With more than 30 years of experience in solar technology, SunPower has established itself as one of the leading companies in the industry. It has developed some of the most powerful and energy-efficient solar panels on the residential market, offering a fully customized solar system with in-house components. The result is a highly efficient system designed to operate at optimal production for decades. But does that mean SunPower is the best solar company for you?

To help you with your decision-making process, we’ve conducted in-depth research on the company’s benefits, drawbacks, services, customer reviews, and more. 

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Overview of SunPower

• State Availability: 50 states
• Warranty Options: 25 years
• Panel Options: Maxeon monocrystalline 
• Payment Options: Cash purchase, solar loan, solar lease
• BBB Rating: A+

Compare the pros and cons of a solar installation with SunPower:

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Compare the Best Solar Companies

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SunPower Reviews

Our analysis of SunPower customer reviews reveals that homeowners like the company’s high-quality equipment and excellent system output. Customers also think the sales representatives are helpful and knowledgeable. However, many people have faced issues with the customer service team. They mention communication issues, citing a lack of callbacks and follow-ups. 

We typically analyze Google Reviews for each company, but due to a limited number of reviews for SunPower, we analyzed reviews on Best Company instead. Read a sampling of what customers had to say below. 

“Their representative was the most knowledgeable of all of the people that I talked to and had come by and visited and he answered all of my questions, and I appreciated that. Also … it was all integrated, so if I have a problem with one thing, the same company would be able to take care of every aspect of it. I did have a problem with it: When it first came online, it was not reading right and in one phone call it was taken care of. They seem to have the best equipment out there—definitely not the cheapest but the best. The financing part went really smoothly.”

—Terrance via Best Company

“The panels that I got are absolutely fantastic. I’m producing more power than I consume right now, and it will help so much having these credits for when the summer really starts to crank up. The installers that came out were professional and courteous. The sales team was knowledgeable and professional as well. Every concern that I have had so far has been addressed quickly, except for one: The app doesn’t work properly. I have emailed about it and thus far only been given lip service as to it being fixed.”

—Michael W. via Best Company

“This company is horrible and not responsive. Spent $55,000 on solar panels, they hooked them up wrong, and I’m not getting an advantage in having solar. Called and got nothing from them. Got an email that didn’t answer the issues with my system. DO NOT BUY.”

—Brian P. via Best Company

“We have been reaching out to SunPower every single day to get the system fixed. All they say is the scheduler will reach out to you, and that has never happened. We didn’t get notified of the system being down, and once we found out, we were assigned a person who never showed up. Very poor communication from them, and we are very frustrated.”

—Devavrath via Best Company

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SunPower Overview

SunPower has developed advanced solar technology since its founding in 1985. Over the years, it has produced some of the most efficient solar panels available. Though SunPower moved its panel manufacturing division into a separate company called Maxeon Solar Technologies in 2020, the panels remain optimized for SunPower systems.

SunPower has also developed its own solar storage system and microinverter technology. The SunPower system is designed to work with each of the company’s custom products, creating a seamless solar power system designed to work at maximum efficiency. 

SunPower is available in all 50 states. However, its coverage varies by zip code. We recommend contacting SunPower directly to ensure your home is within its service area.

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SunPower Cost and Payment Options

Because SunPower uses both an all-inclusive solar energy system and high-efficiency panels, the overall costs for its service is higher than the industry standard. SunPower doesn’t offer exact pricing details on its website. However, EnergySage estimates that Maxeon panels cost about $3.30 per watt on average, higher than the industry standard of $3. Despite the higher price point, investing in the best solar panels available will ensure your system runs at peak efficiency. 

SunPower customers have three financing options for their new solar system:

• Full payment: Homeowners can buy their system outright, receiving full ownership of their solar system and avoiding any unnecessary interest charges. This option also qualifies customers for the federal solar tax credit and any additional incentives offered at the state or local government level.
• Solar loan: If you prefer to pay for your system over several years, a solar loan may be better. Since the loan includes an interest rate, you’ll inevitably pay more for your system than the full payment. However, loans still qualify you for any available solar incentives and credits, which can help reduce the overall cost of solar panels. A loan also helps you retain ownership of your solar system.
• Solar lease: With a solar lease, SunPower retains ownership of the solar system, making the company responsible for its upkeep and maintenance. You’re only responsible for paying for the energy that is generated by the system, similar to a monthly electricity bill. By agreeing to this option, you forfeit any additional federal and state incentives. At the conclusion of your lease, you can renew for an additional term, pay for the system, or have the system removed from your property.

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Our Recommendation

Homeowners looking to convert their home to renewable energy should consider investing in an excellent solar panel system from the start. High-efficiency panels built to generate more energy will help your home run efficiently, increasing your energy savings over the years. SunPower offers high-quality panels and an accompanying system made to work effectively together. Although this option means your initial investment will be higher, it goes toward your long-term savings in the future. 

We recommend that you compare the services of at least three solar panel companies before making your final decision. Thoroughly research and compare the panel options, customer reviews, solar panel warranty, and financing options.

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How We Chose the Top Solar Companies

We researched and analyzed dozens of solar panels and solar installation companies. We then formulated a rating system based on each solar installer or manufacturer’s services. We considered several significant factors including the quality and type of solar panels offered, the customer support network, warranty lengths and limitations, and additional benefits for homeowners such as customer service and mobile apps for monitoring.

Speaking directly to a representative, we determined how each solar company personalizes its solar panel installation for each home. We also analyzed each company’s warranty options to ensure their product and performance guarantees match or exceed industry standards. 

We evaluated each provider based on their rating and history with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to determine reputation. In addition, we analyzed the 100 most recent Google Reviews for each provider across various locations and branches.

Read more: Our Methodology