SunPower Vs. ADT Solar: Pros, Cons And Major Differences (2023)

SunPower solar panels are available in all 50 states in the U.S., but availability may vary by ZIP code. The company has a significant presence in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, and North Carolina.

SunPower offers comprehensive solar services to support its customers throughout the process of going solar:

• Consultation: This includes virtual consultations where you can speak with a solar advisor to get personalized advice and answers to your questions.
• Installation: Its team of experts will install your solar system, ensuring it’s set up correctly and optimized for performance.
• Monitoring: SunPower’s energy monitoring software lets you track your solar system’s real-time performance.
• Maintenance and support: SunPower monitors your system to ensure it’s working properly and provide assistance if any issues arise.
• Warranty Service:SunPower offers a comprehensive 25-year warranty that covers the entire system.

SunPower offers additional services and products to support its customers’ solar energy needs. Here are several:

Design Studio

An online tool allowing customers to create a custom home solar system. It lets customers preview how the solar panels will look on the roof and gives them an estimate for potential energy savings.

Online Estimates

By entering basic information about their home and energy usage, customers can get a preliminary estimate of the cost and savings of installing a SunPower solar system.

Virtual Consultations

To make the process of going solar easier, SunPower offers virtual consultations. Customers can speak with a solar advisor, ask questions, and get personalized advice without leaving their homes.

SunPower Mobile App

The mobile app allows customers to monitor their solar system’s performance in real time, view energy savings and get alerts if there are any issues with the system.

Solar Cell Technology

SunPower uses Maxeon solar cell technology in its panels. These cells are designed to be highly efficient and durable, producing more power and lasting longer than conventional solar cells.

SunPower OneRoof

This is a unique solar solution designed for new homes. It integrates solar panels directly into the roof, providing a sleek, low-profile look while generating clean energy.

SunVault Storage and Helix Storage

SunVault is designed for homes, while Helix Storage is for businesses. These systems store excess solar energy when needed, increasing energy independence and providing backup power during outages.

Wallbox EV Charger

SunPower also offers a home electric vehicle (EV) charger. This can be integrated with the solar system, allowing customers to charge their EVs with clean, renewable energy.

Previously, SunPower’s solar panel options were divided into the X Series, A Series and M Series. However, since then, the company has moved manufacturing to its sister company, Maxeon, and their solar panel options have changed to:

SunPower Maxeon Series

These are SunPower’s premium solar panels. They use Maxeon solar cell technology, designed to be highly efficient and durable. They offer the highest efficiency rating of any solar panel in the industry at22.8%. Maxeon cells are unique because they have a solid copper foundation, making them resistant to cracking and corrosion. These panels are known for their high efficiency and excellent performance in various conditions.

SunPower Performance Series

These panels are designed to provide excellent performance at a more affordable price. They use traditional silicon solar cells in an innovative shingled design that improves reliability and efficiency. These solar panels have a peak efficiency of21.1%, which is still above the industry average.

Both panels come with SunPower’s comprehensive25-year warrantycovering the panels, microinverters, and racking.

In addition, SunPower has also introduced the SunPower OneRoof system, which integrates solar panels directly into the roof of new homes. This provides a sleek, low-profile look while generating clean, renewable energy.

Here’s a general overview of the process:

1. Quote:Contact SunPower directly or an authorized third-party installer to receive a complimentary quote from their website.
2. Evaluation:A representative will discuss your energy requirements and request a copy of a recent electricity bill. A site visit is typically arranged to thoroughly survey your property and take precise measurements of your roof.
3. Approval:Upon completing your system’s design, you’ll receive a detailed estimate and will be required to sign it to proceed further. Depending on your chosen payment method, an initial deposit may be necessary.
4. Permitting:Your SunPower installer will secure the necessary permits for the system and ensure compliance with all relevant codes.
5. Installation:The actual installation of the system is typically completed within a day.
6. Inspections:In many cases, your utility provider will need to inspect your system before it’s connected to the grid. Your installer will also arrange for building department inspections to finalize the permits.
7. Solar Monitoring:Lastly, you’ll gain access to the MySunPower mobile app, enabling you to monitor your system’s production and performance in real time.

Please note that this is a general process and the exact steps may vary depending on your specific situation and location. It’s always best to discuss the process with your SunPower representative or installer to understand what to expect.

Here are some of the financing options that SunPower offers:

Cash Purchase

If you purchase your solar system outright, you’ll bear the full cost upfront, but you’ll also reap all the benefits, including any federal, state, or local solar incentives and the savings on your electricity bill.

Solar Loan

SunPower offers solar loans which allow you to finance the purchase of your solar system over a period of time.

Solar Lease

With a solar lease, you pay a fixed monthly amount from SunPower to lease the solar system. You get to use all the electricity the system produces, but SunPower retains ownership of the system and gets to keep any solar incentives.

Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

A PPA is similar to a lease, but you pay for the electricity the system produces at a predetermined rate instead of a fixed monthly lease payment.

The average cost of a SunPower system was around$3.30 per watt, which is higher than the national average of around$3.00. However, SunPower’s panels are also more efficient and durable than many others, which can result in higher savings over the system’s life.

