SunPower is one of the leading solar panel and cell manufacturers in the world. It is known for its efficient and high-quality panels that come with patented IBC cell technology. If you want to switch to SunPower panels and don’t know which are the best SunPower solar panels you can buy, then this list will surely help.

Sunpower Solar Panels: What Series Are Available?

Before learning about the best SunPower solar panels, it is important to know about the different series of solar panels SunPower has. These are three different SunPower solar panel series you can choose from-

1. M Series

This series is currently being manufactured by Maxeon Solar Technologies, which took over SunPower’s manufacturing facility in 2019. This series provides the highest output or wattage. They are also the most efficient solar panels in SunPower’s lineup but they come with a premium charge.

The M series offers 5 output options: 420W, 425W, 430W, 435W, and 440W. Additionally, all SunPower Maxeon-produced solar panels are comprised of n-type, monocrystalline, half-cut solar cells.

2. X Series

Maxeon also manufactures SunPower’s X Series. In comparison to the M series, the X series panels are less costly but also lower in output. They are a good fit for budget solar shoppers. This series offers two output options: 360W and 370W.

3. U Series

U Series is the most recent addition to the budget series of SunPower solar panels. Frankly, still, a lot is not known about this series. For a change, this series isn’t manufactured by Maxeon, instead, it is manufactured by a few different solar companies like Aptos Solar Technology (a U.S.-based solar manufacturer) and potentially Waaree (a large India-based solar manufacturer). So, the metrics of the U series are still not fully clear.

Now that you have a basic knowledge of the three series offered by SunPower, you are now eligible to go through this list of 5 Best SunPower solar panels you can buy.

5 Best Sunpower Solar Panels You Can Buy

SunPower offers different series of solar panels, and each series has the best panel of its own. All the series cater to different groups of buyers. So as a buyer, you need to choose the best series for you and then the best solar panel it offers. This list of the best SunPower solar panels will help you select the ideal SunPower solar panel for you.

1. M-SERIES

a) SunPower 420-440W Residential AC Module

JAN 23 best SunPower solar panels
Image from us.sunpower.com

The SunPower 420-440W residential AC Module with Equinox is among the best solar SunPower solar panels. It is very efficient and has the highest AC density. SunPower provides a 25-year complete warranty on this solar system. It has Maxeon Gen 6 solar cells that are 5% bigger than the previous product line.

This product doesn’t need any extra hardware or connections. Additionally, it has an Equinox System that allows for added energy storage for a backup source during charge reductions or power outages.

Also Read: SunPower Vs Tesla: Which is Better?

2. A- SERIES

a) 420-390 W Residential AC Module

JAN 23 5 best SunPower solar panels
Image from us.sunpower.com

The SunPower 420-390 W Residential AC Module is the most powerful solar panel the brand offers. It comes with a patented technology that prevents breakages.

This panel offers nearly 60% lifetime energy efficiency. It has the highest-power integrated AC module in the solar industry. Compared to the previous designs, this AC module is 60% lighter.

Additionally, this model panels use 66 Maxeon Gen 5 cells which are nearly 65% bigger than the X series.

b) 390-400W Residential BLK DC

JAN 23 Best SunPower Solar Panels You Can Buy
Image from us.sunpower.com

This 390-400W Residential BLK DC model is quite efficient. It has even bigger solar cells than before. Even after its 25-year lifetime warranty, you can expect nearly 54% more energy. This product also uses 66 Maxeon Gen 5 solar cells within its panels and comes with a spectacular smooth look.

c) 430-450 W Commercial A-Series Panels

JAN 23 best SunPower solar panels
Image from us.sunpower.com

The SunPower 430-450 W Commercial A-Series Panels are among the most efficient and powerful commercial panels available in the market. SunPower offers a standard 25-year complete system warranty on these power-dense panels.

Different from the other two models of this series, this one uses 72 Maxeon Gen 5 cells which are 65% bigger than previous generations.

Also See: Jinko vs Sunpower Solar Panels

3. X- SERIES

a) X-Series Commercial AC Solar Panels

JAN 23 5 best SunPower solar panels
Image from us.sunpower.com

Compared to other conventional industry panels, the SunPower X series Commercial AC solar panels offer an impressive 60% of lifetime energy efficiency. These panels are known for their reliability.

