SunPower has walked a long road since its inception in 1985 to become synonymous with high-quality solar panels.
While the company does provide several top-tier solar products, it’s safe to say that its panels are what consumers are really after.
SunPower has an array of solar panels made from highly efficient solar cells produced by Maxeon.
Now, knowing a brand is excellent is one thing, but navigating your way through the mountain of product information is another.
Not to worry, though; that’s what we’re here for!
In this article, we help navigate you through the 5 best SunPower solar panels you can buy!
Affiliate Disclaimer
Table of Contents
5 Best Types of SunPower Solar Panels
1. M- SERIES
SunPower 420-440W Residential AC Module
The SunPower 420-440W Residential AC Module got Equinox is the most efficient system with the highest AC density available.
It has a 25-year complete system warranty from SunPower (as with all their products), and the 66 Maxeon Gen 6 solar cells are 5% bigger than the previous product line!
This product eliminates any need for additional connections or hardware that isn’t needed.
An added plus: the Equinox System allows for added energy storage for a backup source during power outages or charge reductions.
2. A- SERIES
420-390 W Residential AC Module
The SunPower 420-390 W Residential AC Module is the most powerful solar panel of the brand with patented technology preventing breakages.
It offers up to 60% lifetime energy efficiency – another feeling of trust from the brand!
This product has the highest-power integrated AC module in the solar industry and is 60% lighter than previous designs.
The model panel uses 66 Maxeon Gen 5 cells which are 65% bigger than the X series, which you can find in the next section.
390-400W Residential BLK DC
This 390-400W Residential BLK DC model is extremely efficient, with even bigger solar cells than before.
Here you can expect up to 54% more energy over the 25-year lifetime warranty found on this panel.
This product uses 66 Maxeon Gen 5 solar cells within panels and has a wonderfully smooth look!
430-450 W Commercial A-Series Panels
The SunPower 430-450 W Commercial A-Series Panels are the industry’s most powerful and efficient commercial panels.
These power-dense panels come with the standard 25-year complete system warranty from SunPower.
The model panel uses 72 Maxeon Gen 5 cells which are 65% bigger than previous generations.
For three years, this SunPower panel has been ranked first by Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition’s Solar Scorecard.
A superb choice if you are also considering a LEED certification!
3. X- SERIES
X-Series Commercial AC Solar Panels
The SunPower X-Series Commercial Solar Panels offer a whopping 60% lifetime energy efficiency compared to other conventional industry panels. They are known for their promised reliability!
Alongside their 25-year product defect protection, these panels produce more energy over time.
These solar panels comprise 128 Maxeon Gen 3 solar cells and have ranked first in the Fraunhofer durability test.
X-Series Commercial DC Panel for Helix
The SunPower Commercial DC Panel for Helix is an X-Series panel compatible with a helix roof.
What does this mean?
This panel has pre-installed clips that allow a tool-free installation (and less time disruption, too!).
96 Maxeon Gen 3 solar cells and a solid metal foundation are the perfect combinations for convenience and success.
X-Series Residential DC Panel
The X-Series SunPower Residential DC Panel is one of the most minimalistic and sustainable solar panels.
The 25-year power and product protection is a bonus to the series that has ranked first on Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition 2015 Solar Scorecard.
It doesn’t end there— this panel is the first to have achieved Bronze Cradle to Grave Certification!
The solar cells comprise 96 Maxeon Gen 3 cells per panel.
X-Series SunPower Residential AC Module
The X-Series SunPower Residential AC Module is designed for use with the SunPower Equinox system (discussed in the M Series).
It has a glowing reputation for simple, fast installation to an integrated microinverter and quick shut down capabilities.
This panel type is made out of 96 Maxeon Gen 3 solar cells and comes with a 25-year power and product warranty.
4. E- SERIES
SunPower E-Series Commercial DC Panel
The SunPower E-Series Commercial DC Panel is one of the most reliable and efficient panels out there.
This panel achieved Silver recognition in the Cradle to Grave Certification, contributed to LEEDS categories more than conventional solar panels, and ranked first in Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition 2015 Solar Scorecard.
Made of 96 Maxeon Gen 2 solar cells (or 128 Maxeon Gen 2 cells in the Helix version), you can expect a sturdy and efficient panel with 12% more power over 25 years!
SunPower E-Series Residential AC Model
The SunPower E-Series Residential AC solar panel is designed to work with the SunPower Equinox system and is known for power with a minimalist feel.
This model has a factory-integrated microinverter which allows you to install the system with relative ease.
Made of 96 Maxeon Gen 2 solar cells, you can expect 12% more power over its 25-year power and product warranty compared to conventional systems.
SunPower E-Series Residential DC Panel
The SunPower E-Series Residential DC Panel is known for its high efficiency with solid durability.
