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SunPower is an industry leader in the solar market, supplying high-efficiency solar panels across 30 countries. SunPower designs and manufactures solar products on a large scale and has a good reputation. Its product range features a variety of panels with varying power outputs and efficiency. One thing SunPower products have in common is their long product warranty, which is usually 25 years, and high efficiency.
Our solar experts compare SunPower’s panels with similar products, assessing solar panel costs, performances, and features.
SunPower’s solar products are designed and manufactured by Maxeon Solar Technologies, a global leader in solar innovation. The company initially began in 1988, and by developing game-changing solar cells its products were used by the likes of NASA and Honda, and ultimately this really put SunPower at the forefront of the industry. Fast forward a few years, SunPower, now a global solar company, split into two companies in 2019 – SunPower and Maxeon Solar, with the latter focusing more on the global market.
The industry leader has a longstanding history in solar technology and is well-known for its highly efficient SunPower Maxeon 3 panel, which comes with one of the lowest degradations on the market with 98 per cent minimum warranted year-one output and a maximum annual degradation of just 0.25 per cent. Its power output alone was applaudable, but its 40-year product warranty, which is one of the longest warranties currently available for any solar panel on the market, really steals the show.
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Independent Advisor recently conducted a survey of 1,544 readers who owned a solar system, and the results were:
SunPower’s advanced solar technology has an abundance of premium features, such as long product warranties and low degradation, and its solar panel pricing does reflect this. Compared to other best solar panels on the market, SunPower’s panels do feature on the pricey end of the spectrum, but not without justification. We’ve compared SunPower with other solar companies, focusing on what price range and power output ranges the companies have.
| Solar company | Price range | Power output range | Product warranty range |
|---|---|---|---|
| SunPower | POA | 330W to 445W | 25 to 40 years |
| JA Solar | From approximately £50 | 365W to 585W | 20 to 25 years |
| Jinko | From approximately £60 | 415W to 605W | 12 to 25 years |
| Suntech | From approximately £100 | 400W to 515W | 12 years |
| REC | From approximately £100 | 365W 470W | 20 to 25 years |
SunPower panels offer mid range performance levels, with JA Solar, Jinko, and Suntech producing residential panels with higher outputs. However, its warranties are generally some of the best available. We are unable to compare prices as SunPower avoids publishing these, providing tailored quotes for a full system instead.
The featured solar panels were chosen based on different use-cases such as home size, homes with low-light conditions and homes with limited roof space. SunPower has various products ranges and all of which feature different power outputs.
Our experts multiplied the efficiency by the power output and divided that figure by the cost to calculate the value for money. This provides a fair and measurable result for each of SunPower’s panels. To find out more, read our article on how we review solar panels.
✓ 98 per cent minimum warranted year one output and maximum annual degradation of 0.25 per cent
✓ Designed to power through all weather conditions
✓Efficiency of up to 23 per cent
The SunPower Maxeon 6AC is well-known for its high power output and efficiency. It’s a premium monocrystalline solar panel that is well-suited to most UK homes thanks to its powerful solar technology. Perhaps one of the most notable features of the SunPower Maxeon 6AC is its low degradation; degrading at just 0.25 per cent per year means homeowners will reap the benefits of their solar system for much longer than with other solar panels. The only obvious drawback with the Maxeon 6AC is the lack of transparency around its price points.
Solar panels that have an efficiency of at least 20 per cent are considered good, so the Maxeon 6AC’s 23 per cent is exceptional. Its high efficiency means a large portion of usable energy is generated from the Maxeon 6 and this is especially beneficial for larger homes with a higher energy consumption. The panel has a power output of 445W, generating more power from fewer panels. The two combined make for a highly efficient solar panel that can generate more energy from a smaller roof space compared to many other panels on the market.
One of the Maxeon 6AC’s best features, besides its efficiency, is its reliability in poor weather. Engineered to power through all types of weather conditions, the panel’s crack-resistant cells allow for a layer of protection against harsh weather and prevent corrosion of solar cells.
The SunPower Maxeon 6AC seems to be one of the more expensive panels on the market, however, this cannot be verified without access to SunPower’s price data. This doesn’t come as a surprise since its product warranty and efficiency are high. With that being said, there are other solar panels that are comparable in terms of power output, efficiency and warranty for a potentially better price.
