SunPower Solar Panels Review

SunPower, now formally known as Maxeon Solar Technologies outside the US, offers some of the world’s highest efficiency solar panels and is one of the leading manufacturers in sustainability. Their X series and more cost-effective Performance or P series panels are both backed by a 25 year product and performance warranty.

Power

SunPower solar panels come with some of the best warranties in the industry. They have a 25-year product warranty and a performance warranty that covers degradation over the lifespan of the panel. These warranties are a great peace of mind for homeowners, especially given that SunPower is more expensive than conventional panel manufacturers.

Sunpower has a huge network of third-party installers to install their solar energy systems. These installers are known as Authorized Dealers, Elite Dealers or Master Dealers and go through a rigorous process to be held to high standards of customer satisfaction and quality work. The process usually starts with a request for a quote from the installer and includes a property inspection.

The company also makes high-efficiency panels that are backed by an industry leading 40-year power rating warranty, which means they have a minimum 88 to 90% guaranteed power output after the lifespan of the panel. These panels use patented Maxeon IBC solar cells and a durable foundation that can withstand thermal stresses. The bifacial technology on the panels allows them to absorb solar energy from both sides of the panel, which increases efficiency and reduces shading issues.

SunPower has a lot to offer homeowners solar energy system considering going solar, from a $0 down purchasing option to federal tax credits and flexible financing options. Its installers are certified by the Solar Energy Industries Association, North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners and Cradle to Cradle sustainability, and they self-monitor adherence to supplier sustainability guidelines. Its customers are often pleased with their installation experience and the energy savings they see on their energy bills.

Efficiency

Sunpower solar panels boast some of the best energy specifications in the industry. However, these high specifications also come at a premium, making Sunpower’s panels some of the most expensive on the market.

Two innovative technological advancements allow for the impressive performance specs of Sunpower’s panels. First, Sunpower’s Maxeon series uses a solid copper foundation instead of the typical baked sheet of silicon and metal shards that most other manufacturers use for their cells. This allows for better heat dissipation, which increases efficiency and durability.

Second, Sunpower’s backsheets use a unique design that helps them resist damage from hail and other debris. This not only saves on maintenance costs but can also increase the resale value of your home.

When paired with a battery, Sunpower’s panels can also help you power your home during low-sunlight hours and during a power outage. The company’s solar battery, called SunVault Storage, is designed to pair with the brand’s solar panels and offers 24/7 active monitoring.

Sunpower accepts the typical payment options for a solar system, including cash purchases, loans and solar leases (Solar Service Agreements or PPAs). We recommend a cash purchase if possible because it leads to the fastest panel payback period and the most energy savings over time. This option also gives you full ownership of the system, allowing you to take advantage of federal and state incentives.

Warranty

When shopping for solar panels, the warranty offered is a critical factor. While the specifics vary from company to company, most offer a combination of product and power warranties that include both parts and labor coverage. This is important because most solar systems are long-term investments, and you want to be sure that the company you choose will be around to support their products in the future.

The SunPower solar panel manufacturer offers one of the best product and power warranties in the solar system manufacturer industry. Their Complete Confidence Warranty covers everything that’s on your roof – panels, microinverters, and racking – for 25 years. In addition, they guarantee the highest DC power output in the industry for 25 years.

Many other solar companies combine these elements into different warranties, which can lead to sifting through multiple documents and confusion. However, the highly trained SunPower Master Dealer network and parts created by or for them ensure that every part of a rooftop system is designed to work seamlessly together and that it is backed by the same manufacturer.

In addition to offering a comprehensive power and product warranty, SunPower also backs their hardware with a labor warranty for a limited number of installers in their network. This is unique in the solar industry, where most installation companies rely solely on their own labor warranties to cover repairs or replacements.

Installation

Sunpower uses a network of local installers to install its panels. This allows the company to provide a wide range of installation options and services to homeowners, including free virtual consultations with its solar experts. These consultations are designed to help customers meet their energy needs with the best solar system design, which may vary based on family size, lifestyle and location.

After the consultation, homeowners receive a detailed proposal that includes costs, financing options and their estimated savings. SunPower works with homeowners throughout the entire installation process, which can include filing for permits and obtaining building department approvals, if needed. They also handle utility interconnection and scheduling inspections, if necessary.

Once the contract is signed, a SunPower solar installation expert will conduct an on-site inspection of your home to verify its roof conditions and to design the most effective solar panel layout. They will also explain the benefits of purchasing and owning your solar panels versus leasing or entering into a power purchase agreement (PPA).

SunPower has one of the most expansive networks of solar dealers in the industry, but it does not offer its own in-house financing. However, customers seem generally pleased with the service and quality of the panels, which is an especially important factor when choosing a solar manufacturer. It is recommended that homeowners buy their solar panels in cash, since this provides the fastest payback period and maximum long-term energy savings.