Given last year's price volatility, some people are using solar panels to increase energy prices for the next two decades and even more for the next twenty years. Although solar panels are expensive, they provide electricity for many years.
Climate scientists say we need to reduce heat emissions quickly to prevent the worst effects of climate change, and sustainability is another reason some homeowners are installing solar. Prices vary depending on the size of your home and the type of coverage, so you should ask for a quote before you buy. Here are three of the best solar panels on the market.
SunPower Maxeon is not
Available at go.sunpower.com.
MaxOn as a company spun off from SunPower in 2020, but the panels are still primarily installed by SunPower and its Blue Raven subsidiary. MaxOon leads the way in solar panel efficiency (a high efficiency rating of 22.8% is a big part of its high overall score).
Maxion panels range from 360W to 440W and have a temperature of -0.29% or -0.34% depending on the published specifications. Many Maxeon boards have an industry warranty guaranteeing 92% capacity after 25 years, another industry record. If the appearance of solar panels makes you feel stubborn, Maxon releases some black models that are more appealing to some people.
without registration
Available at usecgroup.com.
REC solar panels have a maximum efficiency of 20.3% to 22.3% and a temperature of -0.34%, although a model REC Alpha Pure reduces it to -0.24%. After 25 years, REC guarantees that the panels will produce 86% or 92% of their rated energy, depending on the model.
Even non-black REC panels are mostly black, which provides a smooth look that some people like. SunPower Maxeon is generally recognized as the best solar panel.
What is Panasonic?
Available at na.panasonic.com/us.
Panasonic solar panels are rated up to 410W and have an efficiency rating of up to 22.2%. All Panasonic solar panels come with a 25-year manufacturing warranty, which means the panels will never fall below 92% of their rated output. (Solar panels become less efficient over time, but not enough to be a problem.) This score is tied with the REC and SunPower, but better than all the boards reviewed.
The temperature of Panasonic's panels is -0.26%, although one of the two models is only -0.34%. Panasonic offers all black panels.
The following CNET staff contributed to this story: Editor Andrew Block and Editor Jim Hoffman. For more product reviews for personal computers, visit cnet.com
