How do the SunPower Solar Panel Product Ranges differ from each other?

SunPower Maxeon Series:

Distinguishing Features: The Maxeon Panel series is known for its industry-leading efficiency, 40 year warranty and durability. It features SunPower's Maxeon solar cell technology, which uses a solid copper foundation for enhanced reliability and performance.

Benefits: These panels offer high efficiency, low degradation rates, and exceptional long-term energy production. They are suitable for residential and commercial installations where space is limited, and maximum energy generation is desired.

SunPower Performance Series:

Distinguishing Features: The Sunpower Performance Panel series provides a balance of efficiency and value. While slightly less efficient than the Maxeon series, these panels still offer good performance and quality. They use high efficiency mono PERC cells, as opposed to SunPower's proprietary back contact technology developed for our Maxeon panels.

Benefits: These panels are a cost-effective choice for homeowners and businesses looking for reliable solar power generation without the premium price tag. They are a practical option for a wide range of applications.

How do solar systems work?

A photovoltaic (PV) solar system is comprised of solar panels, racks for placing the panels on your roof, electrical wiring and an inverter. From sunrise to sunset, the solar panels generate electricity (DC) which is sent to an inverter. The inverter converts the DC electricity into alternating current (AC), which is the type of electricity required for household use. The AC power is delivered directly to your home’s main electrical service panel for use by you and your family.

What is the difference between High and Medium Cosmetic Quality?

Cells with a high cosmetic quality have slight color variations on the front side. After laminating, the color of the solar cells has a dark appearance even with a black background. Cells with a moderate cosmetic quality have some color variations on the front side. After laminating, the color variations on the cells became less obvious but are often still visible when inspected from short distances.

How long does charging take?

This will depend on your panel wattage, your battery watt-hour (Wh) capacity (a measurement of storage capacity) and the weather. A 150 Wh battery will charge faster than a 500 Wh battery because the 500 Wh battery has more storage capacity, therefore requiring more time to fully charge. In addition, a 100-watt panel will charge a battery faster than a 50-watt panel exposed to the same amount of sunlight.

Charging time will be affected by weather, shade, time-of-day, age and use of battery, efficiency of the charge controller, placement of the solar panels, and other operational factors. Be sure to look on your solar-compatible battery for an estimate of charging times as well as panel-wattage compatibility, and always check the charging characteristics of the battery to ensure it’s compatible with the wattage of the panel.

For higher battery capacity (greater than 150 Wh) we recommend using a 100-watt panel. Before doing this, however, please ensure that the battery you are charging is compatible with this wattage and use a compatible charge controller.

How do SunPower Performance panels help businesses minimise up-front project costs?

SunPower Performance panels are designed to provide better performance and reliability than conventional panels. This means businesses can achieve their energy goals with fewer panels, leading to reduced installation costs. Additionally, the advanced technology and design features of these panels ensure maximum energy output, offering better value for the investment.

How do SunPower Performance panels contribute to long-term cost savings for businesses?

SunPower Performance solar panels help organisations minimise up-front project costs. Their enhanced reliability and durability mean fewer maintenance issues and longer panel lifespan, leading to long-term cost savings. The panels' superior efficiency also ensures optimal energy production, reducing energy bills over time.