- Max. panel efficiency
- 22.8%
- Warranty
- 25 years
- Year founded
- 1985
- Availability
- Nationwide
SunPower uses high-efficiency solar panels and has a strong reputation from an equipment standpoint. Its manufacturing company, Maxeon, makes one of our favorite black roof panels. They are reliably efficient and durable, built on a solid copper foundation.
We like that SunPower takes care of almost everything: evaluating your electricity needs, customizing a solar panel system, figuring out financing, helping with permits and coordinating the installation team.
After installation, SunPower’s monitoring and maintenance services help maximize your solar system’s efficiency and, if necessary, can diagnose any issues. There’s also solar battery servicing and energy auditing to help you see how your power usage changes over time.
SunPower benefits
- Available nationwide
- 38 years in business
- Comprehensive 25-year warranty
- Good monitoring app
- Battery storage options
- Ongoing support
SunPower’s “Complete Confidence Warranty” covers all components — including the panels, inverter, racking and monitoring — plus performance for 25 years. The company repairs or replaces equipment at no cost to you (including labor and shipping). It also covers rust damage for seaside installations.
Financing options
- Loan: Qualified customers can get reasonable rates with no money down. All financing approvals and processing are handled through the mySunPower portal.
- Lease: You pay a monthly fee to use solar panels that SunPower owns. SunPower reimburses you if your solar system doesn’t perform as guaranteed, and the agreement can be transferred to a new buyer if you sell your home.
SunPower might not be the best fit if you’re on a tight budget or a tight deadline. Some customers have experienced issues with installation delays.
- Expensive: Quality solar equipment comes at a premium price. On the higher end, we’ve talked to customers who spent $100,000 or more on a system. On the bright side, SunPower offers financing and leasing options with $0 down in some cases.
- Huge company: If direct, in-person communication is important to you, consider working with a smaller operation or hiring locally.
Happy SunPower customers often tell us about a seamless installation process and significant savings on energy bills.
One customer, Darren in New Jersey, thought the rep’s estimate “sounded too good to be true” at first. “We were wrong! The numbers were true and the install was perfect. The entire process was as promised and now (5 months in) my electricity bills are a fraction of what they used to be,” Darren told us.
Edward in Colorado said his SunPower solar panel system generates “an annual surplus of power that the local utility company pays me for at the end of each year. The panels and included inverters have worked flawlessly since they were installed. I especially like that my electricity costs are now fixed as I expect utility costs to increase significantly in the future.”
Douglas in Connecticut is a first-time homeowner who wanted to save on electricity costs. “I did a good amount of research, met with other companies and ended up with SunPower panels,” he said. “Their industry-leading warranty lets me keep peace of mind, and industry-leading efficiency lets me know I have the best product.”