Capturing the Sun and Pleasing the Eye

You don’t have to choose between sustainable energy and curb appeal.
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We’ve come a long way in regard to solar power. Since the photovoltaic effect was discovered in 1839, innovators have improved the efficiency of the solar cell by leaps and bounds, leading to the advent of residential solar panels and making it possible for homeowners to achieve net zero energy consumption.

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Now, harnessing a highly evolved technology, the SunPower Equinox™ platform provides a fully integrated, home solar system that is designed and engineered by one company. Not only does it boast superior performance, the solar system also complements a home’s aesthetic appeal thanks to its minimalist, grid-free panels and hidden mounting hardware. 

Specially developed by SunPower, the Maxeon® solar cell produces 55% more energy in the first year than conventional panels. The difference lies in the copper backing: unlike metal paste, which is commonly used, this material takes in more light and resists decay. Thick connectors flex to keep the cell intact through rough weather and drastic temperature swings. 

Specially developed by SunPower, the Maxeon® solar cell produces 55% more energy in the first year than conventional panels. The difference lies in the copper backing: unlike metal paste, which is commonly used, this material takes in more light and resists decay. Thick connectors flex to keep the cell intact through rough weather and drastic temperature swings. 

The numbers don’t lie: SunPower® panels deliver 70% more energy in the same space over 25 years compared to conventional panels and boast a world record-setting efficiency rate. This allows the system to occupy less space without compromising potency, ensuring that homeowners have room to expand to accommodate future energy-intensive additions—new cooling or heating systems, entertainment centers, electric cars, spas and fountains. The modular design makes this a seamless process, and the proprietary InvisiMount® frame eliminates clunky hardware so that the sleek black panels seem to float over the roof. 

Built-in microinverters not only remove the need for one or more big, bulky inverters on the wall, they eliminate the need for lines of metal piping running from panels to inverters. This is because all the magic happens right there at the panels, hidden from view.

Built-in microinverters behind each panel not only replace traditional inverters that jut out from building walls, but they also eliminate the need for metal piping between panels and inverters. The hidden microinverters convert sunlight into usable energy right at the point of contact, optimizing power output.

Built-in microinverters behind each panel not only replace traditional inverters that jut out from building walls, but they also eliminate the need for metal piping between panels and inverters. The hidden microinverters convert sunlight into usable energy right at the point of contact, optimizing power output.

The EnergyLink™ Ecosystem assimilates the panel system into a modern, tech-enabled household. Users can interface with it through a desktop or mobile device and access real-time data on energy production versus usage, lifetime bill savings, and daily energy mix. The platform also presents the information in contextual ways, for instance counting the pounds of CO2 emissions avoided or gallons of gasoline preserved. This gives consumers holistic insight into their home’s environmental footprint.

With the only manufacturer's warranty that covers the whole system and an expected useful life of 40 years, SunPower Equinox systems afford not only power but peace of mind. As a system, it provides a rare confluence of performance, style, and durability, a combination that attracts green home architects and contractors. 

Because SunPower is the sole designer and engineer of the SunPower Equinox system, the entire solution is covered under one warranty. The panel, microinverter, and mounting hardware are insured for 25 years, and the monitoring hardware for 10 years.

Because SunPower is the sole designer and engineer of the SunPower Equinox system, the entire solution is covered under one warranty. The panel, microinverter, and mounting hardware are insured for 25 years, and the monitoring hardware for 10 years.

Based in the Silicon Valley since 1985, SunPower holds over 600 patents for solar technology worldwide. With years of experience in the commercial and utility sectors, the company has also developed a resilient and robust solution for the home.

Based in the Silicon Valley since 1985, SunPower holds over 600 patents for solar technology worldwide. With years of experience in the commercial and utility sectors, the company has also developed a resilient and robust solution for the home.

Jenny Xie
Dwell Contributor
Jenny Xie is the author of the novel Holding Pattern, a National Book Foundation 5 Under 35 Honoree. She’s received fellowships from Bread Loaf, Yaddo, and MacDowell, among other organizations.

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