558Wp Photovoltaic Kit with 150 SunPower 5"x5" (125x125mm) Flexible Monocrystalline Solar Cells and accessories
558Wp kit with 150 SunPower solar cells 5"x5" (125x125mm) monocrystalline, flexible, Bin Me1 Ultra Peak Performance, with connection accessories.
The most complete kit for DIY assembly of high-performance semi-flexible solar panels: ideal for off-grid systems on boats, RVs and homes.
DIY Flexible Solar Panel Kit 558Wp — 150 SunPower Maxeon™ Gen III Cells
The largest kit in our range to build your own flexible solar panels with the most efficient solar technology in the world. With 150 SunPower Maxeon™ Gen III solar cells — the same used in the Solar Impulse solar aircraft — this 558Wp kit is designed for those who want to create a complete off-grid system: from an RV roof to a boat, a small DIY home installation, or a solar-powered model aircraft.
Why choose SunPower Maxeon™ solar cells?
The SunPower solar cells in this kit are structurally different from any traditional cell. Their patented copper foundation makes them:
- Flexible: They adapt to curved surfaces — hulls, RV roofs, fuselages — where rigid panels cannot reach.
- Crack-resistant: The main cause of degradation in standard solar cells is eliminated at the root.
- Ultra-efficient: Up to 24% efficiency — among the highest available today for monocrystalline cells.
Back-Contact design: more power, cleaner look
All electrical connections are placed on the back of the cell. The result is a front surface completely free of metal strips, maximising the active absorption area and delivering a professional all-black look.
What can you build with 150 solar cells?
With 150 cells you have maximum design freedom. Here are some concrete examples of what you can build:
- A 12V system for RV/boat: with 36 cells in series you build a ~134Wp panel at 12V nominal. With 150 cells you can build up to 4 complete 12V panels.
- A single high-voltage panel: 150 cells in series reach about 90V — useful for high-voltage, low-current MPPT systems that reduce losses on long cable runs.
- Solar model aircraft and drones: thanks to the minimal weight and record efficiency, the cells are perfect for covering the wings of RC aircraft and long-endurance drones.
- Multiple modular panels: split the cells into strings to cover irregular surfaces (curved van roof, boat locker, garden carport).
The total kit power is 558Wp (150 × 3.72Wp), enough on a full sunny day to produce around 2.5–3.3 kWh — sufficient to recharge an RV battery bank, run a 12V fridge, lights, water pump and onboard devices.
Built to last: why SunPower lasts longer
Traditional photovoltaic cells gradually lose power due to corrosion of the front contacts. The SunPower design eliminates 85% of common failure causes, guaranteeing stable performance for decades. It is an investment, not an expense.
Applications: where to use this 150-cell kit
These cells (Bin Me1 Ultra Peak Performance) are currently among the most efficient available for DIY projects. The Solar Impulse solar aircraft, able to fly day and night without fuel, is powered by the same technology:
Ideal for large-format off-grid projects:
- Marine and boats: Cover the bimini or hardtop with custom panels, walkable and resistant to the marine environment when properly encapsulated.
- RVs and vans: With 150 cells you can cover the entire vehicle roof, even on curved surfaces, maximising energy autonomy.
- Model aircraft and solar drones: Solar Impulse technology scaled for your RC projects: maximum power per gram, solar-powered wings.
- Small off-grid home systems: Cabins, shelters, garden houses and island systems where real power is needed.
- Education and advanced projects: Building a complete system is the most concrete way to learn about renewable energy.
DIY Solar Panel Assembly Guide
The advantage of the DIY kit is complete customisation: you can choose the voltage, current and shape of each panel. Follow these three key steps.
1. Electrical configuration
For a 12V nominal panel you typically need 32–36 cells in series. With 150 cells you can build 4 complete 12V panels, or high-voltage configurations for MPPT systems.
Reference size for 36 cells (4 rows of 9): about 550×1200 mm.
2. Protection and encapsulation
The cells must not be left exposed to air — humidity degrades them quickly. Recommended methods:
- Lamination with EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) sheets — the professional standard method.
- Transparent two-component silicone resins (e.g. QSIL 216) — great for small formats.
- Encapsulation between double glass or transparent polycarbonate sheets.
3. Charge controller — Mandatory
Warning: In any off-grid system with batteries, an MPPT or PWM charge controller is mandatory. Connecting the panel directly to the battery causes overcharging, electrolysis and risk of battery explosion. Do not skip this step.