These panels come with 25-year product defect protection. Additionally, they produce more energy over time. They are made up of 128 Maxeon Gen 3 solar cells. Additionally, they have also ranked first in the Fraunhofer durability test.

b) X-Series Commercial DC Panel for Helix

JAN 23 best SunPower solar panels
Image from us.sunpower.com

The SunPower Commercial DC Panel for Helix is an X-Series panel suitable for a helix roof. This panel comes with pre-installed clips that allow for a tool-free installation. The panel comes with a solid metal foundation and 96 Maxeon Gen 3 solar cells.

Also Read: JA Solar Panels Review – Are They Good?

c) X-Series Residential DC Panel

JAN 23 best SunPower solar panels
Image from us.sunpower.com

The X-Series SunPower Residential DC Panel is one of the best SunPower solar panels because of its sustainability and minimalism. This panel is made up of 96 Maxeon Gen 3 cells.

This X series solar panel comes with 25-year power and product protection. It has also ranked first on Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition 2015 Solar Scorecard. Additionally, it is also the first panel to have achieved Bronze Cradle to Grave Certification.

d) X-Series SunPower Residential AC Module

JAN 23 best SunPower solar panels
Image from us.sunpower.com

The X-Series SunPower Residential AC Module is used with the SunPower Equinox system. It has a reputation for the fast and simple installation of an integrated microinverter. It also has quick shutdown capabilities.

This solar panel type is comprised of 96 Maxeon Gen 3 solar cells. Additionally, it comes with a 25-year power and product warranty.

4. E- SERIES

a) SunPower E-Series Commercial DC Panel

JAN 23 5 best SunPower solar panels
Image from us.sunpower.com

The SunPower E-Series Commercial DC Panel is among the most efficient and reliable panels in the market. This panel is made up of 96 Maxeon Gen 2 solar cells (or 128 Maxeon Gen 2 cells in the Helix version). This sturdy and efficient solar panel provides 12% more power over 25 years.

This panel ranked first in Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition 2015 Solar Scorecard, achieved Silver recognition in the Cradle to Grave Certification, and contributed to LEEDS categories more than conventional solar panels.

b) SunPower E-Series Residential AC Model

JAN 23 SunPower E-Series Residential AC Model
Image from us.sunpower.com

The SunPower E-Series Residential AC solar panel is known for its power and minimalistic feel. It is designed to work with the SunPower Equinox system.

This model offers a factory-integrated microinverter which allows you to install the system quite easily. It is comprised of 96 Maxeon Gen 2 solar cells. Over its 25-year power and product warranty, you can expect 12% more power.

c) SunPower E-Series Residential DC Panel

JAN 23 SunPower E-Series Residential DC Panel
Image from us.sunpower.com

The SunPower E-Series Residential DC Panel is known for its solid durability and high efficiency. It is a quality product comprised of 96 Maxeon Gen 2 solar cells. Compared to conventional panels, this panel gives you 45% more energy over its 25-year warranty.

It has ranked first in Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition 2015 Solar Scorecard, achieved a Bronze Cradle to Grave certificate, and also contributes significantly to LEEDS categories.

5. P- SERIES

a) SunPower Performance Series 1000V

JAN 23 SunPower Performance Series 1000V
Image from us.sunpower.com

The SunPower Performace Series is designed for power performance. It comes with improved reliability due to the flexible solar cells. This is an ideal panel for elevated rows or ground rows. It comes with a 25-year power and product warranty. It has a minimal power decline of about 0.6% per year.

b) SunPower Performace Series 1500 Volt

JAN 23 SunPower Performace Series 1500 Volt
Image from us.sunpower.com

The SunPower Performance Series 1500 Volt solar panels are designed for harmonious performance over decades. It comes with a 25-year warranty and a minimal power loss that ends at about 82.6%.

Also Read: Trina Solar Panels Review – Are Trina Solar Panels Any Good?

Which is the Best SunPower Solar Panel?

After getting a brief oversight about the best SunPower solar panels in the market, it’s time to dig deeper into the technical aspects of these options.

1. Residential Solar AC Panels

ParametersE-Series Residential AC ModuleX-Series Residential AC ModulesA-Series 420-390W Residential AC ModuleM-Series 420-440W Residential AC Model
Maximum Continuous Output Power (VA)315Around 315349384
Efficiency19.9%-20.4%20.4-22.7%20.9-22.5%22.8%
Size61.6 inches long, 15.5 inches wide61.3 inches long, 15.5 inches wide72.2 inches long, 40 inches wide73.7 inches long, 40.6 inches wide
Weight19.5 kg19.5 kg21.1 kg21.8 kg
Impact Resistance1-inch hail at the rate of 52mph1-inch hail at the rate of 52mph1-inch hail at the rate of 52mph1-inch hail at the rate of 52mph
Operating Temperatures-40 F to 185 F-40 F to 185 F-40 F to 185 F-40 F to 185 F

Also See: Longi Solar Panels Review – Are They Good?

