SunPower® Maxeon overview 2023
SunPower is one of the largest installers helping Americans go solar. The company offers proprietary products and expert installations across the county. SunPower components include all the standard parts off solar energy systems: solar panels for home, inverters, and batteries.
SunPower employs company-certified independent installers nationwide called Master Dealers. These solar professionals are experts in installation and customer satisfaction, with are knowledgeable about their local jurisdiction and permit requirements.
The SunPower warranty covers the fully-integrated solar system. Additionally, SunPower claims it is “the only U.S.-based solar company that’s been around longer than our 25-year warranty.”
However, in 2020 the corporation “split into two separate companies.” SunPower is a “distributed generation energy services company, while their new company, Maxeon Solar Technologies (Maxeon Solar),” focuses on solar panel manufacturing.
Rating methodology
The reviews on this page are not based on personal or hands-on testing because it isn’t possible for our team to test the purchasing and installation process for every installer on the market. Instead, we base our reviews on thorough research, interviews, and unbiased facts about solar installers. The standardized criteria for these reviews include the installer’s BBB rating, number of serviceable states, years of experience, financing options, and the services provided.
Explore solar options with SunPower
SunPower has a 5-step process for getting renewable solar energy to your home or business in all 50 states.
- Get a solar estimate. SunPower provides a solar assessment and quote, based on your electric bills over several months and the condition, age, and type of roof on your home. This step is also where you decide which financing option makes sense for your home solar system.
- Site evaluation. A site evaluation may involve assessing your electrical system, attic, and roofing to ensure all areas are up to code and do not need repairs. The installer then recommends the size and components of your customized solar panel installation.
- Design and permitting. A design plan is finalized for all aspects of the home solar system. The SunPower installer must apply and wait for local permits to be issued; this is usually the longest part of the process ranging between one and three months.
- Installation. SunPower collaborates with a network of Master Dealers who handle installations on its behalf across the country. These dealers undergo a rigorous and exclusive selection process to ensure they possess the highest expertise as solar technicians. Typically, the installation process can be completed within a day, although it may require additional time for more complex solar systems.
- Inspection and connection. A local inspector will review the work, and your utility will confirm the installation before connecting your solar system to the power grid. This step can take a few days or several weeks, depending on the local ordinances in your area.
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SunPower products and services in 2023
SunPower Maxeon solar panels
SunPower offers five models of proprietary monocrystalline panels that range from 300 to 440 watts with an efficiency rating of up to 23%. Solar panel efficiency refers to the ability of a solar panel to convert sunlight into usable electricity. SunPower panel performance is superior because of the ability to produce electricity even in low-light conditions. SunPower panels rank among the best solar panels of 2023. However, the brand also offers some of the most expensive residential panels.
In 2023, SunPower’s sister brand, Maxeon Solar, began using Hanwha Q Cells, giving SunPower customers another solar panel option. Does SunPower make good solar panels? Yes, SunPower panels rank among the best solar panels of 2023; however, the brand also offers some of the most expensive residential panels.
SunPower Maxeon solar panel models
SunPower provides five different panel series, each with several model numbers covering a range of efficiencies, wattage, and sizes. While all SunPower panels are excellent quality, the higher-wattage arrays have a higher price tag. Your SunPower consultant will recommend the best panels for your property based on location, system needs, and budget.
The following table shows the maximum efficiency and wattage for each SunPower series, but the exact figures will vary depending on the specific model number.
SunPower solar battery
SunPower offers the SunVault storage solution: one of the best solar batteries plus the programmable energy-monitoring hub managed through the SunPower app. The lithium-ion SunVault battery is rated for indoor or outdoor use and has a 10-year warranty. The battery is available in 13, 26, or 52-kWh sizes. Additionally, “Eversource, National Grid, and Cape Light Compact customers in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut are now eligible to enroll SunVault™ systems in ConnectedSolutions,” according to SunPower. This net metering program pays customers for sending excess power back to the grid. Check with your local utility to see if similar interconnection benefits are available in your area.
SunPower Equinox
The SunPower Equinox™ is a combined solar panel and a smart home system, where “every component is engineered to work together perfectly.” SunPower customers benefit from the Equinox system by enjoying more energy generation and less visible parts with virtually no regular maintenance.
SunPower Wallbox EV Charger
In 2021, SunPower and Wallbox, a leading provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, established a partnership to provide customers with a comprehensive solution for solar energy generation and EV charging. The partnership aims to integrate SunPower’s solar panels seamlessly with Wallbox’s smart EV charging solutions. SunPower and Wallbox offer a single integrated app that allows customers to monitor and manage their solar energy production and EV charging activities.
