SolarTown, 11/18/2010
Review of SolarWorld Sunmodule 235w Solar Panel
SolarWorld is one of the largest solar energy businesses and has added the Sunmodule line of solar modules to its lineup of offerings. The Sunmodule series has nameplate ratings of 220, 225, 230 and 235 watts. This review is for the 235 watt SolarWorld Sunmodule. SolarWorld has manufacturing facilities in the United States and Germany. The company will produce up to 500 megawatts of PV cells a year. SolarWorld modules qualify for American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) funding.
Cell Type – The Sunmodule 235 is a 60-cell monocrystalline module with standard sized cells of 6.14in2 (156mm2).
Efficiency – This module has a slightly lower efficiency than other panels that SolarTown carries. The SolarWorld 235w has a 14.0% efficiency rating at STC and 12.7% efficiency at PTC. The average STC efficiency for other solar modules that we carry at SolarTown in this wattage range is 14.1%.
Appearance – The Sunmodule 235 panel has black solar cells and a silver aluminum frame. The module’s molded fin frame helps dissipate heat for better power production.
Electrical Data – This SolarWorld panel provides 235 watts of power at STC, ±3% (7 watts), and 210 watts at PTC. The PTC/STC ratio is 89.5%, which is very close to the average of other panels that we carry. The average is 89.3%. This is the other electrical data for this panel.
- Maximum Voltage (Vmp) – 30.3V
- Maximum Power Point Current (Imp) – 7.77A
- Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) – 37.5V
- Short Circuit Current (Isc) – 8.19A
The Sunmodule series are all compatible with Enphase micro-inverters.
Qualification – Sunmodules are UL listed, IEC 61215 certified, and manufactured in ISO 9001 certified facilities.
Warranty – Solarworld 235w module has a 5 year materials and workmanship warranty, and a linear power output warranty of 25 years. This is a different method to quantify the power output – but it ensures power of 97% - 80% over the life of the module, which is 25 years.
Glass – This module uses 4mm glass set deep in the frame channel and secured with precision applied adhesive. It uses ethylene-vinyl-acetate (EVA) laminate for the exposed side of the module. This is a standard laminate common across many modules.
Frame – The silver aluminum frame is press fit for greater strength and durability. The resulting module is a very robust design that can be mounted in any orientation and can withstand static loads of up to 5400Pa (113psf). 2500 Pa is the minimum wind load requirement for most solar modules sold at SolarTown.
Weight & dimensions – The dimensions of the Sunmodule 235 is 39 .41” x 65.94” x 1.34” inches (1001mm x 1675mm x 34mm), which is 18.05 square feet (1.67m2), which is slightly larger than other modules that we carry. The average size is 17.1 square feet. This module weighs 48.5 pounds (22Kg), significantly heavier than most modules that SolarTown carries, for which the average is 43.9 pounds.
Junction Box/Connector Type – The junction box is a differentiator on this module. It is IP65 compatible with MC4 type connectors, but has a slimmer profile than most IP65 boxes. It also contains sealed & welded connections to ensure reliability when deployed.
Cost & Value – This price for the SunWorld 235 watt module is very close to the average of other modules in this general class, both based on output on a STC and a PTC basis.
Opinion/recommendation –SolarWorld is creating a growing presence in the market with its introduction of the SunModule series. We like the 235 watt Sunmodule because it has a narrow range for its power tolerance. And if you are looking for a module that is made in the U.S., then this is a very good choice. If you plan on using this for a flat roof, you will have to make sure that the structure can hold the additional weight because this module is heavier than other modules in its class and will take up more room on the roof. But the SolarWorld is at reasonable price point with an acceptable power tolerance range.
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