With SunPower Corporation's bankruptcy in August 2024, many homeowners are searching for high-quality alternatives for new installations, system expansions, or panel replacements. The good news: numerous excellent alternatives offer comparable or superior performance, often at competitive prices.

Common Reasons for Seeking Alternatives:

• SunPower Corporation no longer manufactures panels • Need replacement panels for existing SunPower systems • Want similar quality with better warranty support • Researching premium solar options for new installation • Expanding existing system with compatible panels • Seeking better value while maintaining quality

Maxeon Solar Technologies represents the most direct alternative to SunPower panels, as Maxeon was SunPower's original manufacturing division before spinning off in 2020.

Why Maxeon is the Closest Match:

• Same manufacturing heritage as SunPower panels • Proprietary Maxeon cell technology (solid copper foundation) • Industry-leading 40-year product warranty • Efficiency up to 22.8% (Maxeon 7 series) • Not affected by SunPower bankruptcy • Compatible with most existing SunPower systems

Best For:

Homeowners who valued SunPower's premium quality and want the most similar replacement. Ideal for system expansions or replacements requiring technical compatibility.

Considerations:

Premium pricing. May require specific authorized installers for warranty coverage. International company (Singapore-based).

Canadian Solar is a globally recognized manufacturer offering high-efficiency panels with excellent warranty terms and competitive pricing.

Key Advantages:

• Efficiency up to 22.5% (HiKu7 series) • 25-year product warranty, 30-year performance guarantee • Strong global presence and track record • Excellent value proposition • Wide availability through installer networks • Proven reliability with extensive testing

Best For:

Homeowners seeking high efficiency and strong warranties at a more accessible price point than premium brands.

Popular Models:

HiKu7 (CS7N-MS), HiHero (CS6.2), BiHiKu7 series

Q CELLS (formerly Hanwha Q CELLS) combines German engineering excellence with competitive pricing and strong performance.

Key Advantages:

• Efficiency up to 22.3% (Q.PEAK DUO series) • Excellent low-light performance • 25-year product and performance warranties • German engineering and quality standards • Strong warranty coverage and support • Competitive pricing for premium category

Best For:

Locations with variable weather and lower light conditions. Homeowners wanting European quality with North American availability.

Popular Models:

Q.PEAK DUO, Q.PEAK DUO BLK, Q.MAXX series

REC Solar (Renewable Energy Corporation) offers premium panels with innovative technology and comprehensive warranties.

Key Advantages:

• Efficiency up to 22.3% (REC Alpha Pure series) • Proprietary Twin Cell technology reduces resistance • 25-year product warranty with excellent support • Strong European heritage and reliability • Industry-leading performance in real-world conditions • Excellent temperature coefficient

Best For:

Premium installations where performance and reliability are priorities. Hot climates benefit from excellent temperature coefficient.

Popular Models:

REC Alpha Pure, REC Alpha Pure-R, REC TwinPeak series

First Solar is an American manufacturer using different technology (thin-film CdTe) but delivering excellent performance and reliability.

Key Advantages:

• Made in USA (Ohio manufacturing) • Different technology (thin-film) with unique benefits • Excellent performance in high temperatures • Strong degradation resistance • Proven reliability in utility-scale installations • Environmental leadership (carbon-neutral manufacturing)

Best For:

Homeowners prioritizing American-made products. Excellent for hot climates and those seeking proven commercial-grade technology for residential use.

Considerations:

Lower efficiency than crystalline silicon (requires more roof space). Different appearance. Primarily focused on larger commercial projects.

JA Solar offers high-output panels with competitive pricing and strong manufacturer support.

Key Advantages:

• Efficiency up to 22.3% (DeepBlue series) • Excellent value for performance • 15-year product warranty, 30-year performance warranty • Wide global distribution • Proven track record with billions of panels shipped • Strong technical support

Best For:

Cost-conscious buyers not wanting to compromise on performance. Good option for larger residential installations.

Popular Models:

DeepBlue 4.0, JAM72S30, JAP72S30 series

Jinko Solar is the world's largest solar panel manufacturer, offering reliable performance with extensive global presence.

Key Advantages:

• Efficiency up to 22.6% (Tiger Neo series) • World's largest manufacturer (economies of scale) • 15-year product warranty, 30-year performance warranty • Extensive track record and reliability data • Competitive pricing • Wide availability

Best For:

Buyers seeking proven reliability from the world's most established manufacturer. Good balance of performance and value.

Popular Models:

Tiger Neo, Tiger Pro, Cheetah series

LONGi is a technology leader specializing in monocrystalline panels with industry-leading efficiency.

Key Advantages:

• Efficiency up to 22.8% (Hi-MO 6 series) • Monocrystalline technology specialists • Continuous efficiency improvements and R&D • 15-year product warranty, 30-year performance warranty • Strong global presence • Excellent degradation rates

Best For:

Tech-focused buyers interested in cutting-edge monocrystalline technology. Good for limited roof space requiring maximum efficiency.