This panel gives you 45% more energy than conventional panels over its 25-year warranty.
It is sustainable (with a Bronze Cradle to Grave certificate), ranked first in Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition 2015 Solar Scorecard, and contributes significantly to LEEDS categories.
You’re guaranteed a sustainable, good, quality product made of 96 Maxeon Gen 2 solar cells.
5. P- SERIES
SunPower Performance Series 1000V
Designed for power performance, the SunPower Performace Series guarantees an energetic kick and improved reliability due to the flexible solar cells.
The 25-year power and product warranty has you witnessing minimal power decline (only 0.6% per year) firsthand!
This system is ideal for ground rows or elevated rows.
SunPower Performace Series 1500 Volt
The SunPower Performance Series 1500 Volt solar panels are designed for consistent performance over decades.
Here you find the optimal design for the Oasis Power Plant!
The 25-year warranty sees minimal power loss, ending at an extraordinary level of 82.6%.
Which SunPower Solar Panel Is Best?
Now that you have a brief oversight of the SunPower panels on the market, it’s time to zoom into the technical aspects behind these options.
Residential Solar AC Panels
| Aspect | M-Series 420-440W Residential AC Model | A-Series 420-390W Residential AC Module | X-Series Residential AC Modules | E-Series Residential AC Module |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | 22.8% | 20.9-22.5% | 20.4-22.7% | 19.9%-20.4% |
| Maximum Continuous Output Power (VA) | 384 | 349 | Around 315 | 315 |
| Impact Resistance | 1-inch hail @52mph | 1-inch hail @52mph | 1-inch hail @52mph | 1-inch hail @52mph |
| Operating Temperatures | -40 F to 185 F | -40 F to 185 F | -40 F to 185 F | -40 F to 185 F |
| Size | 73.7 inches long, 40.6 inches wide | 72.2 inches long, 40 inches wide | 61.3 inches long, 15.5 inches wide | 61.6 inches long, 15.5 inches wide |
| Weight | 21.8 kg | 21.1 kg | 19.5 kg | 19.5 kg |
Residential DC Panels
| Aspect | A-Series 390-400 W Residential BLK DC | X-Series Residential DC | E-Series Residential DC Panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | 20.9%-21.4% | 20.6-22.7% | 19.6-20.1% |
| Nominal Power | 390-400 Watts | 350-370 Watts | 320-327 Watts |
| Impact Resistance | 1-inch hail @52mph | 1-inch hail @52mph | 1-inch hail @52mph |
| Operating Temperatures | -40 F to 185 F | -40 F to 185 F | -40 F to 185 F |
| Size | 72.2 inches long, 40 inches wide | 61.3 inches long, 41.2 inches wide | 61.3 inches long, 41.2 inches wide |
| Weight | 20 kg | 18.6 kg | 18.6kg |
Commercial Solar AC Panels
| Aspect | M-Series 450-475 W Commercial Panel | A-Series 430-450 W Commercial Panel | X-Series Commercial Solar Panels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | 20.2%-22.3% | 21.2-22.2% | 20.6-21.7% |
| Nominal Power (Watts) | 450-475 Watts | 430-450 Watts | 445-470 Watts |
| Impact Resistance | 1-inch hail @52mph | 1-inch hail @52mph | 1-inch hail @52mph |
| Operating Temperatures | -40 F to 185 F | -40 F to 185 F | -40 F to 185 F |
| Size | 80.6 inches long, 40.9 inches wide | 78.7 inches long, 40 inches wide | 81.4 inches long, 41.2 inches wide |
| Weight | 20.67 kg | 22.3 kg | 25.4 kg |
Commercial Solar DC Panels
| Aspect | X-Series Commercial DC Panels | X-Series Commercial DC Panels for Helix | E-Series Commercial DC Panels | E-Series Commercial DC Panels for Helix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | 21.3-21.7% | 21.2-22.1% | 19.6-20.1% | 20.1% |
| Nominal Power | 460-470 Watts | 345-360 Watts | 320-327 Watts | 435 Watts |
| Impact Resistance | 1-inch hail @52mph | 1-inch hail @52mph | 1-inch hail @52mph | 1-inch hail @52mph |
| Operating Temperatures | -40 F to 185 F | -40 F to 185 F | -40 F to 185 F | -40 F to 185 F |
| Size | 81.4 inches long, 41.2 inches wide | 61.4 inches long, 41.2 inches wide | 61.4 inches long, 41.2 inches wide | 81.6 inches long, 42.2 inches wide |
| Weight | 25.4 kg | 18.6 kg | 18.6 kg | 25.4 kg |
Performance Series (Large Scale Solar)
| Aspect | P-Series 1000 V | P-Series 1500V |
|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | 16-17% | 16.2-17.2% |
| Nominal Power | 330-350 Watts | 335-355 Watts |
| Impact Resistance | 1-inch hail @52mph | 1-inch hail @52mph |
| Operating Temperatures | -40 F to 185 F | -40 F to 185 F |
| Size | 81.4 inches long, 39.3 inches wide | 81.4 inches long, 39.3 inches wide |
| Weight | 23.1 kg | 23.1 kg |
Choosing A SunPower Solar Panel
Residential Panels AC Panels
When looking at the residential AC panels data, the following panels are optimal per aspect:
- Efficiency: The M-Series 420-440W Residential AC Model is the most efficient.
