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Founded in China in 2001 by Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech has quickly grown into a global leader in the solar industry. By 2011, it was one of the world’s largest producers of crystalline silicon solar panels, driven by a strong focus on research and development. Suntech’s presence extends beyond China to key markets in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia, where it operates both manufacturing facilities and sales offices.
Suntech offers a range of modules for residential use. To help you decide which are the best solar panels for your requirements, our experts examine a selection of Suntech products.
In 2013, Suntech declared bankruptcy due to a combination of company debt and a challenging market environment. This was a significant event, given its stature in the industry. However, Shunfeng International Clean Energy Limited, a prominent renewable energy investment and independent power entity, acquired the company’s assets.
Suntech has since garnered global acclaim, securing the Top PV Brand accolade from the EuPD Research Institute, a prestigious recognition given EuPD’s stature as the premier research institute in the solar sector. Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) has ranked Suntech as a Tier 1 solar photovoltaics (PV) producer and several United Nations divisions have lauded the manufacturer for its noteworthy contributions to environmental conservation.
Suntech produces a variety of solar panels, including its Ultra V Pro Mini series, which boasts efficiency ratings reaching 23.2 per cent and a power output up to 515W.
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The cost of solar panels from Suntech is slightly higher than average, with its 515W Ultra V Pro Mini panel priced at around £150. JA Solar sells similar models for £90 and a Jinko Tiger 605W panel is £100.
Independent Advisor recently conducted a survey of 1,544 readers who had solar systems installed, and the results were:
Suntech manufactures a broad range of solar panels. The featured solar panels were chosen to suit various needs, including large family homes, rural properties and flats.
To calculate the value for money of each solar panel, our experts multiplied the efficiency by the power output and divided that figure by the cost. This provides a measurable result for each solar panel. To find out more, read our article on how we review solar panels.
It should be noted that not all of Suntech’s panels have prices available.
✓ Efficiency of up to 23.2 per cent
✓Lightweight design making installation easier
✓ All-black appearance
Suntech’s Ultra V Pro Mini incorporates a double layer of glass, giving it a resilience that single-panelled modules cannot offer, while still being lightweight and easy to install. The sleek, all-black design blends well with most roofing materials.
The power output of the Ultra V Pro Mini panel is 515W, and it has an efficiency percentage of 23.2 per cent. The half-cell configuration minimises any issues caused by shading, allowing power to be generated even in shade.
The Ultra V Pro Mini is priced competitively with similar modules.
| Panel name | Efficiency | Power output | Cost per panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suntech Ultra V Pro Mini | 23.2% | 515W | £150 |
| JA Solar JAM72S30 LR | 22.1% | 585W | £90 |
| Jinko Tiger Neo 72 HL4 | 23.4% | 605W | £100 |
| Efficiency | ★★★★ |
| Power output | ★★★★ |
| Value for money (ExP/C) | ★★★★ |
| Overall | ★★★★ |
With a power output of 515W and a sleek black design, the Ultra V Pro Mini is suitable for larger properties featuring period architecture. However, with the impressive efficiency, coupled with that output, it would suit most scenarios.
If you’re after a budget panel, this may not be the best choice for you.
Key features
✓ Resistant to high temperatures, salt water and ammonia
✓ Certified to withstand extreme wind and snow loads (5,400 Pascal)
✓ User-friendly design, which reduces the labour cost of installation by 15 per cent
Specifications
Bifacial solar panels are a type of photovoltaic (PV) technology that captures and converts sunlight from both the front and back faces of the panel. Unlike monofacial solar panels, which only have one active side for generating electricity, bifacial panels have cells on both sides. This allows them to capture sunlight directly from the front and the reflected light from the ground or nearby surfaces on the back surface. As a result, bifacial panels can produce more energy than their monofacial counterparts but are best suited to flat roof- or ground-mounted positions, rather than flush installations.
The efficiency of the Ultra X is above average at 21.6 per cent, and it offers a high power output of between 650W and 670W.
Our researchers compared Suntech’s Ultra X panel with similar models. A power output of 650W for residential PV panels is excellent, meaning fewer panels are required.
| Panel name | Efficiency | Power output | Cost per panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suntech Ultra X | 21.6% | 650W | POA |
| JA Solar JAM72S30 LR | 22.1% | 585W | £90 |
| Jinko Tiger Neo 72 HL4 | 23.4% | 605W | £100 |
| Longi Solar 500W Hi-Mo 5M | 21.5% | 500W | £145.20 |
| Sharp 540W Nujd540 | 20.8% | 540W | £246.82 |
| Efficiency | ★★★★ |
| Power output | ★★★★★ |
| Value for money (ExP/C) | ★★★★ |
| Overall | ★★★★ |
If your roof space doesn’t allow for a more extensive system, but you require a high power output, an Ultra X system may be a good option. The bifacial type is also better suited to flat roofs or ground mounting (so the panels can receive sunlight from both sides of the panel).
