Suntech solar panels are made with an emphasis on technological innovation and energy efficiency. This results in unique solar modules that significantly reduce electricity costs and help combat climate change.
Reasonably priced and designed for durability, these panels come from a leading solar manufacturer focused on driving the transition to renewable energy.
The Suntech product catalogue includes a broad range of residential solar panels. We’ve delved into the company and a selection of its products below to help you decide whether a Suntech solar array could be right for your home.
Company Profile
Founded in 2001, Suntech Power is one of the forerunners of solar panel manufacturing and is headquartered in the city of Wuxi in the Chinese province of Jiangsu. It’s a global leader in the solar sector and positions itself as the biggest producer of silicon solar cells and modules in the world.
The company researches, develops and makes both monocrystalline solar panels and polycrystalline solar panels. It produces the full range of solar applications, from residential systems to giant solar power plants.
Suntech has manufacturing facilities in Europe, North America, Australia, and Africa, as well as Asia. Nine hundred megawatts of Suntech solar power can be found in the UK alone, including solar farms consisting solely of Suntech PV panels.
Suntech weathered troubled times in 2013 when it declared bankruptcy. But the company was resurrected by Shunfeng International Clean Energy, which acquired the business’s assets. Now, the company’s strong financial standing consistently sees it classified as a Tier 1 manufacturer by Bloomberg New Energy Finance, the renewable energy focus of the global financial news and information provider.
The Sun King
Suntech Power was founded by Chinese-Australian solar scientist Dr Zhengrong Shi – aka the Sun King – who’s regarded as a world leader in solar technology. He’s also thought to be the world’s first renewable energy billionaire, with photovoltaic innovations that have resulted in more than 60 patents.
These innovations have been driven by Dr Shi’s commitment to energy efficiency and environmental responsibility, and this has placed the company as a key player in the transition to clean energy.
Suntech Solar Panels Overview
Suntech solar panels have gained a solid reputation for quality thanks to the company’s strong technical know-how and ongoing innovations through substantial investment in research and development.
Suntech residential solar arrays are installed in countries all over the world, with a wide variety of options to meet the needs of households with varying energy requirements.
One of the standout features of Suntech modules is their unique solar cells. These are based on a proprietary design that enhances performance in weak light.
Suntech panels come with a 12-year workmanship warranty and 25-year performance warranty.
Key Features Of Suntech Solar Panels
Suntech’s main focus is on producing solar panels with monocrystalline cells, although some models are polycrystalline. Monocrystalline solar panels have high-purity single silicon crystals that are more efficient than the cheaper polycrystalline versions, and they perform better in low levels of sunlight. Monocrystalline panels also last longer and need less space.
Other main features of Suntech solar panels include:
- High efficiency and performance. High levels of efficiency and performance maximise the power output of Suntech solar panels while optimising use of available space.
- Sustainability and environmental responsibility. Suntech panels are designed for sustainability throughout the entire product lifecycle.
- Versatility. Suntech designs a broad range of solar panels suitable for varying applications and custom installations.
- Durability. Sturdy construction and rigorous testing ensure Suntech solar panels are long-lasting, even in extreme weather.
Pluto Solar Cell Technology
Since 2011, Suntech solar panels have been designed with unique solar cell technology that achieves high efficiency and improves performance in poor light. This means they’re well suited for the UK, with its limited sunlight. The company’s proprietary Pluto solar cells absorb more sunlight because shading on the cell surface is reduced.
Pluto cells are based on PERL (passivated emitter with rear locally diffused) technology, using microelectronic techniques to boost performance. The technology was developed at the University of New South Wales in Australia, where cell energy efficiency of 25 percent was achieved in lab conditions.
The Pluto design enables Suntech solar panels to perform consistently regardless of the weather and at sunrise and sunset, when the sun is weaker.
