Nomadic Supply Company walk-on solar panels are available with two different types of solar cells; SunPower Maxeon and Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact (PERC).

The SunPower Maxeon Series solar panels are made with SunPower Maxeon solar cells which have the highest energy yield (power output) of any solar cell in the world.  SunPower Maxeon cell technology uses a back contact design which maximizes the sunlight energy available to each solar cell and enables a sunlight to electric conversion efficiency of up to 24%.

We also offer a more affordable walkable panel that uses PERC solar cells. PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact) cells are about 5% less efficient than Sunpower cells and cost about 25% less. These modified conventional cells produce 6 to 12 percent more energy than conventional monocrystalline solar cells. Premium PERC solar cells have an extra layer within the back side of the cell. This allows some of the sun’s rays to reflect back into the solar cell, increasing the amount of energy produced resulting in a conversion efficiency of up to 22.5%. This enables us to provide the same high quality at a lower price per watt.

All About our SunPower Maxeon Solar Cells

Crystalline silicon (c-Si) technology is used in 95% of solar cells manufactured worldwide, but the efficiency and performance are determined by variations in the structure of the cell. One of the best and most advanced solar cells featuring cutting-edge technology are SunPower Maxeon solar cells.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) solutions sold by SunPower implement Maxeon solar cell technology that delivers 60% more energy in 25 years and has achieved a world-record efficiency of 22.8%.

SunPower Maxeon solar cells feature a patented technology manufactured by Maxeon Solar; these cells are used to manufacture PV modules sold by Maxeon Solar and SunPower. In this section, we will explain the architectural differences between these solar cells that feature higher energy yields and a great performance compared to conventional cells.

Solid Copper Backing

SunPower Maxeon solar cells are manufactured over a solid copper base. This foundation is more resistant to corrosion than the porous metal paste used in conventional cells. The robust structure of Maxeon solar cells increases their durability and makes them practically invulnerable to corrosion and cracking.

Ultra-Pure Silicon

The photovoltaic material used to manufacture Maxeon solar cells is an ultra-pure high-quality monocrystalline silicon (mono c-Si). This material is superior to conventional impure mono c-Si used in traditional cells, and the result is a higher conversion efficiency than thin-film and P-type silicon solar cells.

Unique Light-Trapping Surface

To maximize sunlight absorption, Maxeon solar cells are embedded with a unique light-trapping surface. This material allows the passage of light but reduces its escape, which improves the general performance of the cell and increases its efficiency.

Thick Connectors

Solar cells expand and contract daily due to temperature swings; this puts heavy stress on the connectors of the cells. To prevent this, Maxeon solar cells introduce built-in thick connectors that are resistant to these temperature changes.

Bigger Conversion Area and Superior Aesthetics

Another feature increasing Maxeon solar cell efficiency and improving the aesthetics is the IBC technology. This technology relocates the connectors to the back of the cell, eliminating the grid lines; the result is a higher area of impact for sunlight and superior aesthetics in modules featuring the classic All-Black signature design of SunPower.

Benefits of implementing Maxeon solar cells onto solar panels

The solid investment of SunPower and Maxeon Solar in researching & developing Maxeon solar cell technology has resulted in solar cells that are far superior to traditional cells. Maxeon solar cells include unique features that deliver a wide range of benefits & advantages when used to manufacture solar panels; these are the main benefits & advantages.

More energy delivered over 25 years

SunPower Maxeon solar cell technology produces solar panels that yield more energy than traditional modules. SunPower & Maxeon Solar estimate that their PV modules produce 60% more energy than conventional modules in a period of 25 years, but the lifespan of the modules extends further on, up to 40 years.

Higher energy density with superior efficiency

SunPower Maxeon solar cells produce PV modules featuring an efficiency of up to 22.8%; this efficiency is 1.45 times higher than the 16% efficiency of conventional modules. This provides the opportunity to install the same number of modules and produce more power at the array or produce the same power as a conventional PV system by installing fewer modules.

Leading reliability in extreme conditions

SunPower Maxeon solar cells are 4 times stronger than conventional ones and feature one of the lowest degradation rates in the industry at 0.2% per year; they also feature resistance against fatigue, corrosion, and hot spots. The reliability of these solar cells has been tested in 264 sites in over 800,000 panels over 8 years and it is backed by the PVEL Scoreboard.

Superior durability & sustainability, featuring one of the longest warranties in the industry

The major proof of work for the durability of SunPower Maxeon solar cells is the industry-leading warranty backing Maxeon Solar and SunPower PV modules, also making them more sustainable. Considering the 25-year average warranty for PV modules, Maxeon Solar & SunPower PV modules are proven to last 1.6 times longer than conventional ones and feature a 40-year industry-leading warranty.

Far superior aesthetics

The superior aesthetics is another advantage of implementing SunPower Maxeon solar cells onto PV modules. This is a result of Maxeon solar cells featuring IBC technology that makes cells entirely smooth, producing the Maxeon Solar & SunPower All-Black Performance signature modules.

Achievements of Maxeon solar cells

SunPower Maxeon solar cells have also accomplished remarkable achievements in world-leading applications beyond solar panel manufacturing, as a result of the superior design featured in the solar cells. Some of these achievements are the following:

Maxeon Solar Cell Frequently Asked Questions

There are many interesting questions regarding Maxeon solar cell technology. Here we aim to answer some of them.

What type of technology does Maxeon Solar Cells use?

Maxeon solar cells feature Interdigitated Back Contact (IBC) technology. This technology increases the Maxeon solar cell efficiency by relocating the frontal busbars at the back of the cells. IBC technology is up to 20% more efficient than PERC technology, yielding higher energy production, and other benefits.

Are Maxeon solar cells exclusively used in rooftop applications?

Maxeon solar cells are not exclusively used for PV rooftop applications; they are not even used exclusively to manufacture PV modules. Maxeon solar cell applications are diverse and can extend beyond imagination. Some of the most innovative applications for Maxeon solar cell technology include solar race cars, solar EVs, solar boats, and more.

Do internationally sold Maxeon solar panels use different cells than SunPower?

Maxeon solar cells are used to manufacture Maxeon and SunPower PV modules. The main proof is the similarities between the Maxeon 6 PV modules and the SunPower M Series that feature Maxeon Gen 6 solar cells. Both options feature 66 Maxeon Gen 6 solar cells and produce the same power rate, operating temperature, temperature coefficient, efficiency, and others.