 kg +50 W, cooler, +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, +4.1 pp, +5 yr warranty
AIKO-A485-MAH54Mw 485 W 24.30% -0.260 21.5 kg Cooler, +4.1 pp, +5 yr warranty
GK-5-54HG-485M 485 W 24.30% -0.260 21.0 kg Cooler, +4.1 pp, +5 yr warranty
ZEUS 3.0+ 108 485WP 485 W 24.30% -0.260 24.2 kg Cooler, +4.1 pp, +5 yr warranty
STP435S-B72/Pnh+ 435 W 20.00% -0.360 28.1 kg Heavier, +5 yr warranty
STP435S-B72/Pnhg 435 W 20.00% -0.360 24.5 kg Very close match
STP440S-B72/Pnh+ 440 W 20.20% -0.360 28.1 kg Heavier, +5 yr warranty
STP445S-B72/Pnh+ 445 W 20.40% -0.360 28.1 kg Heavier, +5 yr warranty
STP445S-B72/Vnh 445 W 20.40% -0.360 24.5 kg Very close match
STP450S-B72/Pnh+ 450 W 20.60% -0.360 28.1 kg Heavier, +0.4 pp, +5 yr warranty
STP450S-B72/Vnh 450 W 20.70% -0.360 24.5 kg +10 W, +0.5 pp
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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