Best Solar Panels for Homes: Reviewed by an Electrical Engineer Contact online >>
Best Solar Panels for Homes: Reviewed by an Electrical Engineer
There are differences among solar panels, but experts say that finding the best installer is likely more important than getting the very best equipment. The best solar panels for you are going to be the ones that fit your energy goals and budget. There are also many factors you'll have to consider before moving forward with your installation, including the size of your roof and the energy consumption of your home. Both factors will likely inform what solar equipment you choose to install on your home.
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This best list doesn't rely on any in-person testing. Instead, the data we used to rank solar panels is pulled from the publicly available spec sheets companies publish for their panels.
Maxeon spun off as a business from SunPower in 2020, but its panels are still largely installed by SunPower and its subsidiary, Blue Raven. Maxeon also co-leads the field for solar panel efficiency (Its high mark for efficiency, at 22.8%, is a big part of the reason it scores highly overall.) Maxeon's panels range in size from 360 to 440 watts and have temperature coefficients of -0.29% or -0.34%, according to their published specifications. Many Maxeon panels have production warranties that guarantee 92% of their rated output after 25 years, another high mark for the industry.
Solar panels from REC have maximum efficiency ratings from 20.3% to 22.3% and a temperature coefficient of -0.34%, though one model, the REC Alpha Pure, checks in at -0.24%. After 25 years, REC guarantees its panels will be producing 86% or 92% of their rated power, depending on the model.
Even REC's panels that aren't all black are mostly black, offering the sleeker look some people appreciate. It ties SunPower Maxeon for our best overall solar panel.
Panasonic solar panels come in sizes up to 410 watts and have efficiency ratings up to 22.2%. All of Panasonic's solar panels come with a 25-year production warranty that says the panels won't fall below 92% of their rated capacity. That mark matches REC and SunPower, but beats every other panel we looked at. Panasonic panels have a temperature coefficient of -0.26%, although one model comes in at -0.34%. Panasonic does offer panels that come with an all-black look. Installers of Panasonic solar panels can be found around the US.
Canadian Solar ties Maxeon for the most efficient solar panels out there. Its HiHero model has a maximum efficiency rating of 22.8%. We ranked Canadian Solar's high-performing panels just a bit below the two above, mostly because it guarantees slightly lower levels of production after 25 years in its production warranties -- about 85% to 89%. This is still pretty high for the industry. Canadian Solar's temperature coefficients top out at -0.26%.
Some of ZNShine's panels come with a 30-year production warranty, five years more than the industry standard. While some companies offer an option for 30 years, ZNShine and a few other companies are starting to make 30 years standard. Some of the company's models come with a warranty that guarantees 82.5% of their rated warranty after 30 years (that's about 85% after 25 years). ZNShine panels also have high efficiency ratings (most come in over 21%) and temperature coefficients clustered around -0.35%. It offers mostly black panels, but no all-black versions as of yet.
Qcells panels are the most widely installed panels in residential solar arrays in the United States. Over 33% of all residential panels installed are manufactured by Qcells. Qcells' panels have efficiencies nearing 21% and temperature coefficients of -0.34%. They come with 25-year production warranties guaranteeing their performance won't fall below 86% of their rated capacity. SunPower recently started installing Qcells panels as a cheaper alternative to its premium Maxeon models. Qcells panels are also manufactured in Georgia, with more factories being built nearby.
JA Solar: Solar panels from JA Solar max out at 21.5% efficiency and have warranties guaranteeing nearly 90% of their rated production after 25 years. (JA Solar's warranties are actually 30 years long, guaranteeing 87% at that time.) They also have a temperature coefficient of -0.35%.
Jinko Solar: Jinko's solar panels have high-efficiency ratings, with at least three in the group topping out over 22%. Their 25-year production warranty lags behind many of the others on this list; it's set at 83.1%. Jinko does make all-black solar panels. Jinko has an American factory in Jacksonville, Florida, which was raided by federal authorities in an apparent probe, about which few details are known. On a more positive note, JinkSolar's recent breakthrough with the Tiger Neo 3.0 module achieved an efficiency of 24.8%. The new solar panels use the TOPCon modules and are available in 495W and 670W output versions, with the smaller one intended for residential systems and the larger for utilities.
Trina Solar: Trina's solar panels line is comparable to others on this list, landing near the Qcells' specs. Trina efficiencies currently peak a bit higher, near 22%. The panels come in slightly larger sizes. Trina panels come with a 25-year guarantee of nearly 85%. Some models are all black. It's worth noting that the company has also set a world record (for the 27th time) with an N-type TOPCon solar panel cell achieving a 25.9% efficiency. This isn't available for residential markets currently, but expect to see the technology to start trickling down.
Longi Solar: Longi's solar panels have great efficiency ratings of 21.3% and a 25-year production guarantee set at nearly 85%, right in line with industry standards. Their temperature coefficients are also in the normal range at -0.34%. The Chinese manufacturer has also made a breakthrough in efficiency, with the HPBC 2.0 module achieving a 25.4% efficiency rating.
Talesun Solar: Talesun solar panels have peak efficiencies of 21% or slightly above. They are also guaranteed to operate at 84.8% of their rated production after 25 years, again a fairly standard number.
Silfab: Silfab panels have efficiency ratings between 20% and 21.5%. According to the warranty posted by Silfab, they're guaranteed to produce above 85% after 25 years. All the panels we looked at from Silfab had an all-black look. Silfab also manufactures panels in the US, with factories in northwest Washington.