N-type TOPCon Dual-Glass Solar Panels
In 2023, Suntech launched a new line of lightweight, dual-glass solar panels as part of its Ultra V Pro series. Designed with N-type TOPCon technology, these award-winning solar panels improve energy efficiency, even in low light, and reduce power degradation.
N-type solar cells, which are negatively charged, absorb more sunlight and generate more power than the more traditional, positively-charged P-type cells. TOPCon refers to state-of-the-art tunnel oxide passivated contact solar cell technology. This incorporates phosphorus chemicals into N-type silicon wafer solar cells.
The new Ultra V Pro solar panels also have a layer of glass on both the front and rear of the panels, which further improves performance.
Awards Won By Suntech Solar Panels
Suntech solar panels have earned global acclaim, picking up several awards. In 2023, the newly-launched high-power Ultra V Pro series won both top module and outstanding technology prizes at the Golden Leopard awards in Beijing.
Suntech solar panels have also won several top PV module reliability awards from PV Evolution Labs (PVEL). And the company has consistently featured in the prestigious top PV brand honours from the EUPD (European Utility Partners and Distributors) renewable energy research institute.
Suntech Power was named by business and marketing consultancy Frost & Sullivan as its 2008 solar energy development company of the year.
In 2020, Suntech gained the solar champion seal awarded by Joint Forces for Solar (JF4S) for consistently advancing the solar industry.
The same year, the company won top prize in the Jiangsu PV Industry Association science and technology awards.
Furthermore, the United Nations has praised the contribution to environmental conservation made by Suntech solar panels.
Our Pick Of Suntech Residential Solar Panels
From 190-watt units to 670-watt modules, Suntech solar panels come in a range of power output options suitable for homes of all sizes. We think the following products could be worth considering.
Suntech HiPerforma Solar Panels
Suntech’s Pluto solar panel range includes the HiPerforma 200W and 195W monocrystalline modules, Pluto200-Ade and Pluto195-Ade.
These panel cells have a sleek appearance, reduce surface shading, and boost sunlight absorption.
Technical Specifications Under Standard Test Conditions (STC)
Pluto200-Ade
- Optimum operating voltage (Vmp) – 37.9V.
- Optimum operating current (Imp) – 5.28A.
- Maximum power (Pmax) – 200W.
- Module efficiency – 15.7%.
- Operating temperature – -40°C to +85°C.
- Maximum system voltage – 1000V DC.
- Maximum series fuse rating –15A.
- Power tolerance – 0/+5W.
Pluto195-Ade
- Optimum operating voltage (Vmp) – 37.6V.
- Optimum operating current (Imp) – 5.19A.
- Maximum power (Pmax) – 195W.
- Module efficiency – 15.3%.
- Operating temperature – -40°C to +85°C.
- Maximum system voltage – 1000V DC.
- Maximum series fuse rating – 15A.
- Power tolerance – 0/+5W.
Real-World Performance – Nominal Operating Cell Temperature (NOCT)
Pluto200-Ade
- Maximum power – 148W.
- Maximum power voltage – 34.8V.
- Maximum power current – 4.26A.
- Open circuit voltage (Voc) – 41.1V.
- Short circuit current (Isc) – 4.60A.
- Efficiency reduction (from 1000 W/m2 to 200 W/m2) – <4%.
Pluto195-Ade
- Maximum power –144W.
- Maximum power voltage – 34.3V.
- Maximum power current – 4.20A.
- Open circuit voltage (Voc) – 40.9V.
- Short circuit current (Isc) – 4.50A.
- Efficiency reduction (from 1000 W/m2 to 200 W/m2) – <4%.
Mechanical Characteristics Of The Pluto200-Ade And Pluto195-Ade
- Solar cell type – monocrystalline 125mm × 125mm.
- Number of cells – 72 (6 × 12).
- Panel dimensions – 1580 × 808 × 35 mm.
- Weight – 15.5kgs.
- Front glass – 3.2mm tempered glass.
- Frame – anodised aluminium alloy.
- Junction box – IP67 rating for improved module performance stability and enhanced thermal isolation.
