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Maxeon makes the world’s most reliable and advanced solar panels for homeowners. The most expensive too! Is having a PV system from Maxeon worth it or is it a bit like driving a golden Rolls-Royce? Let’s take a close look at them in our Maxeon solar panels review.

Maxeon is Sunpower’s spin-off

Maxeon started out as a subdivision of Sunpower, the most famous American manufacturer of solar panels. In 2020 it became a separate company. Sunpower offers PV systems and energy storage products for residential customers and Maxeon supplies it with solar panels.

Maxeon’s headquarters are registered in Marina Bay Financial Centre, Singapore but executive offices are in San Jose, California, US. Maxeon has sales operations in more than 100 countries and has the rights to use the SunPower brand in some of those countries.

Maxeon solar technologies: Efficiency comes first

Maxeon engineers put the performance and efficiency of their panels above anything else. To make their product as powerful as possible, they implement the most modern technologies. Let’s have a look at them.

Shingled design gives better shading tolerance

Creating a shingled solar panel involves slicing PV cells into strips and overlaying them to establish an electrical connection, similar to laying shingles on a roof. This design eliminates the need for busbars or thin metal connectors, resulting in a more uniform appearance and increased durability.

One notable advantage of the shingled design is its enhanced shading tolerance. In a standard panel, cells are connected in series, making their performance interdependent. Shingles are connected in parallel: when one part of a panel gets shaded it doesn’t impact the other parts as much. Overall, a shingled solar panel demonstrates a 40% improvement in shading resistance compared to a standard panel.

Aside from Sunpower/Maxeon, Solaria is another company that is famous for making shingled solar panels (check out our Solaria solar panels review!). That’s why it wasn’t a big surprise when in 2023 Maxeon acquired Solaria patents for shingled panel design and the Solaria brand became a part of Maxeon Solar Technologies.

IBC cells increase light absorption — and cost

Interdigitated back contact (IBC) cells are a signature technology of Sunpower and now Maxeon. They are one of the main reasons behind Maxeon solar panels performing so well and also costing so much. Apart from Sunpower/Maxeon, LG has tried out IBC technology in their famous NeoN R solar panel.

So what is an IBC cell? Normally, solar panels have electrical contacts on their front side which are exposed to the sun. In contrast, Maxeon’s panels are designed with electrical contacts on the backs of the cells. This design minimizes the sunlight that is reflected instead of being converted into energy.

Maxeon solar panels: Powerful but pricey

Maxeon specializes in monocrystalline solar panels mainly designed for homes. While they do offer high-output PV modules and bifacial panels, these are not their main focus. The company is also exploring thin-film panels, such as the anticipated Maxeon Air, a flexible panel for homes.

Maxeon’s home solar panels boast some of the highest conversion rates available today, reaching nearly 23% efficiency. If you have limited space but high energy needs, these high-efficiency panels are a suitable choice. They also offer one of the best temperature coefficients in the industry, meaning they have an increased heat tolerance and their performance degrades less as temperature increases.

SunPower Maxeon consistently ranks among the top in lists like “Top-10 solar panels” and “Best manufacturers.” Customer reviews reflect overwhelmingly positive experiences, highlighting the company’s stringent quality control.

However, the quality and efficiency of Maxeon solar panels come at a price. They are among the most expensive in the market, ranging from $1.5 to $3 per watt in the US before installation. When factoring in labor, shipping, and equipment expenses, a SunPower panel system can cost $5 per watt or more.

Maxeon offers the highest warranty in the industry

Maxeon solar panel warranties deserve a special mention. Some of them come with a 40-year coverage, which is unique in the industry. Their engineers say that the chance of having an issue with a SunPower Maxeon product is 100 times less likely compared to a standard solar panel.

The coverage includes repair, replacement, or refund for any defective panel over the 40-year period. It also covers the costs of removing, shipping, and installing the panel. Additionally, the warranty guarantees that the panel will maintain 88.3% of its performance by the 40th year, with a specified yearly degradation rate of 0.25%.

