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Suntech STP550S-C72/Vmh
Suntech Brand review

STP550S-C72/Vmh

550 Wp TOPCon
ComparePV verdict

Middle of its segment, weak in heat

Rank 8,069 of 14,129
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
550
Weak · bottom 2%
Efficiency (%)
21.30
Weak · bottom 5%
Density (Wp/m²)
212.9
Weak · bottom 5%
Temp (%/°C)
-0.340
Weak · bottom 5%
Weight (kg)
27.5
Typical · median 31.2 kg
Warranty (yrs)
25
Weak · bottom 5%

The Suntech Ultra V series redefines performance standards through the use of large-scale M10 silicon wafers and advanced Half-Cut technology. This design effectively solves the problem of power losses resulting from internal resistance, which translates into higher yields even in difficult lighting conditions. A key differentiator is the innovative high-density cell interconnect, which minimizes gaps between them, maximizing the module's active area without drastically increasing its dimensions. Thanks to the use of Multi-Busbar technology, the panels show less susceptibility to micro-cracks and conduct current more efficiently. This series was designed for commercial investments and photovoltaic farms, where low LCOE cost of energy and operational stability at high temperatures are of key importance. Solid construction and optimized mechanical stress distribution make the Ultra V outperform the competition in terms of resistance to extreme weather events. Choosing this line is a guarantee of safety for projects requiring the highest reliability and fast return on investment, while maintaining excellent aesthetics.

Ranking

1,022 panels in the segment TOPCon 550-600 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 21.30% 22.44% Weak · bottom 5% 8,585
Power density 212.9 224.4 Weak · bottom 5% 8,563
Temperature coefficient -0.340 -0.290 Weak · bottom 5% 8,846
Weight per kWp 50.0 53.8 Typical 3,310
Performance warranty 25 yrs 30 yrs Weak · bottom 5% 9,912
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

0 positive · 3 caution
Best for

Commercial, utility-scale and shaded-installations.

Not ideal for

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

Watch-outs
-0.340 %/°C temperature coefficient

Bottom 5% of the TOPCon 550-600 W segment, against a median of -0.290. Ranked 8,846th in the whole database.

21.30% module efficiency

Bottom 5% of the TOPCon 550-600 W segment, against a median of 22.44%. Ranked 8,585th in the whole database.

212.9 watts per square metre

Bottom 5% of the TOPCon 550-600 W segment, against a median of 224.4. Ranked 8,563rd in the whole database.

Notes from the database
  • Module efficiency of 21.3% is 1.1pp below average for TOPCon 550-600W panels (median: 22.4%)
  • Power density of 212.9 W/m² is 11.5 W/m² below TOPCon 550-600W median (224.4 W/m²) - needs more roof space
  • -0.34%/°C temperature coefficient - 0.05pp worse than TOPCon 550-600W median (-0.29%/°C), expect higher hot weather losses
  • 27.5 kg weight - 3.7 kg lighter than TOPCon 550-600W median (31.2 kg), reducing installation effort
  • #8585 for efficiency, #8846 for temperature performance out of 14129 panels

