SolarWorld, the largest US solar manufacturer for more than 35 years, debuted its 270-watt-peak Sunmodule solar panel at the Solar Power International (SPI) trade show in Orlando, US.

Made in America, at SolarWorld’s headquarters’ manufacturing plant in Hillsboro, the 270-watt mono-crystalline solar panel taps advanced light-capture and energy-conversion technologies to achieve industry-leading power density in a 60-cell format.

“With its innovative use of new technologies and production-process breakthroughs, our 270-watt module securely positions SolarWorld at the forefront of performance. The 270-watt Sunmodule solar panel is the result of our steady investment of time, money and human ingenuity in research, development and capital upgrades, both in Oregon and Europe, and further elevates SolarWorld as a global solar-technology leader,” said Gordon Brinser, president of SolarWorld Industries America Inc.

The Sunmodule panel

The light-capture and energy-conversion technology platforms underlying SolarWorld’s 270-watt solar panel combine numerous advances in materials, process and design to achieve the industry’s highest levels of energy output.

These advances include using more advanced technology on the front of the cell to convert more light into electricity, modifying the back of the cell to increase electrical conductivity and adding anti-reflective glass coatings that transmit more light while withstanding environmental degradation.

Deploying these technology platforms, SolarWorld has boosted its power density from 250-watt-peak to 270-watt-peak in less than 12 months. The 270-watt Sunmodule, along with a 265-watt product is set for purchase beginning, respectively, in December and October.

“SolarWorld is among the first manufacturers to bring 60-cell solar panels to market at these power densities,” said Kevin Kilkelly, president of SolarWorld Americas, the company’s commercial arm. “Other manufacturers who promote a 270-watt module have done so in a 72-cell configuration, which requires more mounting hardware, area and labour and can increase the total cost of a solar installation.”