2. Residential DC Panels

ParametersE-Series Residential DC PanelX-Series Residential DCA-Series 390-400 W Residential BLK DC
Nominal Power320-327 Watts350-370 Watts390-400 Watts
Efficiency19.6-20.1%20.6-22.7%20.9%-21.4%
Size61.3 inches long, 41.2 inches wide61.3 inches long, 41.2 inches wide72.2 inches long, 40 inches wide
Weight18.6kg18.6kg20 kg
Impact Resistance1-inch hail at the rate of 52mph1-inch hail at the rate of 52mph1-inch hail at the rate of 52mph
Operating Temperatures-40 F to 185 F-40 F to 185 F-40 F to 185 F

3. Commercial Solar AC Panels

ParametersX-Series Commercial Solar PanelsA-Series 430-450 W Commercial PanelM-Series 450-475 W Commercial Panel
Nominal Power (Watts)445-470 Watts430-450 Watts450-475 Watts
Efficiency20.6-21.7%21.2-22.2%20.2%-22.3%
Size81.4 inches long, 41.2 inches wide78.7 inches long, 40 inches wide80.6 inches long, 40.9 inches wide
Weight25.4 kg22.3 kg20.67 kg
Impact Resistance1-inch hail at the rate of 52mph1-inch hail at the rate of 52mph1-inch hail at the rate of 52mph
Operating Temperatures-40 F to 185 F-40 F to 185 F-40 F to 185 F

Also Read: Longi Vs LG Solar Panels – Which is Better?

4. Commercial Solar DC Panels

ParametersE-Series Commercial DC PanelsE-Series Commercial DC Panels for HelixX-Series Commercial DC PanelsX-Series Commercial DC Panels for Helix
Efficiency19.6-20.1%20.1%21.3-21.7%21.2-22.1%
Nominal Power320-327 Watts435 Watts460-470 Watts345-360 Watts
Impact Resistance1-inch hail at the rate of 52mph1-inch hail at the rate of 52mph1-inch hail at the rate of 52mph1-inch hail at the rate of 52mph
Operating Temperatures-40 F to 185 F-40 F to 185 F-40 F to 185 F-40 F to 185 F
Size61.4 inches long, 41.2 inches wide81.6 inches long, 42.2 inches wide81.4 inches long, 41.2 inches wide61.4 inches long, 41.2 inches wide
Weight18.6 kg25.4 kg25.4 kg18.6 kg

5. Performance Series (Large Scale Solar)

ParameterP-Series 1000 VP-Series 1500V
Nominal Power330-350 Watts335-355 Watts
Efficiency16-17%16.2-17.2%
Size81.4 inches long, 39.3 inches wide81.4 inches long, 39.3 inches wide
Weight23.1 kg23.1 kg
Impact Resistance1-inch hail at the rate of 52mph1-inch hail at the rate of 52mph
Operating Temperatures-40 F to 185 F-40 F to 185 F

Also See: JA Solar vs Canadian Solar- Which is Best?

How to Choose a SunPower Solar Panel?

JAN solar panels

Let’s learn what are the Best SunPower solar panels in different segments-

1. Residential Panels AC Panels

  • Size: E-Series residential AC module is the smallest.
  • Efficiency: M-Series 420-440W Residential AC Model is the best in terms of efficiency.
  • Maximum continuous power output: The panel with the highest maximum continuous power output is A-Series 390-400 W Residential BLK DC.
  • Weight: if you are looking for a light solar panel module then go for X-Series Residential AC Module and E-Series Residential AC Module.

If power and efficiency are what you’re after but don’t mind extra weight and inches then the M-Series 420-440W Residential AC Model is the best option.

On the contrary, if you need slightly less output and smaller size, then the A, E, and X series panels are what you should go for.

2. Residential DC Panels

If you want to go for residential DC panels, these are the best aspects:

  • Size: E-Series Residential and X-Series Residential DC Panel are the smallest.
  • Efficiency: The most efficient panels are from X-Series Residential DC.
  • Nominal Power: The A-Series 390-400 W Residential BLK DC has the highest nominal power.
  • Weight: the X-Series Residential DC Panels and E-Series Residential SC Modules are the lightest.

If your priority is weight, size, and efficiency but don’t mind a low-power output panel, the X-Series Residential DC Panels are amazing. However, if you want maximum power, the A-Series 390-400 W Residential BLK DC is great.