Given recent increases in energy costs, some people are adopting solar panels to secure predictable energy prices for the next two decades or more. Solar panels cost a lot upfront, but they can lock in energy savings for years. You should look at solar as an investment — you might not want to go solar if you plan on moving soon, but solar panels are a great way to save money in the long term.
Despite signs of a slowdown in some areas, namely California, following the NEM 3.0 changes, solar panel installation is booming nationwide. A record number of solar panel systems were installed in the third quarter of 2023. The growth is expected to remain strong, thanks to 30% tax incentives for solar and other renewable energy technologies. According to the IRS, more than 752,000 American taxpayers claimed the residential clean energy credit for solar panels in 2023, with an average credit of $27,355.
On the other hand, with interest rates high, financing a solar installation is more expensive. Higher interest rates make leasing solar panels more attractive, though buying outright is likely to save you more money over time.
These trends and changes are occurring within the context of a warming planet, driven by the burning of fossil fuels. Climate scientists say we need to reduce warming emissions rapidly to avoid the worst effects of climate change, and sustainability is another common motivator for some homeowners to install solar.
In evaluating solar panels for this list, we looked at the residential offerings from solar panel manufacturers and judged them as a whole. In general, if one company has a model that stands out in one area, like efficiency, its entire suite of panels will be more efficient. Some Maxeon solar panels will have lower efficiency ratings than offerings from other companies, as a whole they'll be more efficient than others. The table below shows maximum values for the group of residential solar panels, not necessarily a specific model.
Data accurate as of June 16, 2023.
If you're shopping for solar panels, you should look for the solar panels, batteries and installer that best fit your needs. Those might not be the panels that come out on top of our list or those of any other publications. We left price out of our scoring methodology because it's hard to find reliable numbers, but it's likely to be a consideration for you.
Experts have told CNET that you shouldn't get too starry-eyed about a solar panel's specifications, like efficiency. You should instead aim for a solar array that meets your energy needs affordably and reliably.
"The bigger question for the end user is the economics and how it's paying off," Daniel Ciolkosz, professor of agricultural and biological engineering at Pennsylvania State University, told CNET. You'll want to find a solar installer you can trust, just like you would find a contractor for any home improvement project. A poor installation could be a bigger drain on electricity production than a slightly lower efficiency rating or slightly weaker 25-year production guarantee.
*The above estimates are for different periods of time. EnergySage covers the second half of 2023, Wood Mackenzie covers the fourth quarter of 2023, and the Lawrence Berkeley Lab covers 2022.
Factors that might increase the cost of your specific solar installation include the complexity of your roof and additional equipment you have installed, such as solar batteries or electric vehicle chargers. Factors that lower the cost of solar include the federal solar tax credit and incentives from your state.
The best way to get an accurate idea of solar costs in your area is to get multiple quotes from reputable solar companies. Just as important as the cost of going solar is the solar payback period, how long it will take for your solar panels to save as much money as they cost. You can roughly calculate your solar payback period with just your solar costs and estimated monthly savings.
The solar panels installed by solar companies are capable of meeting most energy goals. If you want to get into the nitty-gritty details of solar panels, here are some to start with.
Almost all residential solar panels are monocrystalline models (named for the silicon their solar cells are made from), according to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. They typically produce more electricity and offer a better return on investment than polycrystalline or thin-film solar panels, their less common counterparts.
Solar panel efficiency is simply the amount of energy in sunlight that a solar panel turns into electricity. That means a solar panel with a 20% efficiency is leaving 80% of the sun's energy on the table. Modern solar panels have been getting more so over the years. Almost none of the residential solar panels installed in 2007 were 20% or more efficient. In 2022, almost 80% exceeded that mark, according to the Berkeley Lab.
The most efficient residential solar panel on the market comes from Maxeon and has a maximum efficiency rating of 24.1%. Efficiency also comes into play elsewhere in a solar panel system. Both solar inverters and batteries are rated for their efficiency as well.
Solar panels become less efficient as temperatures rise. The temperature coefficient measures the amount solar panel efficiency changes for every degree Celsius over 25 (77 degrees Fahrenheit). A temperature coefficient of -0.34% means the solar panel will lose that much production each degree Celsius as the temperature rises.
A solar panel's size is measured in watts. Under ideal conditions, over the course of an hour, a 400-watt solar panel will produce 400 watt-hours of electricity. Conditions are rarely ideal in the real world. A passing cloud, a thin layer of dust on the panels, wildfire smoke — anything that comes between a solar panel and the sun is going to eat away at its production. The higher the wattage rating, the more power the panel will produce.
Even if you find a solar panel that makes your heart sing, it's probably smarter to focus on finding a reputable solar installer you trust. Solar panels are just one part of the system, and on the chance something goes wrong, you want to know you'll be getting quality service for many years to come.
The best thing you can do to set yourself up for solar shopping success is to get multiple quotes from reputable installers. Unless you're an expert in your local solar market, you won't be able to judge the quality of a proposal except for comparisons against one another. Casting a wide net, along with educating yourself about your local solar policies and incentives, is your best defense against a dishonest salesperson. (This isn't to suggest that scammy solar sales tactics are widespread.) Even the best solar companies might not always be the best fit. If you have neighbors who have solar panels, ask about their experience with their installer.
Make sure you understand your energy usage, whether or not you have net metering available to you and the ins and outs of available incentives like the solar tax credit. The Department of Energy recommends working with a solar installer licensed or certified by a reputable third party. The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners runs a database of installers it has certified. Ask installers about their company's certifications.
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