Another solar panel brand we tested
Solar JA . JA Solar's solar panels have a maximum efficiency of 21.5% and are covered by a guarantee that guarantees almost 90% of their emission cost after 25 years. (JA Solar's warranty is actually 30 years, which is currently 87% warranted.) They also have a temperature coefficient of -0.35%.
JinkoSolar . Jinko solar panels are highly efficient, with at least three solar panels exceeding 22%. Their 25-year manufacturing warranty falls short of many others on this list; remains at 83.1%. Jinko makes all-black solar panels. Ginko is a US plant in Jacksonville, Florida that was raided by federal authorities in an apparent investigation, the details of which are poorly known.
Trina Solar . The Trina line of solar panels is comparable to the other panels on this list and is close to Qcells specifications. Trina's efficiency is slightly higher at nearly 22% and the panels are available in slightly larger sizes. Trina panels are backed by a nearly 85% 25-year warranty. Some models are all black.
Longi Solar . Longi solar panels have an excellent efficiency of 21.3% and a 25-year production guarantee of approximately 85%, which meets industry standards. Their temperature coefficient is also within the normal range at -0.34%.
Solar Talesun . Talesun solar modules have an efficiency of 21% or slightly higher. They are also guaranteed to still operate at 84.8% of their rated capacity after 25 years which is again perfectly normal.
Silfab . Silfab panels have an efficiency of 20% and 21.5%. According to the guarantee provided by Silfab, more than 85% of the production is guaranteed after 25 years. All of the Silfab panels we tested looked pretty black. Silfab also manufactures panels in the United States, with a plant located in northwest Washington.
Compare the best solar panels of 2023
When evaluating solar panels for this list, we looked at residential offerings from solar panel manufacturers and evaluated them collectively. In general, if a business has a model that excels in one area, such as efficiency, then the full range of panels will be more efficient. While some Maxeon solar panels are less efficient than other companies' offerings, overall they are more efficient than others. The table below shows the maximum values for a residential solar panel family, not necessarily for a specific model.
Data correct as of June 16, 2023.
How we choose and evaluate the best solar panels
The solar panels on this list are some of the most popular solar panels for residential solar applications in the United States. If you search and compare home solar system quotes, chances are you'll come across one of these brands. Luckily, we've done all the work for you and compiled the specifications of the most popular solar panel brands for you to compare.
If your panel or favorite isn't on this list, you can find its specs the same way I did. Most solar panel manufacturers provide specifications and warranties for their products online on their websites. You just need to find out where it is listed on the website.
The top five solar panels listed at the beginning of this article are ranked #1 after all of the solar panels we've reviewed pass our method of evaluation.
We evaluate modules based on their efficiency (25% of the final score), maximum available power (15%), temperature coefficient (15%), production guarantee size (25%) and production time. guarantee (15%). The remaining 5% of the price depends on whether the company offers an all-black version, which some may find more appealing.
This is how the points are distributed.
Do you need the best solar panels?
When buying solar panels and looking for the best for your energy needs, you need to look for the right solution (solar panel, battery and installer) that best suits your needs. This could be the panel that appears above our listings or other posts. We left prices out of our scoring methodology because it's hard to find a reliable metric, but it might be a consideration for you.
Experts tell CNET not to get too blindsided by solar panel specs like efficiency. Getting solar panels that meet your energy needs cheaply and reliably is a top priority for most people.
"The bigger question for the end user is the economy and how that plays out," Daniel Ciolkos, a professor of agriculture and biotechnology at Pennsylvania State University told CNET in April. You also want to find a solar installer you can trust, just like you would a contractor on a home improvement project. Improper installation can reduce the module's power output by more than a few percentage points of efficiency or provide slightly better performance after 25 years.
How efficient is the solar panel?
Solar cell efficiency is simply the amount of energy contained in sunlight that is converted into electricity by the solar cells. This means that a 20% efficient solar panel leaves 80% of the sun's energy on the table, but the panel's efficiency has steadily increased over the years. In 2007, nearly 95% of installed solar modules had an efficiency of less than 16%. In 2021, the same effective percentage is over 19%.
What is the temperature coefficient?
Solar panels become less efficient as temperatures rise. The temperature coefficient measures the amount of change in the solar cell's efficiency for every degree Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) above 25 degrees Celsius. A temperature coefficient of -0.34% means that a solar cell loses as much power per degree Celsius as the temperature increases.
What is the nominal capacity of the solar panel?
The size of the solar panel is measured in watts. This means that under ideal conditions, a 400 watt solar panel will produce 400 watt hours of electricity in one hour.
But in the real world, conditions are rarely ideal. Passing clouds, a thin layer of dust on the panels, smoke from forest fires. anything between the solar cell and the sun will increase its output. But the higher the power rating, the more power the panel will produce.
What to consider when choosing a solar installer?
The best thing you can do for a successful solar purchase is to get lots of quotes from reputable installers. Unless you're an expert on the local solar market, you can only judge the quality of your deals by comparing them to each other. The best defense against unscrupulous sellers is to cast a wide net and inquire about local solar policies and incentives. (That's not to say scam tactics to sell solar energy are common.) If you have neighbors who have solar panels, ask them about their experiences with their installers.
Make sure you understand your energy usage, whether or not you have metered-in, and the incentives available, such as solar tax credits.
The Department of Energy recommends working with a reputable, licensed, or certified third-party solar installer. The North American Board of Certified Energy Professionals maintains a database of certified installers. Ask the installer for certification from his company.
Frequent questions
What is the best solar panel?
Maxeon and REC solar panels top our list, but the best solar panels are the ones that best suit your needs. The solar panels on our list aren't interchangeable, but there are likely several acceptable options to meet your energy needs.
What is the most efficient solar panel?
The most efficient residential solar panels are manufactured by Maxeon for SunPower and Canadian Solar. Both have 22.8% efficiency models.