- Output cables – H+S Radox Solar cable and connectors.
400W And 450W Suntech Solar Panels
For households looking for a more powerful solar panel array to generate more electricity, Suntech designs 400W and 450W systems.
400W Suntech Panel
- Material: Tempered glass with anodised aluminium alloy frame.
- Finish: Black panel with silver frame and white backsheet.
- Cell type: Monocrystalline.
- Number of cells: 108.
- Peak efficiency: 20.5 percent.
- Technology: Half-cell technology to minimise hot-spot risks.
450W Suntech Panel
- Material: Tempered glass with anodised aluminium alloy frame.
- Finish: Black panel with silver frame and white backsheet.
- Cell type: Monocrystalline.
- Number of Cells: 144.
- Peak efficiency: 20.7 percent.
- Technology: Half-cell technology to minimise hot-spot risks.
Suntech Ultra V Pro Mini 515W
With efficiency levels reaching 23.2 percent, the Suntech Ultra V Pro Mini 515W solar panel has proved popular with larger households.
These solar panels aren’t the cheapest on the market. They cost around £150 each, compared with similar models from JA Solar at £90 and the Jinko Tiger 605W panel at £100. However, a large majority of Suntech customers are happy with their purchase. In an Independent Advisor survey, more than 90 percent of them reported that their solar panels met or exceeded output and savings expectations.
The Ultra V Pro Mini 515W has two layers of glass but is still lightweight. And a sleek all-black design blends seamlessly with most roofs.
Suntech Ultra X Plus
Suntech Ultra X Plus half-cell bifacial solar panels are designed for large families with high energy requirements.
Ultra X Plus STPXXXS-D66/Pmh+
- Power output – 650-670W.
- Solar cells – P-type monocrystalline silicon.
- Number of cells – 132 (6 × 22).
- Panel dimensions – 2384 × 1303 × 35 mm.
- Weight – 37.5kg.
- Front/back glass – 2.0mm semi-tempered glass.
- Junction box – IP68 rated (3 bypass diodes).
- Operating module temperature – -40°C to +85°C.
- Maximum system voltage – 1500V DC (IEC).
- Connectors – STP-XC4.
- Maximum series fuse rating – 30A.
- Power tolerance – 0/+5W.
- Frame – anodised aluminium alloy.
Ultra X Plus STPXXXS-D66/Wmh
- Power output – 655-675W.
- Solar cells – P-type monocrystalline silicon.
- Number of – cells 132 (6 × 22).
- Panel dimensions – 2384 × 1303 × 35 mm.
- Weight – 33.5kg.
- Front glass – 3.2mm fully-tempered glass.
- Junction box – IP68 rated (3 bypass diodes).
- Operating module temperature – -40°C to +85°C.
- Maximum system voltage – 1500V DC (IEC).
- Connectors – STP-XC4.
- Maximum series fuse rating – 30A.
- Power tolerance – 0/+5W.
- Frame – anodised aluminium alloy.
Suntech Solar Panels FAQs
Does Suntech install solar panels?
Suntech is a solar panel manufacturer, not an installer. The company distributes its solar panels to various markets and local solar panel installation companies or solar project developers. Many installers in the UK have Suntech products among their range of solar panel brand options.
Are Suntech solar panels reliable?
Suntech is a Bloomberg Tier 1 manufacturer, known for quality solar panels. It offers warranties that are longer than those from some other solar panel manufacturers. Suntech solar panels have won several awards for their reliability.
Final Thoughts On Suntech Solar Panels
The cutting-edge technology that goes into the design and production of Suntech solar panels makes them highly efficient and reliable, and they’ve won a slew of top awards.
These products are also reasonably priced, similar to other brands or in some cases costing slightly more.
There could be one concern about investing in Suntech solar panels, though. Although now financially stable, Suntech has experienced money troubles in the past. This may still raise doubts about future warranty claims, but the company is going from strength to strength since the business was bought out.
