This solar comparison guide will compare two of the top solar panel manufacturers in the market: REC and Sunpower.
Both companies have been at the forefront of developing cutting-edge technology to help homeowners maximise their energy savings with solar panels.
This guide will explore the strengths and weaknesses of each company and its solar panels, helping you decide which is best suited for your needs.
Quick Guide
Overview: Both brands offer high-quality solar panels. But Sunpower outperforms REC Solar in terms of performance, efficiency and warranties.
Efficiency: Sunpower has the highest efficiency rating at 20.4%, although REC offers a decent maximum efficiency of 19.2% for its solar panels.
Power: Sunpower’s Maxeon Gen II has a maximum power output of up to 327 watts, while REC Solar offers up to 320 watts.
Warranty: Sunpower offers a 25-year product and linear power output warranty. REC provides a slightly shorter 20-year product warranty but a similar 25-year linear power output warranty.
Cost: Sunpower solar panels are on-average cheaper ($1.27/watt) than REC Solar ($1.32) for 6, 8 and 10KW solar systems, and they have a slightly longer product warranty. However, there is little to choose between them, as prices vary from one installer to another.
REC Solar
REC Solar is a leading global provider of solar solutions based in Norway, offering advanced products and services across the residential, commercial and public sectors.
Founded in 1996, REC has been at the forefront of developing cutting-edge technology, such as its TwinPeak 2 Mono Series panels, to help home and business owners get the most out of their investment in solar energy.
REC has established itself as one of the most trusted names in solar in Australia. The company has offices in Melbourne, and manufactures its solar panels in Singapore.
KEY DATA
- TwinPeak 2 Mono Series (Residential & Commercial)
- 120 half-cut mono-Si p-type PERC cells
- Power: 300-320 watts
- Efficiency: 18.0-19.2%
- Weight: 18.5kg
- Dimensions: 1675 × 997 × 38 mm
- Frame: Anodized aluminium
- Warranty: 20-year product warranty & 25-year linear power output warranty
Sunpower
Sunpower is a leading solar energy company and has been in the business for over 35 years.
Founded in 1985 and based in California, Sunpower is dedicated to providing reliable and affordable solar solutions, such as its Monocrystalline Maxeon Gen II solar panels, to its customers worldwide. Sunpower offers an extensive range of residential and commercial solar solutions.
Maxeon Solar, the solar panel subsidiary of Sunpower, is based in Singapore, and manufactures its solar panels in various facilities in China, Malaysia, Mexico, France, and the Philippines. The company has offices in Australia, in Elsternwick.
KEY DATA
- E19-320, E20-327 Residential
- Monocrystalline Maxeon Gen II
- Power: 320-327 watts
- Efficiency: 19.9%-20.4%
- Weight: 18.6kg
- Dimensions: 1559 ×1046 × 46mm
- Frame: Class 1 black anodized aluminium
- Warranty: 25-year product & performance warranty
KEY DATA
- E20-327 Commercial
- Monocrystalline Maxeon Gen II
- Power: 310-327 watts
- Efficiency: 19.3%-20.3%
- Weight: 18.6kg
- Dimensions: 1559 × 1046 × 46mm
- Frame: Class 2 silver anodized aluminium
- Warranty: 25-year product & performance warranty
Choosing Sunpower Vs REC – Which Is Best?
Sunpower and REC offer a range of photovoltaic (PV) panels suitable for residential, commercial and industrial applications.
Both companies have achieved excellent ratings for product quality, performance and reliability.
However, Sunpower has a competitive edge in its efficiency and power output. The Maxeon Gen II series offers up to 327 watts of power and 20.4% efficiency, significantly higher than REC’s peak output of 320 watts and 19.2% efficiency, making Sunpower the clear winner for those looking for a high-end PV solution.
Of course, there are other factors to consider when choosing a PV panel, such as weight, ease of installation, durability, maintenance, and overall system price.
The choice between the two largely comes down to your budget and how you plan on using the solar system.
No matter which company you choose, Trione Energy can help you reduce your energy bills and maximise efficiency to ensure you get the most out of your solar panel solution.
And with financing options available, you can find a cost-effective way to invest in solar energy that works for your budget.
Need Help Choosing?
With Trione Energy, Sunpower and REC Solar, you can access quality solar solutions designed to last and lower your carbon footprint. Contact us today and start taking advantage of solar energy’s many benefits!