Suntech Introduces New Compact, Efficient 60-Cell Module

SCHAFFHAUSEN, Switzerland, May 22, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP), the world's largest producer of solar panels, will introduce a new compact frame design for its popular 60-cell W-Series module at Intersolar Munich.  The new slim and lightweight module format is easier to install, lowers shipment costs, and reduces the product's carbon footprint.

The sleek frame design will be utilized on Suntech's new W-Series 260W modules, each with 60, six-inch monocrystalline cells that together achieve up to 16% module-level conversion efficiency. The 1640 x 992 x 35 mm module is one of the most powerful in its class and ideally suited for Europe's robust residential solar market.  

In the new design, the module frame has been narrowed from 50mm to 35mm and total module weight has been reduced significantly from 19.1kg to 18.2kg. These changes make the module easier to handle, and allow for more efficient packaging that can reduce total storage and shipment costs by up to 25%. In addition, the lower aluminum content reduces the product's carbon footprint and energy-payback period to less than two years under average conditions.

The new modules are equipped to withstand all weather conditions, including 3.800 Pascal wind loads and 5.400 Pascal snow loads, well above IEC standard requirements.

"This new slim frame represents an evolution in module design and will make our best-selling W-Series modules even easier to install.  Without compromising power output or durability, we can now provide our customers with a lighter and more compact product," said Vedat Gurgeli, Vice President Sales and Marketing for Suntech in Europe.  "The new dimensions make it easier to transport and install the W-Series modules, saving time, effort and costs for our partners and installers."

The W-Series modules come with Suntech's well-known quality features such as a 0/+5% positive power tolerance, an industry-leading 10-year material and workmanship warranty, and a 25-year power output warranty. The module features an anti-reflective hydrophobic layer that reduces surface dust and allows the module to absorb more light, achieving superior weak-light performance and superior module performance over time.

Quality components incorporated in the module ensure a long module lifecycle and a high power output for system owners. For example, the modern IP67-rated junction box supports installations in a wide spectrum of orientations and operating conditions. High performance, low resistance connectors ensure maximum output and superior yields.

To learn more about Suntech's efforts in pursuing innovation excellence, please visit the Suntech team at Intersolar Munich from June 13-15 at booth A4.270.

Visit Suntech on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SuntechPower, on the Suntech Connect blog, or follow us on Twitter @Suntech_Connect for regular updates.

About Suntech

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP) produces industry-leading solar products for residential, commercial, industrial, and utility applications. With regional headquarters in China, Switzerland, and the United States, and gigawatt-scale manufacturing worldwide, Suntech has delivered more than 25,000,000 photovoltaic panels to over a thousand customers in more than 80 countries. Suntech's pioneering R&D creates customer-centric innovations that are driving solar to grid parity against fossil fuels. Suntech's mission is to provide everyone with reliable access to nature's cleanest and most abundant energy source.

For more information about Suntech's people and products visit http://www.suntech-power.com

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements, and includes the ability to achieve up to 16% module-level conversion efficiency; to reduce total storage and shipment costs by up to 25%; to reduce the product's carbon footprint and energy-payback period to less than two years under average conditions; and the ability of low resistance connectors to ensure maximum output and superior yields. Such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Suntech's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F. Suntech does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable law.

Media Contact
Bjoern Emde
Communications Manager Europe
Suntech Power International Ltd.
Tel: +41 52 633 12 56
Email: [email protected]

Wibke Sonderkamp
GlobalCom PR-Network
Phone: +49 89 360363 40
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd.