The Sunpower Maxeon Solar Panels Set to Dominate 2022/23.
Sunpower/ Maxeon has long been a name synonymous with solar module innovation, so much so that many will claim they produce the best modules available. However, the astute shopper you are delves a little deeper, posing the question “the best of what?”. With that remark, your way of thinking is commendable! Curious as to why such bias exists towards a solitary brand and not refined to a particular solar panel, you’ve found your way here. Reward your curiosity. Solar Analytica data reveals the Sunpower Maxeon solar panels set to dominate in 2022 and beyond.
Performance Series, Maxeon 3, Maxeon 6, Maxeon Air.
The 2022/23 crop of Sunpower Maxeon solar panels offer something for every prospective solar shopper. Harnessing technologically advanced designs in all formats, astute shoppers will undoubtedly see unrivalled value from one of the most respected solar panel innovators of our time.
Weighing up what’s important, perhaps the best Sunpower/ Maxeon solar panel for your project isn’t the one at the top of the specification leaderboard. Your requirements are unique and deserve an ideal solution. Fortunately, the Sunpower/ Maxeon solar panels available for consideration in 2022 present themselves in 3 unique formats with distinct advantages ideal for the discerning buyer.
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Performance 3: 81/100
Any great technology often accompanies an increased cost. The Performance 3 series is the slightly less efficient Sunpower/ Maxeon solar panel option where project budget restraints are a likely barrier. The engineers at Sunpower Maxeon seem to love solar module designs free from front surface busbar obstructions, and shingled-cell solar module designs are another innovative way to achieve this. Due to the absence of busbars and an almost gapless cell formation, the result is a strikingly seamless visual appearance compared to traditional cell formations. Compromising slightly on efficiency, the Performance 3 Series offers Sunpower/ Maxeon industry-leading quality more accessible than ever for the most diverse project types.
Model: Manufacturers model name. Output: Standard Test Conditions (STC) peak wattage range. Application: Manufacturers recommended application – Residential or Industry. Density: Maximum Power density per square meter at NOCT of the highest output module.
Maxeon 3: 92/100
Creating something marvellously efficient takes an impressive level of ingenuity. The Maxeon 3 is so remarkable in 2021/22 that even newer module types fail to exceed the 22.6% STC max module efficiency marker. A native Direct Current solar module, DC solar panels enjoy compatibility with most string and microinverter types, so you have the power to decide on how you will interact with your power supply. Three different Maxeon 3 variants exist within the range. Maxeon 3 (104-cell). ideal for most residential type installations. The Maxeon 3 (104-cell) BLK. an all-black module, is hard to ignore if aesthetic appeal and high performance are a requirement. While the Maxeon 3 (112-cell) is a mixed-use residential and industry option, supporting overall larger module dimensions to incorporate the additional cells. Expect the Sunpower Maxeon 3 to continue to dominate in 2022 through its outstanding energy density, where optimum space utilisation is critical.
Model: Manufacturers model name. Output: Standard Test Conditions (STC) peak wattage range. Application: Manufacturers recommended application – Residential or Industry. Density: Maximum Power density per square meter at NOCT of the highest output module.
Image; Sunpower Maxeon 5 follows a similar design to the Maxeon 3, yet uses a larger cell design for a slightly reduced efficiency.
Maxeon 5: 92/100
The beefed-up Maxeon 5 range is Sunpower/ Maxeon’s most durable solar module yet. A larger cell size than the Maxeon 3, efficiency is a minuscule 0.1% from being on parr. One particular limitation within the Maxeon 5 AC (60-cell) module will either make or break this module selection for most. This is an AC (Alternating Current) module with Enphase micro-inverters embedded on the module’s rear. A potential drawback that limits compatibility to the Enphase ecosystem only. That aside, it’s a pretty darn good ecosystem to be a part of as far as software and technology are concerned. The Maxeon 5 COM (72-cell) remains a DC (Direct Current) type solar module for commercial and industrial projects with varied inverter compatibilities. Expect the Sunpower Maxeon 5 to dominate as a combination of ultra-efficiency and as a complete all-in-one residential solution where extreme environments are present.
Model: Manufacturers model name. Output: Standard Test Conditions (STC) peak wattage range. Application: Manufacturers recommended application – Residential or Industry. Density: Maximum Power density per square meter at NOCT of the highest output module.
Maxeon 6: 92/100
The latest generation of mainstream Sunpower Maxeon solar panels, the Maxeon 6, tones down the durability criteria of its predecessor ( Maxeon 5 ) yet improves on the aspect the Sunpower/ Maxeon brand is renowned for, industry-leading efficiency. As the world demands higher power output modules, gone are the days of 60-cell module designs with installers and designers now accustomed to larger format 66-cell panels. Therefore, the Sunpower Maxeon 6 presents in 2 distinct variants; a residential 66-cell module in an AC only format and a conventional 72-cell DC commercial module.
Model: Manufacturers model name. Output: Standard Test Conditions (STC) peak wattage range. Application: Manufacturers recommended application – Residential or Industry. Density: Maximum Power density per square meter at NOCT of the highest output module.
Maxeon Air:
An exciting release by Sunpower/ Maxeon set to be introduced in 2022, the Maxeon Air encompasses a new generation of flexible module designs free from glass and aluminium. Less energy dense than the Maxeon 3 and Maxeon 5, the Maxeon Air will improve rooftop design drawbacks from mounting hardware, in turn improving the power density of the system as a whole. Watch this space! Subscribe now to be the first to know how the Sunpower Maxeon Air ranks in the Solar Analytica assessment Criteria (solar modules).
OVERALL: 89/100
With decades of admires in a similar Apple cult following manner, there’s no denying that people love the appeal of the Sunpower/ Maxeon module range. Boasting an elite spectra of solar module offerings, you’re going to have to be prepared to pay a little more than most. The astute shopper, you calculate the upside beyond hypothetical/ basic ROI (Return on Investment). likely (than other brands) to improve the value of your property, you’re investing in reliable energy production beyond the next 25-years. Which, we’re sure, makes that little extra at the point of sale a lot less when you’re energy supply operates seamlessly and is characteristically more sophisticated than your neighbour’s cheapy. If that’s not enough to get you all Sunpowered-up, don’t forget Sir David Attenborough’s stark message in 2021’s Breaking Boundaries – The Science of our Planet Film (recommended viewing!). The planet as we know it is at a tipping point. Abandoning a throwaway society is one step to ensure humanity continues (i.e., you and your children have a non-toxic planetary place to call home). If reliable, clean energy with less waste is the path forward, Sunpower Maxeon solar panels are an intelligent investment towards one of the most technologically advanced module offerings, no matter your preference.
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- Sunpower Maxeon Performance 3.
- Sunpower Maxeon 3.
- Sunpower Maxeon 6.
- Sunpower Maxeon Air. (coming soon – subscribe)
Sunpower solar panels reviews
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About Sunpower, Solar Panels
SunPower is an American firm that lends its name to high quality solar panels; with most models now being produced through its spinoff Maxeon Solar Technologies. The company’s products are widely considered among the best available.
Sunpower Maxeon solar panels have the highest efficiency currently on the market, are likely to be the best at tolerating partial shade. and they have a 40 year product warranty in Australia (see further notes on warranty below). In addition, SunPower panels are corrosion resistant, which makes them suitable for installation anywhere in Australia.
Maxeon have an Australian office in Melbourne.
Production Capacity And Output
At the start of 2018 SunPower had 1.2 gigawatts of solar cell manufacturing capacity and 1.9 gigawatts of solar panel manufacturing capacity. In 2019, the company shipped 2.5 GW of modules, representing 80% growth over 2018.
Current production capacity isn’t clear, but was expected to be boosted significantly under Maxeon. In April 2021, Maxeon Solar Technologies said it planned to use existing facilities to quickly ramp 1.8 GW of new capacity, followed by another 1.8GW at a new facility. Whether that materialised isn’t clear.
Manufacturing Locations
SunPower is as American as Apple pie and so is majority owned by a French oil company. This makes sense because the French were eating Apple pies long before Americans ever did.
SunPower‘s headquarters are in San Jose in California. They abandoned manufacturing in the United States for a long time but then resumed at a plant they bought from SolarWorld Americas in order to avoid Trump’s solar panel tariffs. But in January 2021, SunPower announced it was closing its Hillsboro plant. This means Maxeon is now manufacturing all SunPower panels models aside from the Performance (P) Series.
Maxeon has manufacturing capacity in Malaysia, the Philippines and Mexico. SunPower entered into a joint venture to produce their P series panels in China.
Company History
SunPower was founded in 1985 by Richard Swanson, who was responsible for Swanson’s Law. It states that for every doubling of production capability, the cost of solar panels falls by 20%. Despite ups and downs in prices, it has proven to be roughly accurate and I hope the effect will continue into the future.
As it has managed to stick around for 37 years so far, SunPower is one of the oldest solar panel brands in existence.
However, in November 2019, SunPower announced it would spin off much of its solar panel manufacturing into a new company – Maxeon Solar Technologies. That process was completed in August 2020 and now the company’s panels aside from the P Series are marketed under the name SunPower Maxeon.
SunPower Maxeon’s 40 Year Replacement Product Warranty
In February 2022, Maxeon Solar Technologies announced the product and performance warranty on panels sold under SunPower Maxeon brand in Australia had been extended from 25 years to 40 years. In terms of the Sunpower Maxeon 5 and 6 AC, the 40 years only covers the panel, while the integrated microinverter is covered under Enphase’s 25 year warranty.
It should be noted the product warranty for SunPower P series panels (i.e. non-Maxeon branded) is still 25 years.
Maxeon’s product warranty (and that of the SunPower P Series) undertakes to either repair, replace, or refund the purchase price of the defective PV modules. It used to be that all SunPower panels were covered by a full replacement warranty, rather than the company also having repair/refund options.
Panel Reliability
While this figure is now out of date, SunPower has previously said their panel failure rate is only 1 in 37,000. Hopefully it’s even better now, although I know some panels have been replaced under warranty. Because the large majority of their panels were well under 25 years old at the time, this doesn’t mean there is only a 1 in 37,000 chance of a panel failing during its 25 year warranty period, but it still suggests they are very reliable.
SunPower Maxeon Solar Panels Resist The Effects Of Heat
SunPower panels suffer considerably less decrease in efficiency due to the effects of heat than the average panels. Their coefficiency of Pmax ranges is as little as.0.29% depending on the model, while the average is around.0.35%. This is how much their output is decreased by for each degree celcisus the panel temperature is above 25 degrees. Note that the temperature of panels in the sun can be much higher than the air temperature and can reach 65 degrees on hot days.
SunPower Panels Tolerate Partial Shade Well
Partial shade can cause a major reduction in the performance of solar cells as one badly performing solar cell can drag down the performance of others, so just one bird poop can have a major effect. But SunPower used various technologies to minimise its impact, and that has continued under Maxeon manufacturing.
SunPower Had Financial Difficulties
SunPower had been experiencing financial difficulties, posting significant losses in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.
For the fiscal year 2019, SunPower’s assets and liabilities were almost equal, which is not a good situation to be in. Their financial position was hurt by falling solar panel and also President Trump’s US solar tariffs.- despite SunPower winning an exemption.
There was speculation that SunPower would go bankrupt, but the recent move to shift all solar panel manufacturing to Maxeon may play out well.
But even if I was certain SunPower wouldn’t be around in the future to honour their warranties, I would still be fine with installing them on my roof because their high reliability means the chance of me needing their warranty should be extremely small.
Warranty claim procedure for orphaned SunPower customers
If you have purchased Sunpower panels from a solar installer that has gone out of business, the responsibility for warranty claims falls to Sunpower or Maxeon, depending on the type of solar panel installed. They can be contacted on 1800 786 769, and will arrange for an installer in their network to diagnose and rectify any problems with the panels. with labor costs involved covered by the warranty.
My Recommendation
I would have no problem installing SunPower Maxeon panels on my roof, and this would be the case even if I expected SunPower or Maxeon to go bust and not be around to honour their warranties.
But while SunPower panels are very high quality, they do carry a hefty premium and so it will be necessary to decide if they are worth the extra expense.
SunPower is also very popular with Australian installers. In the SolarQuotes Installers’ Choice Awards, SunPower was voted second in the best solar panels in 2023 category, and also achieved second place for best after-sales support.
Mary
Penrith Solar Centre use SunPower Performance panels, which is a high grade solar panel. We wanted high quality performing solar panels. Bought From: Penrith Solar Centre Show additional information
SunPower Solar Panels vs. LG Solar Panels
If you are considering installing a solar system at your home or place of business, then you have many factors to consider. The paramount factor to many buyers is which solar panels (referred to as ‘modules’ in the industry) to choose. During your solar research, you will undoubtedly come across two solar module manufacturers: SunPower and LG. Both are widely recognized as high-end modules with SunPower leading the way. So which should you choose?
Cost
SunPower is more expensive. Partnered with roughly 200 solar installation companies across the nation, Solar.com sees SunPower pricing to be 0.57 per Watt higher than LG. This equates to a 3,420 on the total cost for an average sized residential solar system (6,000 Watts). This is a significant cost increase for most homeowners or business owners so it’s important to understand what differentiates the two brands and their products.
Efficiency Nominal Power
Solar module efficiency refers to the portion of energy in the form of sunlight that can be converted via photovoltaics into electricity. SunPower modules achieve a high of 22.2% with an average of 20.6%, while LG’s current products can achieve 19.5% with an average of 18.3% on the efficiency scale.
Nominal power, rated in DC Watts, is an important characteristic of a solar module to consider. SunPower’s modules range from 327W – 360W, while LG’s residential modules ranges from 275W – 320W. LG does currently offer modules as high as 370W, but these are larger in size and are typically used for commercial solar projects. Nominal power is significant because if you are a homeowner who needs a 6,000 W system to offset your electricity consumption from the Utility, you would need 17 modules with SunPower or 19 modules with LG.
Depending on how much available space you have on your roof, this may impact your decision. Also, if you plan to increase your energy consumption in the future (e.g. plan to have kids, want to get an Electric Vehicle, etc.) you may want to choose SunPower modules so you have enough space to install more modules in the future (if roof space is a constraint).
Degradation
Degradation is another characteristic of modules and it refers to their power decline over time. Most manufacturers guarantee their modules to degrade no more than 0.7% each year for 25 years. At 0.25%, SunPower’s X Series has the lowest degradation rates of any manufacturer. LG is better than average at 0.6%. After 25 years, a SunPower solar system is guaranteed to produce 92% of the electricity that it did at the time of installation while an LG solar system is guaranteed to produce 83.6%. The difference here may seem insignificant, but over the course of 25 years, this can add up.
Aesthetics
Homeowners and business owners who are concerned with aesthetics, often choose an “all black” module with a black frame and black back sheet. SunPower and LG both offer this style. However, SunPower’s all black module has a nominal power rating of 335 Watts, while LG ‘s is rated at 305 Watts. With a similar appearance, your decision to choose SunPower or LG should rely more on available roof space and the solar system size you need.
Warranty and Bankability
These two factors are closely related and should be discussed together. Warranties provide both security and peace of mind to consumers, but if the manufacturer goes belly up, their warranty is meaningless. SunPower leads the industry with their 25/25/25 warranty, covering performance, product defects, and labor. LG covers the performance for 25 years and any product defects and labor costs for 12 years. If you have a defective solar module after 18 years, SunPower will send someone out to replace the module at no cost to you, however, LG will not. That said, If you chose an installation company that has a 25-year bumper-to-bumper workmanship warranty, then this is a moot point.
Now let’s take a look at the bankability of these two companies. Everyone has heard of LG. You may have a microwave, television, or refrigerator in your home that is made by LG Electronics. Unless you’ve looked into going solar, you likely have not heard of SunPower. Looking at the NASDAQ, SunPower’s stock price has steadily declined over the past year from 24 in March 2016 to roughly 8 today. LG stock have remained steady during that time period and have even risen slightly from 10 to 12. The solar industry is still relatively immature and changes in policy and advancements in technologies can have a direct impact on manufacturers. Soon after Congress extended the 30% federal investment tax credit for solar in December 2015, SunPower announced 1,200 layoffs and shares quickly dropped over 30% in trading. The diverse portfolio of LG protects itself from any changes specific to the solar industry, arguably, making them a more stable and bankable company.
Coming Soon from LG
LG has developed residential solar modules that seem to truly rival SunPower. The LG NeON® R modules appear to close the gap and even exceed many of the advantages that SunPower currently has over other products. If LG keeps the price point near the current modules they offer, homeowners and business owners may have a tough time justifying SunPower’s higher cost.
Going solar can be a daunting task to many as there are many things to consider. The solar modules you choose are an important consideration, but many other factors deserve more attention. Contact Solar.com who will analyze everything for you. If you’re ready to go solar and deciding between SunPower and LG is the last piece of the puzzle, Solar.com will find you the best bids for both brands in your area so you can make an informed decision.
Have more questions or want to speak to someone regarding the best solar panels for your home? Please call (888) 454-9979.
This article was updated on October 20th, 2017 to reflect SunPower’s latest degradation rate and power warranty.
#SunPower
I vårt visningshus i Täby har vi själva haft den näst bästa panelen på vårt hus (LG NeON2). Nu har vi bytt till SunPower Maxeon som på mindre yta producerar 14 kW istället för 11,7 kW. Vi räknar med 34% fler kWh på samma tak! SunPower har dessutom 25 års produkt- och effektgaranti som gör det blir mycket lönsamt i längden.
En annan jämförelse…
SunPower har skrivit ett inlägg och gjort en jämförande studie av vårt visningshus i Täby och ett liknande hus i närheten. Jämförelsen är mellan när vi hade vårt ”gamla” tak med LG NeON2 All Black paneler och ett hus 6 km bort vi installerade SunPowers Maxeonpaneler på.
Jämförelsen visar att med väldigt lika förutsättningar och samma toppeffekt (11,7 kW) producerade huset med SunPower-paneler ca 12% fler kWh under 2018 än vårt hus med LG. Vi har nu bytt till SunPower-paneler på vårt hus…Läs hela inlägget här
Långa garantier – lönsamt i längden
Alla solceller har bra garantier. Men det finns stora skillnader som kanske inte är så uppenbara för alla. Till att börja finns det två typer av garantier. Den ena, Produktgarantin, gäller fel i panelen. Tex om en cell spricker (se filmerna nedan), om kontakten mellan celler brister eller dylikt.
Den andra garantin, Effektgarantin, gäller hur mycket effekt en panel ska producera i testförhållandet STC (Standard Test Condition) – när panelen är hel. Ja, just det, om panelen är trasig så gäller Produktgarantin men inte effektgarantin. Om garantierna är lika långa – som hos SunPower där båda är på 25 år – så är det inte ett bekymmer.
Men de flesta andra paneltillverkare ger bara 10, eller ibland 12, års Produktgaranti medan Effektgarantin är på 25 år. Så i realiteten är effektgarantin kanske inte så mycket värd efter 10-12 år.
De flesta effektgarantier slutar på 80% av effekten år 25 (om panelen är hel) medan SunPower garanterar att panelen är hel och dessutom producerar minst 92% år 25. Det är riktig trygghet.
Läs gärna de fullständiga garantivillkoren här.
SunPower är här för att stanna
I 35 år har SunPower drivit på innovationen inom solenergi. Eftersom det är det tillverkande företaget som står för garantierna är det viktigt att välja paneler från ett stabilt och väletablerat företag som har funnits med länge och som finns kvar långt fram i framtiden.
Alla solceller är inte skapade lika
SunPowers Maxeon®-solceller har en unik och patenterad konstruktion med solid koppar bakom den monokristallina kiseln. Det är ”hemligheten” bakom den höga effektiviteten och den överlägsna tåligheten.