The home solar market is growing at a rapid rate. Homeowners are taking control of their energy needs due to the fear of power outages due to fires, extreme weather, and high demand. They want solar but want to know what the cost of energy independence will be.

What things contribute to the cost of a solar electric system? Probably the most obvious expense is the hardware. The components that make up a solar system are the solar panel, which features solar cells, inverters, and mounting hardware. There are wires, conduits, and racking, as well as the costs of design, permitting, and installation. SunPower pairs world-class technology with high-quality solutions that output more power than a conventional solar system. In fact, a SunPower® solar system produces up to 55% more solar energy over 25 years than other conventional systems in the same space1.

When you choose a SunPower solar system, you are getting the most durable2 and efficient3 solar panels on the market. With a strong copper foundation in the back and an unobstructed light-trapping surface that sits on top to receive sunlight, our SunPower solar cells are unique. This design prevents corrosion while creating more surface area to produce more clean energy.

The price of solar panels is most often based on factors like size and wattage. Both factors have a lot to do with how efficient a solar panel is. More wattage means higher efficiency. What sets SunPower apart are high-efficiency solar panels. SunPower solar installations require fewer panels in less space than conventional solar. This is very beneficial for homes with minimal roof space, but it also means faster installation and less labor.

When it comes to SunPower installations, we always use highly trained and educated installers. It takes a team of knowledgeable professionals to complete a solar installation. So, beyond the materials, a significant part of the cost of a solar installation goes into paying these installers for their hard work and expertise. To be sure, working with a SunPower installer is worth the investment.

If you are considering making the switch to solar power, a SunPower dealer can design and price out a solar system that works for your energy needs. A well-planned system will mean savings on your utility bill. SunPower dealers can also help you capitalize on the federal and local incentives that may further reduce the cost. Want to start on your solar journey? Try our FREE Solar + EV Calculator today!

1 SunPower 400 W, 22.6% efficient, compared to a Conventional Panel on same-sized arrays (280 W multi, 17% efficient, approx. 1.64 m²), 8% more energy per watt (based on PVSim runs for avg US climate), and 0.5%/year slower degradation rate (Jordan, et. al., Robust PV Degradation Methodology and Application. PVSC 2018).

 2 Jordan et al., Robust PV Degradation Methodology and Application, PVSC 2018

 3 Based on a datasheet review of websites of the top 20 manufacturers per IHS as of April 2021.