As it’s recommended that a solar system contains at least four panels, if you only need a small amount of generated electricity, these Suntech modules could be overkill. Bifacial panels also don’t work as well with flush installations.
✓ Efficiency of up to 22.6 per cent
✓ High power output
✓ Module certified to withstand extreme wind (2,400 Pascal) and snow loads (5,400 Pascal)
The Ultra V Pro can generate energy front and back, hence its high power output and efficiency. It also benefits from multi-busbars, which prevent power wastage, and a half-cell design to maintain performance even in shady conditions.
Suntech’s Ultra V Pro panel delivers an impressive efficiency of 22.6 per cent and a power output of up to 585W.
The price for the Ultra V Pro is only available on request.
| Panel name | Efficiency | Power output | Cost per panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suntech Ultra V Pro | 22.6% | 585W | POA |
| JA Solar JAM72S30 LR | 22.1% | 585W | £90 |
| Jinko Tiger Neo 72 HL4 | 23.4% | 605W | £100 |
| Longi Solar 500W Hi-Mo 5M | 21.5% | 500W | £145.20 |
| Sharp 540W Nujd540 | 20.8% | 540W | £246.82 |
| Efficiency | ★★★★★ |
| Power output | ★★★★1/2 |
| Value for money (ExP/C) | ★★★★ |
| Overall | ★★★★ |
Suntech’s Ultra V Pro module is a good choice if you want the combination of a high power output and high efficiency and are less concerned about the panel’s aesthetic appeal.
An all-black panel is a more suitable option if you live in a period property or conservation area.
The Ultra V Mini offers a smaller panel, ideal for properties with less roof space, while still generating enough power for a family.
Suntech’s Ultra V is a monofacial module, meaning that energy is generated from one face of the panel instead of two. While this limits the power output to around 390W to 410W, the efficiency remains at a decent 21 per cent.
Our researchers compared Suntech’s Ultra V Mini with other models offering similar outputs and efficiency, with the result that it offers a competitive price point.
| Panel name | Efficiency | Power output | Cost per panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suntech Ultra V Mini | 21% | 390W | £160 |
| Suntech Ultra V Pro Mini | 23.2% | 515W | £150 |
| JA Solar JAM72S30 LR | 22.1% | 485W | £90 |
| QCells G11 M Mono | 21.40% | 405W | £195 |
| REC TwinPeak 4 Series | 20.30% | 370W | £195 |
| Efficiency | ★★★ |
| Power output | ★★★ |
| Value for money (ExP/C) | ★★★★ |
| Overall | ★★★★ |
The Suntech Ultra V Mini is good for smaller properties, such as townhouses or city apartments.
If you have a larger country house or an energy-hungry household, this panel may not be your best choice.
✓ Efficiency of up to 22.7 per cent
✓ High power output
✓ Double-sided power generation
This panel from Suntech delivers an impressive power output, thanks to its bifacial design. The double glass also gives the panel a robustness that can withstand high winds and heavy snow loads.
The Ultra V Pro Plus delivers an output of 615W to 635W and an efficiency of 22.7 per cent, making it one of the most efficient modules on the market.
As with many of Suntech’s higher-performing panels, the price of the Ultra V Pro Plus is only available on request.
| Panel name | Efficiency | Power output | Cost per panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suntech Ultra V Pro Plus | 22.7% | 615W | POA |
| Suntech Ultra V Pro Mini | 23.2% | 515W | £150 |
| JA Solar JAM72S30 LR | 22.1% | 585W | £90 |
| Jinko Tiger Neo 72 HL4 | 23.4% | 605W | £100 |
| Efficiency | ★★★★★ |
| Power output | ★★★★★ |
| Value for money (ExP/C) | ★★★★ |
| Overall | ★★★★★ |
The Ultra V Pro Plus would make a good panel for your system if you have a large power-heavy household, if you have a flat roof, or if you are intending to install the panels on the ground.
While this panel has an excellent efficiency rating, if you only have a small energy requirement, it could be more than you need.
Suntech is a Bloomberg Tier 1 manufacturer, known for producing high-quality solar panels. It offers a 15-year product warranty and a 30-year performance warranty, which is longer than several other manufacturers like JA Solar, Q Cells, and Longi.
Suntech focuses on manufacturing solar panels rather than handling installations directly. Their panels are distributed to various markets and sold to local installation companies or solar project developers who manage the installation. In the UK, many solar panel installers offer Suntech modules among their product options.
