Sharp unveils sleek new rooftop solar modules – “coming soon” to Australia

German solar PV manufacturer Sharp Energy Solutions Europe has unveiled its newest PV modules with rectangular n-Type TOPCon half-cut cell technology and increased wattage.

Sharp’s new NU-JC440 and the NU-JC430B are both n-Type TOPCon monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic panels and both are built with M10R half-cells which feature different cell dimensions, resulting in improved performance.

The NU-JC440 is the more powerful of the two panels, offering a high-efficiency rating of 22.53% and output of 440W in a sleek black frame and a white backsheet.

The NU-JC430B is an all-black module featuring a black backsheet and a black frame, with efficiency of 22.02% and output of 430W.

Both modules offer a low temperature coefficient of – 0.3% /°C which Sharp claims “significantly enhances performance at elevated ambient temperatures – an important feature due to the impact of climate change and the resulting temperature increases.”

Each Sharp half-cell module comes with three compact junction boxes which incorporate a bypass diode, minimising heat transfer to the cells above, subsequently improving panel durability and enhancing the overall performance of the system.

Measuring in at 1722 x 1134mm and a slim30 mm frame height, the NUJC440 and NU-JC430B both weigh in at 20.7 kg, making it an ideal option for everything from residential installation to small-scale commercial and industrial rooftop applications.

The panels are also adaptable to various mounting methods, including short and long frame side clamping, screwing, and sliding, allowing for flexible assembly and reduced balance of system and capital expenditure costs.

The panels have been awarded IEC certification seals (IEC61215 and IEC61730) and have undergone testing to comply with international standards and to withstand extreme conditions – successfully passing tests for ammonia, salt mist, and PID resistance. Sharp claims the panels have also passed the strict EN13501 ‘reaction to fire’ test.

Both panels are covered by Sharp’s 25-year EU end user product guarantee and a 30-year linear power output guarantee with a minimum of 87.5% in year 30, making them valid for all European rooftop installations. Both panels are currently listed as “Coming Soon” on Sharp Australia’s website.

“The introduction of the new NU-JC440 and NU-JC430B panels with increased wattage expands our product portfolio,” said Andrew Lee, vice president for commercial operations at Sharp Energy Solutions Europe.

“These modules are specifically designed for convenient handling and installation in the residential and small-scale commercial & industrial rooftop segment and for meeting the aesthetic preferences of our customers.”