Cover page - shares	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2022	Apr. 29, 2022
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Apr. 03, 2022
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-34166
Entity Registrant Name	SUNPOWER CORP
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	94-3008969
Entity Address, Address Line One	51 Rio Robles
Entity Address, City or Town	San Jose
Entity Address, State or Province	CA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	95134
City Area Code	408
Local Phone Number	240-5500
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share
Trading Symbol	SPWR
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)		173,862,474
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Central Index Key	0000867773
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--01-01
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2022
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1