SunPower
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SunPower provides green energy solutions for homeowners. It offers complete solar energy systems and battery storage options, and its comprehensive SunPower home solar warranty includes all components of the system — not just the solar panels — for added peace of mind. The company ensures only SunPower–certified installers handle installation jobs.
Pros
- Comprehensive transferable warranty
- Variety of finance options
- Broad international dealer network
Cons
- Dealers may provide different levels of service
- “Master dealers” aren’t available nationwide
Bottom Line
SunPower designs and installs all the components you need to switch to solar energy. It has lease and loan options to help make solar more affordable, and its Maxeon panels feature powerful cell technology, making the company popular with homeowners.
Featured Reviews
“The guy that came out from SunPower was great. The installation team got there when they said they would. They did the installation in the timeframe that they said After the.
“I was provided excellent service with all the information I needed! Gie was wonderful and I was very impressed with her professionalism, knowledge and ability to answer all my qu.
SunPower panels and equipment
In 2020, SunPower announced a spinoff of its manufacturing department into a separate company named Maxeon Solar Technologies. This company manufactures the equipment SunPower designs and installs, so you’ll need to work with another company if you prefer a different brand.
SunPower’s solar portfolio includes M-Series, X-Series and U-Series panels. Its Equinox line, manufactured by Maxeon, features highly efficient solar panels (compared with conventional panels). The same is true of its Helix line, which is available for commercial customers.
SunVault storage system
SunPower’s SunVault storage system helps you keep your lights on even when the power is out. You can set storage system preferences through the mySunPower app to decrease grid electricity use at peak times or serve as backup during a power outage.
Depending on your system size and design, SunVault can help keep essential appliances running (like your refrigerator or HVAC) and power things like electric vehicles or clothes washers and dryers during times without power.
SunPower panel installation
SunPower partners with dealers and installers nationwide to complete the design and installation process. These partners have all completed training and are SunPower-certified. The company incorporates a sleek, minimalistic rooftop design by using a low-profile mounting system called InvisiMount. This system uses durable metal wire clips to keep cables out of sight.
SunPower services
When you purchase a solar system from SunPower, you connect with a SunPower partner to handle the design and installation. The partner will help you prepare documents for homeowners association review and obtain all the necessary permits.
After installing the system, the partner arranges for inspections and helps you obtain “permission to operate” orders from your utility.
Once your system is up and running, the SunPower Monitoring System (EnergyLink) gathers data to help you monitor everything and track your estimated bill savings. If you need help with anything, you can contact SunPower customer support Monday through Saturday.
How much does SunPower cost?
The cost of a SunPower solar system depends on several different factors, including your:
- Energy needs
- Local weather
- Roof layout
- Roof shading
- Size of your system
Since costs can vary so much, the best way to get an accurate quote is to contact a SunPower dealer. However, after reviewing price quotes from around the country, SunPower found that a 5-kilowatt solar system typically costs between 11,150 and 46,100, which breaks down to 5000.23 to 9.22 per watt. This price is before any tax credits or incentives.
While SunPower may cost a little more than other solar energy companies, its high-efficiency panels and transferable warranty may make it worth the cost.
Financing options
With SunPower, you can purchase a residential system outright, pay with a loan or lease a system. The company offers solar financing options with
SunPower video review
Rick: Hi, my name is Rick, and I live in Ponte Vedra, Florida. And what got me into solar power was two things. One was financial. Wanting to not have to pay an electric company for my electric bill. And the other was being a responsible caretaker of the Earth, I suppose. To be green. So we didn’t really choose a lot of alternatives. I did my studying on the internet very thoroughly, and quickly came across SunPower. And through peer-reviewed information and studying, I found that they were the best product on the market. That’s why we went with them, and, quite frankly we’re very happy with the product because it is a wrap-around product. They have everything from the connectors to the electrical. If there’s ever an issue with it, I can just go to SunPower. I don’t have to rely on a third party contractor for anything as far as a systems concern. So we’re very happy with our purchase. So the purchase process for these solar panels is very simple and very easy. The representative came to our house and explained the options we had available to us. We chose to go with a loan to finance the panels over 25 years, and it was very simple, very straightforward and direct. We’ll be using the tax credit to pay off a portion of the loan this year, and after that, it’s a 25 year loan. And I pay extra on it, and we’re very happy with it. No problems, no issues. It was clean and easy. So the people that we used to install the solar panels were very courteous, very attentive, very knowledgeable. They came to the house and explained things to us. They even came when I asked them to come and it wasn’t scheduled for them to visit, and they would explain and answer questions for me, point things out, and I felt like I was in very good hands, very knowledgeable, and they were very honest and transparent up front. If there was gonna be an issue, they would call me up ahead of time and let me know that there were a delay, or if something were to happen. So I felt very comfortable in this process, like I was in good hands. Purchasing solar panels for our home and our family was completely worth it for two reasons. One, financially. We don’t really have an electric bill anymore. The panels have done so well that I’m net zero, and actually negative. The electric company owes me money at this point. My last bill was negative 17, and that’s a great place to be. Also I’m a great steward of our planet, making sure I’m keeping my carbon footprint and my family’s carbon footprint as small as possible. So we’re very happy and very impressed with the product and our decision.
down for eligible homeowners.
