Maxeon Solar Technologies Overview

Maxeon Solar Technologies, headquartered in Singapore, is a global leader in solar innovation with a storied heritage dating back to its origins as SunPower Corporation's manufacturing division. Spun off as an independent publicly traded company in 2020, Maxeon carries forward decades of pioneering solar technology while charting its own course in the renewable energy industry.

Key Facts About Maxeon

• Founded: 2020 (spun off from SunPower) • Headquarters: Singapore • Manufacturing: Mexico (North America), Malaysia, Philippines • Heritage: Former SunPower Corporation manufacturing division • Status: Independent public company (NASDAQ: MAXN) • Global Reach: Serves over 100 countries worldwide • Not Affected: SunPower Corporation bankruptcy does not impact Maxeon

Maxeon vs SunPower: Understanding the Relationship

Historical Connection

2020: Maxeon Solar Technologies spun off from SunPower Corporation as an independent company. At the time, Maxeon took over all panel manufacturing operations, while SunPower Corporation focused on installation and services in North America.

2020-2024: Maxeon and SunPower maintained an exclusive distribution partnership in North America. During this period, Maxeon manufactured panels that SunPower sold under the SunPower brand in the U.S.

February 2024: The exclusive North American partnership ended. Maxeon began selling panels directly through a broader network of distributors and installers.

August 2024: SunPower Corporation filed for bankruptcy. This event did NOT affect Maxeon Solar Technologies, which continues to operate independently.

Current Status

• Maxeon is completely independent from SunPower Corporation • Maxeon was NOT affected by the SunPower bankruptcy • Maxeon panels are now available through a broader network of distributors • Maxeon honors all manufacturer warranties for panels they produced • Maxeon continues to innovate and manufacture new panel models

Maxeon Product Line

Maxeon manufactures several product lines for residential, commercial, and utility-scale applications. Here are the main residential options:

Maxeon 3 Series

Premium residential solar panels with proven Maxeon cell technology.

Key Specifications:

• Efficiency: Up to 22.7% • Power Output: 400-435W • Warranty: 40-year product warranty, 25-year performance guarantee • Technology: Maxeon Gen 3 solar cells with solid copper foundation • Durability: Eliminates 85% of reasons conventional cells fail • Ideal For: Premium residential installations requiring maximum efficiency

Maxeon 6 Series

High-performance panels with industry-leading warranty coverage.

Key Specifications:

• Efficiency: Up to 22.2% • Power Output: 415-440W • Warranty: 40-year product warranty (longest in the industry) • Technology: Advanced Maxeon cell design • Features: All-black aesthetic, excellent low-light performance • Ideal For: Homeowners seeking premium performance with maximum warranty protection

Maxeon 7 Series

Latest technology with highest efficiency ratings in the Maxeon portfolio.

Key Specifications:

• Efficiency: Up to 22.8% • Power Output: 425-460W • Warranty: 40-year product warranty, 25-year performance guarantee • Technology: Next-generation Maxeon cell architecture • Features: Industry-leading power density, superior temperature coefficient • Ideal For: Maximum energy production in limited roof space

Performance Line

Cost-effective panels for large-scale residential and commercial projects.

• Efficiency: 20-21% • Power Output: 370-415W • Warranty: 25-year product warranty, 25-year performance guarantee • Technology: Conventional cell design with Maxeon quality standards • Ideal For: Budget-conscious installations, large arrays

Where to Buy Maxeon Solar Panels

Authorized Distributors

Since the end of the exclusive SunPower partnership in February 2024, Maxeon panels are now available through a broader network of distributors and installers across North America.

Finding Authorized Installers:

• Visit maxeon.com to find authorized installers in your area • Contact Maxeon directly for installer recommendations • Many former SunPower dealer partners now sell Maxeon panels • Major solar distributors carry Maxeon products • Local solar installers can special-order Maxeon panels

Availability

Maxeon panels are manufactured at state-of-the-art facilities in:

• Mexico: Primary manufacturing for North American markets • Malaysia: Global production facility • Philippines: Additional manufacturing capacity

Current availability is good, with panels shipping to installers across North America. Lead times vary by region and installer.

For Existing SunPower Customers

Are Maxeon Panels Compatible Replacements?

