Sunpower/ Maxeon has long been a name synonymous with solar module innovation, so much so that many will claim they produce the best modules available. However, the astute shopper you are delves a little deeper, posing the question “the best of what?”. With that remark, your way of thinking is commendable! Curious as to why such bias exists towards a solitary brand and not refined to a particular solar panel, you’ve found your way here. Reward your curiosity. Solar Analytica data reveals the Sunpower Maxeon solar panels set to dominate in 2022 and beyond.
Manufacturer:
Sunpower (Int’l.) / Maxeon (US).
Series:
Performance Series, Maxeon 3, Maxeon 6, Maxeon Air.
TLDR:
The 2022/23 crop of Sunpower Maxeon solar panels offer something for every prospective solar shopper. Harnessing technologically advanced designs in all formats, astute shoppers will undoubtedly see unrivalled value from one of the most respected solar panel innovators of our time.
Weighing up what’s important, perhaps the best Sunpower/ Maxeon solar panel for your project isn’t the one at the top of the specification leaderboard. Your requirements are unique and deserve an ideal solution. Fortunately, the Sunpower/ Maxeon solar panels available for consideration in 2022 present themselves in 3 unique formats with distinct advantages ideal for the discerning buyer.
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Image; Sunpower Performance 3 shingled cell formation.
1. Performance 3: 81/100
Any great technology often accompanies an increased cost. The Performance 3 series is the slightly less efficient Sunpower/ Maxeon solar panel option where project budget restraints are a likely barrier. The engineers at Sunpower Maxeon seem to love solar module designs free from front surface busbar obstructions, and shingled-cell solar module designs are another innovative way to achieve this.
Due to the absence of busbars and an almost gapless cell formation, the result is a strikingly seamless visual appearance compared to traditional cell formations. Compromising slightly on efficiency, the Performance 3 Series offers Sunpower/ Maxeon industry-leading quality more accessible than ever for the most diverse project types.
Model: Manufacturers model name. Output: Standard Test Conditions (STC) peak wattage range. Application: Manufacturers recommended application – Residential or Industry. Density: Maximum Power density per square meter at NOCT of the highest output module.
Report: Sunpower Maxeon Performance 3 series.
2. Maxeon 3: 92/100
Creating something marvellously efficient takes an impressive level of ingenuity. The Maxeon 3 is so remarkable in 2021/22 that even newer module types fail to exceed the 22.6% STC max module efficiency marker. A native Direct Current solar module, DC solar panels enjoy compatibility with most string and microinverter types, so you have the power to decide on how you will interact with your power supply.
Three different Maxeon 3 variants exist within the range. Maxeon 3 (104-cell), ideal for most residential type installations. The Maxeon 3 (104-cell) BLK, an all-black module, is hard to ignore if aesthetic appeal and high performance are a requirement. While the Maxeon 3 (112-cell) is a mixed-use residential and industry option, supporting overall larger module dimensions to incorporate the additional cells.
Expect the Sunpower Maxeon 3 to continue to dominate in 2022 through its outstanding energy density, where optimum space utilisation is critical.
Model: Manufacturers model name. Output: Standard Test Conditions (STC) peak wattage range. Application: Manufacturers recommended application – Residential or Industry. Density: Maximum Power density per square meter at NOCT of the highest output module.
Report: Sunpower Maxeon 3.
Image; Sunpower Maxeon 5 follows a similar design to the Maxeon 3, yet uses a larger cell design for a slightly reduced efficiency.
3. Maxeon 5: 92/100
The beefed-up Maxeon 5 range is Sunpower/ Maxeon’s most durable solar module yet. A larger cell size than the Maxeon 3, efficiency is a minuscule 0.1% from being on parr. One particular limitation within the Maxeon 5 AC (60-cell) module will either make or break this module selection for most. This is an AC (Alternating Current) module with Enphase micro-inverters embedded on the module’s rear. A potential drawback that limits compatibility to the Enphase ecosystem only. That aside, it’s a pretty darn good ecosystem to be a part of as far as software and technology are concerned.
The Maxeon 5 COM (72-cell) remains a DC (Direct Current) type solar module for commercial and industrial projects with varied inverter compatibilities.
Expect the Sunpower Maxeon 5 to dominate as a combination of ultra-efficiency and as a complete all-in-one residential solution where extreme environments are present.
Model: Manufacturers model name. Output: Standard Test Conditions (STC) peak wattage range. Application: Manufacturers recommended application – Residential or Industry. Density: Maximum Power density per square meter at NOCT of the highest output module.
4. Maxeon 6: 92/100
The latest generation of mainstream Sunpower Maxeon solar panels, the Maxeon 6, tones down the durability criteria of its predecessor (Maxeon 5) yet improves on the aspect the Sunpower/ Maxeon brand is renowned for, industry-leading efficiency. As the world demands higher power output modules, gone are the days of 60-cell module designs with installers and designers now accustomed to larger format 66-cell+ panels. Therefore, the Sunpower Maxeon 6 presents in 2 distinct variants; a residential 66-cell module in an AC only format and a conventional 72-cell DC commercial module.
Model: Manufacturers model name. Output: Standard Test Conditions (STC) peak wattage range. Application: Manufacturers recommended application – Residential or Industry. Density: Maximum Power density per square meter at NOCT of the highest output module.
Report: Sunpower Maxeon 6.
5. Maxeon Air:
OVERALL: 89/100
With decades of admires in a similar Apple cult following manner, there’s no denying that people love the appeal of the Sunpower/ Maxeon module range. Boasting an elite spectra of solar module offerings, you’re going to have to be prepared to pay a little more than most. The astute shopper, you calculate the upside beyond hypothetical/ basic ROI (Return on Investment). More likely (than other brands) to improve the value of your property, you’re investing in reliable energy production beyond the next 25-years. Which, we’re sure, makes that little extra at the point of sale a lot less when you’re energy supply operates seamlessly and is characteristically more sophisticated than your neighbour’s cheapy.
If that’s not enough to get you all Sunpowered-up, don’t forget Sir David Attenborough’s stark message in 2021’s Breaking Boundaries – The Science of our Planet Film (recommended viewing!). The planet as we know it is at a tipping point. Abandoning a throwaway society is one step to ensure humanity continues (i.e., you and your children have a non-toxic planetary place to call home). If reliable, clean energy with less waste is the path forward, Sunpower Maxeon solar panels are an intelligent investment towards one of the most technologically advanced module offerings, no matter your preference.
*Denotes the Sunpower/Maxeon Solar range Solar Analytica Editors Choice.
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General product questions should be made using the comments section at the bottom of this post (keep scrolling).
Sunpower Maxeon product range, manufacturers international site.
Additional References not contained within the body content of this post, please view the individual product reports for centralised; testing certifications, warranty information and other document assets relevant to the specific product.
- Sunpower Maxeon Performance 3.
- Sunpower Maxeon 3.
- Sunpower Maxeon 6.
- Sunpower Maxeon Air. (coming soon – subscribe)
- Sunpower Maxeon 5.