SunPower offers one of the most comprehensive warranties in the solar industry. Here’s a brief overview:

• Product warranty:SunPower guarantees that its solar panels will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for 25 years. This is significantly longer than the industry standard of 10 to 12 years.
• Power production warranty:SunPower also guarantees that its solar panels will produce a certain amount of electricity for 25 years. The company ensures that the Maxeon Series will produce at least92%of its rated power, and the Performance Series will produce at least85%at the end of 25 years.
• Service warranty:If you have any issues with your system during the warranty period, SunPower will repair or replace the faulty components and cover the associated labor and shipping costs.

When considering a solar system from SunPower or any other provider, it’s important to read all the terms and conditions carefully. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Warranty coverage:While SunPower’s warranty is comprehensive, it may not cover everything. For example, it may not cover damage caused by improper use, accidents, or natural disasters. Be sure to understand what is and isn’t covered.
• Financial stability:With its longstanding presence in the solar industry, SunPower has outlived its 25-year warranty period, a feat not many other solar companies can claim. Should your original installer cease operations, SunPower ensures continuity of service by assigning another certified SunPower installer to maintain and service your system.
• Transferability:SunPower allows you to transfer the solar panel systems to the new owner if you sell your home.

ADT Solar is available in 23 states, including:

• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Virginia

ADT Solar offers various services to help homeowners switch to solar energy. Here are their key services:

• Solar Panel Installation:ADT Solar specializes in installing solar panels to help homeowners generate clean, renewable energy.
• Solar Battery Backup:ADT Solar offers solar battery backup options to ensure your home stays powered even when the sun isn’t shining or during power outages.
• Roofing Services:ADT Solar partners with Buildpro Roofing Specialists to handle any necessary roof repairs or replacements.

Here are the additional benefits that ADT Solar offers:

• Referral Program:ADT Solar has a referral program where customers can earn a$1,000 rewardfor each friend they refer who goes solar with ADT.
• Power Production Guarantee:ADT Solar offers a Power Production Guarantee, ensuring that your solar system will produce a certain amount of electricity.
• Home Energy Management:In addition to solar power, ADT Solar also helps you manage your home’s energy usage more efficiently.
• Price Protection Guarantee:ADT Solar offers a Price Protection Guarantee. If you find another solar company offering the same products and benefits for a lower price, ADT Solar will refund the difference and provide additional cash.

ADT Solar offers a variety of solar options to choose from. Here’s a summary:

• Solar Panels:ADT Solar uses Qcells, Silfab and Canadian Solar panels. All are considered high-performance panels with efficiency ratings of 20.9%, 21.4%, and 22.8%, respectively.
• Enphase:ADT Solar uses Enphase, a solar system that includes the inverter, battery and monitoring system to allow homeowners to expand storage capacity.
• Solar Batteries:ADT Solar offers the Tesla Powerwall, which can provide up to 13.5 kilowatt-hours of energy at a 70% capacity over 10 years. They also provide two Enphase IQ batteries, a small one with 3.36 kilowatt-hours capacity and a larger one at 10.08 kilowatt-hours capacity.
• Microinverters:The company uses Enphase microinverters, which operate at 97% efficiency and allow for panel-level monitoring to improve the system’s overall efficiency.

ADT Solar has an 8-step process for helping users switch to solar:

1. Quote:You can request a quote by completing a form on their website.
2. Visit:They require a site visit and survey to understand your energy needs better.
3. Design:From there, the ADT Solar engineer team customizes a system for your home based on its size and your needs.
4. Permitting:They will handle all the necessary paperwork, including approvals from your Homeowners Association (HOA), utility company and city. This process takes about 30 days.
5. Installation:A team of ADT Solar experts will begin the installation process.
6. Inspections:The team completes a quality inspection to ensure everything works properly. Then, they’ll also schedule an inspection with the local building department to ensure your system is up to code.
7. Permission to operate (PTO):Your utility company will perform a final inspection and approve your system to be turned on.
8. Start using your system:Once you receive the PRO, it’s time to turn on your system and start enjoying the benefits of going solar!

ADT Solar doesn’t list the average prices of its solar system. The median cost in the U.S. is around$3.00 per wattfor an 8-kilowatt system.

ADT Solar provides several financing options for its customers, allowing them to choose the one that best suits their financial situation and preferences. Here’s a summary:

• Full Purchase:Paying for the solar installation upfront allows you to own the panels outright.
• Loan:ADT Solar offers loan options requiring a low monthly fee based on your credit score.
• Lease:With a lease, you pay a monthly cost for using the panels, but you do not own the panels and will not receive any incentives or tax credits.

Please note that ADT Solar does not offer power purchase agreements or leases, or financing options that can lower the upfront costs of going solar.

