Build your own flexible solar panel with the world’s most efficient technology. The 150Wp kit from Mr Watt includes 40 SunPower Maxeon™ Gen III cells — the same used in the solar airplane Solar Impulse — perfect for boating, makers, campers, and renewable energy enthusiasts.

Why Choose SunPower Maxeon™ Solar Cells?

The SunPower cells included in this kit are structurally different from any traditional cell. The patented copper base makes them:

• Flexible: They adapt to curved surfaces — hulls, camper roofs, fuselages — where rigid panels cannot be installed.
• Resistant to micro-cracks: The main cause of standard cell degradation is eliminated at the root.
• Ultra-efficient: Efficiency up to 24% — among the highest available today on the consumer market.

Back-Contact Design: more power, less visual clutter

All electrical connections are positioned on the back of the cell. The result is a completely metal-strip-free front surface, maximizing the active absorption area and ensuring a professional all-black look.

Long-lasting: why SunPower lasts longer

Traditional photovoltaic cells progressively lose power due to corrosion of the front contacts. The SunPower design eliminates 85% of common failure causes, ensuring stable performance for decades. It’s an investment, not an expense.

Applications: where to use this kit

These cells (Bin Me1 Ultra Peak Performance) are currently the most efficient available for DIY projects. The solar airplane Solar Impulse, capable of flying day and night without fuel, is powered by the same technology:

Ideal for off-grid projects:

• Boating and Boats: Walkable panels, resistant to marine environments if properly encapsulated.
• Campers and Vans: Maximum power on the limited roof space of the vehicle, even on curved surfaces.
• Drones and RC Modeling: Minimal weight, maximum efficiency — just like Solar Impulse.
• Electronics, Home Automation, and IoT: Standalone power for sensors, garden lights, small devices.
• Education and Educational Projects: Building a solar panel is the most hands-on way to understand renewable energy.

DIY Solar Panel Assembly Guide

The advantage of the DIY kit is complete customization: you can choose the voltage, current, and shape of your panel. Follow these three fundamental steps.

1. Electrical Configuration

To obtain a panel with 12V nominal you typically need 32–36 cells in series. With this 20-cell kit you can build lower voltage panels or combine multiple kits to reach the desired voltage.

Reference size for 36 cells (4 rows of 9): about 550×1200 mm.

2. Protection and Encapsulation

The cells must not remain exposed to air — humidity degrades them quickly. Recommended methods:

• Lamination with EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) sheets — standard professional method.
• Transparent two-component silicone resins (e.g. QSIL 216) — great for small formats.
• Encapsulation between double glass or transparent polycarbonate sheets.

Want to learn how to solder the cells? In our Learning Zone you’ll find detailed guides and step-by-step videos on how to solder solar cells and build a low-cost photovoltaic panel.

3. Charge Controller — Mandatory

Warning: In any off-grid system with batteries, the use of 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

• 40 SunPower Maxeon™ Gen III monocrystalline solar cells (size 5"×5" — 125×125 mm)
• Unit power: 3.72 Wp (Bin Me1 Ultra Peak Performance)
• Total kit power: 150 Wp
• Connection accessories: ribbon/dogbone, flux, Schottky diodes

Mr Watt "Zero Worries" Guarantee: We always add about 5% extra free cells as spares for any breakage during soldering or shipping. For any problem, contact us — your 100% satisfaction is our priority.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many SunPower cells are needed for a 12V panel?

For a 12V nominal panel you typically need 32–36 cells in series. With this 20-cell kit you can build a lower voltage panel (e.g. 7–8V) or buy two kits to reach a full 12V.

Are the SunPower cells in this kit really flexible?

Yes. The patented copper base allows for slight flexibility, ideal for curved surfaces like boat hulls, rounded camper roofs, or RC airplane fuselages. These are not ultra-flexible rollable cells, but they tolerate moderate curves without micro-cracks.

Can I use these cells for marine applications?

Yes, as long as you encapsulate them properly. Encapsulation with EVA or transparent silicone resin makes them resistant to humidity and salty environments. Without encapsulation, the cells degrade quickly in marine environments.

What’s the difference between SunPower Maxeon cells and standard monocrystalline cells?

Standard 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 ensuring efficiency up to 24% vs 17–20% for conventional cells.

Do I need a charge controller?

Yes, always. In any off-grid system with batteries, a charge controller is mandatory. Without it, you risk damaging the batteries or, in the worst cases, causing them to explode. We recommend an MPPT controller to maximize the yield of high-efficiency SunPower cells.

Are encapsulation materials included?

No, the kit includes the cells and connection accessories (ribbon, flux, Schottky diodes). Encapsulation materials (EVA, resin, glass) are purchased separately according to your preferred method. In our Learning Zone you’ll find guides on all available methods.

Can I use this kit for a drone or RC airplane?

Absolutely yes — this is one of the most popular uses for these cells. The same SunPower Maxeon technology powers the Solar Impulse, the solar airplane that circumnavigated the globe. The exceptional power-to-weight ratio makes them ideal for aeronautical applications and long-range drones.