SunPower app
The mySunPower™ Monitoring App simplifies the management of solar power and EV charging, making it more accessible and convenient for users. By combining these two technologies, customers can maximize the benefits of solar energy by conveniently charging their EVs using clean and renewable energy. Find the mySunPower app on the App store or Google Play.
SunPower warranties
The SunPower Complete Confidence warranty terms include the following:
- 25-year coverage on the complete system, except for monitoring technology and SunVault™ Storage Products.
- 10-year warranty for monitoring technology and storage products.
- Coverage for power, product, and service.
- SunPower covers the cost of removing defective parts, installing new parts, and shipping fees.
- No written claims or receipts are required for warranty-covered repairs.
This table shows a condensed summary of SunPower solar panel warranty info. For an exhaustive list of warranty coverage information, refer to your SunPower warranty’s “Exclusions and Limitations” section.
| Covered | Not covered |
|---|
| All rooftop components (panels, racking, microinverters) | Damage from natural forces (tornadoes, hurricanes, etc.), animals, or voltage or temperatures outside system specifications |
| AC and DC systems | Issues related to misuse, neglect, or alterations from a non-approved SunPower technician. |
| Labor | Issues related to work from a non-approved SunPower technician or from incompatible third-party parts |
| Shipping (including return shipping of old parts) | Cosmetic issues that do not affect the function |
| Parts | Service to parts no longer under warranty, including Wi-Fi assistance on monitoring unit |
SunPower solar panel efficiency
SunPower panels have up to 23% efficiency, among the highest available. Solar panel efficiency is essential when comparing panels because it measures how much sunlight is converted to electricity. A high-efficiency panel will allow you to generate more energy using fewer panels, which can result in panel and installation savings. High-efficiency panels can convert a larger proportion of sunlight into electricity, thus maximizing the energy output. Fewer panels can also be necessary if your roof space is limited. Using fewer panels also creates less waste in time, manufacturing, and recycling costs, but the higher the efficiency, the more expensive the panel.
Cost of SunPower Maxeon solar panels in 2023
According to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the average installed cost of a solar panel system in 2023 is $31,558. This cost does not include federal and local incentives, which can reduce costs by at least 30%. However, SunPower solar panels cost two to three times more than comparable panels.
SunPower is a more expensive solar company due to its premium, exclusive products, such as solar panels with a higher wattage and efficiency and highly rated customer service. The exact price for SunPower Maxeon solar panels will depend on which solar panel model you select and the overall size of the solar panel system. SunPower helps select the number of solar panels you need based on the initial site evaluation and your home’s typical energy consumption.
SunPower payment options
SunPower financing options include solar loans or solar leases. You can also purchase SunPower panels with cash.
- Solar loan: Builds equity in your solar system through monthly payments. Allows homeowners to apply for the 30% federal tax credit, which could save thousands on the price of the solar system. The Residential Clean Energy Credit (formerly called the Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC) is available on solar products purchased through 2034.
- Solar lease: Fixed monthly payments with an option to purchase the system at a later date. Leasing does not permit the homeowner to apply for the federal tax credit because they do not own the solar system.
- Cash: Pay upfront and apply for the federal tax incentive to get up to a 30% credit on income taxes.
SunPower facts
| Year founded | 1985 |
| Headquarters | San Jose, CA |
| Types of panels sold | SunPower panels |
| Time to install | 1–3 days |
| Battery options | SunPower SunVault battery |
| Financing options | Solar loan or lease |
| Customer service ratings | Net Promoter Score (NPS) score of 51 (NPS measures customer experience) 3.1 on Trustpilot |
| SunPower app | Available in the App Store and Google Play |
Is SunPower right for you?
SunPower could be a good fit for you if customer satisfaction and exceptional product quality are most important to you. SunPower has above-average customer satisfaction ratings and admirable reviews from several outlets, including:
- BBB — 4.25/5 stars
- Yelp — 3.5/5 stars
- Trustpilot — 2.5/5 stars
SunPower may not be a good fit for you if your budget calls for a less expensive option. Other solar panel companies offering less efficient panels will still satisfy the energy needs of various homes at a more economical price, so keep that in mind when deciding if this company is right for you.
SunPower final review
Our final verdict on SunPower is that it is a reputable company to do business with. This company shows good accountability with its customers, quality products, and solid warranties to back up its work. On the other hand, SunPower is more expensive than other solar installers. Plus, a handful of Trustpilot reviews alluded to having trouble contacting technicians regarding issues or repairs after installation. SunPower is available in a broader area than other solar companies, so odds are it is available near you.
