Review of SunPower Solar Panels
SunPower offers all-in-one solar solutions for residential homes. Their process starts with a virtual consultation with a SunPower representative to review your energy bills and discuss financing options.
The company also completes city permits and approvals and enrolls customers in available net metering programs. They install the system typically in one day using their certified partners. They also offer a 25-year product and performance warranty.
1. High Efficiency
One of the biggest solar panel manufacturers in the US, sunpower is known for creating high-quality panels that generate a lot of electricity. When looking at reviews, most customers are very happy with their solar system and the performance that it provides.
SunPower’s M-Series panels have some of the highest efficiency ratings on the market. They also boast a low temperature coefficient rating, which helps with overall energy savings. These panels are backed by a 25-year product warranty.
Residential sunpower solar panels come in a variety of sizes and configurations to fit different roof types. Regardless of the size you choose, all SunPower solar panels have a sleek appearance that looks great on any roof.
Sunpower also offers a commercial X-Series that varies between the 96 and 128 Maxeon Gen III solar cells to deliver 360W for the X22 option and 445W-470W for the X21 options. These panels are resistant to extreme climates and are covered by a 25-year warranty.
2. Long Lifespan
SunPower solar panels are among the longest-lasting in the industry. Their patented technology has led to a degradation rate of just 0.3%, meaning that at the end of their 25-year “useful lifespan,” they will still be producing around 82% of the power they did at the start.
This is a significant improvement over the average degradation rate of around 8%, which leads to more energy savings for you in solar energy system the long run. SunPower also backs their panels with the best warranties in the industry. Their product warranty lasts for 40 years, 1.6x longer than the industry standard of 25 years. Their performance warranty guarantees that 92% of the original rated output will remain after that time, which is far better than most other manufacturers.
With proper maintenance, SunPower solar panels can continue to produce renewable electricity for many years to come. Regular roof inspections are key to preventing physical damage, such as loose wires or a loss of panel functionality due to shade caused by tree branches. You can also protect your panels by using critter guards to prevent animal damage and other types of debris.
3. Shingled Cells
One of the most important considerations for homeowners when shopping for solar panels is durability and long-term performance. Sunpower Solar has some of the best warranties in the industry and has extensive experience partnering with installers across the United States to install solar energy systems for their customers.
The company uses a technique known as shingled cells to reduce the number of mechanical stressors in its solar panels. The manufacturing process uses laser cut cell strips that are layered together in a shingle or roof tile configuration. The underside of each shingle has a line of electrically conductive adhesive that connects the cells. This eliminates the need for visible busbars and ribbons that can shade parts of the panel, reducing power losses.
The shingled cells also allow for more of the panel surface to be covered by solar cells, increasing efficiency. This type of manufacturing reduces the risk of a mechanical failure and improves the lifespan of the panel. In addition, it reduces the risk of shading that can impact individual solar cells in a string layout.
4. Flexibility
SunPower has a wide range of panels to fit different needs and budgets. Its flagship Maxeon 6 series, or M-series, is one of the most efficient solar panels available for residential use. Its shingled design helps solar system manufacturer to make it 40% more resistant to partial shading than standard solar panels.
The X series is another popular option. It is lower in wattage and cost than the M-series, but it still offers excellent performance. It also has a unique cellular architecture, which helps to improve its power output in shaded conditions.
SunPower flexible solar panels are constructed with top-grade, light-weight polymer materials. This allows for easy transport, installation and panel flexing up to 30 degrees. They are also resistant to power loss caused by cracking and corrosion. They are a great option for installing on rooftops or in other shaded areas, such as under a canopy or bimini.
5. Design
SunPower is a California-based solar energy company that has been in business for over 40 years. They offer a range of solar products for homeowners that are highly-efficient, stylish, and durable. They also offer top-notch warranties and service.
Sunpower’s newest product, the M-Series, utilizes the Maxeon Gen 6 cell that improves efficiency even more, making these panels one of the best residential solar options on the market. SunPower Equinox is a complete solar system that combines the M-Series with an Enphase Energy microinverter to maximize output and savings.
Other SunPower solar panel options include the E Series, the X-Series, and the U-Series. These options are a great fit for homes with limited roof space due to their high-wattage and efficiency ratings. They also have a sleek, stylish appearance and come with the same 25-year product and performance warranty as other SunPower models. The company also offers a solar battery called SunVault Storage, which works well with their solar panels to provide electricity during low-sunlight times or power outages. It can be monitored through the mySunPower app.