• The warranty specifically applies to the SunPower Maxeon product line. SunPower Performance panels, while still having a strong 25-year warranty for both product and performance, don’t qualify for the 40-year coverage.

• The 40-year warranty is only available to customers in certain countries, including the USA. Other eligible countries are Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal, and Sweden.

• To benefit from the 40-year warranty, you need to register your system. Otherwise, it defaults to the standard 25-year warranty.

Maxeon solar panels: Pros

What are the main benefits of having Maxeon solar panels? Here is what stands out about the company:

• 40-year product warranty. No other company offers a warranty so high. The return rate of panels is about 0.005% which proves how stringent is quality control at Maxeon Solar Technologies.

• High efficiency. The most advanced design features and solar technologies make Maxeon solar panels the most efficient on the market. Their conversion rate reaches 23%.

• Great reviews. Maxeon solar panels’ reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Out of all solar panel manufacturers, they might have the highest ratings from consumers.

• Slower aging. Maxeon solar panels lose only about 0.2-0.25% of their power output per year. After 40 years in service, they retain over 88% of their rated production.

Maxeon solar panels: Cons

What about the disadvantages of Maxeon solar panels? Let’s list our concerns.

• High cost. Maxeon solar panels prices are significantly higher than the average on the market. A system made of Maxeon solar panels may not be accessible to those on a tight budget and take longer to pay off. 

• Residential-oriented products. While Maxeon offers high-output solar panels for large PV projects, they are not their main focus. The high price of Maxeon panels makes it hard to justify using them for projects of a large scale.

Maxeon solar panels overview

Let’s look at the panels that Maxeon puts out on the market and that SunPower installs across the US. We’ll take three different models: one for home, one for commercial systems and one for mobile systems.

Maxeon 6 AC (E4), 440 W — Easy installation

SunPower Maxeon’s AC panel features a built-in microinverter from Enphase, delivering 440 watts of power with an impressive 22.8% efficiency.

These AC panels are simpler to install compared to standard DC modules. The microinverter enhances efficiency and reduces power losses caused by shading, surpassing the performance of string inverters. Additionally, microinverters offer superior monitoring capabilities. The Enphase inverter operates at an efficiency of 96.5%.

SunPower stands behind the product with a 40-year warranty covering both product and performance. Furthermore, Enphase provides a 25-year warranty for the microinverter. This ensures a reliable and long-lasting solution for your solar energy needs.

SunPower Performance 5 UPP Bifacial, 545 W — Lots of power

SunPower’s bifacial panel from the Performance line is tailored for extensive commercial installations. The front side boasts a 545W output with an efficiency of 20.9%. What sets this panel apart is its active rear side, delivering up to 20% bonus production.

The shingled solar panel design not only enhances shading tolerance but also contributes to the panel’s sleek appearance. This makes it not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing for large-scale projects.

For added assurance, the panel is backed by a 25-year warranty covering both product and performance, providing a reliable and long-term solution for commercial solar installations.

SunPower SPR-E-Flex-110, 110 W — Light and flexible

Consider SunPower’s 110 W flexible panel for your camper or boat, offering flexibility up to 30°. Installation is hassle-free as it doesn’t require drilling; instead, you can securely fix it using adhesives.

This panel stands out with its back contact cells, expanding the active area of solar cells and enhancing the module’s appearance. Designed in the USA and assembled in France, it combines American innovation with European craftsmanship.

For added assurance, the panel comes with a 5-year limited power warranty, guaranteeing 80% of the minimum specified power rating, ensuring a reliable and efficient power source for your mobile adventures.

A1 SolarStore recommends Maxeon 3 solar panel

Out of stock

SunPower Maxeon 415W Solar Panel 112 Cell SPR-MAX3-415-BLK-R

• Price per Watt$0
• Rated Power Output415 W
• Voltage (VOC)40.7V
• Number of cells112
• Cell TypeMonocrystalline

Delivery on Feb 25–28

Max3 Black is a great solar panel to build a home solar system. One module provides up to 415W power output with a 20.5% efficiency. It performs well in low-light conditions and shows lower losses on hot days.

