550W SunPower Performance 7 Solar Panel

The 550W SunPower Performance 7 Commercial Solar Panel combines N-type TOPCon cells, a one-third-cut shingled-cell layout and bifacial glass-glass construction. Model SPR-P7-550-COM-S delivers 550W front-side output at standard test conditions with 22.5% panel efficiency.

Compatibility note: this is a large commercial-format panel with a 43.08V operating voltage and 50.70V open-circuit voltage. It is not a nominal 12V solar panel and must not be connected directly to a battery. Confirm the complete inverter, MPPT controller, string design, cold-condition voltage and current limits before ordering.

Key Features

• 550W nominal front-side power at STC
• 22.5% panel efficiency
• N-type TOPCon solar cells
• One-third-cut shingled-cell design
• Bifacial glass-glass construction
• Silver anodised aluminium frame
• Stäubli MC4-EVO2A connectors
• IP68 junction box with three bypass diodes
• Power temperature coefficient: -0.29%/°C

550W Electrical Specifications

Electrical ratings above are the manufacturer’s front-side STC values. Real-world output varies with irradiance, cell temperature, orientation, shading, soiling, mounting and system losses.

Dimensions and Construction

• Dimensions: 2156 × 1134 × 35mm
• Weight: 30.3kg
• Glass: 2.0mm front and 2.0mm rear heat-strengthened glass
• Wind test load: 2400Pa, front and rear
• Snow test load: 5400Pa, front
• Impact resistance: 40mm hail at 27.5m/s

Check roof space, mounting hardware, access and handling requirements before purchase. The panel’s size and weight make safe transport and installation planning important.

How Bifacial Output Works

The rear of the panel can generate additional power from reflected light. The manufacturer lists 578W at 5% bifacial gain, 605W at 10% gain and 660W at 20% gain for the 550W model. These are reference test values, not guaranteed site output. Actual rear-side gain depends on surface reflectivity, clearance, tilt, mounting structure and shading behind the panel.

Suitable Applications

• Commercial rooftop solar arrays
• Engineered ground-mount systems
• Compatible high-voltage grid-connected installations
• Purpose-designed off-grid systems with a controller or inverter that accepts the panel’s voltage and current

For smaller mobile or nominal 12V systems, compare the broader fixed solar panel range and verify controller compatibility before choosing by wattage alone.

Installation and System Matching

Solar module installation, string design, earthing, isolation and over-current protection must follow the manufacturer’s instructions and applicable Australian electrical requirements. Calculate maximum cold-condition Voc across the complete series string, and confirm inverter or controller input-current limits before installation. Use compatible connectors and correctly rated solar cable; do not mix connector types unless explicitly approved.

SunPower Performance 7 Warranty

The manufacturer’s datasheet states 30-year product and power coverage for eligible Performance 7 COM-S panels, with 99% minimum warranted output in year one and maximum annual degradation of 0.4%. The 30-year term requires registration and is subject to warranty terms, country availability and installation requirements; otherwise a 25-year warranty may apply. Confirm the current Australian warranty and registration process for your installation.

Review the official SunPower Performance 7 COM-S datasheet and browse more SunPower solar panels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a 12V solar panel?

No. The panel’s rated operating voltage is 43.08V and its open-circuit voltage is 50.70V. It requires a compatible solar inverter or MPPT controller and must not be connected directly to a battery.

Will it produce 660W?

Its front-side nominal rating is 550W at STC. The datasheet’s higher figures illustrate specified bifacial-gain conditions. Actual output depends on the installation environment and system design.

Can it be used for an off-grid system?

Yes, only where the complete system is purpose-designed for its voltage, current, size and weight. Confirm controller input limits, battery charging requirements and array configuration with a suitably qualified designer or installer.

What is the difference between Performance and Maxeon panels?

Performance 7 uses N-type TOPCon shingled cells in a bifacial glass-glass commercial format. SunPower Maxeon products use a different back-contact cell architecture. Compare specifications, warranty terms, dimensions and application requirements rather than choosing by brand name alone.