Buyer's Guide 2023
Best Solar Panels for Homes
EnergyPal offers the best solar panels for homes by value, price, wattage & warranty. Our Buyer's Guide reviews SunPower, REC, Hanwha Q-Cells, Solaria, Panasonic, Silfab Solar, and Aptos.
Looking for the best solar panels for your home? It is easy to focus on just watts, efficiency or price. But what's also important is making sure you get the most value from your solar panels. For most homeowners that value means long term reliable savings. If that's you, keep reading. Here's our guide and recommendations for the best solar panels.
When looking into what the best solar panel choice is for your home it’s important to know:
Panel Types
There are three main types of solar panels commonly used for residential installations.
| Solar Panel Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Monocrystalline | High efficiency and performance | Higher costs |
| Polycrystalline | Lower costs | Lower efficiency and performance |
| Thin-film | Portable and flexible | Lower efficiency and performance |
The Solar Panel's Efficiency Rating:
The efficiency rate of a solar panel indicates how effectively it converts sunlight into electricity. It is expressed as a percentage and typically ranges from 15% to 23%. Higher efficiency panels produce more electricity per square foot and are more suitable for homes with limited roof space or those seeking maximum energy output.
Solar Panel Wattage:
The wattage of a solar panel refers to its maximum power output under standard test conditions (STC). It indicates how much electricity the panel can generate at peak performance. Solar panels can come in a range of wattages, and higher wattage panels generate more electricity. Generally panels will range from 350-450 Watts. When selecting a solar panel, consider your household's energy needs and available roof space to determine the optimal wattage.
The Panels Warranty:
Solar panel warranties are crucial for long-term reliability and peace of mind. There are typically two types of warranties:
Performance Warranty: Also known as output warranty and production guarantee. This guarantees the panel's efficiency over time, ensuring that it maintains a certain percentage of its initial power output after a specific number of years (e.g., 80% after 25 years). A robust performance warranty ensures that your panels will continue to produce a significant amount of electricity throughout their lifespan.
Remember that the best solar panel choice for your home depends on your specific requirements, available budget, and roof space. With that in mind, let's look at the solar panel manufacturers.
The Best Solar Panel Manufacturers
Here’s our list of the leading solar panel manufacturers including SunPower, REC, Hanwha Q-Cells, Solaria, Panasonic, Silfab Solar, and Aptos.
Best Solar Panel Manufacturers
SunPower
- Efficiency up to 22.8%
- 25-year warranty, 92% production guarantee
- Made in USA, Mexico, Philippines
REC Solar
- Efficiency up to 21.9%
- 25-year warranty, 92% production guarantee
- Made in Singapore
Q CELLS
- Efficiency up to 20.3%
- 25-year warranty, 85% production guarantee
- Made in South Korea (previously German company)
Solaria
- Efficiency up to 20.4%
- 25-year warranty, 88% production guarantee
- Made in USA (Fremont, CA)
Panasonic
- Efficiency up to 22.2%
- 25-year warranty, 92% production guarantee
- Made in Japan, Malaysia, and the United States.
Silfab
- Efficiency up to 21.4%
- 25-year warranty, 30-year 82.6% production guarantee
- Made in USA and Canada
Aptos
- Efficiency up to 20.6%
- 25-year warranty, 30-year 82.4% production guarantee
- Made in Vietnam
The 8 Best Solar Panels 2023
Monocrystalline
DNA 144-440
Efficiency
20.21%
Wattage
440
Warranty
30 years
Monocrystalline
Q.PEAK DUO BLK ML-G10.a+ 400
Efficiency
20.4%
Wattage
400
Warranty
25 years
Monocrystalline
U-Series 365
Efficiency
20.6%
Wattage
365
Warranty
25 years
Monocrystalline
M-425 WHT
Efficiency
22.0%
Wattage
425
Warranty
25 years
Monocrystalline
395 Black JAM54S31
Efficiency
20.2%
Wattage
395
Warranty
25 years
Monocrystalline
Q.PEAK DUO BLK ML-G10+ 405
Efficiency
20.6%
Wattage
405
Warranty
25 years
Monocrystalline
PowerX-390R
Efficiency
20.5%
Wattage
390
Warranty
30 years
Monocrystalline
U-Series 400
Efficiency
20.03%
Wattage
400
Warranty
25 years
Asking yourself about the best solar panels by module efficiency?
