SunPower
Solar PanelsSunPower is an American solar panel manufacturer founded in 1985. The company produces high-efficiency panels using Maxeon IBC cell technology with 40-year warranties.
About SunPower Solar Panels in Australia
SunPower is an American solar panel manufacturer founded in 1985, making it one of the oldest solar companies in the world. The brand is best known for its Maxeon interdigitated back contact (IBC) cells, which consistently rank among the highest-efficiency residential panels available. In March 2025, TCL (the Chinese electronics conglomerate) completed its full acquisition of SunPower, and the brand now operates as TCL SunPower.
In Australia, SunPower has one of the longest track records of any panel brand, with panels installed locally for over 15 years. The company maintains a headquarters in Melbourne with additional warehouses in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. This national logistics presence gives SunPower better warranty and support coverage than many competitors.
The Maxeon 6 series (410–440W IBC panels) represents SunPower’s premium offering, with up to 40-year product and performance warranties on select models. The Performance series offers a more affordable entry point using conventional cell technology. Under TCL ownership, SunPower is expected to benefit from greater manufacturing scale while maintaining its premium brand positioning and Australian support infrastructure.
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SunPower Key Features
IBC Maxeon Cells
SunPower’s interdigitated back contact (IBC) cells place all electrical contacts on the rear, maximising the light-absorbing front surface for industry-leading efficiency.
Maxeon 6: Up to 440W
The Maxeon 6 series achieves up to 440W per panel with efficiencies above 22.7%, placing it among the highest-output residential panels available in Australia.
Up to 40-Year Warranty
Select Maxeon panels come with up to a 40-year combined product and performance warranty, the longest in the residential solar panel market.
40 Years of Experience
Founded in 1985, SunPower has nearly four decades of solar manufacturing experience. The company has one of the longest continuous track records in the industry.
National Warehouse Network
Warehouses in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth ensure fast stock availability and warranty part supply across all major Australian metros.
TCL Backing Since 2025
TCL’s acquisition brings additional manufacturing scale and financial backing while SunPower retains its brand identity, product engineering, and Australian support team.
SunPower Products Available in Australia
Maxeon 6 Series
Maxeon 7 Series
How SunPower Compares to Other Premium Panel Brands
| Feature | SunPower (IBC) | REC (HJT) | LONGi (HPBC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cell Technology | N-type IBC (Maxeon) | N-type HJT | N-type HPBC |
| Residential Wattage | 410–440W | 400–470W | 420–440W |
| Product Warranty | Up to 40 years | 20 years | 15 years |
| Price Point | Premium | Premium | Mid-premium |
| AU Track Record | 15+ years | 10+ years | 10+ years |
| AU Support | Melbourne HQ + 5 warehouses | Melbourne office | Sydney office |
SunPower offers the longest warranty in the residential panel market (up to 40 years) and the most extensive Australian support network among premium brands. REC competes closely on cell technology (HJT vs IBC) with slightly lower pricing. LONGi offers a mid-premium option with strong global manufacturing scale. All three use advanced N-type cell technology with better temperature performance and lower degradation than conventional PERC panels.
Customer Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions About SunPower
- helpAre SunPower panels still good after the TCL takeover?
- TCL completed its acquisition of SunPower in March 2025. Early indications are that the existing product lines (Maxeon, Performance series), warranty programs, and Australian support infrastructure remain in place. TCL is a large electronics manufacturer with the resources to maintain and invest in SunPower’s operations. The key for consumers is whether long-term warranty commitments (up to 40 years) will be honoured, which depends on the ongoing financial health of the combined entity.
- helpIs SunPower the best solar panel brand?
- SunPower is consistently rated among the top residential solar panel brands globally. The Maxeon IBC cells achieve industry-leading efficiency, and the 40-year warranty is unmatched. In Australia, SunPower has a 15+ year track record with strong local support. The main trade-off is price: SunPower Maxeon panels are among the most expensive residential panels available. For homeowners prioritising long-term performance and warranty coverage, SunPower is a strong choice.
- helpHow much do SunPower panels cost in Australia?
- SunPower Maxeon panels typically cost 20–40% more than mid-tier alternatives like Jinko, Trina, or Canadian Solar. A 6.6kW system using SunPower Maxeon 6 panels might cost $8,000–$12,000 installed (before rebates), compared to $5,000–$7,000 for a mid-tier system. The Performance series is more affordable but uses conventional cell technology. Get multiple quotes to compare pricing in your area.
- helpWhat is the difference between SunPower Maxeon and Performance series?
- The Maxeon series uses SunPower’s proprietary IBC cell technology for maximum efficiency and up to 40-year warranties. The Performance series uses conventional cell technology (similar to other mainstream brands) at a lower price point with standard 25-year warranties. Maxeon panels also feature SunPower’s solid copper foundation that makes the cells more durable and resistant to corrosion.
- helpWho owns SunPower now?
- SunPower is now wholly owned by TCL, a Chinese electronics conglomerate known for TVs, appliances, and displays. TCL completed its full acquisition of SunPower in March 2025. Before the acquisition, SunPower was a publicly traded US company (previously spun off from Maxeon Solar Technologies). The brand continues to operate under the SunPower name in Australia.
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