SolarTown, 10/19/2010
Samsung Solar Module LPC241SM Review
Samsung is a relatively new entrant into the home solar panel market. This module is backed by an international name brand company that has invested heavily in solar R&D since 1987. Samsung also uses excess (waste) silicon from their semiconductor manufacturing as raw material for solar power cells. The LPC modules are a result of these investments. This 241-watt module has the following characteristics:
Cell Type – The Samsung LPC241SM is a 241-watt, 60-cell, mono-crystalline silicon module that is part of Samsung’s LPC series, ranging in power from 235 – 250 watts under standard test conditions (STC).
Efficiency – The LPC241SM has a 15.1% efficiency rating, a great value for a module at this price point and power level. Module efficiencies commonly range from 12 – 16% so that efficiency of the Samsung solar module is at the upper end of this range.
Appearance – LPC modules are comprised of 6-inch silicon wafers manufactured in South Korea. Like other monocrystalline modules, these solar panels will have a consistent black, monochrome appearance. Samsung manufactures its panels with either silver or black aluminum frames. Be sure to confirm which frames are in stock when ordering.
Electrical Data – The LPC241 has a maximum power of 241 watts, and a power tolerance of 0/+ 2.99 watts. A trend in the industry, manufacturers often market only positive power tolerance values. The LPC241SM has a PTC rating of 213.3 watts. The ratio of the STC/PTC is 88.5%, which is about the standard for home solar panels of similar wattages. This module has the following electrical characteristics:
- Maximum Power Voltage (Vmp) – 30.1V
- Maximum Power Current (Imp) – 8.01A
- Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) – 37.4V
- Short Circuit Current (Isc) – 8.54A
With these electrical specs, the Samsung 241w module is compatible with the Enphase micro inverter.
Quality Standards – Samsung’s modules obtained UL, CEC and IEC certifications in April of 2010. These modules also have a Class C Fire Safety Classification. They come with the following certifications: UL1703, CEC, IEC61215, IEC61730 Additionally, the Samsung LPC modules have a variety of test validations including: temperature cycling, damp heat, snow load, wind load, and hail stone impact testing.
Warranty – The LPC modules carry a 5 year product warranty and a 90% 10 year and 80% 25 year power output warranty.
Glass – The LPC modules have 3.2mm (.13in) tempered glass. They have an impact rating of 25mm hail at 23m/s from 1 m distance (.98” in. hail, 75.46 ft./sec from 3.28 feet). We like solar modules that use tempered glass not only because of their impact resistance, but also because of increased efficiency. Tempered glass reduces the reflection of incident rays, which plain glass does not.
Frame – Samsung’s LPC series modules are anodized aluminum and come in silver or black. The frame passes a load test of 5400Pa to withstand heavier snow loads and 2400Pa for real static wind load test.
Weight & dimensions – The module is 64.17” x 36.66” x 1.8” (1630mm x 982mm x 47mm), and weighs 41lbs compared to about 43.8 pounds for similar solar panels. They take up about 16.3 square feet compared to similar solar modules that take up about 17.3 square feet. They’re a bit narrower and lighter than most modules which can be a big asset on smaller roofs.
Junction Box/Connector Type – This series has an IP65 junction box, 35.43” (900mm) cables with Tyco Solarlok connectors.
Cost & Value – These modules are selling at $2.70/watt STC and $3.05/watt PTC at SolarTown. Given the efficiency (15.1%) and size (64.17” x 36.66” x 1.8”) these modules are a good value.
Opinion/recommendation – Samsung is one of the world’s largest electronics manufacturers with over 70 years experience manufacturing, marketing, and selling consumer electronics. Tyco Solarlok connectors are not as common as the MC4s, but they are still reliable and with the Samsung name warranty issues should not be a problem. The efficiency of the LPC modules is very good. The LPC series have a .48% voltage drop/ºC – slightly higher than a more common .45%/ ºC, so the voltage drop is a bit higher than other modules in warm conditions. The smaller dimensions combined with higher efficiencies make this module an attractive panel for smaller roof areas, or arrays seeking the most yield per square foot.
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