- Maximum continuous power output: The A-Series 390-400 W Residential BLK DC is the highest.
- Size: E-Series Residential AC Module is the smallest.
- Weight: E-Series Residential AC Module and the X-Series Residential AC Module are the lightest.
If efficiency and power are what you’re after (but you don’t mind the weight and a few inches extra) then the M-Series 420-440W Residential AC Model is a great option!
Source: SunPower solar panels
However, if you’re looking for a smaller size and need a slightly less power output, then the A-, X-, or E-Series are panels you should explore.
Residential DC Panels
Glancing at residential DC panels, the following optimal aspects are:
- Efficiency: the X-Series Residential DC is the most efficient.
- Nominal Power: the A-Series 390-400 W Residential BLK DC is the highest.
- Size: X-Series Residential DC and E-Series Residential DC Panel are the smallest.
- Weight: E-Series Residential SC Module and the X-Series Residential DC Panels are the lightest.
If you prioritize efficiency, weight, and size but you don’t mind a lower power output, the X-Series Residential DC Panels are superb options!
However, if you need the maximum power you can find, the A-Series 390-400 W Residential BLK DC is perfect.
Commercial AC Panels
Considering AC panels for your business setup?
Here is what the results say is best:
- Efficiency: the A-Series 430-450 W Commercial Panel is the most efficient.
- Nominal Power: the M-Series 450-475 W Commercial Panel is the highest.
- Size: the A-Series 430-450 W Commercial Panel is the smallest.
- Weight: the M-Series 450-475 W Commercial Panel is the lightest.
If you want efficiency and don’t mind the extra kilos then the A-Series 430-450 W Commercial Panel is for you!
On the other hand, the M-Series 450-475 W Commercial Panel is an excellent choice if you want the power and lightest weight!
But if we’re being honest, these panels come in really close in terms of measurement and power.
In other words, it boils down to what your personal preferences are!
Source: SunPower
Commercial DC Panels
If a DC commercial setup is what you have in mind, then take note of the following optimal aspects of the panel options:
- Efficiency: the X-Series Commercial DC Panel is the most efficient.
- Nominal Power: the X-Series Commercial DC Panel is the highest.
- Size: the E-Series Commercial DC Panel is the smallest.
- Weight: the E-Series Commercial DC Panel is the lightest.
The X-series is the most efficient in this category and will give you the most power. If, however, you prefer a smaller, lighter structure, then the E-series is for you.
DC Panels for Helix
- Efficiency: The X-Series Commercial DC Panel for Helix is the most efficient.
- Nominal Power: The E-Series Commercial DC Panel for Helix is the highest.
- Size: the X-Series Commercial DC Panel for Helixis the smallest.
- Weight: the X-Series Commercial DC Panel for Helix is the lightest.
If you need maximum power, the E-Series is for you!
Large Scale Performance Panels
For your bigger solar setups, such as solar farms, use the following panels:
Efficiency & Power: the P-Series 1500V is the top choice here
Weight & Size: the P-Series 1000V and 1500V are equal in weight and size.
So basically, it’s up to your power needs when choosing here!
Does NASA Use SunPower Solar Panels?
SunPower partnered with NASA and generated high-efficiency solar concentrator cells for their lab facilities.
These cells were then used for the Pathfinder and Helios NASA prototypes!
The top-class efficiency and lightweight nature of the solar cells are what led NASA to go with SunPower as their top choice.
Pretty fantastic technology, wouldn’t you say?
Source: Academic Dictionaries and Encyclopedia
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best solar panel for your needs is tricky to navigate!
Thankfully SunPower solar panels offer variations in power, weight, size, efficiency, and other factors that will most certainly cater to your needs.
Take your time to research a panel that sparks your interest, and enquire at a registered supplier if you want to start getting an idea about the next steps to take when setting your system up.
Rest assured, you’ll be dealing with state-of-the-art technology for sure!
If you want to share your thoughts or ask us a question, please feel free to reach out to us in the comments section below! Alternatively, visit our forum and share what is on your mind today!