How does SunPower Maxeon 6AC compare to similar panels in its price range?
| Panel name | Efficiency | Power output | Cost per panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| SunPower Maxeon 6AC | 23% | 445W | POA |
| Project Solar Evo Super Max Series 480W | 22.18% | 480W | £315 |
| JA Solar JAM72S30 LR | 22.1% | 585W | £90 |
| Suntech Ultra V Pro Mini | 23.2% | 515W | £150 |
In terms of power output, SunPower’s Maxeon 6AC falls short of the market leaders, with Suntech and JA Solar offering 515W and 585W respectively. Efficiency-wise SunPower can hold its own at 23 per cent as there’s little to choose between the big names. The warranties awarded by SunPower are among the best, and although the panel prices at unavailable, the Maxeon 6AC delivers across the board.
| Efficiency | ★★★★★ |
| Power output | ★★★ |
| Value for money (ExP/C) | ★ |
| Overall | ★★★ |
The SunPower Maxeon 6AC is good for homes with high energy consumption. Its high power output and efficiency can produce a large amount of usable renewable energy. Thanks to its high efficiency, homeowners who install the Maxeon 6 would save a decent amount on their energy bills compared with other panels with less than 20 per cent efficiency.
As the price per panel is unavailable, it’s impossible to compare this figure against other panels on the market, so for those watching their budget, we’d recommend looking elsewhere.
✓ Up to 60 per cent more lifetime energy
✓ 12 per cent more power in year 25 than other solar panels
✓ Patented solid metal foundation prevents breakage and corrosion
The SunPower Maxeon 3 375W is a sleek, black monocrystalline solar panel that would suit homeowners concerned about aesthetics. Its seamless design blends into your roof, providing an elegant finish. Aesthetics aside, it’s a powerhouse of a solar panel, with high efficiency and power output. Just like other Maxeon panels Maxeon 435W, its product and performance warranty is 40 years – covering more than the average lifespan of a solar panel. The Maxeon 3 375W is likely to have a premium price tag and is best suited to medium-sized homes with average energy consumption.
The SunPower Maxeon 3 375W is a mid-power solar panel with a maximum efficiency of up to 21.2 per cent – higher than the recommended 20 per cent. Its high efficiency is ideal for both small and large homes, particularly homes with little roof space. This is because the SunPower Maxeon 3 could produce a certain amount of solar energy by using less roof space. The panel’s 375W power output is not necessarily the highest on the market but is still a decent wattage. According to our extensive solar panel research, the average watt for a solar panel is 400W, but it’s important to note that many other solar panels have a less than 20 per cent efficiency.
The Maxeon 3 375W solar panel won’t be as expensive as more powerful modules, but it’s likely to have a hefty price tag compared to panels with similar features. Our researchers have reviewed all the top solar companies in the UK, comparing their panels to try to gauge where the Maxeon 3 falls on the price spectrum.
How does SunPower Maxeon 3 375W compare to panels in its price range?
| Panel name | Efficiency | Power output | Cost per panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| SunPower Maxeon 3 375W | 21.2% | 375W | POA |
| 380W JA Solar Mono MBB Percium Half-Cell panel | 20.4% | 380W | £70 |
| 380W Qcells Q Peak Duo Black solar panel | 20.1% | 380W | £100 |
Though the Maxeon 3 375W has a higher efficiency when compared with similar powered panels on the market, it’s likely to be more expensive. The JA Solar Mono 380W has an efficiency of 20.4 per cent and a smaller price than the Qcells 380W panel, and our experts suggest that the SunPower panel is pricier than the latter.
| Efficiency | ★★★★ |
| Power output | ★★★ |
| Value for money (ExP/C) | ★★ |
| Overall | ★★★ |
The SunPower Maxeon 3 375W is good for smaller homes that don’t need high powered panels.
The Maxeon 3 is not suitable for large energy-hungry families.
The Maxeon 6 425W is a full-black panel and would suit homeowners who are concerned with the aesthetics of solar panels on their roof, or when conserving the property’s heritage is important. It’s designed to maximise power output, even when faced with adverse weather conditions, and is ideal for households in areas with low-light conditions.
The Maxeon 6 425W has an efficiency of up to 22 per cent, which means each panel can generate a good amount of solar energy. With a power output of 425W, the panel would suit homes with a mid-range energy consumption.
As with other Maxeon products, cost comparisons between brands are impossible without a SunPower price. However, from our research, they are likely to have a premium price point.
| Panel name | Efficiency | Power output | Cost per panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunpower Maxeon 6 425W | 22% | 425W | POA |
| Perlight Delta 425W Total Black Mono | 21.4% | 425W | £90 |
| 425W Trina Vertex S Mono Black Frame Solar Panel | 21.3% | 425W | £100 |
| Efficiency | ★★★★★ |
| Power output | ★★★★ |
| Value for money (ExP/C) | ★★★ |
| Overall | ★★★★ |
The Maxeon 6 has a high power output and efficiency, meaning you could install fewer panels and still meet energy consumption demands.
