China-based solar module maker TCL Sunpower has launched today a new back contact (BC) solar module for residential applications at the Smarter E trade show in Munich, Germany.

“A key advantage is the very low temperature coefficient of 0.26%, which helps maintain performance in hot conditions,” the company’s Director of Product Management, Karin Alberto-Burkhardt, told pv magazine. “We also improved the spectral response, allowing earlier morning and later evening energy production. Overall, this can deliver up to 9% higher energy yield, especially in partially shaded or low-light conditions.

“The module uses an optimized shingle back-contact design,” she went on to say. “The manufacturing process has been simplified, removing earlier busbar structures and enabling slight overlap between cells. This improves packing density and contributes to higher efficiency. The module is based on a 54 half-cell format in a shingled layout. Moreover the back-contact architecture ensures full-cell electrical connection on the rear side, improving reliability and reducing front-side shading losses. This is supported by a large patent portfolio in back-contact and tunnel-junction technologies.”

Compared to advanced TOPCon modules, this design delivers roughly 10–15 W higher output in residential applications, according to the manufacturer. “On certification and durability, the module is designed to meet a broad set of standards, including fire class, ammonia, and salt mist testing, supporting long-term reliability and a 40-year product, performance, and service warranty,,” Alberto-Burkhardt.

The module is available in five power classes ranging from 485 W to 505 W and achieves conversion efficiencies between 23.8% and 24.7%. The highest-power version, the SPR-BE54-HD505, has an open-circuit voltage of 40.88 V, and a short-circuit current of 15.58 A.

The module features a glass-glass construction with 2 mm semi-tempered glass on both sides, anti-reflective coating on the front glass, and a black-tinted rear glass. It uses an IP68-rated junction box with three bypass diodes and Stäubli MC4-EVO2A connectors.

Measuring 1,800 mm × 1,134 mm and weighing 24.7 kg, the panel is framed with black anodized aluminum alloy. It is rated for a maximum system voltage of 1,500 V and operates within a temperature range of -40 C to 70 C.

The product has a nominal module operating temperature (NMOT) of 42 C and a power temperature coefficient of -0.26%/C.

For mechanical resilience, the module is certified to withstand front-side snow loads of up to 5,400 Pa and wind loads of up to 2,400 Pa. The panel has also passed hail impact testing with 35 mm diameter hailstones traveling at 25.8 m/s.

The module complies with IEC 61215 and IEC 61730 standards and has undergone additional testing for ammonia resistance, dust and sand exposure, and severe salt mist conditions. Manufacturing facilities are certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 50001 standards.