Sunrise is a very expensive investment. With an upfront cost of around $11,000, you want to make sure you are installing the best solar system for your home. Researching solar panels and brands will give you the information you need to choose the best solar panels for your home.
To help you with this process, we at Guides Home researched dozens of solar panel brands to come up with a list of the best solar panel options. Our rating is based on performance standards, price, warranty and other important factors.
The best solar panels for the home in 2023
Check out our top seven picks for solar panels for the home:
Silfab: our overall pick
- Warranty: 12-year product (25-year extended option); Thirty years of performance
- Efficiency: 19.4%–21.4%
Silfab tops our list with PERC (High Efficiency Passive Inductive Feedback) panels, which are guaranteed for 30 years. Backed by one of the longest performance warranties available, Silfab offers high performance panels from premium brands at low prices.
Pros and cons of mobile phones
Here are our top Selfab pros and cons:
+ Provides a wide range of efficient monocrystalline PERC panels
+ A panel costs between $2.85 and $3.05 per watt (W).
+ 30-year performance guarantee
- Offer prices to premium brands
– Silfab requires the use of a certified installer to receive the extended 25-year warranty
Silfab offers the following panel options for residential systems.
- SIL-330 NL: The small PERC model offers 330W with 19.4% efficiency.
- SIL-330 HL: All Black 330W series with 19.4% efficiency.
- SIL-360 NX: This 66-cell PERC model is 19.7% efficient and delivers 360W of power.
- Silfab Elite Series: High efficiency Silfab panels are 20.8% to 21.1% lower in 370W, 375W and 380W panels.
- Silfab Prime Series: This 120-cell model offers 370W with an efficiency of 20.2%.
Silfab offers a 30-year warranty on all panels. The company promised to produce 83% of the panels in 30 years. If the panel falls below this level, Silfab will service or repair it. The panels include a 12-year warranty for the industry standard of 10 to 12 years. However, if a homeowner buys their panels from a certified Silfab installer, this warranty can be extended to 25 years.
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SunPower: Our Choice for Efficiency
- Warranty: 25 years for the product; 25 years of activity
- Efficiency: 19.4%–22.8%
SunPower makes the best and most efficient solar panels on the market today. Although these panels have the highest price tags of all the panels we reviewed, the initial investment in the best solar panels will result in long-term savings.
Advantages and Disadvantages of SunPower
Consider the main advantages and disadvantages of SunPower solar panels:
+ Today it has one of the highest efficiency rates on the solar panel market.
+ Guaranteed that the panels will produce 92% for 25 years
+ 25-year product and performance warranty
- This is the most expensive panel on our list
- Limits the availability of your panels to authorized installers only
SunPower has four monocrystalline options for homeowners.
- Series: The most popular products produce 370W to 400W with a high efficiency of 20.9% to 22.5%.
- X Series: Suitable for small roofs, these panels deliver up to 370W with an efficiency of 22.7%.
- M Series: The newest series, these panels are available in 420W and 435W variants with efficiencies ranging from 21.7% to 22.8%.
- E Series: Available in 320W, 327W and 435W, these modest panels deliver 19.4% - 20.4% efficiency.
Homeowners looking to invest in the best solar panels available should consider SunPower. High efficiency panels are generally more expensive than the average solar panel. SunPower solar panels start at about $3.30 per watt, which is $3 more than the industry average.
The company offers a 25-year product and performance warranty, one of the few companies to offer an extended warranty. SunPower also guarantees that the panels will deliver at least 92 percent of their original rating for 25 years. If your bar drops below this threshold, the company will update your system to restore performance.
SunPower is the best installation company
Panasonic: Our pick for premium panels
- Warranty: 25 years for the product; 25 years of activity
- Efficiency: 21.6%–22.2%
Panasonic's new EverVolt series of panels use half-cut heterojunction (HJT) solar cell technology to produce some of the best energy-efficient panels ever. The panels are designed to withstand high temperatures, making them an excellent choice for homeowners in hot climates.