Kit Contents
- 150 solar cells SunPower Maxeon™ Gen III monocrystalline (5"×5" format — 125×125 mm)
- Unit power: 3.72 Wp (Bin Me1 Ultra Peak Performance)
- Total kit power: 558 Wp
- Connection accessories: ribbon/dogbone, flux, Schottky diodes
Mr Watt "Zero Worries" Guarantee: We always add around 5% extra free cells as spares for any breakage during soldering or shipping. For any issue contact us — your 100% satisfaction is our priority.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many 12V panels can I build with 150 solar cells?
A 12V nominal panel requires 32–36 cells in series. With 150 cells you can build up to 4 complete 12V panels (using 36 cells each), with some left over as spares, or choose different configurations based on the voltage and current you want. It is the ideal kit for covering an entire RV roof or building a small island system.
How much energy does a 558Wp system produce in a day?
On a full sunny day, a 558Wp system produces around 2.5–3.3 kWh, depending on season and orientation. That is enough to recharge an RV battery bank, run a 12V fridge all day, LED lights, a water pump and charge phones, tablets and onboard devices. For off-grid home use it covers the essential loads of a cabin or small house.
Are the SunPower solar cells in this kit really flexible?
Yes. The patented copper base allows slight flexibility, ideal for curved surfaces such as boat hulls, rounded RV roofs or RC aircraft fuselages. These are not roll-up ultra-flexible cells, but they tolerate moderate-radius curves without micro-cracks, unlike standard solar cells.
Can I use these solar cells to build a solar-powered model aircraft or drone?
Absolutely yes — this is one of the most popular uses of these cells. SunPower Maxeon cells have the best power-to-weight ratio on the market: each cell weighs about 6 grams and delivers 3.72Wp. The same technology powers the Solar Impulse, the solar aircraft that circumnavigated the globe without fuel. For an RC model the cells are glued or laminated onto the upper wing surface with a lightweight film, and the slight flexibility of the copper base lets them follow the curvature of the airfoil without breaking. With 150 cells you have enough material to cover medium-to-large wingspans and keep spare cells for the inevitable soldering practice.
How many cells do I need to fly a solar RC aircraft and how are they wired?
It depends on the wingspan and weight of the model, but as a reference a solar RC glider with a 2–3 metre wingspan flies with 30–60 cells wired in series, generating a voltage suitable to power the brushless motor through a solar MPPT for model use (e.g. Genasun GVB). Cells are wired in series to increase voltage and in parallel to increase current: a single series string along the top of each wing half is the most common configuration. With 150 cells you can build a pure solar-flight model (no battery, like the Solar Impulse) or a solar-assisted system that recharges the onboard battery in flight, hugely extending endurance. We recommend keeping a few cells aside for testing, as soldering such thin cells takes practice.
Can I use these solar cells for marine applications?
Yes, provided you encapsulate them correctly. Encapsulation with EVA or transparent silicone resin makes them resistant to humidity and the saline environment. Without encapsulation the cells degrade quickly in a marine environment. Once protected, they can even be made walkable, perfect for a boat deck.
What is the difference between SunPower Maxeon cells and standard monocrystalline cells?
Standard solar cells have metal contacts on the front (visible strips) that corrode over time. SunPower Maxeon cells have all contacts on the back (Back-Contact), eliminating 85% of typical failure causes and delivering up to 24% efficiency versus 17–20% for conventional photovoltaic cells. For the same surface area, you produce more energy.
Do I need a charge controller?
Yes, always. In any off-grid system with batteries a charge controller is mandatory. Without one you risk damaging the batteries or, in the worst cases, causing them to explode. For a 558Wp kit we recommend an MPPT controller, which maximises the yield of the high-efficiency SunPower cells compared to a PWM.
Are encapsulation materials included?
No, the kit includes the 150 cells and the connection accessories (ribbon, flux, Schottky diodes). Encapsulation materials (EVA, resin, glass or polycarbonate) are purchased separately based on the method you prefer. Our Learning Zone has detailed guides on all available encapsulation methods.
📦 Shipping information for international customers
This solar kit is primarily sold and shipped within Italy. If you are interested in receiving it elsewhere in Europe or beyond, please contact us at info@mrwatt.eu stating the product you are interested in and your delivery address — we will get back to you with a shipping quote as soon as possible. ☀️
