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Installing a solar power system can be a complicated process. Not only is it expensive, but there are a lot of moving parts and technical terms that are difficult to understand.
We've researched dozens of solar panel brands from the best solar companies to make it easy for you. This guide includes performance ratings, prices, warranties, and other important topics.
Top 5 Solar Panels
Based on our research, here are the best solar panels for the home:
Uniquely fantastic
Self-Fab manufactures high performance solar panels at more affordable prices than premium brands. It uses Passive Emitter Back Contact (PERC) technology, which includes an extra layer of solar cells behind the panel to generate more power from less space.
Self-Fab backs its boards with the longest performance warranty on the market today.
Self Fab Photography:
- Best for productivity
- Guarantee. The product is 12 to 25 years old; 30 years of performance
- Panel Type: Monocrystalline
- Efficiency: 19.4% to 21.4%
- Board options: 3:
An overview of Silfab panel options
Below are Silfab's current solar panel offerings:
- SIL-370 HC. Part of the Silfab Prime series, this board features 9-bus technology for maximum power pooling and connectivity in a half-cell design. This increases performance and durability, making it Silfab's most efficient model.
- SIL-370 BK. This board is part of the Silfab Elite series. It uses reverse coupling technology that reduces conductive losses, mechanical stress and shading to improve efficiency.
- SIL-380 BK. This board offers the same functionality as the SIL-370 BK with higher power and larger dimensions.
Maxon
Maxeon was formerly part of SunPower's flagship solar array, but now operates independently. The company produces high-quality solar panels at high prices. However, it guarantees a 92% return over 25 years and includes a 25-year product and performance warranty. When you buy a SunPower Maxeon, you get a 40-year warranty on power, product and service.
Maxion shot
- Best for warranty options
- Warranty: 25 years of the product; 25 years of performance
- Panel Type: Monocrystalline
- Efficiency: 19.4% to 22.8%
- Board options: 2:
Maxeon Panel Options Overview:
Here are two sets of Maxion solar panels.
- Sunpower Maxion. This range has monocrystalline solar panels in black color. It uses reverse connections to connect and has additional built-in triangle connectors for strength and durability.
- SunPower Performance. This line features an all-black panel with an innovative chipboard cell design for added strength and durability. Panels withstand long-term exposure to the environment and daily temperature changes.
the cells
Q Cell, known as the leading manufacturer of solar cells for Tesla , produces panels that exhibit an excellent balance of performance and durability. The company is constantly pushing the boundaries with an ever stronger chain.
Its current model, the Q.PEAK DUO BLK ML-G10+, offers up to 21.4% efficiency. It is backed by a 25-year product and performance warranty, guaranteeing at least 86% rated capacity for up to 25 years.
Photograph of Q cells
- Perfect for stability
- Warranty: 25 years of the product; 25 years of performance
- Panel Type: Monocrystalline
- Efficiency: 20.6% to 21.4%
- Board Options: 1
Overview of Q mobile panel options
Here is the current version of the Q mobile board.
- Q. PEAK DUO BLK ML-G10+. this all-black monocrystalline panel delivers 15%-18% better performance than the industry average, even in low light and temperature variations. Its aluminum alloy frame is approved for high winds and snow.
Sunny Canadian
Canadian Solar manufactures high-quality, affordable, mid-efficiency solar panels. Featuring different panels, the company offers nine types of solar panels, while other brands on this list offer four or fewer.
Canadian Sunny Shot
- Suitable for various boards
- Warranty: 12, 15 and 25 years products; 25 or 30 years of performance
- Panel Type: Monocrystalline
- Efficiency : 15.88% to 22%
- Board Options: 9
An overview of solar panel options in Canada
Below is a summary of Canadian Solar's various solar panel lines:
- HiKu Line. This line has monocrystalline or polycrystalline solar panel options that produce 320 watts (watts) and 420 watts.
- BiHiKu line. These panels are monocrystalline or polycrystalline, but they are bidirectional, meaning they use reverse connection technology.
- HiDM line. This monocrystalline line provides 360 to 385 watts and is more expensive than the HiKu line.
- HiHero Line. This new model uses HJT (Asymmetric Interference Technology) in the 405W to 430W versions. Heterogeneous solar cells combine two layers of a crystalline silicon cell and an amorphous silicon "thin film". This design increases the functionality of the panel.
- KuPower. These panels are mainly used to replace old units.
- All black. This line offers high efficiency monocrystalline solar panels with an aesthetic design and no visible grid lines. The panels have a low temperature coefficient of -0.34%, which means that their performance will not be significantly affected by the weather.
Trina Solar:
Trina Solar offers several affordable solar panels that operate at 15% to 18% of the industry standard. While these panels aren't the best, their balance of quality and value makes them a favorite among homeowners on a budget.
Filmed by Trina Solar
- Best for affordability
- Warranty: 25 years of the product; 25 years of performance
- Panel Type: Monocrystalline
- Efficiency: 19.9% to 20.6%
- Board options: 4:
An overview of Trina solar panel options
Here is Trina Solar's range of solar panels.