Advantages and disadvantages of Panasonic
Check out our Panasonic Solar pros and cons:
+ Works well in hot weather
+ 92% return guarantee for up to 25 years
+ 25-year product warranty
- Export of panel products from March 2022, which may lead to low-quality products.
— This is one of the most expensive options for homeowners
We reached out to Panasonic about the flaw, and while the company had no comment, a representative directed us to this article .
The new Panasonic Evervolt series uses HJT technology to produce high-efficiency panels with minimal energy loss. The most powerful panels in the series have an efficiency of 21.6% to 22.2% in the 400W to 410W variants.
The company's 25-year AllGuard and TripleGuard warranties cover EverVolt panels on product, components, energy and performance. Panasonic also guarantees at least 92% panel performance for over 25 years.
The best Panasonic installation company
LG: Our accessibility option
- Warranty: 25 years for the product; 25 years of activity
- Efficiency: 19.4%–20.7%
LG solar panels are ideal for homeowners with complex or limited roofs. The panels are stronger but more compact, so you can buy smaller panels and generate more energy for your home.
Advantages and disadvantages of LG
Consider the main advantages and disadvantages of LG:
+ One of the most famous electronics manufacturers in the world
+ Better suited for houses with unusual roofs
+ 25-year product warranty
- LG dealer network has inconsistent panel prices
- It can cost up to $500 per panel, making it one of the more expensive options
LG offers three options for residential solar systems. The smaller LG NeON R 375W has an efficiency of 20.7%. The company guarantees 90.6% capacity of the 365W NeON 2 black solar panel after 25 years. Finally, the LG NeON 2 400W double-sided solar panel uses solar absorption technology on the top and bottom of the panel. This technology allows the panels to continue collecting energy even on the cloudiest of days.
LG backs the panels with a 25-year warranty. However, power generator warranties vary by model. For example, the LG NeON R panel has a guaranteed return of 98.5% after one year and at least 92.5% for 25 years. On the other hand, the LG NeON 2 series will produce 96.4% output at the end of the next 25 years.
The best LG installation company
Q Cells: Our Warranty Options
- Warranty: 25 years for the product; 25 years of activity
- Efficiency : 20.6-21.4%
Q Cell panels provide the perfect balance between high performance, high efficiency and affordability. The company offers warranties that exceed industry standards for product protection and performance.
Advantages and disadvantages of Q cells
Here are the main pros and cons of Q Cell:
+ This is a great option for homeowners on a tight budget
+ 25-year product and performance warranty
+ Known for producing quality panels for other companies (eg Tesla)
- Good but not the highest efficiency rating in solar panel reviews.
- Some large models with Q cells do not work well on small ceilings
The latest line of Q Cells includes three half-cut monocrystalline Q.Peak Duo panel models:
- Q. Peak Duo BLK-G10+
- Q. Peak Duo BLK-G10+/AC
- Q. Pic Duo Black ML-G10+
The Q.Peak Duo delivers 20.6% to 21.4% efficiency with 350-415W panels.
Q Sales backs the panels with a 25-year product and performance warranty. The company promises that the panels will reach at least 98 percent in the first year. Therefore, production will decrease by 0.5% every year. After 10 years, the productivity will stabilize at the level of 93%, and after 25 years it will decrease to at least 86%.
High Q Cell Plant Company
Solar Canada: Our pick for convenience
- Warranty: 12, 15 and 25 years of products; Performance of 25 or 30 years
- Efficiency: 15.88%-22%
Canadian Solar offers well-designed solar panels that can be the best choice for homeowners who want to keep costs to a minimum. Although the efficiency of these panels is lower than the mid-range offerings, they are a good solution for those looking for a cheap option at home.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Canadian Sunshine
Here are the main pros and cons of Solar Canada:
+ Polycrystalline and monocrystalline solar panels are available in the selection
+ An excellent choice for cold weather where snow accumulates easily
+ Some models use HJT technology for high efficiency
- Short skirting product warranty
- Performance in hot areas is not very good
Canada offers homeowners three models:
- HiKu line: This model includes monocrystalline or polycrystalline solar panels with a power of 320 to 420 watts.
