SunPower Solar Panels Review: Are They Still Available in the UK?
SunPower is one of the most recognised names in solar, famous for premium high-efficiency panels and a 40-year warranty. The brand history is genuinely confusing though, and it changed again in 2024. The short version: in the UK you can still buy SunPower-branded premium panels, and they are made by Maxeon Solar Technologies. The US SunPower installation business is a separate company that filed for bankruptcy in 2024.
This guide untangles who owns the SunPower name, what the bankruptcy means for UK owners and buyers, what the panels actually are, and whether they are still worth buying in 2026 now that Aiko and LONGi have closed much of the efficiency gap at a lower price.
Quick Answer
SunPower solar panels are still available in the UK, where premium SunPower-branded panels are manufactured by Maxeon Solar Technologies (NASDAQ: MAXN). In 2020, SunPower Corporation spun off its manufacturing arm as Maxeon; Maxeon kept the IBC patents and factories and supplies SunPower-branded panels everywhere outside the US and Canada. The separate US SunPower installation business filed for bankruptcy in 2024 and its name was acquired by Complete Solaria, which relaunched it as a dealer platform, not a manufacturer. For UK owners the bankruptcy does not affect the panels or the 40-year warranty, which are backed by Maxeon. The panels use IBC back-contact cells at around 24% efficiency and cost £280–£420 per panel installed.
Last updated June 2026
Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy
Did SunPower go bankrupt? What happened in 2024
Yes, but it is important to be precise about which SunPower. The US-based SunPower Corporation, a solar installation and energy-services company, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2024. Its key assets were acquired by Complete Solaria, which relaunched under the SunPower name in 2025 as a dealer and installation platform. Crucially, this entity does not manufacture the premium IBC panels that made SunPower famous. Those are made by Maxeon.
Why this matters less in the UK than in the US
The bankrupt SunPower Corporation operated in the US market. In the UK, you were never buying from that company. UK SunPower-branded panels come from Maxeon, the separate manufacturer, so the 2024 bankruptcy has no direct effect on UK panel supply, panel quality, or the manufacturer-backed warranty.
What went bankrupt
- The US SunPower Corporation (installer / services)
- Filed Chapter 11 in 2024
- Assets bought by Complete Solaria, relaunched as “SunPower” in 2025
- The new SunPower is a dealer platform, not a panel maker
What did not go bankrupt
- Maxeon Solar Technologies (the manufacturer)
- The IBC panel factories and patents
- The 40-year manufacturer warranty on the panels
- UK supply of SunPower-branded premium panels
SunPower and Maxeon: how the two brands relate
To understand SunPower today you have to go back to 2020. That year, SunPower Corporation split into two independent companies. The manufacturing arm, with the factories, the patents and the research, became Maxeon Solar Technologies. The remaining SunPower Corporation kept the US installation and services business. They have been separate companies ever since.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| Early 2000s | SunPower pioneers high-efficiency IBC (back-contact) cells |
| 2020 | SunPower spins off manufacturing as Maxeon Solar Technologies (NASDAQ: MAXN) |
| 2020 onward | Maxeon makes the panels; sells them as SunPower outside the US/Canada (incl. UK) |
| 2024 | US SunPower Corporation files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy |
| 2025 | SunPower name acquired by Complete Solaria, relaunched as a US dealer platform |
The bottom line for a UK buyer
In the UK, a quote for “SunPower” premium panels and a quote for “Maxeon” panels are the same product, made in the same factories. Because the panels are physically Maxeon, we cover the full specs, range and warranty detail on our dedicated Maxeon solar panels review. The rest of this page focuses on what is specific to the SunPower name: the history, the bankruptcy, and existing-owner questions.
What are SunPower (Maxeon) panels actually like?
The premium SunPower panel is built on IBC (Interdigitated Back Contact) cells, the back-contact design SunPower pioneered and Maxeon now produces. All electrical contacts sit on the rear of the cell, on a solid copper foundation. That removes front-side shading, lifts efficiency to around 24%, and makes the panel exceptionally durable, which is what underpins the 40-year warranty.
~24% Efficiency
Among the highest-efficiency residential panels, useful where roof space is tight. Aiko and LONGi now sit alongside it on peak efficiency.
40-Year Warranty
The longest in the market, covering both product and performance, backed by manufacturer Maxeon rather than the bankrupt US SunPower entity.
All-Black Look
No visible busbars or gridlines, the clean, uniform aesthetic premium UK buyers often want.
For the full model range (Maxeon 6, Maxeon 7, Performance line), detailed specs, wattages and the warranty breakdown, see our Maxeon solar panels review.
How much do SunPower solar panels cost in the UK?