Here Is Our 5 Best Solar Panels Based On Efficiency Rating 2023
- 22.8% -SunPower A-Series
- 22.5% - SunPower M-Series
- 22.2% - SunPower X21-Series
- 20.9% - REC Alpha Black REC355AA
- 20.4% - Solaria PowerXT 430R-PL
Best Solar Panels by Warranty
Panel efficiency is important but so is production warranty and warranty terms. Here’s our list:
Top 5 Solar Panel Manufacturer Warranties 2023
- SunPower - 25 years, 92.0% original production
- REC - 25 years, 92.0% original production
- Panasonic - 25 years, 92% original production
- Solaria - 25 years, 86% original production
- Hanwha QCells - 25 years, 83% original production
On A Budget? Best Solar Panels For The Money
The best solar panels for the money in 2023 depends on the specifics of your home location and roof characteristics. We've summarized this down for you based on our review of all available solar panels.
Recommended Best Solar Panels For Your Money 2023
Large roof areas with clear southern exposure:
Smaller roofs with only partial southern exposure:
Smaller roofs where the angles prevents use of A400:
Partial shaded roofs or locations where electric rates are lower:
Lowest price yet still great quality panel and good warranty:
What Should You Know Before Buying Solar Panels?
Energy Needs: Understand your household's energy consumption patterns. Assess your average monthly electricity usage to determine the size of the solar panel system you need. Consider factors like peak energy usage, seasonal variations, and future energy needs.
Solar Panel Types: There are different types of solar panels, including monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of efficiency, cost, and appearance. Research the pros and cons of each type to find the best fit for your needs and budget.
Efficiency and Performance: Solar panel efficiency determines how effectively they convert sunlight into electricity. Higher efficiency panels are more expensive but produce more power per square meter. Consider your available roof or ground space and budget when deciding on efficiency levels.
Solar Panel Warranty: Look for solar panels with a solid warranty. Typically, solar panels have a performance warranty (guaranteeing a certain level of performance over time) and a product warranty (covering defects and equipment issues). Longer warranties generally indicate higher-quality panels.
Manufacturer's Reputation: Research the reputation and reliability of the solar panel manufacturer. Look for customer reviews, ratings, and feedback from previous buyers to ensure you're dealing with a reputable company.
Incentives and Rebates: Check for available solar incentives, tax credits, and rebates in your region. Government and local incentives can significantly reduce the upfront cost of installing solar panels and improve the return on investment.
Solar Panel Installation: Find a reputable and experienced solar panel installer. Proper installation is crucial to ensure the system performs optimally and safely. Request quotes from multiple installers and compare their offerings.
Solar Panel Financing: Explore financing options if you can't afford to pay for the solar panel system upfront. Some companies offer solar leases or power purchase agreements (PPAs), which allow you to pay for the solar power produced rather than the panels themselves.
Maintenance and Durability: Solar panels are generally low-maintenance, but they do require periodic cleaning and inspection. Choose panels with durable materials and a strong frame to withstand weather conditions in your area.
Local Regulations and Permits: Understand the local regulations, permits, and requirements for installing solar panels in your area. Some locations may have restrictions on solar panel placement or require specific permits before installation.
Payback Period and ROI: Calculate the payback period and return on investment (ROI) for the solar panel system. Determine how long it will take to recoup your initial investment through energy savings.
Need help with what we just covered? Our Solar Advisors will help you determine which panels are best for your home.Get a free customized solar panel quote for your home today!
Get a custom home solar quote.
Searching for solar panels?
Browse our database to find a comprehensive list of manufacturers and their panels.
