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Next-gen solar is here: key takeaways from our webinar with astronergy

On June 5, 2025, sun.store had the pleasure of hosting a comprehensive webinar with Astronergy, one of the world’s leading solar module manufacturers. Together, we explored the latest advancements in PV technology, took a deep dive into the N-type TOPCon module families, and discussed how these innovations are shaping real-world performance in utility, commercial, and residential installations.

If you missed the session, don’t worry – here’s a full recap of everything you need to know.

Meet the innovators: who is Astronergy?

Astronergy, part of the CHINT Group, has been a key player in the global photovoltaic market for over two decades. With over 130 GW of modules shipped worldwide and more than 12,000 employees, the company stands among the top four global providers of N-type TOPCon modules. Their operations span 11 manufacturing bases, including facilities in China, Thailand, and Turkey, with a total annual production capacity of 58 GW for modules and 45 GW for cells.

A deep dive into the Astro product line

The heart of the webinar focused on Astronergy’s next-generation product lines, all based on N-type TOPCon technology. Their offering is divided into four major families, each serving different project needs.

The Astro N5 modules, considered the classic TOPCon models, are designed using 72 square cells and can reach up to 600W in power output, or 650W in their 78-cell variant. These are ideal for large, ground-mounted utility projects.

An upgraded option is the Astro N7 series, which features rectangular 210R cells. This design not only increases efficiency but also improves structural and thermal performance. The Astro N7s family takes things a step further by adapting the modules for smaller-scale installations, such as commercial and industrial rooftops, as well as residential use. Available in 48- and 54-cell versions, these modules are compact and lightweight, yet offer high mechanical resistance, especially to snow loads. Finally, for large-scale solar farms, Astronergy offers the Astro N8 series, with modules that exceed 700W of output.

Technological innovations driving performance

What makes these modules stand out isn’t just their power rating but the advanced technologies embedded in them. One highlight discussed during the webinar was the implementation of Zero Busbar technology. This approach replaces traditional thick wires with ultra-thin ribbons, improving current collection and reducing thermal stress.

Another enhancement is the use of a light-redirecting foil placed between cells. This material reflects stray light back into the cells, increasing overall energy capture by a few watts per module. Additionally, Astronergy employs advanced glass coatings with silicon oxide layers to boost light transmission and protect against moisture.

They also showcased their anti-dust frame design, which reduces soiling and allows rain to naturally wash away debris more effectively – a subtle yet powerful improvement that reduces maintenance needs and sustains long-term energy yields.

Independent testing and real-world validation

During the webinar, Astronergy presented impressive test results from independent evaluations conducted in collaboration with PV Magazine and CEA laboratories. Their modules, especially the Astro N7, performed exceptionally well under low irradiance conditions – a key metric for installations in less sunny regions.

Moreover, real-world field testing demonstrated excellent energy yields across several months of monitoring, confirming the robustness and reliability of Astronergy’s designs in practical scenarios.

Ready for harsh environments

Astronergy places strong emphasis on the resilience of their modules. The Astro N5 and N7s models are certified for extreme environmental conditions. They are proven to withstand hail impacts of up to 45mm diameter at zero-degree inclination and snow loads up to 10,000 pascals – provided the correct mounting systems are used.

Furthermore, Astronergy’s modules come with environmental certifications such as the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) and the French ECS/PPE2 documentation. These are increasingly important for public tenders in countries like France and across Scandinavia, where low carbon footprint is a decisive factor in procurement.

What’s on the horizon?

Looking ahead, Astronergy is preparing to release an upgraded version of their Astro N7 module. Dubbed the Astro N7 Pro, this new model will feature TopCon 5.0 technology, incorporating side and rear cell passivation layers to increase efficiency by up to 0.3%. Additionally, they are implementing multi-cut cell design, which reduces internal resistance and enhances durability. The use of a steel frame is also being introduced, offering better recyclability and structural integrity.

These upgrades are expected to increase module output by 30W compared to current N7 models, making the Astro N7 Pro a game-changer for utility-scale projects.

Installation insights and best practices

Another valuable part of the session covered best practices in installation. Astronergy reminded attendees that proper installation is critical to achieving both warranty compliance and long-term performance. This includes using at least four mounting points, respecting minimum clamp dimensions, and ensuring sufficient module overlap with support structures. These details are all clearly laid out in Astronergy’s installation manuals, and following them ensures full mechanical load performance.

sun.store’s role in scaling clean energy

At sun.store, we take pride in facilitating access to cutting-edge solar technologies for professionals across Europe. As the continent’s largest B2B marketplace for solar equipment, our mission is to connect verified installers, distributors, and manufacturers – like Astronergy – with speed, transparency, and security.

Every seller on sun.store is verified through thorough background checks, and buyers benefit from secure wire transfer options, anonymous negotiations, and multilingual support.

Did you miss the webinar?

If you couldn’t attend live, no problem. The full recording is now available to watch on YouTube!

Visit sun.store to explore the best solar offers in Europe.