Middle of its segment, weak in heat
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
Signals from the data
Residential, commercial and shaded-installations.
Hot climates and owners who want a long output guarantee.
Bottom 8% of the 350-550 W band, against a median of -0.300. Ranked 12,425th in the whole database.
Bottom 17% of the 350-550 W band, against a median of 30 yrs.
- Module efficiency of 20.7% is 1.1pp below average for database panels (median: 21.8%)
- At 206.7 W/m², this panel generates 11.4 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
- 24.5 kg weight - 2.0 kg lighter than database median (26.5 kg), reducing installation effort
- 70% bifaciality enables rear-side power generation, boosting yield by 4-10% on reflective surfaces
Specifications
Datasheet charts
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 450 Wp appear here. The rest cover the whole series.
Simulations
Degradation from this panel's own datasheet figures. No inverter, soiling or shading losses.
Model: bifaciality × albedo × 0.6 view factor. A first-order estimate, not a yield simulation.
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
These answers cover the whole series. Where a figure differs, the specification above is this module's own.