The Maxeon solar panel comes with a 40-year warranty for product and performance. The module is guaranteed to retain over 88% of its performance after 40 years in service. The return rate of Maxeon solar panels is 0.005%: with this one, it is unlikely that you will ever need other solar panels.

When it comes to the most exquisite solar panels, REC should always be mentioned in the conversation. This is a highly respected, probably the most famous European brand with two decades in the business behind its back. Their panels are known to be impressively well-made and sometimes impressively expensive. Let’s look at them closely – here comes our REC solar panels review.

REC introduced half-cut cell technology to the industry

Norwegian brand is well-known for half-cut cell technology which its engineers introduced in 2014 with their TwinPeak panel. At that point most solar panels had 60 or 72 cells. REC engineers used lasers to split solar cells in half, doubling their number. Since then, half-cut cell technology has been adopted by other solar manufacturers.

Using half-cut cells essentially means:
• Better production. By cutting solar cells in half engineers managed to lower resistive losses. This improved the overall output of a module.
• Longer lifespan. Half-cut cell design provides better protection against microcracks and hot spots development. As a result, the panel lasts longer.
• Higher shading tolerance. Every panel is now split in two halves. If one of them gets shaded, it doesn’t affect the other one.
• Higher cost per Watt. Half-cut cell technology increased the price of modules, since the manufacturing process became more complicated.

Alpha series are the most advanced REC panels

REC engineers continued to build upon half-cut cell technology, perfecting and improving their modules. The latest result is their Alpha series which boast a number of features.

Heterojunction technology

Solar cell is encapsulated in layers of thin-film silicon to reduce power losses at the boundaries of a cell. The idea is similar to Panasonic HIT technology. This significantly improves the performance of panels in hot conditions and makes REC panels a great choice for hot areas – Arizona, for instance.

Advanced cell connection

Engineers increased the number of wires to improve the flow of current inside a panel. The risk of cell damage and microcracks development is lower, power losses decrease, and the panel lasts longer. Wires themselves are barely visible which makes the look of a cell more uniform.

Twin panel design

A panel not only comes with bypass diodes, but also is split in two halves which gives improved performance while shaded. The halves function independently from each other – they are like two small panels that are wired in parallel. When a cell in one half gets shaded, it doesn’t affect the other half, like in standard modules.

REC: Efficient, durable, reliable

Let’s look at specifications of REC panels to start. The brand has quite a diverse product line and panels do differ from each other in terms of power, durability and aging speed.

When it comes to efficiency, we can see that it ranges from 20% all the way up to over 22.5%. In fact, REC Alpha series panels are among the most efficient on the market with their energy conversion rate reaching 22.6%. High efficiency means that you need less space for a powerful system and can get by with fewer modules. It is especially important when there is not a lot of room to work with – for example, on a boat or RV. 

REC has gained a reputation as a company with expensive panels. While it can be true, the product line of the brand is diverse enough that you can find very simple, but still high-quality models for $0.6 per Watt. The most advanced and powerful modules, however, reach high prices like $1.3 per Watt. That puts REC on the same level with LG and Panasonic when it comes to cost.

Our customers often praise the quality in their REC solar panels reviews. Panels look expensive, they say, they don’t seem flimsy or sloppily-made. Modules undergo third party testing which decreases the chance of a bad item going for sale. The REC product in fact has a very low claims rate: on average, only 1 out of 10,000 panels malfunctions. Reputation for high quality is only reinforced by warranties that REC offers.

Most REC panels have a 25-year REC’s ProTrust Warranty that covers product, performance and labor. The system must be under 25 kW in size and installed by REC professionals to receive ProTrust warranty. Systems that are 25-500 kW in size have the same warranties for product and production, but only 10 years for labor.

