What Happened to SunPower Corporation?

SunPower Corporation, once one of the largest residential solar installers in the United States, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on August 5, 2024. The company, which had installed solar systems on over half a million homes across America, cited mounting debt and operational challenges as the primary reasons for the filing.

Bankruptcy Timeline

• August 5, 2024: SunPower Corporation filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection • August-September 2024: Company ceased new installations and began winding down operations • September 20, 2024: Shut down customer service (1-800-SUNPOWER), mySunPower app, and web portal • September 30, 2024: Complete Solar acquired SunPower assets for $45 million • April 2025: Complete Solar rebranded operations as "SunPower" (creating customer confusion) • Current Status: Original SunPower Corporation no longer operates; new entity operates under SunPower name

Scale of Impact

• Over 500,000 residential customers affected • $2.01 billion in outstanding debt • Approximately 1,800 employees laid off • Dealer network of 250+ installers disrupted • Customer support and monitoring systems shut down • Thousands of lease and PPA agreements in limbo

Impact on Existing SunPower Customers

1. Customer Support Discontinued

What Shut Down:

• 1-800-SUNPOWER customer service line (disconnected September 20, 2024) • mySunPower mobile app (discontinued) • mySunPower web portal (offline) • Email support system • Live chat support • Dealer support network

What This Means:

Customers can no longer contact SunPower Corporation for system monitoring, performance issues, maintenance questions, or warranty claims through the original company. The new entity (Complete Solar operating as "SunPower") has limited support for pre-bankruptcy customers.

2. System Monitoring Discontinued

The mySunPower app and web portal provided real-time monitoring of system performance, energy production, and alerts for issues. With these systems offline, customers have lost visibility into their solar system performance.

Monitoring Alternatives:

• Enphase Monitoring Upgrade: For systems with Enphase microinverters, Enphase offers a monitoring upgrade service. Contact: (510) 945-6752 or visit enphase.com/r/sunpower-upgrade. Cost: approximately $500-800. • Inverter Manufacturer Apps: Check if your inverter manufacturer (SolarEdge, Enphase, etc.) offers direct monitoring • Third-Party Monitoring: Independent monitoring solutions like Solar-Log, Locus Energy, or Deck • Utility Net Metering Portal: Basic production data may be available through your utility company

3. Warranty Coverage Changes

Understanding which warranties are still valid is critical for SunPower customers.

Still Valid:

• Maxeon Panel Warranties: If you have Maxeon-manufactured panels (most SunPower panels before 2024), the manufacturer warranty is still honored by Maxeon Solar Technologies (an independent company) • Inverter Warranties: Equipment warranties from manufacturers like Enphase, SolarEdge, or other inverter brands remain valid • Battery Warranties: Battery manufacturer warranties (Tesla, LG, etc.) are independent of SunPower • Component Warranties: Other equipment manufacturer warranties remain in effect

No Longer Valid:

• SunPower Corporation Installation/Workmanship Warranty • SunPower Corporation Labor Coverage • SunPower Corporation Performance Guarantees (production guarantees) • SunPower Corporation Complete Confidence Warranty • SunPower Equinox System Warranty (the combined system warranty)

How to File Warranty Claims:

For panel issues, contact Maxeon Solar Technologies directly through their website (maxeon.com) or authorized service providers. For inverter or other equipment issues, contact the equipment manufacturer directly. Keep all documentation including purchase receipts, installation records, and system specifications.

4. Repair and Maintenance

Finding Service Providers:

• Local Solar Installers: Most local solar installation companies can service SunPower systems • Equipment Manufacturers: Contact your inverter manufacturer for authorized service providers • Solar Service Specialists: Companies specializing in solar maintenance and repair • Former SunPower Dealers: Many former SunPower dealer partners continue to service existing systems • Complete Solar: The new entity may provide limited service (contact: 877-299-4943)

What to Expect:

You will likely need to pay out-of-pocket for labor and service calls, even if equipment is under manufacturer warranty. Get quotes from multiple service providers. Expect to pay standard service rates ($100-200 for diagnostics, $150-300 per hour for repairs).

5. Lease and PPA Customers

If you have a solar lease or Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with SunPower:

Current Status:

• Most lease/PPA agreements were transferred to third-party financing companies or Complete Solar • You must continue making payments as per your contract • Maintenance obligations may have transferred to the new entity • Check your contract documents for assignment clauses

Your Rights:

• System must be maintained according to your agreement • If system is not producing as guaranteed, you may have grounds to renegotiate • Document all system issues and maintenance requests • Consult a consumer protection attorney if the new entity is not fulfilling obligations • Contact your state attorney general office if you believe your rights are being violated

SunPower vs Complete Solar: Understanding the Confusion

In September 2024, Complete Solar acquired SunPower Corporation assets for $45 million. In April 2025, Complete Solar rebranded their operations as "SunPower," creating significant confusion for customers.

