SunPower Review: Installation and Financing (2023)

A pioneer in the solar industry, SunPower has nearly 40 years of experience and is regarded as one of the top solar companies worldwide. It originally manufactured its own solar panels but moved its manufacturing division into a separate company, Maxeon Solar Technologies, in 2019. These Maxeon solar panels are considered the most energy-efficient solar panels on the market. SunPower pairs them with its custom-made, high-end solar products to ensure you get maximum output and savings from your system. 

Continue reading to learn more about SunPower’s services, installation, and financing options to determine whether SunPower is the best solar company for your home.

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SunPower offers customized solar systems using Maxeon monocrystalline solar panels for homes. Known for their sustainability and high efficiency, these panels convert more sunlight than the typical solar system. SunPower maximizes the performance and output of its solar systems by manufacturing its own components and storage options; each aspect is designed to work better together.

SunPower services most areas in all 50 states, including major metros in popular solar states, such as California, Texas, New York, Florida, Massachusetts, and Arizona. Customers can search the company’s website by ZIP code to find the closest provider in their area. 

SunPower installs high-efficiency solar panels made by Maxeon. The panels produce more energy than others on the market, thanks to their smooth surface and anti-reflective coating. Their copper backing and heat-responsive connectors also make them more durable.

SunPower has streamlined its custom solar systems for peak performance by eliminating third-party components. The SunPower Equinox System uses fewer panels than standard solar systems, creating a minimalist design for your home. This system works well for homeowners with limited space on their roofs or customers hoping to keep the number of solar panels they use to a minimum.

SunPower sells its own solar battery, the SunVault Storage System, with each installation. Customers can add the optional Wallbox electric vehicle (EV) charger to their system. 

SunPower solar panels typically cost more than other brands on the market. EnergySage estimates that the company’s panels average between $3.12 and $3.74 per watt versus a national average around $2.77 per watt. 

SunPower Warranty Options

The company offers the SunPower Complete Confidence Warranty, a comprehensive 25-year warranty covering defects, workmanship, and performance for your entire system. SunPower guarantees an output of 92% throughout the warranty. Any issues that arise will be repaired for free. SunPower also provides a 10-year warranty for the SunVault Storage system and its monitoring software. Both warranties are included in the comprehensive warranty. 

SunPower Installation

SunPower offers several convenient, digital options to help streamline the installation process for potential customers.

1. Online design preview: The SunPower Design Studio lets you preview what your home would like with a solar power system. You will also receive details about how solar technologies can benefit your home. This step is optional. 
2. Free online estimate: Homeowners begin the official installation process by filling out the form on SunPower’s website for a free quote. After providing your home information and current energy needs, SunPower shares your estimated savings if you were to go solar with the company.  
3. Virtual consultation: SunPower offers the convenience of a virtual consultation with one of its solar experts. You will review the options available for your home and take part in designing your ideal solar panel installation. 
4. Contracts and permits: Once you agree to the proposal from your consultation, SunPower begins the paperwork for your installation. The company will ensure you have all the necessary permits and approvals in place before construction begins. 
5. Solar installation: The company works with Master Dealers that execute installations on its behalf throughout the country. These dealers have passed a very selective, invite-only process to ensure they’re among the most qualified solar technicians. The installation takes a day to complete, though it could take longer for more complex solar systems. 
6. Final inspections and activation: The completed home solar system must pass inspections by your utility company and the city to verify that all aspects are up to code. Once your system passes all inspections, your system will be activated.

With the mySunPower app, customers can monitor the status of their system and storage solution right from their phone. The app provides details about your current energy usage, the level of the solar battery, and past usage history. 

The app includes weather updates that help you stay ahead of low sunlight conditions. Customers can also see the charge remaining in their battery, ensuring they can prepare for low energy timeframes or an unexpected power outage. 

Three financing options are available. Each option includes the 25-year warranty:

• Full price purchase: Customers can pay the total price of their solar system, owning it immediately.

• Solar loan: If you want to own your system but make smaller payments over time, you can take out a loan with SunPower. The company offers $0 down and a set monthly payment during your contract. 
• Solar lease: Homeowners looking to pay for solar energy but not own the system outright should select the option to lease. You can start the lease agreement with a fixed monthly payment and no deposit. If you sell your home with an active lease, you can transfer your agreement to the new homeowner.

Selecting either the full payment or loan will qualify you to claim any state solar incentives and the federal solar tax credit. Solar incentives help reduce the overall cost of your solar panels, making your move to a home solar system more affordable. 

SunPower is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and holds an A+ rating from the company.* While most reviews are positive, even the best companies may have negative reviews. Here is a sample of the company’s BBB customer reviews:

“I’ve owned my SunPower Equinox PV system for > 3 yrs now. It looks great on my roof, and I love the fact that I don’t have to worry about my electricity bill in the summer. Last year there was an issue with the microinverters, but SunPower has addressed it. I’ve recommended SunPower to my friends and family members.” — Ashley W.

“Professional group – from my initial contact with sales, through installation, everyone was knowledgeable and responsive. One-day installation on my 2-story house was well coordinated, clean, and safely done. Considering their highly-rated technology, the quality of the team members I engaged with, and their project execution, I’m happy to have selected SunPower.” — Ed O.

“Poor communication and did not meet the deadline. Every step, from design to installation and system activation, we had issues that delayed the project. None of these delays were proactively communicated and I had to follow up to understand what’s going on.” — Kyuhwan D.

“We have been unhappy with SunPower. We would not recommend SunPower. You can never get a straight answer and never speak to the same person. Not sure if they use people from another country to answer their calls[,] which is fine if they are trained to know and answer the questions. We do not feel we have saved any money since using Sun Power and having solar.” — Lisa A.

*Better Business Bureau information is accurate as of September 2022.

Compare SunPower to Other Solar Providers

As you consider SunPower, it may be helpful to see how the company compares to two other top solar options:

Other Solar Company Reviews

• Blue Raven Solar Review
• Palmetto Solar Review
• Certasun Review
• Cosmic Solar Review

SunPower provides an optimized solar power system designed for efficiency. With its 25-year comprehensive warranty and the addition of an EV charger, homeowners can invest in an all-inclusive solar project guaranteed to last for years. Although SunPower is more expensive than other solar companies, investing in high-quality, efficient solar panels ensures your system will generate the maximum amount of solar energy for your home.

Before committing to a company, homeowners should research several potential solar installers to ensure they get the best options, benefits, and pricing to meet their individual needs.

Our Rating Methodology

The This Old House Reviews Team is committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. After over a thousand hours of research on solar companies, interviews with experts, and common customer needs, we’ve created a detailed rating system for solar providers based on six factors:

• Solar equipment, installation, and services (25%)
• Warranty and performance guarantees (25%)
• Brand reputation and certifications (15%)
• Financing options (15%)
• Experience (10%)
• Availability (10%)

Total scores are divided by 20 for a final 5-point rating scale.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.