SunPower Review: Is It a Good Company?

Tori Barrington

SunPower

SunPower

8.7

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4302 reviews
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Is SunPower a Good Company?

Company Overview
  • Customers report fair prices.
  • Holds over 500 solar tech patents.
  • Flexible payment options.
  • 4.5/5 stars from 3,500+ customers.
  • Highly efficient solar panels.
  • SunVault battery storage system.
  • With a mission to provide clean energy and backup storage for everyone, SunPower leads the industry with innovative residential solar solutions that are lauded by customers.

    From its inception in 1985 until now, it has been committed not only to providing solar solutions but also to improving people's lives through more sustainable sources of power - which is why every dollar you invest doubles your return, saving money AND helping our planet at same time!

    SunPower has also won many awards for their advanced technology. They received pv magazine’s 2019 Sustainability Award in recognition of their Maxeon solar panels. They were also awarded Good Housekeeping’s 2022 Home Renovation Award in the Biggest Energy-Savers Category for their SunVault Storage System.

    The most important thing about this company isn't how many patents they've obtained or awards won; what matters most is that SunPower has earned the trust of its past customers with quality service, efficient energy-saving technology, and reliable solar panels.

    SunPower operates in all 50 states in the U.S.

    Q&A
    What is SunPower? SunPower is a solar technology company that designs and installs solar panels for homes and businesses across the United States.

    They have won many awards and have earned 4.5/5 stars from over 3,500 customer reviews, proving that they are one of the best solar companies in the industry.

    Who should purchase SunPower? SunPower is perfect for those who are sick of paying a high utility bill and have saved enough money to make an investment. Though the cost of solar can be high, customers can take advantage of SunPower's flexible payment options.

    SunPower offers homeowners the choice to either buy the system or buy the power to accommodate different customers' energy goals and various budgets.

    They service all 50 states, so anyone living in the United States can schedule a free consultation to see if SunPower is a good fit for their energy needs.

    What makes SunPower special? In 2019, SunPower was awarded the solar industry’s Sustainability Award. They were the first company to achieve Cradle-to-Cradle recognition in material health and reutilization, renewable energy use, water stewardship, as well as social fairness!
    How much does SunPower cost? Because SunPower panels are among the most high-quality solar panels in the industry, the cost is a bit higher. SunPower solar panels can cost a minimum of $3.30 per watt if customers purchase with cash (this method is normally cheaper due to a general lack of fees from lenders). To compare, other panels cost around $3 per watt on average.

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    Do Customers Like SunPower?

    SunPower customers rave about their solar panels.

    Do you want to hear what they have to say for yourself?

    Take a look at the high customer satisfaction rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars given by over 3,500 individuals on BestCompany's website (see reviews below). Value is one area in which SunPower excels according to some shoppers who praise its affordability. Other homeowners mention how easy it was working with SunPower due to a responsive staff and transparent purchase process.

    Positive customer feedback repeatedly praises the following company qualities:

    • High Quality Products and Panels
    • Excellent and Response Customer Service
    • Courteous and Professional Staff
    • Quick to Resolve Customer Concerns
    • Durable Equipment

    The majority of SunPower customers love the company (88% of all reviews were 4- and 5-star reviews).

    One 5-star review recounted:

    “They answered all our questions, their service is impeccable, they were on time and did things right. The quality of the panels were terrific, the installation went fast, easy and complete and then they follow up from sun power was great. They didn't just sell you a product, you were part of the company and they made you feel that you're part of the ownership of it.” - Jack

    That said, every company has its share of negative reviews (just 8% of all reviews were 1-star reviews). Here’s a quick summary at some of the few negative reviews the company has received:

    • Malfunctioning Equipment
    • Warranty Issues
    • House Damage During Installation
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    SunPower Payment Options

    SunPower offers two different unique ways of paying for solar that are similar to the most-common payment options.

    Buy Your System

    If you want to own the equipment and benefit from the 30% solar Investment Tax Credit, this is the payment option that best suits your situation.

    Homeowners may qualify for $0 down and competitive interest rates. The mySunPower portal allows customers to track the financing process.

    Owning solar panels can also increase the value of your home.

    Buy Your Power

    If you want to enjoy the environmental benefits of going solar without the commitment of owning the equipment, this is the right payment option.

    Homeowners pay a fixed amount each month for their solar electricity, and if the system doesn’t live up to the performance guarantee, they will be reimbursed.

    While the solar panels will not increase the value of your home, if you decide to sell your home in the future, you can transfer the agreement to the new homeowner.

    This payment option does not have to be permanent. If you decide that you would rather reap the rewards of solar ownership, you can purchase the solar array.

    SunPower Equinox System

    Many solar companies have to outsource various parts of the solar array, like the panels, inverters, and batteries. SunPower is proud to provide their customers with a system that is completely designed by their team.