Key Differences:

Original SunPower Corporation (Bankrupt):

• Filed for bankruptcy August 2024 • No longer operates • Shut down all customer support • Warranties and guarantees void • Over 500,000 customers affected

New "SunPower" (Complete Solar):

• Acquired assets September 2024 • Operates under SunPower brand name • Limited support for pre-bankruptcy customers • New installations and service offerings • Different company, different obligations • Contact: (877) 299-4943

Alternative Solar Panel Options

Whether you need replacement panels or are researching alternatives to SunPower, several high-quality options are available.

Maxeon Solar Panels (Closest Alternative)

Maxeon Solar Technologies was SunPower's original panel manufacturing division, spun off as an independent company in 2020. Maxeon panels are the closest alternative to original SunPower panels, using similar technology and manufacturing processes.

• Maxeon 3 Series: Premium residential panels, up to 22.7% efficiency • Maxeon 6 Series: High-performance panels with 40-year warranty • Maxeon 7 Series: Latest technology, highest efficiency ratings • Still manufactured independently (not affected by SunPower bankruptcy) • Available through authorized distributors

Other Premium Alternatives

Canadian Solar:

High-efficiency panels with excellent warranty terms. Strong track record and global presence. Efficiency ratings up to 22.5%. Competitive pricing.

First Solar:

American manufacturer with proven reliability. Different technology (thin-film CdTe) but excellent performance. Strong warranty and support. Made in USA.

Q CELLS:

German engineering with competitive pricing. High performance in low-light conditions. Strong warranty coverage. Widely available.

REC Solar:

Premium panels with excellent performance ratings. Twin-cell technology for improved reliability. Strong European heritage. Comprehensive warranty.

JA Solar:

High output with competitive pricing. Widely used globally. Good efficiency ratings. Strong manufacturer support.

Jinko Solar:

World's largest solar panel manufacturer. Reliable performance. Competitive pricing. Extensive track record.

Resources for Affected Customers

Contact Information

• Complete Solar (New "SunPower"): (877) 299-4943 • Maxeon Solar Technologies: maxeon.com (for panel warranty claims) • Enphase Monitoring Upgrade: (510) 945-6752 or enphase.com/r/sunpower-upgrade • Bankruptcy Court Documents: restructuring.ra.kroll.com/SunPower

Consumer Protection Resources

• Contact your state attorney general office for consumer protection assistance • File complaints with the Better Business Bureau • Consult the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) for industry resources • Seek legal counsel if lease/PPA obligations are not being met

Finding Service Providers

• North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) directory • Local solar installer networks • Equipment manufacturer authorized service providers • Solar industry associations

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my SunPower warranty still be honored?

Equipment manufacturer warranties (Maxeon panels, inverters, batteries) remain valid. SunPower Corporation installation and workmanship warranties are no longer valid.

Can I still use the mySunPower app?

No. The mySunPower app and web portal were shut down on September 20, 2024. Consider Enphase monitoring upgrade or other alternatives.

Who do I call for customer service?

The original 1-800-SUNPOWER line is disconnected. For equipment issues, contact the manufacturer. For system service, contact a local solar installer. Complete Solar may provide limited support: (877) 299-4943.

Are SunPower solar panels still available?

Original SunPower panels are no longer manufactured. Maxeon panels (made by the former SunPower manufacturing division) are still available and represent the closest alternative.

Is Maxeon Solar Technologies affected by the bankruptcy?

No. Maxeon Solar Technologies is an independent company that spun off from SunPower in 2020. They are not affected by the SunPower Corporation bankruptcy.

What if I have a solar lease with SunPower?

Most leases were transferred to third parties or Complete Solar. Continue making payments and document all system issues. The new owner must maintain the system according to your contract terms.

Who will repair my SunPower system?

Any qualified solar installer can service your system. Contact local solar companies, equipment manufacturers for authorized service providers, or former SunPower dealer partners.

Can I get replacement SunPower panels?

Original SunPower panels are no longer manufactured. Maxeon panels are compatible alternatives. Other high-quality panels can also be used with proper system design.

Is the new "SunPower" the same company?

No. Complete Solar acquired SunPower assets and operates under the SunPower brand name, but it is a different company with different obligations to pre-bankruptcy customers.

What caused SunPower to go bankrupt?

SunPower cited $2.01 billion in debt, operational challenges, market competition, and business model issues as factors leading to the bankruptcy filing.