by Shane Henson — June 1, 2012—Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd., a producer of industry-leading solar products, has introduced a new compact frame design for its popular 60-cell W-Series module. According to the company, the new slim and lightweight module format is easier to install, lowers shipment costs, and reduces the product’s carbon footprint.
The sleek frame design will be utilized on Suntech’s new W-Series 260W modules, each with 60, six-inch monocrystalline cells that together achieve up to 16% module-level conversion efficiency, says Suntech. The 1640 x 992 x 35 mm module is reportedly one of the most powerful in its class.
In the new design, the module frame has been narrowed from 50mm to 35mm and total module weight has been reduced significantly from 19.1kg to 18.2kg. These changes make the module easier to handle, and allow for more efficient packaging that can reduce total storage and shipment costs by up to 25%. In addition, the lower aluminum content reduces the product’s carbon footprint and energy-payback period to less than two years under average conditions.
The new modules are equipped to withstand all weather conditions, including 3.800 Pascal wind loads and 5.400 Pascal snow loads, which Suntech points out is well above International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard requirements.