ADT Solar provides robust warranties and guarantees to ensure customer satisfaction and system performance. Here’s a summary:

• 25-Year Limited Workmanship Warranty:This warranty covers any defects or issues related to the installation of your solar system.
• 25-Year Panel Manufacturer Warranties:This reflects their commitment to quality and ensures that your panels will perform as expected for at least 25 years.
• 25-Year Enphase Microinverter Warranty:This ensures that your microinverters, which convert the DC electricity produced by your solar panels into AC electricity for your home, will function properly for at least 25 years.
• 25-Year Power Production Guarantee:ADT Solar assures that your system will yield a minimum of 95% of the projected annual output every 12 months, considering a degradation rate of 0.33% per year. If your system falls short of the guaranteed production for any 12 months, and you inform ADT Solar within two years following the end of the relevant 12-month term, ADT Solar commits to compensating you at a rate of $0.10 per kWh for the discrepancy between your system’s actual and the guaranteed production for those 12 months.

When considering a solar system from ADT Solar or any other provider, it’s important to read all the terms and conditions carefully. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Power Production Guarantee:ADT Solar’s power production guarantee is based on the estimated annual production of your system. If your system underperforms, you need to notify ADT Solar within two years of the end of the applicable 12-month term to receive compensation.
• Multiple Warranties:Unlike SunPower, ADT Solar offers warranties for each aspect of the system, which can complicate the process of filing claims.

When considering solar energy for your home, it’s important to compare different providers to find the one that best suits your needs.

SunPower, founded in 1985, is a veteran in the industry and offers services nationwide. On the other hand, ADT Solar, previously known as SunPro, was established in 2008 and was acquired by ADT in 2021.

Both companies provide various solar solutions, fromsolar panel installationto battery backup systems. Here’s a side-by-side comparison of their offerings to help you make an informed decision.

Company	companylogo	Price	State Availability	Solar Panel Options	Additional Solar Options	Financing Options	Warranties	Learn More CTA text	Learn more CTA below text	Learn More
Sun Power		$$$$	50 states	Offers Maxeon and Performance series panels	Offers solar cell technology, SunPower OneRoof, SunVault and Helix storage, and Wallbox EV charger	Offers cash purchase, solar loan, solar lease, and power purchase agreement (PPA)	25-year comprehensive warranty covering panels, microinverters, and racking	Get Free Estimates	On SunPower's Website
SunPro Solar		$$$	23 states	Uses panels from Qcells, Silfab, and Canadian Solar	Uses Enphase technology for inverters and batteries, offers Tesla Powerwall and Enphase's IQ batteries	Offers full purchase, loan, and lease options	25-year limited workmanship warranty, 25-year panel manufacturer warranties, 25-year Enphase microinverter warranty, and 25-year power production guarantee	Get Free Estimates	On ADT's Website

Choosing between SunPower and ADT Solar for your solar energy needs depends on several factors. Here are some considerations to help you make the best decision.

Location

First, you need to ensure that the company operates in your state. SunPower operates in all 50 states, while ADT Solar is available in 23 states.

Solar Panel Options

Consider thetypes of solar panelseach company offers. SunPower provides its own Maxeon and Performance series panels, while ADT Solar uses panels from Qcells, Silfab and Canadian Solar.

Additional Solar Options

Look at the additional solar options each company offers. SunPower provides solar cell technology, SunPower OneRoof, SunVault and Helix storage, and a Wallbox EV charger. ADT Solar uses Enphase technology for inverters and batteries and offers the Tesla Powerwall and Enphase’s IQ batteries.

Financing Options

Review the financing options each company offers. SunPower provides options for cash purchases, solar loans, solar leases, and power purchase agreements (PPA). ADT Solar offers full purchase, loan, and lease options.

Warranties

Examine the warranties each company provides. Both companies offer comprehensive warranties, but the specifics may vary.

Personal Preferences

Consider your personal preferences and energy needs. If you prefer a company with a longer history in the solar industry, SunPower might be the better choice. If you want to integrate your solar system with a home security system, ADT Solar could be a good fit.

Consultations

Finally, consider scheduling consultations with each company. This can give you a better idea of what each company can offer you specifically, including a quote for your solar system.

Remember, the best company for you depends on your circumstances and needs. It’s important to do your research and consider all your options before making a decision.

To determine the best solar panel installation company ranking, the Forbes Home Improvement editorial team analyzed 20 major companies, with each company’s star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, including:

Customer Reviews (35%)

BBB customer ratings and accreditation, as well as ratio of complaints to reviews, Trustpilot and Google reviews, were all analyzed for each solar panel installation company for 35% total.

Customer Support Options (12%)

The editorial team analyzed all solar companies’ support options including live chat (pre-sale), phone service, FAQ page, knowledge base, community forum and blog for a total of 12% of the total ranking.

States Covered (22%)

Nationwide availability of each solar panel installation company makes up 22% of the ranking. The more states a company covers (including D.C.), the more points it is awarded.

Extra Features (20%)

Extra important features like years in business, average warranty (in years) for products, whether financing is available, free energy consultation availability, home and commercial installation availability and vehicle installation availability, were considered collectively for a combined 20% of the total ranking.

Editorial Judgment Points (11%)

Other editorial judgments were offered for a variety of reasons, including improvement of customer rating and ratio of complaint to review scores from the previous year.