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Maxeon Solar Panels

Choosing a solar panel can have a lasting impact on an organization’s energy strategy, or a homeowner’s monthly energy bill—but only when investing in a technology built and tested for the long term.

Record-setting Maxeon panels enable maximum savings and the peace of mind that comes with solar's top durability, reliability and efficiency,1 Based on datasheet review of websites of top 20 manufacturers per IHS, as of January 2020.  all backed by the industry’s longest warranty.2 Maxeon solar panels are backed by a 40-year warranty. Subject to terms and conditions. Not available in all countries. 40-year warranty requires registration, otherwise our 25-year warranty applies.

Fundamentally different,
and better

The flagship Maxeon solar panel is designed to be different and proven to be better across more than five cell generations, 3.5 billion cells and 30 million panels, even in the harshest of conditions. Conventional solar cells lose power over time because of corrosion and breakage. A recent study of EU solar power plants uncovered that 41% of field failures were caused from issues surrounding the panel, such as browning and cell cracking, PID, delamination and defective backsheets.* Lillo-Bravo, et. al. “Impact of Energy Losses Due to Failures on Photovoltaic Plant Energy Balance.” Energies. 2018. The unique design of Maxeon solar cells eliminates many of these causes of conventional cell failures. So your panels — and savings — continue to deliver. Year, after year, after year.

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High Efficiency Solar Panels Maxeon Cell Technology

Enjoy 40 Years of Reliable Energy

Welcome to the solar industry’s longest warranty: the Maxeon 40 Year Warranty.1 Residential Maxeon solar panels are backed by a 40-year warranty. Subject to terms and conditions. 40-year warranty requires registration, otherwise our 25-year warranty applies. Commercial solar panels are backed by our 25-year warranty.  It’s as exceptional as our quality solar technology. In fact, you’re 100 times more likely to return a standard solar panel than a Maxeon solar panel.2 SunPower and Conventional claim rates – "A Comparative Study: SunPower DC Solar Module Warranty Claim Rate vs. Conventional Panels." SunPower Corporation. 2019.

And since our warranty covers the panel and its performance, it’s much easier to process than standard warranties in the unlikely event that you will need it. We also include broader coverage for panel repair and replacement compared to other warranties.3 Service availability varies by country and installation provider.

Our Maxeon panel’s 40-year warranty is one more way we make life better with solar.

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Maxeon Industry Leading 40-Years Warranty Logo

Solar’s most innovative technology, is now backed by its most comprehensive warranty

Maxeon panels were recognized as a Top Performer in the 2022 PVEL PV Module Reliability Scorecard.

Based on data from its Product Qualification Program (PQP), the PVEL Scorecard highlights the exemplary reliability performance of solar panel manufacturers worldwide.

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PV Module 2022 Top Performer Mark

Unmatched reliability

Invest with confidence, knowing that Maxeon quality is proven. In actual field testing across 8 years and 800,000 panels at 264 sites, Maxeon solar panels demonstrated the lowest degradation rates in the industry,* Jordan, et. al. Robust PV Degradation Methodology and Application. PVSC 2018  almost 4x stronger reliability than conventional panels.

And more reliability means more savings.

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High Efficiency Solar Panel Maxeon Annual Degradation Rates

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Learn how 35+ years of boundary-pushing solar DNA has made Maxeon the manufacturer of choice for many leading energy solutions providers.
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Related Blogs

Read about Maxeon and our industry-leading solar panels.
Maxeon Solar Panels Stands to Humidity

Solar That Thrives in Humidity

As the climate warms, more moisture is trapped in the air. While heat can limit a panel's power, moisture can cause corrosion within cells that can ultimately lead to panel degradation and failure. Maxeon panels are designed and proven to stand up to damp heat extremes.

Maxeon Panels Climate Whiplash

Solar That Can Stand up to ‘Climate Whiplash’

As the climate warms, evidence suggests we will experience more volatility between weather extremes. Not all solar performs the same in these conditions. As panels experience extreme swings between freezes and thaws, your sustainability and financial returns will be limited. Maxeon panels are designed and proven to stand up to weather extremes.

Solar Panels That Can Take the Heat

Solar That Can Take the Heat

The world is setting heat records on every continent. Solar is broadly recognized as an "easy win" to quickly reducing the CO2 emissions that lead to global warming—yet not all solar performs well in heat. Maxeon panels are designed and proven to stand up to warm weather extremes.

Meet the Maxeon Cell

No grid lines

Maxeon cells use back-contact conductivity, eliminating unsightly metal gridlines, enabling them to absorb more sunlight.

 

Solid metal backing

Metal adds massive strength to each cell, helping it resist corrosion from the elements, while making the entire panel more durable.

 

Thick connectors

Expanding and contracting from daily temperature swings are no problem with our built-in strain relief and thick, triple-redundant connectors.

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Maxeon Solar Cell Diagram

Frequently Asked Questions

How do Maxeon solar panels differ from Conventional Panels?

Maxeon panels provide greater peace of mind than Conventional Solar Panels.1“Conventional Panel” is a panel made with Conventional Cells. “Conventional Cells” are silicon cells that have many thin metal lines on the front and interconnect ribbons soldered along the front and back.

Maxeon panels lead the solar industry in panel efficiency2Based on datasheet review of websites of top 20 manufacturers per IHS, as of June 2020. and deliver more bill savings by generating the most solar power and long-term solar energy in a given amount of roof space. 

