Support Centre for Homeowners

We built the Performance solar panels for high reliability, high efficiency and low degradation—driving an estimated 8% more energy yield in a fixed space over the first 30 years of operation when compared to Conventional mono PERC Panels1.

PV solar panels produce direct current (DC) electricity, where electrons flow in a single direction, like a battery powering a light bulb. In contrast, alternating current (AC) electricity alternates the electron flow, similar to a car engine's movement. AC electricity is generated by spinning a coil of wire near a magnet, powered by various energy sources like gas, hydro, nuclear, coal, wind, or solar.

The amount of energy produced by solar panels depends on several factors, including the size and efficiency of the panels, the amount of sunlight they receive, and their orientation and location. On average, a 1-kilowatt (kW) solar panel system can generate approximately 1,600 to 2,500 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year in a location with good sunlight.

Your SunPower system was designed with typical soil accumulation in mind, and seasonal rains are usually enough to adequately clear any soil or dust that might accumulate. We strongly recommend that you do not go onto your roof for panel cleaning or inspection. If severe soiling occurs and you feel it is absolutely necessary to clean the panels, you can clean them by spraying them from the ground with a standard garden hose. We recommend that homeowners only clean panels early in the morning or late evening rather than when the sun is at its peak or when the panels are warm.

To clean a module, wash with potable, non-heated water. Normal water pressure is more than adequate, but pressurized water up to 100 bar may be used. Fingerprints, stains, or accumulations of dirt on the front surface may be removed as follows: first rinse off area and let soak for a short period of time (about 5 minutes). Re-wet and use a soft sponge or seamless cloth to wipe glass surface in a circular motion. Fingerprints typically can be removed with a soft cloth or sponge and water after wetting. Important things to keep in mind:

As a rule, stay on the ground. Never get up on your roof without a secure ladder and proper fall-protection equipment. Turn off your system before you start cleaning. Consult your local Installer if you need help turning off your system. As a rule, avoid using hard, or mineral rich, water. It can damage panels over time. If your area only has hard tap water, you can buy an inexpensive water-softening hose attachment to filter out minerals. Otherwise, you can use distilled or de-ionized water.

Use soft brushes and squeegees. Do not use harsh cleaning materials such as scouring powder, steel wool, scrapers, blades or other sharp instruments to clean the glass surface of the module. Use of such materials of cleaning without consultation will invalidate the product warranty.

Clean early in the morning or in the evening when the panels are cool. During the heat of the day, water and soap can evaporate quickly, which risks smearing the soap and dirt.

When using a high-pressure water nozzle, don’t get close to the panels. While they’re extremely durable, you don’t want to damage them.

Do a monthly visual inspection to look for any dust buildup. Also, you can watch your bill for any noticeable drop in efficiency. Only then should you worry about cleaning. Even then, in most cases, nature is going to clean them for you.

Don’t expose yourself to any risk. If you have any doubts about your ability to safely clean your panels, hire a professional.

SunPower Maxeon panels also deliver greater peace of mind, having earned the trust of experts by being more reliable and durable - and backed by our industry-leading Complete Confidence Warranty. Not only is this warranty stronger, but unlike most conventional warranties, it is based on actual field-testing data. For example, the power warranty promises no more than a 0.25%/ year power drop. This is backed by a study of more than 230MW across 149 actual global sites using a methodology developed in collaboration with NREL. We also know from actual field data that only 0.005% or 1 in 20,000 SunPower Maxeon panels have been returned under warranty4 .Lastly, SunPower Maxeon panels are built with our customers in mind, which means higher sustainability standards and more elegant design aesthetics than Conventional Panels. SunPower Maxeon panels have pioneered sustainability efforts in solar manufacturing, and have been recognized with the prestigious Cradle to Cradle Certified™ designation for direct current (DC) panels. The Cradle to Cradle designation demonstrates the products' quality based on rankings of material health, material reutilization, renewable energy use, water stewardship, and social fairness.

SunPower Maxeon panels were also the first solar panel to disclose its ingredients through the Declare label. In March 2020, our Mexicali, Mexico manufacturing facility was re-certified by NSF Sustainability as Zero Waste to Landfill – and remains the only solar panel manufacturing facility to achieve this. The certification means that this facility diverts more than 99% of its waste, with 1% or less going to landfills.

The back-contact cell design of SunPower Maxeon panels also delivers an uncluttered and elegant design aesthetic – with panels available in black and white backsheets. This has made SunPower Maxeon panels the panel of choice for architects and designers.

Get ready to save money on your electric bill each month while also helping save the environment. Your family’s energy usage and the size of your solar energy system installed will determine the size of your savings.

The amount you save with a solar energy system depends on several factors. These include your current energy consumption, local electricity rates, system size, available sunlight, and any incentives or rebates. Generally, home solar panels can significantly reduce or even eliminate your electricity bills. Over time, the savings can accumulate as you generate your own clean energy. Our Partner installers will help you choose the right solar technology and can help estimate potential savings based on your specific circumstances.