Also Read: Are Solar Panels Worth it in BC?

3. Commercial AC Panels

If you are considering AC panels for your business then this will help-

  • Nominal Power: the M-Series 450-475 W Commercial Panel has the highest nominal power.
  • Efficiency: The most efficient panel is definitely the A-Series 430-450 W Commercial Panel.
  • Weight: As per weight, you should go for the M-Series 450-475 W Commercial Panels as they are the lightest.
  • Size: If you want to go for the smallest panel go for the A-Series 430-450 W Commercial Panel.

If you want an efficient solar panel and don’t mind some extra weight then the A-Series 430-450 W Commercial Panel is for you. On the contrary, if you want a panel with great power and lightest weight then the M-Series 450-475 W Commercial Panel is the best choice. But to be fair, both these panels are quite close in terms of power and measurement. So, the choice between both is based on your personal preference.

4. Commercial DC Panels

If you want to go for a DC commercial setup, these are some optimal aspects of solar panel options:

  • Nominal Power: The X-Series commercial DC panel has the highest nominal power.
  • Efficiency: The X-Series Commercial DC Panel is a very efficient solar panel.
  • Weight and Size: The E-Series Commerical DC panel are the lightest and smallest panels.

In this category, X-series is the most efficient one. It is for people who want the most power. However, if you need a lighter and smaller structure then the E-series is for you.

Also See: Are Solar Panels Worth it in Arkansas?

5. DC Panels for Helix

  • Nominal Power: E-Series Commercial DC Panel for Helix has the highest nominal power in this category.
  • Efficiency: In this segment, the most efficient panel is the X-Series Commercial DC Panel for Helix.
  • Size and Weight: The X-Series Commercial DC Panel for Helixis is the lightest and smallest panel in this segment.

If you want to buy a panel with maximum power, the E-Series is great for you.

6. Large Scale Performance Panels

For bigger solar setups like solar farms, you can use the following solar panels:

  • Power and efficiency: In these aspects, the P-Series 1500V is the top choice.
  • Size and Weight: The P-Series 1000V and 1500V are equal in terms of size and base.

So, it boils down to your power needs when choosing an appropriate panel in this segment.

Also Read: Q Cell Vs LG Solar Panels Which is Better?

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages Of SunPower Solar Panels?

JAN 23 pros and cons

Learning about the best SunPower solar panels isn’t enough. To make the right investment decision, learning about the advantages and disadvantages of SunPower solar panels is also a must.

Pros of SunPower Solar Panels

  • Product Warranty: SunPower solar panels come with one of the most comprehensive and extended warranties. They have a 25-year product warranty. Additionally, if you register your panels, they also provide a 40-year 88.25% warranty.
  • Battery System Compatibility: Apart from solar panels, SunPower also offers the SunVault storage system. This allows you to install a completely integrated solar system under a single company.
  • Great Efficiency: Currently, these panels are the most efficient panels available in the marketplace.

Cons Of SunPower Solar Panels

  • Cost: These panels are quite expensive. So, if the price is a major concern for you, these panels aren’t for you.
  • Manufacturing: SunPower no longer manufactures its own panels. However, this isn’t a direct disadvantage.

Also See: 4 Leasing Solar Panels Pros and Cons

How Much Do SunPower Solar Panels Cost?

For most homeowners, price plays a pivotal role when selecting solar power equipment. So, just knowing the best SunPower solar panels isn’t enough, learning about their cost is also essential. The total price you’ll bear for a solar energy system with SunPower panels varies based on the equipment (like mounts and inverters) used in the installation. Additionally, the characteristics of your roof also determine the price.

Typically, most SunPower systems are priced between $3.48 and $4.10 per watt– these panels are on the pricier side. This means that for a 6kW system, you’ll need to approximately pay anywhere from $20,880 to $24,600 (this is without subtracting any tax credits or other incentives)

To find the best price on SunPower solar panels, you should analyze quotes from different installers. Finally, choose the profile of the installer on the basis of your preference.

With this, you have learned about the best SunPower solar panels you can buy. There isn’t a single best solar panel in SunPower, there are many. This company offers different series of solar panels and these series have their own best panels. On the basis of efficiency, output, size, weight, price, operating temperature, and impact resistance, you can choose the panel that is the best fit for you.

Recommended: 15 Best Electric Company In Georgetown TX

Share.
mm

Olivia is committed to green energy and works to help ensure our planet's long-term habitability. She takes part in environmental conservation by recycling and avoiding single-use plastic.

Leave A Reply