SunPower is one of the leading solar energy providers in the U.S., founded back in 1985 in Silicon Valley, California. With over 40 years of solar expertise, SunPower offers solar installations, solar storage, and EV solutions – catering to nearly any household looking to save money and take advantage of clean energy.
SolarReviews' team of solar experts gives SunPower a 4.2 out of 5-star rating, meaning the company is a great choice for those looking to go solar. But, be aware that SunPower installations tend to be more expensive than those from other companies, and you're limited by what equipment you can install.
Here are some of the pros and cons of going solar with SunPower:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Installs high-performance panels | Expensive |
| Company longevity | Poor customer service reviews |
|
Widely available |
Limited equipment options |
| Great warranty |
Expert SunPower review: at a glance
We’ve broken down everything you need to know about SunPower by cost, availability, and more!
How much does a SunPower installation cost?
You can expect to pay about $3.30 per watt for a SunPower installation, which is more expensive than average.
A typical 6 kW solar installation costs about $3.00 per watt, or $18,000. A SunPower installation of the same size will cost about $19,800, making it a bit more expensive.
It’s hard to determine an exact price for a solar installation – everyone’s situation is unique! The total price of a solar installation can vary with how many solar panels you need, where you live, and even how you pay for the system!
To give a better idea of how much you can expect to pay, the chart below breaks down the price of a SunPower installation based on different system sizes:
| System size | Avg. SunPower price* |
|---|---|
| 4 kW | $13,200 |
| 6 kW | $19,800 |
|
8 kW |
$26,400 |
| 10 kW | $33,000 |
*before incentives
Does SunPower offer payment options?
If you don’t have the funds to pay for your system upfront, you can finance your solar system using SunPower Financial. SunPower offers a few financing options to homeowners:
- SunPower’s solar loan offers up to $150,000 for well-qualified customers with interest rates generally between 4.99% and 9.00%. You must have a minimum credit score of 600.
- SunPower’s solar lease and power purchase agreement (PPA) options allow you to install solar and batteries with no upfront cost. Plus, SunPower has a production guarantee, so you are promised a certain amount of savings. However, using a lease or a PPA means you won’t own your system and can’t take advantage of incentives like the federal solar tax credit.
If you want to maximize your savings, the best payment option is purchasing your system upfront.
Look out for hidden fees. When financing, lower interest rates typically mean higher dealer fees. Be sure to ask for a cash and a financing quote from your SunPower installer to check for high fees and compare prices.
Where is SunPower available?
SunPower solar and battery installation services are available in all 50 states.
SunPower has an extensive dealer network, which has allowed it to expand quickly. SunPower dealers can be smaller, local installations certified to install SunPower systems, and offer other SunPower services. The dealer network lets you have all the perks of a local installer with the backing of a large corporation.
What is SunPower’s warranty?
Having a good warranty is important for a 25-year investment like a solar installation. Warranties help ensure your system is in good working condition and holds its value over its lifespan.
Fortunately, SunPower has one of the best solar warranties in the industry. SunPower’s Complete Confidence warranty provides top-tier coverage for all solar equipment, not just the panels! SunPower’s warranty includes:
- Product warranty: 25-year warranty that covers labor, shipping, and all parts of your solar system.
- Performance warranty: 25-year warranty that promises your system will operate at no less than 92% of its total power output rating by the end of the warranty period.
- 10-year warranty for battery storage and monitoring equipment.
SunPower goes above and beyond the industry warranty standards, making its warranty one of the best in the business.
What do customers think of SunPower?
After sifting through customer reviews of SunPower here on SolarReviews, the overall opinion of SunPower is pretty mixed. Many homeowners say they had an excellent experience working with the company, while many other reviews state that working with SunPower was a nightmare! SunPower has 4.53 out of 5 stars on SolarReviews, which is excellent for a large company.
We pulled a few verified consumer reviews from SolarReviews so you can get an idea of what customers have to say about going solar with SunPower:
SunPower also has an A+ Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating and a 3.8 out of 5 stars based on customer reviews. Most of the negative reviews suggest that SunPower could improve on customer service support when it comes to system issues.
Keep in mind that SunPower is a nationwide company, and the reviews of the individual SunPower dealers in your area are the most important ones to look at. After all, the local SunPower installer is the one who will be on your roof!
What brand are SunPower’s solar panels?
SunPower does not manufacture its own panels. However, it is the exclusive seller of the Maxeon 6 series solar modules from Maxeon. Landing on our list of the best solar panel brands two years in a row, Maxeon panels are highly efficient, great quality, and reliable.
The key specifications of the Maxeon 6 panels sold by SunPower are listed below.
| Brand | Wattage | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|
| Maxeon 6 series | Up to 440 | Up to 22.8% |
Heads up, solar customers! Although Maxeon is the primary manufacturer for SunPower, we’ve seen quotes that use panels made by other, lesser-known brands like Waaree and Aptos. Be sure to check your quote to know where your panels are coming from – and if they’re a reliable option for your home.