While leasing a system lets you take advantage of solar energy without a long-term commitment, you’ll need to purchase the system to take advantage of any tax credits and other incentives.
SunPower warranty
The SunPower Complete Confidence Warranty covers any repairs or replacements to the components on your roof for 25 years. This includes the microinverters, racking and panels.
All components not on your roof have a 10-year warranty. This includes your storage and monitoring systems. The warranty covers shipping and labor with no additional out-of- costs. However, the smartphone and computer you use to monitor your panel production aren’t covered.
SunPower also guarantees your panels won’t lose more than 10% of their original power output in that 25-year period, which ensures your solar energy system stays efficient and produces the power your home needs.
The warranty does have some exclusions, including:
- Damage from natural forces, such as a tornado or earthquake
- Defects of the home’s existing electrical components at the installation site
- Damage caused by animals
- Damaged caused by third-party products
- Storage systems kept in temperatures outside the specified range
These exclusions are fairly standard across the industry.
SunPower Reviews
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Going through SunPower, I haven’t had any issues or needed to call customer service. The person who was in charge was great. She took care of everything, and I didn’t need to do too much with anything. I’m happy about going solar. I’m producing more electricity than I’m using. So it’s working out well. I even got an electric bill for this month. I have been recommending SunPower to just about anybody I talk to.
Christopher, it is wonderful to read that you have had an exceptional experience going solar. Congratulations on your solar savings. Thank you for helping us change the way our world is powered!
NORTH AMERICA’S LEADING SOLAR MANUFACTURER
Our superior-quality solar panels deliver maximum power density and long-term reliability and are backed by one of the most trusted warranties in the industry.
Silfab Solar is the North American manufacturing leader in designing and developing ultra-high-efficiency, premium-quality solar panels. Silfab leverages over 40 years of solar experience and operates out of Bellingham, Burlington, Washington, and Toronto, Canada, facilities.
Boviet Solar
Boviet Solar’s PV Modules are known for their power, performance, and quality and have been rated as top performers on the PVEL module reliability scorecard since 2019. Boviet Solar has also maintained its position as a BloombergNEF Tier 1 solar module manufacturer and supplier since 2017. Boviet Solar has offices in USA and Germany, and its global headquarters are in Vietnam.
Q CELL
Founded in Germany in 1999, Q CELL provides high-performing panels in various designs. Q CELL panels guarantee long-term product availability and enhanced reliability, helping them to become one of the largest manufacturers in the United States. SES has used QCELL for 5MW commercial rooftops, a standard offering for residential and commercial projects.
SunPower, founded in 1985, is a 4.8 billion US-based company. SunPower is renowned for its ultra-high efficiency and low degradation panels, top-tier warranties, recycling commitment, and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. SES has been an accredited SunPower residential and commercial dealer for many years.
Pacific Energy chose to be a SunPower dealer on Maui, for these key reasons that will benefit homeowners across the island:
Durability
With SunPower solar technology, you’ll get the company’s premier PV modules. This means your home will have the most efficient and durable solar power system in the market today which includes a 25 year service warranty, a 92% performance guarantee and a 25 year workmanship warranty. SunPower has absolute confidence in their ability to deliver as promised. This is the best warranty in the industry, by a large margin.
Efficiency
SunPower solar panels are the most efficient you can find anywhere. Also, the company’s Maxeon® solar cell technology uses ultra-modern technology to design panels that are 35 percent more efficient at producing power compared to traditional solar panels.
Also, SunPower recently unveiled the A-Series which is the first solar panels across the world with the capacity to generate 410 watts, per module. It’s the highest wattage DC PV panel on the market in the world. Having solar panels that can generate more power means you need fewer panels on your roof and you can save more on energy.
Paired with DC Optimizers
We pair every SunPower DC solar panel with a SolarEdge DC optimizer. This means the DC optimizer helps the SunPower module convert more sunlight into usable energy. The SolarEdge DC optimizers allow for panel level monitoring and module level power point tracking. This architecture also performs shade and panel mismatch mitigation. We believe this is the best possible combination of solar technologies.
Unique Maxeon cell technology
SunPower’s Maxeon cell technology is a fundamentally different manufacturing process than any other PV panel manufacturer. At the core of every SunPower system is the Maxeon solar cell. This solar cell is built with a solid copper foundation to withstand severe conditions and deliver maximum performance for decades. SunPower’s PV modules are absolutely suitable for Hawaii’s humid, hot, and highly corrosive atmosphere.
Key things to note about investing in a brand new solar PV system
Here are the key reasons why we chose to be a SunPower installer on Maui:
- Durability; certified to be installed right on the shoreline. A perfect fit for Hawaii’s hot, humid, and highly corrosive environments, near the ocean.
- Warranty; SunPower modules are supported by their best in class 25 year warranty.
- Efficiency; A modern solar PV system produces more power in less space with less amount of visible parts for an uncluttered design.
