TCL SunPower unveils new solar panels

TCL SunPower, a subsidiary of TCL Zhonghuan, introduced its new SunPower Origin solar panels for residential use during an event in Paris aimed at its network of installers. The panels use the company’s eighth-generation rear-contact cell technology and have a fully black design.

New models offer varying power outputs

The SunPower Origin range includes five models with power outputs ranging from 485 W to 505 W and efficiencies from 23.8 percent to 24.7 percent. The most powerful model, SPR-BE54-HD505, achieves a maximum efficiency of 24.7 percent, while the smallest model, SPR-BE54-HD485, has an efficiency of 23.8 percent.

All models share identical dimensions

Each of the five panels has the same dimensions of 1 800 × 1 134 × 30 mm and weighs 26 kg. They are constructed with 2 mm semi-tempered glass on both sides, an anodized black aluminum frame, and an IP68-rated connection housing with three bypass diodes.

Performance under temperature and shading

The panels have power, voltage, and current temperature coefficients that indicate how their performance changes with temperature. They are also designed to handle partial shading effectively, with an electrical architecture that mimics the behavior of over 16,000 bypass diodes. This design earned them an A+ shading resistance certification from TÜV Rheinland.

Warranty and reliability

TCL SunPower offers a 40-year warranty covering the product, power output, and services. The panels are guaranteed to maintain at least 99 percent of their nominal power after the first year, with a maximum annual degradation of 0.25 percent. The company reports a warranty return rate of 0.005 percent for its rear-contact modules.

Commercial version with higher power

In addition to the residential models, TCL SunPower also presented a commercial version of the SunPower Origin with 66 rear-contact cells. This bifacial module has a maximum power of 615 W and a bifaciality rate that can reach 80 percent.

Company aims for higher efficiency

Karin Alberto-Burkhardt, product management director at TCL SunPower, stated the company aims to achieve a bifaciality rate of 85 percent. The improved power density and module design allow for more panels to be installed on commercial roofs, which is a key advantage in limited spaces.

Market goals and regulatory changes

In France, TCL SunPower aims to be among the top three suppliers of photovoltaic panels in residential, C&I, and ground-mounted segments. Steven Beaufrère, national director for France and Switzerland, noted that sales in 2026 and 2027 will be driven by the S21 tariff decree, with expectations of new criteria related to the European NZIA regulation in 2027.

Growing market for rear-contact panels

Steven Beaufrère also mentioned that the ground-mounted solar power plant market is shifting toward rear-contact panels, which could represent 15 to 20 percent of the market in the coming years. He highlighted the technology’s higher energy efficiency and unit power compared to TOPCon panels, which could reduce investment costs.