SunPower’s solar battery storage solution
SunPower also offers an energy storage solution as a part of its line of solar products. The SunPower SunVault battery can be added to your new or existing solar energy system.
Here are a few key features of the SunPower SunVault:
| Key feature | SunVault specification |
|---|---|
| Power rating | 6.8 kW |
| Capacity | 13 kWh |
|
Cost |
$12,000 - $25,000 |
| Warranty | 10-year limited warranty |
The SunPower SunVault battery can be great for customers who live in areas that experience frequent blackouts, or if they don’t have access to net metering. For instance, customers in California under NEM 3.0 can benefit from having battery storage to help bring down their electric bills.
Read more: Full review of the SunVault battery
SunPower’s financial performance and years in business
One of the most important things to remember when searching for a solar installer is company longevity. Our experts at SolarReviews value financial performance and years in the industry, and we strongly suggest taking this aspect into account when doing any research on solar companies or manufacturers. It’s better to feel confident that the company you do business with will be around for the lifespan of your system for any issues along the way.
Because SunPower is a publically traded company, you can gauge how profitable the company is and decide if you think it'll be around for the long haul. According to its latest financial report, SunPower’s official revenue totaled $1.7 billion in 2023. The company also gained nearly 76,000 customers in the same period. But, despite these numbers, the company is in a substantial amount of debt. At the end of 2023, this debt caused SunPower stock to plummet and worried some that it may go out of business.
You should also ensure that the SunPower dealer you're working with has been in the business for a while. We recommend going with companies that have been in the industry for at least five years to show that they have the experience necessary to get your solar installation done right.
Bottom line: Is SunPower the right installer for you?
Overall, SunPower can definitely be a great choice for your next home solar installation - but it can come at a price.
For starters, SunPower has longevity. SunPower’s dealer network lets you get all the benefits of a local installer with the backing of a large, reliable company. You can sleep better at night knowing that SunPower will likely be around to support you for your system’s entire lifespan. Going solar with SunPower also gives you access to high-quality Maxeon panels you can’t get anywhere else, and, to top it all off, they have an industry-leading warranty.
On the downside, SunPower installations tend to be expensive. Going solar with SunPower can limit your equipment options, as they only offer one battery and a limited selection of panels. We’ve also seen that most negative customer reviews for SunPower seem to center around poor customer service – so be sure to check out the reviews for the local dealer you’d be working with as well as SunPower as a whole.
At SolarReviews, we recommend contacting at least three installation companies and comparing each quote. Not only does comparing multiple solar quotes get you the best installation possible, but it also gets you the best price.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Still unsure about SunPower? Here are some frequently asked questions about SunPower’s services:
Q: How long has SunPower been in business?
SunPower has been in business for nearly 40 years! The company was founded in 1985 in Silicon Valley, California.
Q: How can I track the performance of my SunPower solar panel system?
You can easily monitor your solar, storage, and electricity use from virtually anywhere by downloading the mySunPower app.
The app allows you to view and track individual panel production and electricity usage right at your fingertips.
Q: Do SunPower solar panels qualify for solar incentives?
SunPower solar panels are eligible for the federal solar tax credit, which currently credits 30% of the total cost of your solar installation to your federal income taxes. There may be other local solar incentives or rebates in your area that can help lower costs, as well.
SunPower also has a $1,000 upfront rebate to any current or former members of all branches of the U.S. military.
As an added bonus, the ConnectedSolutions program is a performance-based incentive for customers of National Grid, Eversource, or Cape Light Compact in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut who install a SunVault battery.
Q: Do I need to install a battery with SunPower?
You do not need to install a battery with a SunPower installer. Solar batteries aren't for everyone, and most homeowners don't need one at all!
Q: Does SunPower offer EV solutions?
Sunpower does not manufacture their own EV products, but they do offer installation for Wallbox EV chargers through their partnership. Wallbox is a 240 V, level 2 charger that is wall-mounted and compatible with any electric vehicle, even a Tesla!
Along with this, you can also charge your EV using solar power when you install a SunVault battery to your home.
Q: Are SunPower and Maxeon the same company?
Maxeon has been making solar panels for SunPower since its founding in 1985. In 2020, SunPower and Maxeon split into two separate public companies, but still operate hand-in-hand. Maxeon handles most of the manufacturing end, while SunPower does the installations.
Methodology
In order to give SunPower its 4.2-star rating, we reviewed the company based on quality, value, availability, and customer review scores:
- Quality: We scored the solar panels that SunPower installs on efficiency, temperature coefficient, PVEL score, and warranty. We also reviewed the SunVault battery's power output, storage capacity, and installation flexibility.
- Value: We reviewed the wholesale costs of SunPower's solar equipment to determine its value.
- Availability: This score is based on how many states in the U.S. SunPower offers its services.
- Customer review scores: This is based on the consumer review score of SunPower on SolarReviews.
Jamie Smith
Content Writer
Jamie is a Content Writer and researcher at SolarReviews. A recent graduate of La Salle University in Philadelphia, Jamie earned her B.S. in communications with a concentration in journalism, mass media, and public relations.