Panel manufacturer
SunPower performance guide
SunPower manufactures some of the highest-efficiency residential panels available (22–23%). Their Maxeon cell technology is more resistant to degradation, but panels are premium-priced.
Expected lifespan
30 years
Warranty
25 years
Market share
moderate
Type
panel
Known for
Industry-leading panel efficiency, Maxeon cell technology
Common issues with SunPower
Natural panel degradation
All solar panels lose efficiency over time at roughly 0.5–0.8% per year. Accelerated in extreme heat or poorly manufactured panels.
Typical loss: 3–15%
Cell hotspots
Localised overheating in individual cells caused by micro-cracks, shading, or manufacturing defects. Best detected via thermal imaging.
Typical loss: 5–20%
Check your SunPower system
Use our free Solar Loss Checker to estimate how much energy your SunPower system may be losing.
Check my systemBased on conservative solar performance modelling and published degradation data
Updated April 2026 · Structured performance modelling
How we calculate →