If you have an existing SunPower system and need replacement panels, Maxeon panels are often the best choice because:

• Same Manufacturing Heritage: Maxeon manufactured most SunPower panels • Similar Technology: Maxeon panels use the same cell technology as original SunPower panels • Compatible Specifications: Voltage and power output ranges are compatible with most SunPower systems • Quality Match: Maxeon maintains the same quality standards

System Expansion Considerations

When adding panels to an existing SunPower system:

Electrical Compatibility:

• Ensure new panels match voltage specifications of existing array • Consult with a qualified installer about string sizing • Consider current ratings and inverter capacity • Verify compatibility with existing racking and mounting

Aesthetic Matching:

• Maxeon panels have similar appearance to SunPower panels • All-black options available for aesthetic consistency • Frame colors and dimensions may vary slightly by model

Performance Matching:

• Select Maxeon panels with similar efficiency ratings to existing panels • Match temperature coefficients for consistent performance • Consider degradation rates when mixing old and new panels

Warranty Coverage

Important Information:

• Existing Panels: If you have Maxeon-manufactured SunPower panels, Maxeon honors the manufacturer warranty • New Maxeon Panels: Come with 40-year product warranty and 25-year performance guarantee • Installation Warranty: You will need a separate installation warranty from your installer (SunPower installation warranties are no longer valid) • Warranty Claims: Contact Maxeon directly at maxeon.com for warranty service

Maxeon Technology Advantages

Maxeon panels feature proprietary technology that sets them apart from conventional solar panels:

Solid Copper Foundation

Unlike conventional panels that use thin, fragile ribbons to connect cells, Maxeon cells are built on a solid copper foundation. This design:

• Eliminates 85% of the reasons conventional solar cells fail • Provides superior mechanical strength and durability • Delivers excellent electrical conductivity • Improves resistance to corrosion and cracking • Enables better heat dissipation

Industry-Leading Efficiency

Maxeon panels deliver some of the highest efficiency ratings in the industry:

• Up to 22.8% panel efficiency (Maxeon 7 series) • More energy production per square foot • Better performance in limited roof space • Superior low-light performance • Excellent temperature coefficient (-0.29%/°C)

Unmatched Durability

Rigorous testing standards ensure Maxeon panels withstand decades of harsh conditions:

• Pass industry tests with 2-10x safety margins • Accelerated aging tests simulate 40+ years of exposure • Extreme weather testing (hail, wind, snow loads) • Thermal cycling and humidity-freeze testing • Backed by 40-year product warranty

Comparing Maxeon to Alternatives

How Maxeon panels compare to other premium solar panel options:

Maxeon Advantages:

• Longest product warranty in the industry (40 years) • Proprietary cell technology with proven track record • Heritage from SunPower manufacturing excellence • Superior durability and reliability • Excellent performance in real-world conditions

Considerations:

• Premium pricing compared to conventional panels • May require authorized installer (for warranty) • Availability through specific distributor networks • International company (not U.S.-based)

For many former SunPower customers, Maxeon panels represent the natural continuation of the quality and performance they expected from their original purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Maxeon the same as SunPower?

No. Maxeon Solar Technologies is an independent company that was spun off from SunPower Corporation in 2020. Maxeon manufactured the panels that SunPower sold, but they are now separate companies.

Are Maxeon panels affected by the SunPower bankruptcy?

No. Maxeon Solar Technologies is completely independent and was not affected by the SunPower Corporation bankruptcy.

Can I still get warranty service for my SunPower panels?

If your panels were manufactured by Maxeon, yes. Contact Maxeon directly through their website (maxeon.com) for warranty claims on Maxeon-manufactured panels.

Where can I buy Maxeon panels?

Maxeon panels are available through authorized distributors and installers. Visit maxeon.com to find installers in your area, or contact solar installation companies that carry Maxeon products.

Are Maxeon panels good replacements for SunPower panels?

Yes. Maxeon panels are the closest alternative to original SunPower panels since Maxeon manufactured most SunPower panels. They use the same technology and maintain similar quality standards.

How long is the Maxeon warranty?

Maxeon offers a 40-year product warranty (the longest in the industry) and a 25-year performance guarantee on their premium panel series.

What is the efficiency of Maxeon panels?

Maxeon panels range from 20-22.8% efficiency depending on the series. The Maxeon 7 series achieves up to 22.8% efficiency, among the highest in the industry.

Can I mix Maxeon panels with my existing SunPower system?

Generally yes, but consult with a qualified installer to ensure electrical compatibility, proper string sizing, and optimal system design.