Over time, the advantage grows, because Maxeon panels also have the lowest degradation rate in the solar industry. While most Conventional Panels tend to degrade around 0.75%/year, Maxeon panels have proven to degrade at less than one-third of that rate, or about 0.2%/year.3Jordan, et al, “Robust PV Degradation Methodology Application” PVSC 2018 and “Compendium of Photovoltaic Degradation Rates” PiP 2016. To translate into real results – that means a Maxeon panel delivers up to 25% more energy in its first year of operation. In year 25, that advantage grows to about 45% more energy, for an average of 35% more energy during the first 25 years.4Maxeon 450 W, 22.2% efficient panel, compared to a Conventional Panel on same-sized arrays (370 W mono PERC, 19% efficient, approx. 2 m²).

Maxeon panels also deliver greater peace of mind, having earned the trust of experts by being more reliable and durable—and backed by an industry-leading 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 Maxeon panels have been returned under warranty.5"A Comparative Study: DC Solar Module Warranty Claim Rate vs. Conventional Panels." 2019.  Lastly, Maxeon panels are built with our customers in mind, which means higher sustainability standards than Conventional Panels. Maxeon panels have pioneered sustainability efforts in solar manufacturing, and have been recognized with the prestigious Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Bronze 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.

Maxeon panels were also the first and only solar panel to disclose its ingredients through the Declare label – available for all Maxeon 2 and 3 panels. 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.

How do Maxeon Performance solar panels differ from the flagship Maxeon panel technology?

Maxeon Performance solar panels utilize high efficiency mono PERC cells to deliver higher reliability and efficiency than Conventional Cells. For more information on Performance Panels, visit the Performance panels page.

The Maxeon panel advantage begins with its cell. The Maxeon cell is a fundamentally different design from any other cell on the market, starting with a solid copper foundation that is unique in the solar industry.

In contrast, what appears to be metal on the front and back of a Conventional Cell is actually conductive paste made of tiny bits of silver and aluminum baked onto the silicon wafer. In fact, the process of making those cells is very similar to screen-printing a design on a tee-shirt: you create a template, wipe the paint across the template and then remove the template to leave the paint where you want it on the tee-shirt, and then bake the tee-shirt to cure the paint onto the fabric. A similar screen-printing process is used to apply the thin lines of metal paste on the front, and the full-coverage metal paste on the back, to create a Conventional Solar Cell. Unlike the strength of the solid copper foundation of the Maxeon cell, the metal paste of the Conventional Cell offers almost no strength to the thin silicon wafer. This fundamental design difference creates the weakness you can find through basic laboratory testing.

What is the typical performance advantage gained from using Maxeon panels?

A Maxeon solar panel delivers up to 25% more energy than a Conventional Panel in its first year of operation. In year 25, the difference would grow to about 45% more energy, for an average of 35% more energy during the first 25 years.1Maxeon 450 W, 22.2% efficient panel, compared to a Conventional Panel on same-sized arrays (370 W mono PERC, 19% efficient, approx. 2 m²). Maxeon solar panels are predicted to have a useful life of more than 40 years.240-year Useful Life Whitepaper. 2013.

How much do Maxeon panels cost?

With solar, as with many things, “you get what you pay for.” Not all solar systems are alike. The quality of the technology matters in the long run. The durability, reliability and efficiency of solar panels can vary widely by manufacturer. If you settle for Conventional Panels that might cost less out-of-pocket, you can expect to see average (or below average) results and less savings over time.

A higher quality panel might cost a little more up front, but you will see more predictable performance in the long run. Maxeon panels generate more energy, last longer, are backed by a stronger warranty, and are produced more sustainably than Conventional Panels.

Resource Center

    Product Datasheets

    Maxeon 3 DC, 415-430 W

    Product Datasheet
    Ideal for Residential & Commercial Applications
    40-year Warranty

    Maxeon 3 DC Black, 405–420 W

    Product Datasheet
    Ideal for Residential Applications
    40-year Warranty

    Maxeon 6 DC, 410-420 W

    Product Datasheet
    Ideal for Residential Applications
    40-year Warranty

    Maxeon 6 DC, 425-440 W

    Product Datasheet
    Ideal for Residential Applications
    40-year Warranty

    Manuals and Technical Sheets

    Safety and Installation Instructions for DC Panels

    Rev E

    Warranty Documents & Leaflets

    Limited Warranty for PV Modules (Maxeon DC Panels)

    Residential & Light Commercial Installations: 40 / 40 Years
    Effective Date: January 1, 2024

    Product Datasheets

    Maxeon 6 COM, 450-475 W

    Product Datasheet
    Ideal for Commercial Applications
    40-year Warranty

    Maxeon 3 COM, 470-485 W

    Product Datasheet
    Ideal for Commercial Applications
    40-year Warranty

    Maxeon 3 DC, 415-430 W

    Product Datasheet
    Ideal for Residential & Commercial Applications
    40-year Warranty

    Manuals and Technical Sheets

    Safety and Installation Instructions for DC Panels

    Rev E

    Warranty Documents & Leaflets

    Limited Warranty for PV Modules (Maxeon DC Panels)

    Residential & Light Commercial Installations: 40 / 40 Years
    Effective Date: January 1, 2024

    Limited Warranty for PV Modules (Maxeon & Performance DC Panels)

    Commercial Installations: 25 / 25 Years
    Effective Date: January 1, 2022