In a significant shift for the solar industry, SunPower, recognized as a leading provider of residential solar solutions, is altering the course of its operations. The company has announced it will cease residential installations and is preparing to lay off 1,000 workers as part of the restructuring process.
Workforce Reduction and Shift in Business Focus
A SunPower representative confirmed the company’s immediate plans following the internal communication to employees. According to a recent email from Tom Werner, the CEO, SunPower is taking drastic steps to achieve economic stability, including discontinuing their SunPower Residential Installation locations and SunPower Direct sales. This downsizing will unfortunately lead to the reduction of their workforce by approximately 1,000 positions in the foreseeable future, a substantial cut given their reported 4,710 full-time workers at the start of the year.
Strategic Partnerships and Continued Support
Despite these changes, SunPower is not exiting the solar scene entirely. Werner’s email indicated a seamless transition to trusted partners. Post-installation handling, from initiation through system activation, will soon be managed by Blue Raven Solar, alongside SunPower-certified dealers and full-service installation partners. SunPower aims to maintain high standards throughout this shift, ensuring minimal impact on the customer experience and project timelines.
The company’s future focus will centralize around supporting its Dealer Network, burgeoning New Homes business, and fulfilling ongoing customer service needs. It also intends to uphold its commitments under the Complete Confidence warranty, reassuring customers of continued support for operations and maintenance (O&M).
Recent Struggles at SunPower
In recent months, SunPower has navigated through turbulent times, including leadership changes, a credit default, and the need to secure additional funding. The company reported inaccuracies in its 2022 financial results, anticipating a decrease in income by an estimated $15-$25 million. Market analysis by Wood Mackenzie highlights the larger trend impacting the industry, with seven of the top ten residential solar installers, including SunPower, losing market share in 2023.
Impact Beyond the Company
The repercussions of SunPower’s recent decision extend beyond the company’s employees to the customers they serve. A SunPower client from Pennsylvania, who experienced incomplete installation and unresponsive service from the company’s installation partner, Ad Energy, exemplifies the kind of customer challenges arising from the company’s restructuring. Although SunPower has distanced itself from Ad Energy’s dealings, it has caused distress and financial strain for affected customers.
This transition by SunPower marks a considerable moment for the US residential solar sector. While the full implications remain to be seen, the company’s reorientation invites questions about stability and customer protection within the industry.