With a 425W output, this panel might not fulfill the energy needs of a large family, with multiple items using energy simultaneously.
✓ Designed to deliver more lifetime energy than standard solar panels
✓ Maximum annual degradation of 0.45 per cent
✓ Works well in low-light conditions
SunPower’s Performance 6 panels combine performance, reliability and aesthetics. Its innovative shingled-cell design is durable and has a high performance. They have the ability to produce 8 per cent more energy in the same space than conventional mono perc panels, which makes them a great choice for homeowners with high shade coverage.
The SunPower Performance 6 410W panel has a maximum efficiency of up to 20.9 per cent, which is not as high as the Maxeon 6 panels. Its power output is 410W, which would be well-suited to most mid-sized homes and provide enough usable energy.
SunPower doesn’t publish its solar panel prices, so accurate comparisons are impossible, but how does SunPower Performance 6 410W compare with other panels with a similar output?
| Panel name | Efficiency | Power output | Cost per panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| SunPower Performance 6 410W | 20.9% | 410W | POA |
| JAM53S30 410 Half Cell PV | 20.1% | 410W | £80 |
| 410W Longi 54c HiMo5 Black Frame Mono solar panel | 20.1% | 410W | £60 |
The Performance 6 holds up well against its competitors, making it a great choice if it’s within your budget.
| Efficiency | ★★★★ |
| Power output | ★★★★ |
| Value for money (ExP/C) | ★★★ |
| Overall | ★★★★ |
Households located in areas with limited sunshine or low-light conditions would find this panel suitable for their needs. The SunPower Performance 6 is designed to produce more energy than other solar panels, even in low-light conditions.
Although the Performance 6 has a good power output, it may not be enough for larger properties with heavy energy demands.
✓ Engineered to withstand humidity, daily temperature swings and shading
✓ Delivers up to 7 per cent more energy in the same conditions over 25 years compared to conventional mono perc panels
✓ Maximum degradation of 0.45 per cent per year
SunPower’s Performance 3 385W has one of the lowest efficiency out of all of its product ranges. Its efficiency is also lower than most other panels with a similar power output, such as the JA Solar Mono MBB Percium Half-Cell Silver Short Frame QC4, which has an efficiency of 20.4 per cent. Its power output would be best suited to smaller homes that don’t require much electricity.
How does SunPower Performance 3 385W compare with similar panels in its price range?
| Panel name | Efficiency | Power output | Cost per panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| SunPower Performance 3 385W | 19.6% | 385W | POA |
| 380W JA Solar Mono MBB Percium Half-Cell | 20.4% | 380W | £60 |
| 380W Q Cells Q Peak Duo Black ML-G9PLUS Solar Panel | 20.1% | 380W | £90 |
The Performance 3 has a lower efficiency rating than some of its competitors, so you might find better value elsewhere.
| Efficiency | ★★★ |
| Power output | ★★★ |
| Value for money (ExP/C) | ★★★ |
| Overall | ★★★ |
This panel is worth considering for homes with an average energy consumption and that don’t require a high power output.
It wouldn’t suit fully detached properties with more than three bedrooms – its power output and efficiency may not be able to provide enough energy.
SunPower has been a big player in the solar industry for over 30 years and completes solar installations on a global scale. It’s quite difficult to find a true representation of what customers think about SunPower. Though we did find it received two out of a possible five stars on Trustpilot, there were only 510 customer reviews available.
“New solar installation and I was not able to connect or get the system running. Warren Grennan, from SunPower, came out. He was super nice and professional. Even better, he really knew what he was doing. It turns out the original install was done so poorly the system couldn’t work. Warren spent extra time correcting those mistakes and stuck around until everything was up and running properly. Thank you, Warren!”
Established in 1988, SunPower has grown from a small solar technology company into a global leader, known for its top-tier solar panel efficiency and strong warranties. However, its advanced technology comes at a higher price compared to other brands on the market.
The SunPower Maxeon 3 offers up to 22.8 per cent efficiency, making it one of the highest on the market, significantly above the average 20 per cent efficiency. This high efficiency allows it to generate more energy with fewer panels.
The SunPower Maxeon 3 offers a combined 25-year product and performance warranty, rising to 40 years upon registrations, the longest in the market, ensuring durability and reliability. It has a projected 98 per cent maximum power output in the first year with only 0.25 annual degradation thereafter.
