SunPower AC Module

SunPower AC Energy Solutions

Maximise your savings and minimise your headaches.

SunPower AC module systems combine industry-leading solar panel technology with advanced microinverter technology from Enphase to maximise your roof’s potential. 

The result? Greater reliability over your system’s lifetime, with superior output in real-world conditions—not to mention the enhanced curb appeal that comes with a simpler, cleaner system design.

And it’s all backed by the peace of mind that comes with 40 years of category-leading warranty protection* SunPower Maxeon solar panels are backed by a 40-year warranty. Subject to terms and conditions. Not available in all countries. 40-year warranty requires registration, otherwise our 25-year warranty applies. Claim based on datasheet review of websites of top 20 manufacturers per IHS, as of May, 2019. Microinverter warranty provided by Enphase. Claim based on Enphase competitive review, 2020. and the professional expertise gained from 35+ years in solar.

Better technology. Better together. 

Make the most of every moment

With home solar that makes the most of every moment of sunlight* SunPower Maxeon 5 AC panels are currently available only in select countries. For more information contact us or call our toll-free number: 00 800 855 81111

What is a microinverter?

A microinverter is a small electronic device that sits beneath each solar panel. Its main task is to convert the electricity generated by your solar panels from direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) that you can use directly in your home or export to the grid.

Powerfully Reliable

String Inverter System

In a conventional setup, one inverter controls the output of a whole solar array, a design with a single point of failure.

0% system power if 1 string inverter fails

SunPower AC Modules

SunPower AC Modules distribute this risk across every panel through a far more reliable technology: Enphase microinverters.

80% system power if 1 microinverter fails

Solar that Works Harder. And Smarter.

Each SunPower AC module functions independently, making your whole system more reliable, and your rooftop more productive. With conventional technology, the system performs only as well as its weakest panel. This can dramatically reduce output due to shade or other real-world challenges, even small debris like leaves.

String Inverter System

50% System Power

(performs at level of weakest panel)

SunPower AC Module System

84% System Power

(max energy harvest)

SunPower Maxeon Solar Panels

Home solar’s most advanced technology

#1 in solar panel efficiency1 Based on search of datasheet values from websites of top 20 manufacturers per IHS, as of January 2019
Unmatched reliability2 Jordan, et. al. Robust PV Degradation Methodology and Application, PVSC 2018.
Industry-leading 40-year warranty3 SunPower Maxeon solar panels are backed by a 40-year warranty. Subject to terms and conditions. Not available in all countries. 40-year warranty requires registration, otherwise our 25-year warranty applies.

Learn more about SunPower Maxeon Technology

SunPower Performance Solar Panels

Uncompromised performance, exceptional value

High efficiency at a value price
Proven results in real-world conditions
Comprehensive 25-year warranty

Learn more about SunPower Performance Technology

Powerful Home Solar Panel SunPower Performance

Room to Grow

Powerful panels mean you’ll need fewer on your roof. In the case below, just fourteen SunPower Maxeon AC or sixteen SunPower Performance AC modules are required to deliver a minimum 6kW system, compared to seventeen conventional panels.*Fourteen SunPower Maxeon AC modules at 440 W, 22.8% efficiency, compared to seventeen Conventional Panels (365 W mono PERC, 20.3% efficiency, approx. 1.85 m²), compared to sixteen SunPower Performance AC modules at 385 W, 19.6% efficiency. This gives you a compact design and the flexibility to expand your system as your energy needs evolve, accommodating EV charging, AC storage, the electrification of home appliances and more.

Conventional Panel
+ String Inverter System

SunPower Performance
AC System

SunPower Maxeon
AC System

The SunPower Maxeon AC Module

SunPower Maxeon 5 AC Module Video Graphic

Always in Sync

Home solar’s most advanced solar technology - on your roof, and in the palm of your hand.

Panel-level monitoring1 Energy consumption data, financial savings data, and module level performance data may not be available to some customers.

Have confidence in your system performance through individual data on each panel.