- HiDM line: This monocrystalline line offers 360-385 watts and costs less than the HiKu line.
- HiHero line: The new model uses HJT technology with options from 405W to 430W.
The HiDM model features a monolithic PERC solar structure with gravel that uses more solar cells in a smaller footprint, ideal for limited spaces. Although these panels are cheaper than the HiKu line, this model suffers in efficiency and durability. HiHero is the most efficient alternative to Canadian Solar. This 405-430W panel is 22% efficient.
Product warranty varies by model. The HiKu range offers a 12-year product warranty, while the HiDM models have a 15-year product warranty. Both lines include a 25-year performance warranty. HiHero models have a 25-year product warranty and a 30-year mains warranty.
The best solar installation company in Canada
Trina Solar: Our selection of affordable panels
- Warranty: 25 years for the product; 25 years of activity
- Efficiency: 19.9%–20.6%
Trina solar panels offer the best low-cost option of all the panels reviewed. The panels are above the industry standard, but still fall short of the best solar options.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Trina Solar
Check out our top pros and cons of Trina Solar:
+ 25-year performance guarantee
+ 17% indicates a higher efficiency range than the industry standard.
+ Product warranty increased from 12 to 25 years
- You have faced quality problems before
- No high power panel option
Trina presents two new half-cut monocrystalline models for housing systems.
- TSM DE06X.05(II): This model delivers 355-380W with 20.6% efficiency.
- TSM DD06M.05(II): This panel set is 19.9% less efficient with panel options ranging from 310W to 335W.
New Trina solar panel models come with a 25-year manufacturer's warranty and a 25-year performance warranty in the USA. Because this extended warranty does not require the use of a Trina installer, homeowners will have this protection from the date of purchase.
The best solar installation company Trinea
Note: We have contacted each of the manufacturers on this list for comment on the flaws listed in this article. We haven't heard from the brand yet, unless otherwise noted.
The best solar panel comparison
Check out these top comparison points for the best solar panels:
How solar panels work
Solar panels absorb sunlight and generate electricity that is converted into electricity to power your home. Here are the four main steps in the process:
How to choose the best solar panels
Here are the important things to consider when choosing the best solar panels for your home.
Efficiency
You want to get the most efficiency out of your solar panels. The better the efficiency of a solar panel, the more efficiently it captures sunlight and converts it into energy. If you are satisfied with less efficient panels, you will need more panels to control your home. Although the initial cost is high, investing in efficient, high-performance solar panels will be a good investment in a successful solar energy system in the long run.
Guarantee
The warranty covers the solar panels and their performance. The industry standard is 10 years for product and 25 years for performance. According to the Federal Trade Commission , solar panels typically last about 20 years . You may want to look for a solar company with a minimum 20-year warranty to ensure your solar panels are protected for life.
It's important to ask the installer about warranties and system maintenance, says Garrett Nielsen, acting director of the Department of Energy's Office of Solar Energy Technologies . You should contact your installer for advice on how to keep your system up to date, what is included in your contract and how to deal with warranty issues.
Duration
Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, it is important to consider their lifespan. Well tempered panels can withstand high temperatures and still produce at a good level. Some panels can withstand the weight of several inches of snow. You should choose the best solar panel for your local climate and weather conditions.
Price
The cost of residential solar panels depends on the type of solar panels and their efficiency. Although we can focus on the cost of solar panels , the cost of the entire solar panel is very important. A residential solar system costs an average of $16,000 to $40,000. When investing this amount, you want to make sure you get the best possible return on your investment.
A better option is to purchase high efficiency panels to reduce the number of panels needed for your home. Buying cheaper, more efficient panels usually costs more because it takes more panels to produce the same amount of energy that smaller, more efficient panels can achieve.
