Pros
- Nationwide availability
- Flexible financing options
- High-quality, efficient solar panels
Cons
- Only installs its own equipment
- Expensive
- Customer service varies
Table of Contents
- SunPower at a Glance
- What Can You Expect From SunPower?
- Sunpower Services
- Sunpower Solar Panel Options
- Where Is SunPower Available?
- SunPower Warranties
- How Much Do SunPower Solar Panels Cost?
- Financing Options
- SunPower Installation Process
- Getting a Solar Panel Installation Quote: We Put SunPower to the Test
- What We Like About SunPower
- What We Didn’t Like About SunPower
- What People Are Saying About SunPower
- How SunPower Stacks Up
- Bottom Line: Is SunPower the Right Solar Installer for You?
SunPower is a powerhouse in the solar panel installation industry. Those interested in high-efficiency solar panels on their home will likely recognize the solar brand name and its quality panels and batteries.
In this guide, we will take a look at SunPower and everything the company offers so customers can evaluate whether the solar provider is the right choice for their solar installation needs.
Featured Partners
1
Palmetto Solar
BBB Grade
A+
Financing Options
Purchase, loan, PPA
Number of States Covered
27
2
Blue Raven Solar
BBB
A+
Financing Options
$0 upfront for 18 months
Number of States Covered
21
3
Momentum Solar
BBB Grade
A+
Financing Options
Purchase, loan
Number of States Covered
10
SunPower at a Glance
SunPower is a leading solar, storage and energy services provider based in Silicon Valley, CA. The company has acquired over 1,000 patents for its solar technology since it set up shop nearly 40 years ago.
We scored SunPower 4.8 out of 5 stars, and the company topped our list of best solar companies of 2024 thanks to its top-of-the-line products. The company has some of the highest-rated solar panels and batteries on the market. It offers four solar power lines, each boasting a better-than-average efficiency rating of 20% or higher.
With service in all 50 states, SunPower is one of the largest solar installation companies in the country. Larger service providers come with widespread availability, but they also come with downsides, like variable customer service experiences.
Customers who aren’t as concerned about price and customer service but want some of the best solar panels on the market should consider SunPower.
What Can You Expect From SunPower?
SunPower’s efficient solar panels generate power while shrinking your carbon footprint and saving you money on your electricity bills.
SunPower has several solar financing options to allow homeowners to go solar without a down payment. The company offers solar purchases, loans and leases. Plus, SunPower advertises low monthly payments, high credit limits and a quick application process for its financing options.
Looking For Hassle-Free Solar Installation
Find a network of trusted installers for solar system, solar panels and electricity needs. Find a solar panel installer today!
Sunpower Services
SunPower offers home solar systems, solar batteries and electric vehicle (EV) charger installation services. Homeowners can also use the company’s app to monitor system performance.
Because the company is so widespread, its in-house installers aren’t always available. The company uses a combination of in-house installers and subcontractors to install solar panels.
Sunpower Solar Panel Options
SunPower installs solar panels from a manufacturer called Maxeon, which spun-off from SunPower in 2020. The combination of Maxeon solar panels, microinverters and mounting hardware is branded as the SunPower Equinox Solar System. Maxeon’s panels have the highest efficiency ratings on the market at up to 22.8%.
Where Is SunPower Available?
SunPower is available in all 50 states. The company ranks well on solar company review pages in states where solar power is popular, like California, Arizona, Florida, Texas and New York.
States that are still catching on to solar also rank SunPower highly. The company is one of the best providers in North Carolina and Pennsylvania.
SunPower Warranties
SunPower’s warranty covers rooftop solar systems for 25 years, including performance, labor and parts. Monitoring hardware is covered for 10 years, as are batteries.
How Much Do SunPower Solar Panels Cost?
Solar panel pricing ultimately depends on where you live. The best way to determine how much SunPower solar panels cost in your area is to enter your information on the company’s website to get a quote from an agent.
SunPower reports that, on average, solar panels cost between $2.65 and $4.20 per watt, but keep in mind that is the average of all brands on the market. To get a customized estimate from SunPower, you’ll still want to reach out.
Customers who purchase their systems are also eligible for the federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which offers a tax reduction as an incentive for installing a solar energy system. The ITC is 30% of the solar system cost until 2033 and will gradually reduce until it expires in 2035.
Financing Options
Full Purchase
Customers can pay the full price of the system upfront, which is the most cost-effective solar financing option. When you pay the full price upfront, you’ll see the quickest return on investment, saving more in the long run. However, it’s also the most expensive option at first, and many people may not be able to swing the upfront cost.
Solar Loan
SunPower has its own in-house financing department, which means customers can get competitive solar loans with low-interest rates. For customers who are unable to pay the full price of the system upfront, springing for a solar loan is a great option.
