SunPower and its photovoltaic panels are among the most popular in the world for their exceptional efficiency, performance and warranty.
Contents
Overview of panels.
With roots in solar energy technology and manufacturing, SunPower’s solar modules predate the company’s success in the installation market.
To expand its installation services, SunPower announced in late 2021 that it would spin off its manufacturing arm to a new company, Maxeon Solar. SunPower solar panels continue to carry the brand name of their original namesake.
SunPower offers four monocrystalline solar panels, each with their own advantages. The panel you choose will depend on your needs.
SunPower uses its own solar panels, which are manufactured by Maxeon, the company’s manufacturing division. SunPower currently offers four panel types: A-Series, X-Series, E-Series, and P-Series.
Here is a summary of each type of solar panel:
| Model | Efficiency | Able | advantage |
| A series | 22.7% | 400W | For those who want a premium product |
| XS-Series | 22.7% | 370W | Projects with limited space, such as houses with small roofs |
| E-Series | twenty% | 320W, 327W or 435W | Residential projects and small commercial operations |
| P-Series | 19% | 380 to 400W | Commercial installations or projects with no space limitations |
Efficiency of SunPower Solar Panels
The first solar panel ever invented was only 6% efficient, which means that only 6% of the energy that reaches the panel is converted into usable alternating current (AC). Even today, the most efficient solar panels under development only convert at most 40%.
SunPower panel efficiencies at 19-22% (varying across different models available) are among the highest of most conventional panels on the market today, providing a number of benefits. Among them are:
- lower cost: Since high efficiency solar panels have higher wattage, the number of panels you need in your home is reduced, which can mean a lower total cost.
- Provide more power for usable space: Along the same lines, high-efficiency panels offer more energy potential in less space. This means that homeowners with less available roof space may be good candidates for SunPower solar panels.
- Be more sustainable in general: High-efficiency panels not only provide more energy for your money, they also help reduce your impact. Fewer panels require fewer materials, reducing the energy and waste entering your PV system.
temperature coefficient.
The temperature coefficient is another way to describe the performance of solar panels under varying conditions.
Solar panels operate at an ideal temperature of around 24ºC, and their performance can degrade at temperatures significantly above or below this figure. The lower the temperature coefficient, the less performance suffers as temperatures change.
SunPower solar panels currently have a temperature coefficient of -.35 to -.29, one of the best on the market today. If you live in a climate that remains mild all year round, the temperature coefficient will be less important when choosing a solar panel.
Warranty on SunPower solar panels.
Solar panels are known for their long life, but warranty is always a very important consideration in your purchase. Warranties on photovoltaic panels are at least 10 years, and the best ones cover performance for up to 25 years.
Most solar panel warranties cover the following:
- Defective products.
- Defective parts.
Most solar panel product warranties do not cover the following:
- Underperforming systems resulting from poor installation or products.
- Manufacturing errors, such as roof leaks.
- Accidents, such as tree branches falling on the panels or an animal chewing on cables.
SunPower’s 25-year Total Confidence Warranty offers the following to address some of the most common solar warranty issues:
- All-in-one product warranty: Systems assembled with products from different manufacturers can cause customers to switch from one company to another because they are responsible for a defective part or system. SunPower’s warranty, however, covers the entire system to ensure your problem is solved in one place.
- Defective parts collection and shipping costs: Conventional warranties generally do not cover the cost of collecting and shipping faulty or damaged parts. SunPower’s warranty ensures that there are no additional costs to replace panels or other parts.
- Energy production guarantee: Power output warranties are performance warranties that guarantee your solar system will operate at at least 90% of its original power output for 25 years. Conventional solar warranties may not cover replacement parts if your solar system’s degradation rate is higher than expected.
In general, larger manufacturers usually offer comprehensive system warranties. The results are paying off.
Cost of SunPower Solar Panels
The cost of solar energy is difficult for the supplier to predict, as project prices vary widely depending on location, utility bills and energy needs.
When you get a quote from SunPower, the price might seem a little higher than average, because their business is all about efficiency. But remember that buying more efficient panels will save you more in the long run.
The best way to find out how much solar power from SunPower will cost you is to request a free quote. It’s still best to ask SunPower and other local companies for quotes to compare prices. Consider the quality of the panels you are considering, as the cheapest solar panels do not always provide the best result.
How to pay for SunPower solar panels.
SunPower offers three general solar financing plans, all with SunPower’s 25-year warranty:
- buy cash: Purchasing a solar power system in advance from SunPower will give you the best payback period and the best return on your investment. If you can raise money, this method is the most profitable.
- Buy with a solar loan: SunPower can help you obtain a loan from one of its partners. With this loan, you can purchase the facility and repay the loan. Most loans are repaid within five to twelve years. If you decide to buy a system with a solar loan, you will still be entitled to the solar tax refund and your solar panels will increase the value of your property. However, due to the interest you will pay on your loan, this option ends up costing a bit more than a cash purchase.
- solar lease: SunPower offers solar lease agreements, where you lease solar panels from SunPower. SunPower retains ownership of the panels. Solar leases offer a low upfront option with lower returns later. Although less beneficial than buying, leases extend the benefits of solar power to homeowners who may have lower incomes or who don’t want to worry about buying and maintaining panels.