Degradation rate of REC panels depends on the model. The most simple models that are still for sale loose around 0.7% per year which is completely average. They retain around 80% of their output by the time when warranty runs out. However, Alpha series panels lose only 0.25% per year and after 25 years in service retain over 92%. These power losses look lower than they are with almost any other brand in the industry, except maybe Panasonic.

The Norwegian brand also displays good numbers when it comes to weather resistance and performance on cloudy days. Modules from Alpha series can withstand 7,000 Pa mechanical load – one of the highest rates in the industry. Such a panel can endure 250 mph wind – most tornadoes and hurricanes are not a threat to it. Simpler REC panels, especially the ones that are designed for commercial installations, are less durable: around 2400 Pa of maximum wind load (140 mph wind).

All REC panels show amazing performance even in low-light conditions – in clouds and in the winter. On a sunny day the irradiance generally is around 1000 W/m2. According to datasheets of REC panels, even when the irradiance decreases to 200 W/m2, they still retain 95% of their performance. They also offer one of the best temperature coefficients in the industry, meaning they have an increased heat tolerance and their performance degrades less as temperature increases.

REC: pros

To help you understand the strong and weak sides of REC panels, let’s break down their advantages and disadvantages in a small list. Let’s start with pros:

• High efficiency. Energy conversion rate of REC panels is higher than average. Alpha solar panels can reach 22.6% efficiency – it doesn’t really get a lot better than this yet.
• High quality. REC panels undergo third party testing, they are backed by strong warranties and their failure rate is 1 in 10,000.
• Great warranties. The Triple 25 year ProTrust warranty for most models is amazing since it covers product, performance and labor.
• Low degradation rate. Alpha REC panels lose only about 0.25% of their power annually and after 25 years they still retain over 92%. However, other REC models age faster — their degradation rate is close to the average in the industry or slightly better.
• Diverse product line. REC has panels for all types of applications, cheap and expensive models, all-black modules and standard-looking panels.

REC: cons

However, mentioning only good things about solar panels would be unfair to our customers. So here are the weak points about REC panels that we see:

• REC solar panels prices can be high. While some models fit even a modest budget, others can reach the cost of 1.3$ per watt. This puts REC next to LG and Panasonic in the list of brands with the most expensive panels.
There are no modules beyond 470W in power. While the product line is diverse enough, REC panels might be considered limited in power output. Right now 470W is the highest number that you can get. While REC panels are great for residential and commercial projects of a medium scale, for building solar farms you might be better off with panels from Trina Solar or JA Solar.

REC solar panels overview: home, business, Alpha

Let’s pass on to the actual panels that REC put out on the market. We’ve asked our engineer to take a look at three models for different applications and share his opinion on them.

1. REC TwinPeak 5 series – To start with

This is one of the most simple, inexpensive and still high-quality solar panels for home systems in REC’s product line. TwinPeak shows improved shading tolerance because two sides of a panel are made independent of each other. The performance in low-light conditions is great! The module is fully protected from Potential Induced Degradation (PID) which can cause 20-30% power losses in wet weather. Degradation rate with this one is pretty generic though: after 25 years you end up with around 86% of rated power. The model is eligible for triple ProTrust warranty. 

2. REC Alpha Pure-R series – Powering home

REC Alpha Pure-R series is ideal for residential use, boasting 80 half-cut bifacial heterojunction cells and a power output of 400-430W. Good efficiency of 20.7-22.3%, though not the best for REC, allows you to make good use of installation space. Shading tolerance is also improved which is nice for systems of a large scale, since it’s hard to avoid shading when there are so many panels. 

3. REC Alpha Pure-RX series – Feeling Alpha

REC Alpha Pure-RX series is well-suited both for residential and commercial installations of a medium scale. The efficiency is much higher: with this model it goes up to 22.6%. Heterojunction technology makes the panel a great choice for hot areas. Degradation rate is amazingly low – only 0.25% power loss per year.

The manufacturer claims that overall you get up to 20% more energy with Alpha than with conventional modules. The frame is reinforced so it is capable of withstanding the pressure of 146 lbs/sq ft. This amounts to 250 mph wind: basically, the panel is ready for any kind of tornado or a hurricane that is coming its way. 