    The Equinox all-encompassing system includes:

    • SunPower Solar Panels: Solar panels manufactured by SunPower have reached up to 22.8% efficiency.
    • Built-in Microinverters: Microinverters are concealed behind each individual panel, which increases energy production.
    • InvisiMount Hardware: This mounting frame provides a minimalist look and improves curb appeal.
    • mySunPower Monitoring App: Monitor your own solar energy production and consumption.
    • System Warranty: SunPower's warranty covers the entire solar system for 25 years.
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    Solar Equipment Quality

    The company has been widely recognized for its customer service and product quality. This is reflected in the positive feedback from both customers who have had no issues with their equipment, as well those that reported minor problems being fixed quickly by enthusiastic staff members.

    Though less than 10% of customer reviews were negative, those few negative reviews commonly report problems with malfunctioning equipment. On the other hand, product quality, panel appearance, and energy efficiency are some of the company’s most-praised qualities.

    Maxeon Solar Panels

    SunPower’s most recent addition to their highly rated line of solar products is the SunVault Storage System. The new, sleek residential storage device pairs seamlessly with the SunPower Equinox system. SunVault Storage gives customers the ability to access electricity even during power outages.

    SunVault Storage comes with two separate boxes that control the system together: the SunVault Battery and Hub+.

    The warranty for this battery backup system is 10 years and is included in SunPower’s Complete Confidence Warranty.

    The mySunPower app is also compatible with the SunVault Storage System, which allows homeowners to monitor the energy being stored and used.

    SunPower and Maxeon worked together to manufacture high quality solar equipment, and they split into two separate companies as of 2020. SunPower now installs solar panels manufactured by Maxeon Solar Technologies.

    Maxeon manufacturers four different lines of solar panels:

    1. SunPower Maxeon

    2. SunPower Performance

    3. SunPower AC Module

    4. Maxeon Air

    According to Maxeon’s website, their solar panels were the most efficient in the industry as of June 2021. They are also confident that their panels are more reliable and durable than other brands of solar panels. The AC module incorporates microinverters into each solar panel and maximizes the energy efficiency of the entire array.

    The Maxeon Air group of solar panels have been researched for years and will be released in the near future. They are 50% lighter than the average solar panel and are only 4mm thick.

    While the pricing and wattage sizes of the panels are not transparent on their website, Maxeon Solar Technologies manufactures high quality solar panels. They were recognized in 2021 as a Top Performer in the PVEL (PV Evolution Labs) PV Module Reliability Scorecard.

    Attractive Appearance

    Homeowners spend thousands of dollars on improving their home each year. Bulky, ugly solar panels might get the job done, but wouldn’t it be better if they added to the beauty of your home, instead of becoming the neighborhood eyesore.

    SunPower panels and systems are made to blend into your home’s roof, with black panels and a subtle, hard-to-see mounting system.

    System Monitoring

    The mySunPower app was created to help customers track and monitor their energy savings and solar panel performance from anywhere.

    The app allows SunPower customers to analyze system performance with live reporting, receive live weather alerts, manage storage settings and battery levels, and use SunVault storage.

    SunVault Storage

    SunPower’s most recent addition to their highly rated line of solar products is the SunVault Storage System. The new, sleek residential storage device pairs seamlessly with the SunPower Equinox system. SunVault Storage gives customers the ability to access electricity even during power outages.

    SunVault Storage comes with two separate boxes that control the system together: the SunVault Battery and Hub+.

    The warranty for this battery backup system is 10 years and is included in SunPower’s Complete Confidence Warranty.

    The mySunPower app is also compatible with the SunVault Storage System, which allows homeowners to monitor the energy being stored and used.

    SunPower Virtual Solutions

    If you are still in the research phase, you might not be ready to commit to a team of solar experts visiting your home. SunPower has made it easy to get a quote and ask questions completely online.

    First, Sunpower has created a virtual design studio that allows their future customers to build their own solar array to see what it would like.

    Many people go solar because of how much money they could save. SunPower is able to provide potential customers with a savings estimate through a quick online form.

    Once customers are ready to speak with a SunPower representative, they can set up a free online consultation. This allows them to ask questions and get advice without any pressure.

    SunPower Warranty

    SunPower is confident in the quality of their equipment and installation, which can be seen through their 25-Year SunPower Complete Confidence Warranty.

    Because other solar companies may have to purchase the solar panels, inverters, racking, and other equipment from different manufacturers, many times there is a different warranty for each piece of equipment.

    SunPower designs the entire system, so they offer one warranty to cover everything.

    Complete Confidence Warranty
    Power Performance Guarantee 92% of original production after 25 years.
    Product Warranty Material and workmanship defects covered for 25 years.
    Service Warranty Replacement, repair, and reimbursement of defective panels for 25 years.

    One of the most impressive aspects of SunPower’s warranty is the power production guarantee. Many solar companies guarantee that their panels will produce about 80% of the original energy production after 25 years. SunPower is confident that their panels will be producing at 92% of original production 25 years after installation, which is far above the average industry standard.

    Other benefits of SunPower’s warranty include:

    • No receipt or proof of purchase required
    • Rust damage covered
    • No additional cost for repairs or replacements

    Our Recommendation

    We love SunPower for several reasons but mostly because the customers love it too. Between reports of customer’s energy savings, positive reviews, fair pricing, award-winning technology, and excellent customer service, we highly recommend SunPower.

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