Real-time views2 Data provided on average, on 5-minute intervals.

See your energy and environmental data on any connected device, and share your results on social media.

Automatic software updates

Remain current on all utility rate updates and system improvements, hassle free.

The Enphase Enlighten™ App

Download the app now available on the App Store or on Google Play.

The Best of Both Worlds

Invest with confidence, knowing that the quality is proven for both SunPower solar panels and Enphase microinverters. Each is uniquely designed for climate extremes, tested beyond industry standards, and proven by actual field results. Each is also backed by a category-leading warranty1 SunPower Maxeon claim based on datasheet review of websites of top 20 manufacturers per IHS, as of May, 2019. Enphase claim based on internal competitive review, 2020. from the manufacturer.2 DC solar panel covered by SunPower Complete Confidence Warranty (25-year limited power and limited product warranty). Microinverter covered by 25-year limited product warranty by Enphase.) AC modules shall be connected to Enphase Monitoring hardware (ENVOY) to enable Enphase product warranty.

Leading durability3 Jordan, et. al. Robust PV Degradation Methodology and Application, PVSC 2018.
#1 lowest degradation rate in the industry at 0.25%4 As of 2018, Jordan, et al, “Robust PV Degradation Methodology Application” PVSC 2018 and “Compendium of Photovoltaic Degradation Rates” PiP 2016
88.3% warranted power output in year 40 of operation
0.005% panel return rate5 A Comparative Study: SunPower DC Solar Module Warranty Claim Rate vs. Conventional Panels.” SunPower Corporation. 2019
More than 3.5 billion cells, 35 million panels shipped

Leading reliability in real world conditions
87.2% warranted power output in year 25 of operation
Comprehensive 25-year warranty
Industry’s most deployed shingled cell panel

Enphase 25 Year Guarantee

Tested for 1 million hours
0.05% microinverter return rate
No moving parts or fans
28 million microinverters shipped
Category-leading inverter warranty

Thinking about going solar?

Start saving on your electricity bill with SunPower AC modules

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Microinverter?

A microinverter is a small electronic device that sits beneath each solar panel. It’s main task is to convert direct current (DC) from your solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity that you can use in your home or export to the grid.

Are SunPower AC modules available in my country?

SunPower AC modules are currently available only in select countries. For more information contact us (https://sunpower.maxeon.com/int/contact-us) or call our toll-free number: tel: 00 800 855 81111.

Is the AC module compliant with RD 244 for zero injection? Can it be used for isolated installations?

No, export limiting functionality is not yet compliant with RD 244/2019. Most installations with Enphase microinverters are residential scale (below 15kW) and are easily accepted without this compliance.

In three-phase installations, can you divide surpluses by phases?

Each microinverter is a single phase device. Three-phase installations are constructed with single phase microinverters distributed across the phases. The inverter will monitor power consumption at each phase using the CTs connected to the Envoy-S communications gateway, limiting grid export to the defined level, either on a per phase or aggregate basis as required.

How is surplus solar production controlled?

Enphase microinverters offer export control by reducing power production at each microinverter to maintain export to a defined power level—which can be zero for a zero-export site. The microinverters do not offer control of surplus power beyond export to the electricity network.

Can you schedule the surpluses in any way? For example, to different appliances or an electric car charger?

Some customers have achieved some clever customised DIY solutions for re-directing surplus power using Enphase APIs, however, Enphase does not currently offer products that re-direct surplus power.

How has the system performed in high summer temperatures in Spain?

A simulated PV system performance has been evaluated in Madrid with the following results for roofs with limited space available:

30% more power on the roof
42% higher performance
Half the degradation

In a space unconstrained situation also in Madrid:

10% higher yield
Half the degradation
Similar cash flows
Lower risk for future maintenance

SunPower systems will also benefit from leading warranty coverage—up to 40 years in the case of SunPower Maxeon AC panels. Enphase microinverters are warranted for 25 years. For assumptions and a personalized simulation, please contact us to be connected to a SunPower installer.