SunPower Corporation was founded in 1985 in San Jose. California and has since expanded its operations to all 50 states. SunPower has office locations and a vast network of certified SunPower dealers and installers across the country.
- Consultation: A SunPower representative will set up a free virtual consultation with homeowners. This consultation allows you to ask any questions and learn about the system’s design. If your home is approved, the company will provide a proposal that goes over your system’s design, estimated price and how it meets your energy and final goals.
- Permitting: SunPower will complete any required paperwork and obtain permits and approvals required by your local municipality and utility company. Depending on your county’s regulations, this process may take up to a few weeks.
- Installation: You work with SunPower to schedule an installation day for your system using one of its certified partners. SunPower’s installations usually take less than a day, but a more complex system may take longer.
- Final inspection: Before you receive Permission to Operate (PTO), a final inspection from both your city and utility company must occur. SunPower will schedule these inspections for you, and the company will notify you when you are clear to turn your system on and start saving.
SunPower offers solar, backup battery and EV charger installations. Additionally, SunPower customers have access to system monitoring and the company’s app, MySunPower.
During the solar installation process. SunPower will consult with you to design your custom solar system. help you obtain any necessary permits, install the panels and conduct the final inspection before turning your system on. A SunPower representative should also follow up with you after the installation to make sure that your panels are working properly.
SunPower Solar Panel Options
SunPower offers high-quality monocrystalline solar panels. SunPower’s panels last from 25 to 40 years and feature an efficiency range of 20.1%–30%. This rate is higher than the average rate of 15%–20%. SunPower has four solar panel lines:
- M Series: These are SunPower’s premier, high-powered solar panels. They feature built-in microinverters to convert direct current (DC) energy to alternating current (AC) electricity.
- X Series: These high-efficiency solar panels have either white or black backing. They’re ideal for homes with less roof space.
- E Series: These are SunPower’s standard panels with mid-range wattage and efficiency.
- A Series: These are powerful monocrystalline panels with white or black backing. They are capable of generating a power output of up to 420 watts.
SunPower also offers its own solar battery, SunVault Storage. This energy storage device works with SunPower’s solar panels to provide electricity to your home during low-sunlight hours and power outages. Paired with SunPower’s mobile app, this solar battery offers 24/7 active monitoring.
Although SunPower will only install its own products, the panels will also work with third-party solar storage options, including the Tesla Powerwall.
SunPower Warranties
SunPower offers a 25-year warranty covering labor, equipment and power output. This comprehensive warranty covers the system for 92% output and offers free repair or replacement for malfunctions and any issues with panel performance or quality of installation.
According to our 2023 poll of 1,000 homeowners with solar, respondents who were SunPower customers reported paying 15,000 to 20,000 or more for their solar energy system. Keep in mind that incentives like the federal solar tax credit can also significantly decrease the final cost of your solar panels.
SunPower offers three financing options : full purchase, solar loan or solar lease. We recommend requesting a free, virtual consultation with a SunPower representative to discuss your cost and which financing option best fits your needs.
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SunPower Reviews
SunPower has maintained a positive reputation over its more than 30 years in the industry. The company holds an A rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau ( BBB ), and has earned 4.26 out of 5 stars on over 1,000 customer reviews on the site. Positive reviews mention the responsiveness and knowledge of SunPower’s customer support representatives and the savings generated from the company’s solar panels. critical reviews point out scheduling difficulties or issues with the long-term maintenance of Maxeon’s equipment. Read over what some SunPower customers had to say about their experiences below.
“Before I got this company, I did a lot of research on other companies and found SunPower to be straightforward and professional. They gave a timeline of when to expect things. The installation was done in a couple of days. They left my house clean when done and still, they followed up to make sure things were working well. This company has been around for over 30 years and is very reputable. No regrets about making SunPower my solar company .” –Margaret L. via BBB
“The whole solar experience was great with SunPower. My initial contact made me feel confident he knew what he was doing and had a solar installation himself so he could help me understand how it worked better than some other companies I contacted. The local installer visited for a survey, and later the installation crew did a great one-day install. A local SunPower rep was at my home for the county inspections and answered more questions. Overall it was a great experience and I am making power as I write this.” –Norman B. via BBB
“Absolutely very poor service. I have been waiting for 2 months now for a job that needs to be corrected. I have emailed and called multiple times but all I am getting is that they are trying to schedule it. I had my solar installed last 1/16/23 and now mid-March no one had attempted to call to set up an appointment. It is very frustrating.” –Mary Jane E. via BBB
“Long story short, great experience getting everything set up. However, since the solar panels have been up and running, we have had multiple issues with the battery dying and not recharging. We have been without back-up power for approx. 3 out of the last 5 months (on and off) with no idea of when this issue will be resolved and without (it seems) any real sense of urgency from SP. ([By the way], we’ve had the same technician come out several times and he has been great, but it seems like he can only do so much on his end.) We have become very frustrated with the situation and have wasted a lot of time and effort trying to get this resolved. I’m just glad we have not had a power outage. I’m paying a lot of money for a system that doesn’t fully work and still have to pay higher than expected utility bills.” –Daniel V. via BB B