You’ll still be the owner of the system, which qualifies you for some solar tax incentives, but it may cost you more in the long run due to interest.
Solar Lease
With a solar lease, you don’t own the system outright, and you won’t qualify for incentives. It essentially means SunPower still owns the panels, and you “rent” them by paying a monthly fee.
Power Purchase Agreement
Like a solar lease, a power purchase agreement (PPA) allows you to “rent” the solar energy system. But instead of paying a fixed monthly fee, you only pay for the energy you use. PPAs charge you per kWh of energy you get from the solar panels.
SunPower Installation Process
If you’re interested in installing a SunPower solar system, start by getting an online estimate on the company’s website free of charge. You’ll then get a projected system cost and 25-year energy savings once you enter your address and the amount of energy you use.
If you’re ready to move forward, you can set up a free virtual consultation with an agent. The agent will be able to walk you through the process and answer any questions you have along the way.
Before beginning installation, SunPower will secure the required city permits and enroll you in net metering programs (if they’re available).
SunPower will work with one of its certified partners to install your solar panels, which usually takes one day. Then, your city and utility company will inspect and activate the system.
Getting a Solar Panel Installation Quote: We Put SunPower to the Test
SunPower’s website is intuitive and easy to navigate. Getting a free quote is as simple as typing in a few details on the front page.
After you enter your information and select “get started,” it will prompt an agent to put together a quote and call or email you with specifics.
SunPower’s website also features a solar power calculator where you can enter your address and a few other details like how much sun your house gets and how much energy you regularly use.
The calculator will give you an estimate of how much money you’ll save by switching to solar. From there, you can contact an agent to get a free quote and make the switch.
What We Like About SunPower
SunPower offers some of the most efficient solar panels on the market. Paired with a great warranty option, this makes SunPower an ideal choice for consumers looking to shrink their carbon footprint and save on electricity bills.
What We Didn’t Like About SunPower
SunPower’s equipment is top-notch, which means you’ll be paying top dollar. It’s typically more expensive than its competitors, so customers should get quotes from multiple companies before opting for SunPower.
According to reviews, its customer service also varies from place to place, depending on the agent you talk to, but this isn’t abnormal for such a large company.
What People Are Saying About SunPower
Across multiple review sites, customers overall rate SunPower highly. The company earns more than four stars on sites like ConsumerAffairs, Google and SolarReviews. Customer reviews report that SunPower’s technicians are well-organized and professional with excellent customer service.
Customer complaints, when we found them, centered around SunPower not honoring its warranty while there were some who complained their solar system only functioned well for the first few years. SunPower currently holds an A+ rating from the BBB.
How SunPower Stacks Up
SunPower vs. Blue Raven
SunPower acquired Blue Raven in 2021, but Blue Raven still operates as its own brand. Blue Raven has been in business for about 20 years less than SunPower.
Blue Raven generally ranks higher than SunPower on customer review platforms, but its warranty is on the lower end. Blue Raven’s warranty covers solar panels for 10 years, while SunPower’s covers them for 25.
Learn more: Blue Raven review
Best Solar Companies By State
Bottom Line: Is SunPower the Right Solar Installer for You?
SunPower offers extremely efficient solar panels, making it a top performer among solar panel companies in the United States. While generally highly rated, we found the company’s customer service reputation to be mixed.
SunPower is more expensive than its competitors, but it offers a top-of-the-line warranty on its products.
If you’re okay with relatively high prices, SunPower is an excellent solar energy company with nationwide availability.
Methodology: How We Rated Solar Companies
To determine the best solar company ranking, the Forbes Home editorial team analyzed 26 major companies, with each company’s star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, including years in business, equipment options, app and customer reviews and support, nationwide availability, price and warranty, product specifications and features.
You can find out more about how Forbes Home rates solar companies in our detailed methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does SunPower cost on average?
SunPower doesn’t share its pricing on its website, but the company lists the average cost of solar systems in general as $2.65 and $4.20 per watt.
How efficient are SunPower solar panels?
SunPower solar panels are some of the most efficient he market, with an efficiency of up to 22.8%. That’s significantly higher than the solar panels of its competitors, which range from about 19% to 22%.
How long do SunPower solar panels last for?
SunPower solar panels have an expected useful life of more than 40 years. But not every solar panel lasts that long—it depends on several factors, including the quality of the material, maintenance, temperature fluctuations and more.
How does SunPower compare to other solar companies?
SunPower is one of the leading solar companies in the United States, with the most efficient panels on the market. While SunPower is generally more expensive than competitors, it’s rated highly among reviewers.
Is SunPower worth it?
SunPower’s high-efficiency solar panels are worth it to customers who can pay upfront or stand to wait several years for the solar panels to pay for themselves. The company’s extensive warranty, covering them for 25 years, also makes it worth it to many homeowners.
