Five Reasons to Consider SunPower’s 400+ Watt A-Series Panels

SunPower broke the 400W panel ceiling earlier this year by introducing the groundbreaking A-Series solar panels. Delivering 400-425 watts per panel and an industry-leading efficiency of up to 22.8 percent, the SunPower A-Series 415 is now available exclusively at a special introductory price through Sun Valley Solar Solutions. 

SunPower achieved this milestone by enlarging their Maxeon® Gen 5 cell by 65 percent over previous generations. Already the industry gold standard for output-per-size ratio, the larger Maxeon® Gen 5 can capture and convert more sunlight, which translates to more power than any commercially available home solar panel.

But why should you care? Regarding solar panels, efficiency, output, and longevity are the “holy trinity” of performance factors. These benchmarks separate the bargain panels available through virtually any installer with a functional pickup truck from the true, high-performance options reserved for the most qualified installers. 

More importantly, you’ll buy fewer panels to achieve maximum energy capture when output and efficiency are prioritized. With that said, let’s take a quick look at why the new SunPower A-Series panels are worth careful consideration.

 

1. Maximize roof space

Imagine installing panels on the south or west side of your roof: the areas that typically get the most sunlight here in Arizona. By using SunPower's A-Series panels, you'll produce more power from that available roof space over 25 years than you would with more conventional panels. That extra power means less electricity purchased from the utility, greater monthly savings, and more excess energy to sell back to your electric utility during cooler seasons.

 

2. Same power, fewer solar panels

If roof space is a challenge, high-efficiency panels are the answer. Let’s say that your solar design team has determined that a 5kW system is ideal for your home. To build that system, a certain number of panels will be required with the quantity based on the specific panel’s production output. If your roof allows for limited south or west-facing space, you'll want to choose a panel that offers the greatest output to maximize all available space fully. With SunPower's A-Series 415-watt panels, you'd only need 12 panels to achieve 5kW of output versus 15 or more conventional panels.

 

3. Avoid shade and other trouble areas

If you have trees that partially block your roof and you don’t wish to see them cut down, a higher efficiency panel will help you maximize your sunny areas while avoiding the need to expose the shady spots. Remember, more power, fewer panels.

 

4. Integrated inverters, racking and software

A-Series panels continue the turnkey design philosophy introduced with SunPower’s all-in-one Equinox home solar solution. A-Series optimizes system performance and streamlines installation by reducing the number of parts on your roof while reconfiguring how the microinverter is connected at each panel. SunPower’s approach helps each panel maximize output, especially when a portion of the system may be shaded during the day.

5. Built like a tank means production for decades

SunPower panels are constructed using a solid copper foundation, which enables exceptional durability for our harsh Sonoran summers and minimal degradation over a decades-long lifespan. SunPower backs its technology with an industry-leading power and product warranty for 25 years.

 

With the 26% solar tax credit decreasing again at the end of this year, going solar now will ensure the biggest and fastest return on your solar investment. Contact us today to start your solar project and lock in this lucrative solar incentive before it decreases again.

About the Author

Kyle Ritland, Marketing and Customer Experience

Kyle Ritland, Marketing and Customer Experience

After working in technology marketing throughout the Pacific Northwest and Silicon Valley for more than 20 years, Kyle opted to follow his heart and focus his talents in solar energy.

As the head of Marketing at Sun Valley Solar Solutions, Kyle works hard to demystify the ever-changing solar landscape in Arizona and across the country. He especially enjoys helping people separate fact from fiction by presenting solar transparently and accurately, rather than relying on hype or deceptive marketing tactics that are far too common with some solar companies.

When not touting the benefits of solar, encouraging his friends to opt for paper over plastic, or growing his own vegetables, Kyle is generally found hiking with his pointer Bravo or preparing a home-cooked meal for friends.

“If you truly understand how solar works it’s easy to see through the gimmicks. The opportunity for savings is very real when you have the correct information”