- Vertex. These are Trina's most powerful solar panels. It is capable of producing 500 to 600 watts of power. However, it has a less aesthetic design with shiny silver trim that runs up and down the panels.
- Vertex S : This is the smaller version of the Vertex series. The panels have a power of 390-405W and are ideal for small surfaces.
- For residential buildings . The Residential 365W is more aesthetically pleasing than the Vertex series and is available in a black design. The panels range in power from 335 to 365 watts and provide an efficiency of 15 to 20.6%.
- Tallmax. With the same sleek black design as the residential 365W, but with a 20.8% higher efficiency rating, this series is the best of both worlds.
Types of solar cells
When designing solar energy systems, it is very important to know about the different types of solar cells. Although monocrystalline is the most common type, you may consider polycrystalline or thin plate depending on your project.
Monocrystalline panel
Monocrystalline solar panels are the choice of most homeowners because they currently have the highest efficiency rating, averaging 24%. It's competitively priced, lasts 25-40 years, and comes in a deep black color that's easy to incorporate into your home's ceiling. Monocrystalline panels cost between $1 and $1.50 per watt.
Polyuristic panel
While monocrystalline panels use only one silicon crystal, polycrystalline solar panels are made from different silicon crystals that are melted and poured into a mold. This process produces less waste, but makes the panels slightly less efficient than monocrystalline panels. Polyuristic panels have an average efficiency of about 20% and a life expectancy of less than 20-25 years.
Polyuristic panels have low thermal resistance and a bright blue color. It is also affordable from $0.85 to $1 per watt. You will need more polycrystalline panels than monocrystalline panels to produce the same power. However, if you have enough ceiling space, you can save money by opting for polycrystalline panels.
Thin film panel
Thin film panels are made of thin layers of semiconductor material that are welded together. Solar panel manufacturers often sell them in standard sizes of 60, 72, and 96 cells. Thin film panels are 15% to 18% less efficient and cost an average of $1 per watt. These panels are ideal for small solar projects such as an RV or swimming pool.
Solar Panel Buying Guide
Apart from the type of solar panel, there are a few other key details to consider here.
Energy is needed
Note the typical energy consumption and the average monthly electricity bill. If you pay more than the average cost of electricity in your area, or an average of $115 per month , you can save money by going solar. If you use less energy, you won't save as much as other homeowners.
the joy
Pay attention to the weather and climate conditions near you. Solar panels are constantly exposed to the elements, so look for panels with a good temperature coefficient. This indicates that less energy is produced from the solar panel when exposed to higher temperatures. If you live in a hot area, look for panels that can withstand extreme heat and produce near-optimal power levels.
cost
Solar panels cost an average of $15,000 to $35,000 to install. It's an expensive investment, so make sure your system keeps running by investing in high-performance, quality boards. If you have enough roof space, you can buy cheaper and less efficient panels, but they will likely cost you more because you will need more panels to produce the same more efficient energy level.
Financial benefits
You can increase your solar savings with the federal solar tax credit, also known as the investment tax credit (ITC). It provides a 30% rebate on your federal taxes for any solar system installed through 2032. You should also check with your solar provider and utility companies for state and local incentives. Many states offer incentives for residential solar panels, and some local energy companies offer rebates.
guarantee
Warranties provide financial protection for your solar panels in the event of failure due to manufacturing or installation issues. Many solar companies also offer warranties or performance guarantees that ensure the panels will perform as they should during the warranty period.
Check for a minimum product shelf life of 10 years and a shelf life of 25 years. The Federal Trade Commission says solar panels typically last 20 years, so that length of time will ensure high performance over the life of the panel.
to make a decision
The best solar panel depends on your budget, climate and energy consumption. Remember that the most efficient board is not always the best option.
With standard performance ratings and long performance warranties, we believe Silfab is the best performing solar panel brand. Maxeon is another solid offering given the many warranty options, and the Q cells are an excellent choice due to panel durability and performance in adverse weather conditions.
To install and activate your solar system, you need to find a reputable solar installer. Use our tool below to request a free consultation with one of our recommended solar installers.
How we rank the best solar companies
We have spent hundreds of hours researching solar installation companies. We carefully analyze product warranties and specifications, read thousands of customer reviews, and confidentially shop each supplier. After compiling this data, we created a rating system on a 100-point scale based on the following factors:
- Product: (21 points). We award points to companies that offer indoor panels or multiple panel options, as well as additional services such as solar roofs, roofs and energy audits.
- Services (19 points). Companies that provide solar panels, solar panels, and active monitoring installations rank higher than companies that provide one or both of these services.
- Warranty option (15 points). The more guaranteed, the higher the score. Companies offering longer and more comprehensive warranties also scored higher.
- additional advantage (15 points) . Companies that provide extras for accessibility and convenience, such as mobile apps or virtual consulting, score higher than those that don't.
- country availability (10 points). The more countries a company serves, the more points you get.
- payment options (10 points). We give more points to companies that offer a wide range of payment options
- reputation (10 points). We give more points to companies with higher ratings from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). We deduct points for any pending warnings or trials.
