If you're investing in solar power for the long haul, the SunPower Maxeon 7 solar panel stands out for its exceptional warranty and durability. In this SunPower Maxeon 7 review, we explain why it’s our top choice for longevity and how it compares to other brands on the market.
Whether you’re trying to cut your energy bills or make your home more sustainable, solar panels can be a smart investment. To help you get started, we’ve reviewed the best solar panels available in the UK and compared leading products side by side. You can also check out our guide to the best solar panel installers to ensure a quality installation.
Why choose the SunPower Maxeon 7?
- Price, installed: £1250 per kW
- Efficiency: 24 per cent
- Wattage per panel: 475W
- Type: N-Type
- Made in: Malaysia and the Philippines
- Degradation: 90.8 per cent after 30 years
- Warranty: 40 years with registration, only for certain fitters
A pricier unit than most, the SunPower Maxeon 7 solar panel also has the staying power to justify the extra expense.
It’s the only solar panel in our roundup to offer an industry-leading 40-year warranty, making it ideal for homeowners prioritising long-term peace of mind. The catch is that you must register the product to access this extended coverage, and only certain installers qualify, so be sure to ask your provider if this is important to you.
The panel also delivers high efficiency, strong power output and minimal degradation—it will retain more than 90% of its original power output even after 30 years.
Its high output per panel makes the Maxeon 7 a smart choice for homes with limited roof space.
Whilst still using the SunPower brand, Singapore-based Maxeon was spun off from its American parent company, SunPower, in 2020.
The company is now headquartered in Singapore and listed on the New York Stock Exchange. China’s TCL Technology Group owns more than a third of its shares, while France’s TotalEnergies holds roughly 25%.
Here are some of the more technical details:
- N -type Mono-crystalline , 120 cells
- Dimensions in mm: 1913 x 1035 x 35
- Maximum Power Current : 12.32A
- Maximum voltage: 37.74V
- Operating Temperature (℃): -40 to +85
- Max. Test Load, Push/Pull (Pa) Snow 5400 / Wind 4,500
- Certifications:
- Ammonia Corrosion Test: IEC 62716
- Salt Mist Corrosion Test: IEC 61701
- Dust & Sand: IEC 60068
Weighing just 21kg, the panel is relatively light for its size. It measures 1.91m x 1.04m with a depth of 3.5cm.
In terms of durability, they can take force of 5,400 pascals of snow and 4,500 pascals of wind. In simpler terms, 5,400Pa is the same as 550kg force per square metre.
One note of caution: Maxeon’s financial performance has been under pressure in recent years. The company lost its largest customer following the 2020 split from SunPower, which negatively impacted revenues. In 2024, Maxeon announced plans to sell its non-US business to its main investor, TCL.
For more on longevity, see our guide to how long solar panels last.
Pros:
- Industry-leading 40-year warranty
- Best-in-class longevity – retains over 90% power after 30 years
- High output per panel for limited roof space
Cons:
- Expensive
- Company undergoing corporate restructuring
For those seeking top-tier solar solutions, Maxeon Solar Technologies stands as a steadfast leader in the PV sector, backed by a dedicated network
How we compiled our guide
To compile our list, we spoke to experts on the ground and have broken down the top-performing brands based on real-world value, not just technical specs.
We’ve prioritised long-term performance, value for money, and the reputation of the best solar panel installers in the UK. And if you’re wondering are solar panels worth it for your home, this guide is designed to help you make a smart, informed decision that pays off over time—whether you’re upgrading an old array or fitting solar panels for the first time.
Most panels are guaranteed for 25 years and offer similar power output, size, efficiency and looks.
So we’ve weighted our judgement towards cost and degradation, which describes how much power the cells will provide after a number of years. The higher the percentage, the better.
Much of your decision will also depend on which installer you go with, as many have preferred brands they work with due to bulk purchasing. You’ll also see a lot of unfamiliar Chinese names as you do your research, but many of these are Tier-1 manufacturers in clean energy with strong track records in quality and durability.
Why trust us
The Independent has been reporting on green energy and climate matters since it was founded in 1986. Since then, we have written hundreds of reviews and news stories on energy.
The solar panel market is increasingly competitive, with many unfamiliar brands offering similar features. But selecting the right system involves more than just choosing the panel with the highest efficiency or longest warranty.
Our guides dig into the detail of each product to bring you the information you need to make the right decision.
What to look for
Many solar panels now come with comparable specs, including 25- to 30-year lifespans, high wattage, and sleek all-black designs. But with installation being the largest part of the overall cost of solar panels, and British weather posing its own set of challenges, it makes choosing a durable, efficient panel even more important.
The rise of commercial solar farms has accelerated innovation and brought down manufacturing costs, particularly with China's leading role in the global supply chain. However, labour, scaffolding, and integration with your home electrical system remain key cost factors, so it’s essential to look at total system cost, not just the panel price, when evaluating the best solar panels for your home.
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