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 550 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 21.30 % Weak Segment median 22.44%
Vmpp · Impp 42.05 V · 13.08 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 49.88 V · 14.01 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 2278×1134×30 mm · 2.58 m² of roof
Weight 27.5 kg Typical Typical · median 31.2 kg
Cells 144 · TOPCon Monocrystalline
Coefficient Pmax -0.340 %/°C Weak bottom 5% of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.260 · 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 5% · median 30 yrs
End-of-warranty output 84.8 % Equals 451 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
-0.340 %/°C against a segment median of -0.290
-
Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
Suntech STP550S-C72/Vmh 550 W 21.30% -0.340 27.5 kg You are here
LR7-54HJD-510M 510 W 25.00% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, +3.7 pp, +5 yr warranty
LR7-60HVH-560M 560 W 24.80% -0.260 25.0 kg Cooler, +3.5 pp, +5 yr warranty
LR7-54HJD-505M 505 W 24.70% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, +3.4 pp, +5 yr warranty
WST-505BKX54-A2 505 W 24.70% -0.260 25.0 kg Cooler, +3.4 pp, +5 yr warranty
LR7-60HVH-555M 555 W 24.60% -0.260 25.0 kg Cooler, +3.3 pp, +5 yr warranty
LR7-54HJD-500M 500 W 24.50% -0.240 23.5 kg -50 W, cooler, +3.2 pp
STP530S-C72/Pmh+ 530 W 20.50% -0.340 32.0 kg Heavier, -0.8 pp, +5 yr warranty
STP535S-C72/Pmh+ 535 W 20.70% -0.340 32.0 kg Heavier, -0.6 pp, +5 yr warranty
STP540S-C72/Pmh+ 540 W 20.90% -0.340 32.0 kg Heavier, -0.4 pp, +5 yr warranty
STP545S-C72/Pmh+ 545 W 21.10% -0.340 32.0 kg Heavier, +5 yr warranty
STP545S-C72/Nmh+ 545 W 21.10% -0.320 32.8 kg Cooler, heavier, +5 yr warranty
STP550S-C72/Nmh+ 550 W 21.30% -0.320 32.8 kg Cooler, heavier, +5 yr warranty
STP555S-C72/Pmh+ 555 W 21.50% -0.340 32.0 kg Heavier, +5 yr warranty
AIKO-A650-MAE72Mw 650 W 25.20% -0.260 27.0 kg +100 W, cooler, +3.9 pp
AIKO-A645-MAE72Mw 645 W 25.00% -0.260 27.0 kg +95 W, cooler, +3.7 pp
AIKO-A640-MAE72Mw 640 W 24.80% -0.260 27.0 kg +90 W, cooler, +3.5 pp

Found 2327 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 2369 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 2383 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 2548 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

About the Ultra V series

6 answered

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

How does the TOPCon technology used in Suntech Ultra V differ from older PERC cells?
TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) uses an additional ultra-thin passivating oxide layer that reduces carrier recombination on the rear side of the cell. In practice, this means higher conversion efficiency, a smaller power drop at high temperatures, and slower degradation over time compared to conventional PERC cells used in older series.
Do bifacial Suntech Ultra V panels actually generate more energy than standard modules?
Yes, the bifacial design of Ultra V captures light reflected off the ground, roof, or surrounding surfaces, which with a bright mounting surface (e.g., white gravel, light-colored roof) can yield an additional energy gain of several to over ten percent compared to monofacial panels. The effect depends on mounting height, ground albedo, and installation tilt angle.
What warranty comes with Suntech Ultra V panels and what does it cover?
The Ultra V series comes with a 12-year product warranty covering material and workmanship defects, plus a 30-year linear power warranty guaranteeing the declared energy output level over time. This is one of the longer coverage periods currently available on the market for this type of panel, reducing investment risk.
Are Ultra V 550 Wp panels suitable for large commercial installations or solar farms?
Yes, the series was designed specifically for commercial projects and utility-scale solar farms. The high unit power of 550 Wp reduces the number of modules needed for a given system capacity, lowering costs for racking, wiring, and labor, which directly contributes to a lower LCOE.
Does Suntech, as a manufacturer, provide reliability and investment security for Ultra V panels?
Suntech is a tier 1 manufacturer, meaning it appears on the list of reputable suppliers with documented financial stability, production scale, and a proven delivery track record for institutions financing renewable energy projects. This status makes it easier to secure bank financing and insurance for installations, since manufacturer-related risk is low.
Do Suntech Ultra V panels perform well in summer, under high roof temperatures?
Yes, thanks to TOPCon technology and the optimized Half-Cut cell structure, Ultra V panels have a lower power temperature coefficient than traditional PERC modules. This means a smaller efficiency drop as modules heat up during hot days, which is especially important on roofs with poor ventilation.
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