Bottom line: Which is the best solar panel for your home?
The best solar panel depends on your personal priorities and needs. If you're looking for a high-performance panel that delivers z-brand performance without the price tag, we recommend Silfab. Q Cells offers high quality panels at affordable prices. Finally, Trina Solar offers affordable power and efficiency for homeowners on a budget.
Both national and local suppliers have their pros and cons. Nielsen said local suppliers can often offer lower costs because they can buy equipment in bulk and also have faster, automated processes. Additionally, a local installer may have a better relationship with the local licensing team to speed up the installation process.
You should also check with your solar company to make sure you are in their service area. Some solar panel manufacturers list every state for coverage, but in reality they only serve certain zip codes.
Methodology: Our ranking system for the best solar panels
We collected data from dozens of PV companies and created a comprehensive rating system to formulate our ranking, evaluate each company and provide our readers with objective results. The results of the assessment of various factors form a total score for each seller.
We called the company and spoke with a representative to learn about their solar products, service and installation process. We also examine each company's product warranty, manufacturing and processing in detail, and analyze customer feedback to understand the customer service experience with each supplier.
All company information is constantly monitored to maintain standards and information up to date.
After collecting all the necessary information, we used the following rating system to rate each transport company out of 100 points.
- Solar Services (25 points): Does the company offer solar panels and home battery backups? Can utilities monitor energy production and conduct energy efficiency audits to ensure system performance? The more choices you have, the higher your score will be.
- Warranty Options (15 points): Product, system performance, and labor warranties and warranty period are important factors in the performance of a residential solar system. Warranty varies from company to company, so we rank companies by the number of options available. The more guarantees the company offers, the higher the score.
- Даступнасць (10 балаў): большасць сонечных кампаній не маюць мясцовага прысутнасці. Мы прысуджаем самыя высокія балы кампаніям з найбольшым ахопам паслуг і нацыянальнай прысутнасцю.
- Вопыт (10 балаў): мы ацэньваем сонечных кубінцаў па колькасці гадоў, якія яны правялі ў гэтай галіне. Чым даўжэй кампанія працуе, тым вышэй вынікі.
- Варыянты аплаты (15 балаў): За кожны варыянт аплаты, прапанаваны кампаніяй, вы атрымаеце больш балаў. Варыянты ўключаюць пакупкі, пазыкі, арэнду і пагадненні аб куплі электраэнергіі (PPA).
- Рэпутацыя (10 балаў): мы прымаем да ўвагі ацэнку кожнай кампаніі ад Better Business Bureau (BBB) і адымаем балы за кожнае незавершанае паведамленне або пазоў.
- Дадатковыя перавагі (15 балаў): Мы ацэньваем сонечныя кампаніі на аснове дадатковых функцый і паслуг, такіх як мабільныя прыкладанні, віртуальныя кансультацыі, зарадныя прылады для электрычных аўтамабіляў і кругласутачная жывая падтрымка кліентаў. Чым больш балаў набірае кампанія, тым больш балаў яна атрымлівае.
Тамара Джад з'яўляецца пісьменніцай, якая спецыялізуецца на сонечнай энергетыцы і змесце добраўпарадкавання дома. З больш чым шасцігадовым вопытам распрацоўкі кантэнту і напісання, ён захапляецца журналістыкай і даследаваннямі. У вольны час яна любіць падарожнічаць, хадзіць на канцэрты і гуляць у відэагульні.
Рэбека Янг - рэдактар з дзесяцігадовым вопытам рэдагавання і адукацыі. Перш чым далучыцца да выканаўчай каманды Home, каб засяродзіцца на змесце хатніх паслуг, ён кіраваў стратэгіяй кантэнту ў страхаванні, венчурным капітале, фінансах і ахове здароўя. Рэбека мае дыпломы ў галіне камунікацый і англійскай мовы.