A1SolarStore recommends REC Alpha Pure 2 

In stock

REC 420W Solar Panel 132 Cell REC420AAPURE2

• Price per Watt$0.63
• Rated Power Output420 W
• Voltage (VOC)49.1V
• Number of cells132
• Cell TypeMonocrystalline

Pickup on Thu, Feb 20 from Miami, FL

Delivery on Feb 25–28

$266

Add to cart

Welcome REC 420W Alpha Pure 2 – an amazing 132-cell solar panel for home and commercial installations. The efficiency of these panels is as high as 21.7%. High power density allows you to use your space to the full extent – this particular module gives you 20.1 W per square foot.

Heterojunction cell technology ensures great performance at high temperatures. The panel loses only 0.25% of its output annually and retains 92% of its production after 25 years. The module is eligible for triple 25 warranty for labor, performance and product if you use REC installation services. Even the design is superb! 

Our verdict: REC is an amazing brand

REC is a good brand and Alpha series is just great – a little pricey though. We see no reason not to recommend REC’s products with its amazing efficiency and high quality. With that we end our REC solar panel review 2025 – check out the Norwegian panels in our store for yourself!

Solar market is a competitive one, but someone had to come out on top. For the last 5 years that someone has been Jinko Solar, the largest PV modules manufacturer in the world from Shanghai. What made Jinko Solar the leader and what makes its panels so special? Let’s take a close look at this brand in our Jinko Solar panels review.

Jinko Solar uses N-type cells and tiling ribbons

Jinko Solar actively works with n-type cells and tries different panel designs with them. Historically, p-type cells were more popular. Engineers designed panels with the idea of using them in space, and p-type cells are more resistant to space radiation and degradation. While most manufacturers still make p-type cell panels only, some companies turned to n-type cells because of their higher efficiency and better performance at high temperatures. N-type cells also lose less power in the first year of operation: only 1% maximum instead of more standard 2-3% degradation of p-type cells.

Chinese engineers also introduced circular and tiling ribbons in the Jinko Solar Tiger series. Circular ribbons are basically wires that replace traditional ribbon busbars. They increase light absorption of a panel. Solar cells in a Tiger module slightly overlap each other, like roof tiles, and tiling ribbons hold them together. This shortens cell gaps, increases the active surface of a panel and improves performance in low-light conditions by 5%.

Jinko Solar panels: Staying cutting-edge

Jinko Solar engineers do not shy away from trying out all the latest technologies in their panels and constantly come up with new ones. They had immense success with their n-type cells and set a world record with them in October 2021, achieving 25.4% conversion efficiency. Besides, they make use of half-cut cell design, PERC technology and their own tiling ribbon innovation. All of that makes Jinko Solar panels modern and very efficient. The latest models from Chinese brands show energy conversion rates as high as 22%.

What probably made Jinko Solar panels so popular is their low cost. The PV modules from Chinese brands are quite cheap. The brand claims that it manages to keep the prices low by keeping the production almost fully automated.

Jinko Solar offers a 12-15-year product warranty, but there are certain models that get a 25-year product warranty. Besides, there is also a performance warranty that generally lasts 30 years. Jinko Solar modules lose around 0.4% power per year which is slightly better than average. 

Jinko Solar’s product line is fairly wide. The brand offers panels both for commercial and residential installations, n-type cell panels as well as more common p-type cell modules. The difference between the two is that N-type cells degrade less in the first year in service: no more than 1% loss of initial output instead of 2-3% with p-type cells. Panels with n-type solar cells are also more efficient and perform slightly better at high temperatures.

Jinko Solar: pros

Let’s talk about the advantages that Jinko Solar products possess. They include:
• Low cost. Jinko Solar panels prices are among the lowest on the market.
• High efficiency. The use of n-type cells and latest technologies like PERC, multi busbars and half-cut cell design allows Jinko Solar engineers to make their panels as efficient as it really gets. The most advanced panels from Jinko Solar reach a 24% energy conversion rate.
• Good performance in bad weather. Tiling ribbon technology improves production of Jinko Solar panels in low-light conditions by 5%, compared to conventional modules.