SunPower (Maxeon) panels sit at the top of the UK price range. You pay for the 40-year warranty and durability, not for a higher efficiency number, since cheaper rivals now match it. Prices below are estimates for panels supplied and installed in 2026, including 0% VAT. For broader pricing context, see our solar panels cost guide.
| System Size | Number of Panels | Estimated Cost (installed) | Cost per Panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 kW | 8 panels | £6,500–£8,500 | £280–£400 |
| 5 kW | 12 panels | £8,500–£11,500 | £300–£420 |
| 7 kW | 16 panels | £11,500–£15,000 | £320–£420 |
| 10 kW | 24 panels | £16,000–£21,000 | £320–£430 |
0% VAT on residential solar installations
SunPower (Maxeon) panels qualify for 0% VAT when supplied and installed on residential properties in the UK. This applies to panels, inverters, batteries, and mounting equipment installed under the same contract. The 0% VAT rate is in effect until at least March 2027.
Prices are estimates based on UK market rates in 2026. Actual costs vary by installer, location, roof complexity, model, and inverter/battery selection. Always obtain multiple quotes and confirm the exact Maxeon model behind the SunPower badge.
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Get a Quote ↓SunPower vs Aiko, LONGi and other premium brands
The big change in recent years is that SunPower (Maxeon) is no longer alone at the top on efficiency. Here is how it compares with the brands that now challenge it. For a wider view, see our best solar panels UK guide.
| Feature | SunPower (Maxeon 7) | Aiko Neostar | LONGi Hi-MO X10 | Jinko Tiger Neo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cell technology | N-type IBC | N-type ABC | N-type HPBC 2.0 | N-type TOPCon |
| Max panel efficiency | ~24.1% | 24.2%+ | 24.0%+ | 22.5% |
| Max wattage (residential) | 440W | 485W | 470W | 450W |
| Product warranty | 40 years | 25 years | 25 years | 25 years |
| UK price per panel (est.) | £280–£420 | £200–£350 | £160–£300 | £130–£220 |
| UK availability | Established | Growing | Widely available | Widely available |
SunPower vs Aiko
Aiko Neostar now matches or beats SunPower on peak efficiency and wattage (up to 485W vs 440W) at a lower price. SunPower’s answer is the 40-year warranty versus Aiko’s 25, plus a far longer durability record. If warranty length is your priority, SunPower; if it is watts per pound, Aiko.
SunPower vs LONGi
LONGi Hi-MO X10 matches the efficiency, beats the wattage, costs £100–£150 less per panel, and is far easier to source in the UK. SunPower keeps the warranty crown (40 vs 25 years). LONGi is the value play; SunPower is for buyers who want the longest guarantee on a forever home.
I already have SunPower panels: what should I know?
If you already own a SunPower system in the UK, the 2024 US bankruptcy is unlikely to affect you, but here is how to check and what to do.
Your warranty
UK SunPower panels are made by Maxeon, so the manufacturer-backed warranty is held with Maxeon, a financially stable NASDAQ-listed company. Find your original installation paperwork, confirm the warranty was registered, and keep the documentation safe. For a claim, contact your original MCS-certified installer first, then Maxeon’s UK support if needed.
If your installer has closed
Many solar installers have come and gone, which is separate from the SunPower story. If your original installer no longer trades, the panel warranty still sits with Maxeon, but you may need another MCS-certified installer to carry out any covered work. Workmanship guarantees (the install itself) are usually backed by a scheme like RECC or an insurance-backed guarantee, so check those documents too.
SunPower solar panels: pros and cons in 2026
The case for SunPower today rests on warranty and durability, weighed against a high price and brand-history uncertainty.
Pros
- 40-year warranty – the longest in the market, backed by manufacturer Maxeon
- Proven durability – IBC cells on solid copper resist cracking and corrosion
- High efficiency – around 24%, strong on limited roof space
- Still available in the UK – via Maxeon, despite the US bankruptcy headlines
- Recognised premium name – helpful for resale and buyer confidence
Cons
- Brand confusion – the SunPower vs Maxeon split and the 2024 bankruptcy create real uncertainty for buyers
- Highest price – £280–£420 per panel, above Aiko and double mainstream brands
- No longer the efficiency leader – Aiko and LONGi now match or beat it for less
- Lower wattage per panel – 440W vs 470–485W from rivals
- Fewer UK installers – less widely stocked than mass-market panels
SunPower solar panels: UK availability and installation
You can still buy SunPower-branded premium panels in the UK, supplied by Maxeon through premium MCS-certified installers. They may appear on quotes as SunPower, SunPower Maxeon, or simply Maxeon, all the same product.
How to get them installed
- Ask for SunPower (Maxeon) panels and confirm the exact Maxeon model
- Use an MCS-certified installer to qualify for 0% VAT and SEG payments
- Confirm whether it is the 40-year IBC line or the 25-year Performance line
- Compare at least 3 quotes, premium-panel prices vary widely
- Make sure the warranty is registered with Maxeon after install
Compatible inverters and batteries
SunPower (Maxeon) panels work with all standard inverters and optimisers, including SolarEdge, Enphase microinverters, and Sungrow hybrids, plus battery options like the Tesla Powerwall. Your installer will recommend the best match.