Popular Models:

Hi-MO 6, Hi-MO 5, Hi-MO X6 series

How these alternatives compare across key metrics:

Top Efficiency (22.5%+):

• Maxeon 7: Up to 22.8% • LONGi Hi-MO 6: Up to 22.8% • Jinko Tiger Neo: Up to 22.6% • Canadian Solar HiKu7: Up to 22.5%

High Efficiency (22-22.4%):

• REC Alpha Pure: Up to 22.3% • Q CELLS Q.PEAK DUO: Up to 22.3% • JA Solar DeepBlue: Up to 22.3% • Maxeon 3 & 6: Up to 22.2-22.7%

Longest Product Warranty:

• Maxeon: 40 years (industry-leading) • REC Solar: 25 years • Canadian Solar: 25 years • Q CELLS: 25 years

Performance Warranties:

• Canadian Solar: 30 years (87.4% at year 30) • JA Solar: 30 years • Jinko Solar: 30 years • Most Others: 25 years

Premium Tier:

• Maxeon (highest) • REC Solar • Q CELLS premium models

Mid-Premium Tier:

• Canadian Solar • Q CELLS standard models • LONGi Solar

Value Tier:

• JA Solar • Jinko Solar • Trina Solar

For existing SunPower system owners looking to expand or replace panels:

Voltage Matching:

• New panels must have compatible voltage specifications (Voc, Vmp) • String configuration may need adjustment • Consult with installer about mixing panels • Consider separate strings for new panels

Current Ratings:

• Verify inverter capacity for additional current • Check wire sizing for current-carrying capacity • Ensure breaker ratings are adequate • Consider microinverter vs string inverter implications

Mounting Systems:

• Panel dimensions may differ from original SunPower panels • Verify mounting clamp compatibility • May require rail adjustments or additions • Check roof space availability

Aesthetic Considerations:

• Frame colors (black vs silver) • Cell appearance (all-black vs standard) • Panel thickness and profile • Visual consistency with existing array

When mixing panels:

• Match efficiency ratings closely (within 1-2%) • Similar temperature coefficients for consistent performance • Consider degradation rates of old vs new panels • Account for age-related efficiency loss in existing panels • Use separate MPPT inputs when possible

Step 1: Define Your Priorities

Rank these factors by importance: • Efficiency (energy production per square foot) • Warranty coverage (product and performance) • Price/value • Brand reputation and support • Made in USA preference • Aesthetic appearance • Installer availability

Step 2: Assess Your Situation

• Available roof space (limited = prioritize efficiency) • Climate conditions (hot = better temperature coefficient) • Budget constraints • Expansion of existing system vs new installation • Local installer availability and expertise

Step 3: Compare Top Candidates

• Use comparison tools to evaluate specifications side-by-side • Get quotes from multiple installers • Check installer certifications and experience with chosen brand • Review warranty terms in detail • Research customer reviews and reliability data

Choose Maxeon if:

You want the closest match to original SunPower quality, have an existing SunPower system to expand, or prioritize the longest warranty (40 years) and are willing to pay premium pricing.

Choose Canadian Solar if:

You want excellent efficiency and warranty coverage at a more accessible price point with proven reliability and wide installer availability.

Choose Q CELLS if:

You have variable weather conditions, value German engineering quality, or want excellent low-light performance with strong warranty support.

Choose REC Solar if:

You prioritize premium performance with proprietary technology, live in hot climates (excellent temperature coefficient), or want European quality with comprehensive support.

Choose First Solar if:

You prioritize American-made products, have ample roof space, live in hot climates, or want proven utility-scale technology for residential use.

Choose JA Solar or Jinko Solar if:

You want excellent value without compromising performance, need a larger system where cost matters, or want proven reliability from established global manufacturers.

1. Compare Specifications: Use our interactive comparison tool to evaluate panels side-by-side 2. Get Multiple Quotes: Contact 3-5 installers for pricing on your top panel choices 3. Verify Installer Credentials: Check certifications, reviews, and experience with your chosen brand 4. Review Contracts Carefully: Understand warranty coverage, installation terms, and payment structure 5. Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask installers about panel performance, compatibility, and support

What is the closest alternative to SunPower panels?

Maxeon solar panels are the closest alternative, as Maxeon was SunPower's original manufacturing division and uses the same proprietary technology.

Can I mix different brand panels with my existing SunPower system?

Yes, but consult with a qualified installer to ensure electrical compatibility, proper string configuration, and optimal system design. Maxeon panels offer the best compatibility.

Which solar panel brand has the longest warranty?

Maxeon offers the longest product warranty at 40 years, significantly longer than the industry standard of 25 years.

Are there American-made alternatives to SunPower?

Yes. First Solar manufactures panels in Ohio. Some other brands have U.S. assembly facilities, though most components are manufactured internationally.

Which alternative offers the best value?

Canadian Solar, JA Solar, and Jinko Solar offer excellent value with high efficiency and strong warranties at competitive prices. The "best" value depends on your specific priorities and local installation costs.

What efficiency should I look for in a SunPower alternative?

Look for panels with 22%+ efficiency to match SunPower's premium performance. Several alternatives now exceed 22.5% efficiency.