In a three-phase installation of 230V between phases, can these modules and microinverters be installed without additional transformers? What accessories need to be included in the installation?

Yes, AC modules can be installed on Delta grid arrangement with 230V between phases. No additional transformer equipment is required for typical LV connections.
Alongside the microinverters that are supplied as part of the PV module, installers will need to purchase Q cables, cable accessories and the Envoy-S communications gateway.
Contact your Sales Manager to access additional installer tools to learn more about site design and balance of system requirements.

In addition to the AC module, what additional components are needed to complete the installation?

In addition to the AC module, installers will need to purchase Q cables, cable accessories, and the Envoy-S communications gateway.
Contact your Sales Manager to access additional installer tools to learn more about site design and balance of system requirements.

How is a system fault detected?

All AC module installations must be internet connected for the monitoring to receive the 25-year microinverter warranty. This internet connection reports data to the Enphase monitoring platform, Enlighten on a per microinverter/module basis.

The performance of each microinverter and module is visible to the installer via Enlighten and alerts are provided for any faulty equipment, such as an under-performing PV module or a faulty microinverter.

If an issue is identified, does the installer need to replace the entire panel?

No, the microinverter is detachable from the PV module so each component can be serviced separately.

If a replacement is needed, who will provide the service?

If an issue is detected via the Enlighten monitoring platform, please contact Enphase Customer Support. If the issue is related to the microinverter, Enphase will provide any service required under their warranty coverage. If Enphase determines the issue is related to the panel, the service will be transferred and supported by Maxeon Solar Technologies under the appropriate SunPower panel line warranty.

How is the system managed in three-phase? How are imbalances managed?

The Enphase three-phase Q Cable allows balanced and automated power management of each phase. Alternatively, when using three single-phase cables, care must be taken to balance the phases by installing a similar number of panels on each phase.
The Envoy-S communications gateway can also provide phase imbalance monitoring to ensure authorised limits are not exceeded. The Envoy is able to manage PV power production at the microinverter level to maintain balance within set limits.

How many microinverters can you put on a single-phase, three-phase installations?

In single-phase, 10 microinverters can be connected. In a three-phase installation, up to 30 microinverters can be connected on a single 20A three phase circuit breaker. Larger systems can be constructed with multiple AC branch circuits.

If one panel fails, does the rest of the system continue to produce energy?

If the microinverter (or the associated PV module) should fail, only that PV module is offline. The remainder of the system continues to operate as normal – a key benefit of AC modules.

Is this system compatible with storage solutions? What kind of storage?

AC solutions are compatible with AC energy storage solutions. When using Enphase Storage, you can see the energy flows on Enlighten, Enphase’s system monitoring application. If you choose a different storage solution provider, you will need to use their monitoring application to see the energy flows of the battery.

How is using multiple microinverters more reliable than using one string inverter?

With a string inverter there is a single point of failure. If the string inverter fails, the entire array is offline. However, with a microinverter each individual PV module has its own dedicated inverter. If the microinverter (or the associated PV module) should fail. only that PV module is offline while the remainder of the system continues to operate.

Enphase microinverters have a publicly stated defect rate of 0.05%, which equates to 1 in 2000. Given that the Enphase defect rate is better than most string inverters, this results in a PV installation with higher reliability and a higher overall system uptime over the life of the array.

Additionally, Enphase microinverters have an estimated useful life of more than 25 years, compared with string inverters that typically last around 10 years.

What is the advantage of the AC modules in comparison to optimizers?

SunPower AC solutions offer higher yield, easier and faster installation, and greater flexibility. There are also other benefits such as reliability, shading advantages and low-light power responses.

Is the AC module system certified to this standard?

All grid-connected modules with integrated inverters must comply with all the requirements and tests established in parts 1 and 2 of the UNE-206007 Report. Prior to the connection and/or contracting of self-consumption, and as indicated in section 4 of part 2, this compliance must be certified by a certification body accredited according to UNE-EN 1S0/IEC 17065.