Jinko Solar: cons

However, there isn’t a brand without weaknesses. When it comes to Jinko Solar, here are the points of concern that we’ve found:
• Generic product warranties. Warranties for most models last for 12-15 years, which is fine, but not great. However, according to the warranty guide from the company, there are panels that now come with a solid 25-year product warranty.
• Very basic mechanical tolerance. Most Jinko Solar panels are rated to withstand 2400 Pa of wind load which is roughly equivalent to 140 mph wind. It’s enough in most circumstances, but people living in Tornado alley, for example, might need something sturdier.
• Reputation issues. In 2021, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection started blocking import of Jinko Solar products because the company was accused of the use of forced Uyghur labor. That’s why Jinko Solar panels have been hard to come by in the USA recently.

Jinko Solar panels overview: for home and business

Jinko Solar offers panels for all kinds of applications, residential or commercial. Here’s a word from our solar expert:.

Alexey Kruglov

A1 SolarStore CEO

Jinko Solar has a funny tendency to name its panels after the animals which honestly makes it easier for me to distinguish them. Despite the fact that Chinese engineers for some reason specify that their panels have 60 or 72 cells, all of the modern Jinko Solar models feature half-cut cell design. Thus, you can look at them as 120 and 144-cell panels respectively.

Cheetah HC 60M – Good home choice

Cheetah is a fairly simple panel for residential installations. It provides up to 345 Watt power output with up to 20.45% efficiency. This is an older model: a traditional 5 busbar solar cell is used here instead of tiling ribbon design. The panel is fully protected from Potential Induced Degradation (PID) which was a huge problem for panels in wet areas several years ago. Cheetah has a 12-year product warranty and 25-year performance warranty: it retains over 83% of its output after 25 years.

Tiger N-Type 60TR – Tiger style

Here we have a panel with n-type solar cells. You can immediately see that the efficiency is much higher than standard numbers for residential panels: up to 21.8% conversion rate for 380W output. The panel loses only 1% of its initial power output in the first year in service whereas p-type cell panels usually degrade by 2-3%. The panel comes with a 15-year product warranty and a 30-year performance warranty. The engineers estimate the annual degradation to be lower than 0.4%, and by the end of year 30 the panel should retain over 87.4% of its output.

Tiger Neo – N-type cells in action

Tiger Neo is a panel with a huge power output that reaches 615 Watt in Standard Test Conditions. The efficiency of this module goes as high as 22%. The panel has 156 half-cut n-type cells and it’s particularly large: 97 × 44.6 inches. It is best suited for commercial and industrial installations. Tiger Neo comes with 12/30 years warranties for product and output. The panel retains over 87.4% of its production by the year 30.

AC solar panels come with a microinverter come with a microinverter

In stock

Jinko Solar 430W Solar Panel 108 Cells Black on Black JKM430N-54HL4-B Clearance

• Price per Watt$0.42
• Rated Power Output430 W
• Voltage (VOC)39.16V
• Number of cells108
• Cell TypeMonocrystalline

Pickup on Thu, Feb 20 from Millstone, NJ

Delivery on Feb 25–28

$223^.20 $180

Add to cart

This is one of the older Jinko Solar panels, but it’s still a great panel for commercial and residential systems. Jinko Solar Eagle is a 108-cell monocrystalline module that provides 430 Watts of power output with 20% efficiency. Chinese engineers use N-type cells and TOPCon technology to increase the production levels. The panel comes with 25-year product warranty and 30-year warranty for performance. 

AC solar panels come with a microinverter come with a microinverter

Looking at what Jinko Solar managed to do so far, we aren’t surprised that the brand took a lead on the market. The panels are cheap, powerful and quality enough, and that’s what makes them so popular all around the world. On that note we end our Jinko Solar panel review 2025 – but we will be back with more.