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
SunPower panels installed by an MCS-certified installer qualify for the Smart Export Guarantee, which pays you for surplus electricity exported to the grid. SEG rates vary by supplier but typically range from 3–30p per kWh in 2026.
SunPower solar panels FAQ
Can you still buy SunPower solar panels in the UK?
Yes. In the UK, premium SunPower-branded panels are manufactured by Maxeon Solar Technologies and remain available through premium MCS-certified installers. They may be quoted as SunPower, SunPower Maxeon, or Maxeon, all the same product. The 2024 US SunPower bankruptcy does not affect UK availability.
Did SunPower go bankrupt?
The US-based SunPower Corporation, a solar installation and services company, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2024. Its assets were acquired by Complete Solaria, which relaunched the SunPower name in 2025 as a US dealer platform. The manufacturer of the panels, Maxeon Solar Technologies, is a separate company and did not go bankrupt.
What is the difference between SunPower and Maxeon?
SunPower spun off its manufacturing into Maxeon Solar Technologies in 2020. Maxeon kept the factories, IBC patents and R&D, and supplies the premium panels under the SunPower brand outside the US and Canada, including the UK. In the UK, SunPower-branded premium panels and Maxeon panels are the same product.
Does the SunPower bankruptcy affect my warranty?
For UK owners, no. The bankruptcy was of the separate US installation business. UK SunPower panels are made by Maxeon, and the 40-year manufacturer warranty is backed by Maxeon, a financially stable NASDAQ-listed company. Keep your installation paperwork and confirm the warranty was registered with Maxeon.
How much do SunPower panels cost in the UK?
SunPower (Maxeon) panels typically cost £280–£420 per panel installed in the UK, the most expensive residential tier. A full 5 kW system (around 12 panels) costs roughly £8,500–£11,500 installed including 0% VAT in 2026. The premium reflects the 40-year warranty and durability rather than higher efficiency.
Are SunPower panels still worth buying?
SunPower (Maxeon) is worth it if you prioritise the 40-year warranty and durability, especially on a forever home or a small roof where its efficiency helps. If you are optimising payback or value, Aiko and LONGi now match the efficiency at a lower price with simpler brand stories, so they often make more sense for value-focused buyers.
Who owns SunPower now?
There are two parts. The premium panel manufacturing belongs to Maxeon Solar Technologies (NASDAQ: MAXN, majority-owned by TCL), which has supplied SunPower-branded panels since 2020. The US SunPower installation brand name was acquired out of bankruptcy by Complete Solaria, which relaunched it as a dealer platform in 2025.
Are SunPower and Maxeon panels the same?
In the UK, effectively yes. The premium SunPower-branded panels sold here are manufactured by Maxeon in the same factories from the same IBC cells. The naming differs by market and distributor, but the physical panel and its 40-year warranty are Maxeon's. See our Maxeon review for full specs.
How efficient are SunPower solar panels?
The flagship SunPower (Maxeon 7) panel reaches around 24% module efficiency using IBC back-contact cells, among the highest available. That said, Aiko Neostar and LONGi Hi-MO X10 now match or slightly exceed it, so efficiency is no longer SunPower's unique selling point; the 40-year warranty is.
What is the SunPower warranty?
The premium SunPower (Maxeon IBC) panels carry a 40-year product and performance warranty, the longest in the residential market, guaranteeing around 88% of rated output at year 40. The cheaper Performance (shingled) line carries a standard 25-year warranty, so confirm which line you are quoted.
Related Guides
Maxeon Solar Panels
Maxeon 7 IBC panels with a 40-year warranty: specs, UK pricing, the SunPower link, and how they compare to Aiko and LONGi.
Aiko Solar Panels
Aiko N-type ABC solar panels: highest-efficiency residential panels, Neostar series, UK pricing, and warranty.
LONGi Solar Panels
LONGi Hi-MO X10 HPBC 2.0 panels from the world's largest panel maker: specs, UK pricing, warranty, and comparison.
Best Solar Panels
Top 5 solar panel systems ranked for UK homes.
Sources
- Maxeon Solar Technologies: Official Website
- MCS: Microgeneration Certification Scheme
- Solar Energy UK: Industry Trade Association
- Ofgem: Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
- HMRC: 0% VAT on Energy-Saving Materials
Last updated: June 2026
John Rooney is the founder of Solar Info and has been covering the UK solar energy market since 2023. He researches every battery and inverter brand against manufacturer datasheets, MCS and Ofgem data, and feedback from the MCS-certified installers in our directory before publishing.
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