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MarketWatch Guides is a reviews and recommendations team, independent of the MarketWatch newsroom. We might earn a commission from links in this content. Learn More
MarketWatch Guides may receive compensation from companies that appear on this page. The compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear, but it does not influence the recommendations the editorial team provides. Not all companies, products, or offers were reviewed.
Sabrina Lopez is a senior editor with over seven years of experience writing and editing digital content with a particular focus on home services, home products and personal finance. When she''s not working, Sabrina enjoys creative writing and spending time with her family and their two parrots.
Karsten Neumeister is an experienced energy professional with subject-matter expertise in energy policy and the solar and retail energy industries. In addition to previous roles with the Retail Energy Advancement League and Solar Alternatives, he has written for EcoWatch and National Public Radio (NPR).
Our top three recommended solar panels are Silfab and Panasonic, but your individual needs will determine which solar panel installerand solar panel brand is best for you.When deciding what type of solar panel is best for your installation, you''ll need to weigh factors like cost, durability, warranty, efficiency and solar panel type. We have compiled this information to make it simple to compare brands and discover the best option for your home.
with our comparison partner, HomeService Quotes
Check out our top-rated manufacturers for the best solar panels:Silfab: Our pick for warranties
Get an installation quote on top quality panels from one of our recommend installation companies using the panel below:
Silfab solar panels have an average efficiency of 18.9% to 21.4%. Silfab manufactures solar panels with a high-efficiency rating and leading warranties for an industry-average cost. While most solar manufacturers only offer a 25-year or lower power production guarantee, Silfab extends its coverage to 30 years.
Although Silfab is slightly more expensive than solar panels manufactured overseas, its panels are made in North America and hold up well in high-temperature and extreme weather conditions tests. Silfab''s panels also offer a sleek, all-black design that provides superior roof aesthetics.
If you''re interested in Silfab panels, some solar companies that install the brand include:
Although Panasonic does not sell the most efficient solar panels on the market, it still offers an above-average efficiency of 19% to 21%. It also excels in panel durability and degradation rates, offering an excellent 92% rated power output guarantee after 25 years. Like SunPower, Panasonic offers a comprehensive, 25-year warranty covering equipment, parts and workmanship.
Panasonic''s panels also feature advanced solar cell technology and an aluminum frame to bolster performance in hot temperatures and windy conditions. Panasonic has also extended its product offerings to include aesthetic, all-black panels.
Some solar installation companies that install Panasonic panels include:
Qcells offers efficient, durable and affordable panels. With a 19% to 20% average panel efficiency, Qcells panels also perform well in low-light conditions and maintain a low degradation rate.
Qcells has a presence across the globe and is renowned for its research innovations. It recently opened a manufacturing facility in the U.S. city of Dalton, Ga., but is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea and engineers its panels in Germany. It employs over 400 scientists across four countries to develop and test new solar technologies, keeping Qcells at the forefront of new solar breakthroughs.
Several solar companies install Qcell brand panels. Some top providers include:
With an average efficiency between 18.5% and 22%, Canadian Solar''s panels offer an above-average efficiency at an affordable price of $0.60 to $1 per watt (before installation). Canadian Solar has the lowest starting cost per watt of any panel on our list, making it a great value option that still upholds high quality standards.
Canadian Solar panels are also ideal for colder climates, as they are designed to withstand high winds and snow loads.
Some companies that install Canadian Solar panels include:
Trina Solar is a Chinese-based solar equipment manufacturer that balances value and performance. Its panels offer an efficiency of 18% to 21.6% (comparable to other panels on this list) while maintaining a low cost. Trina Solar offers six residential panel options, so customers can choose their preferred panel size and aesthetics.
As an added benefit, the company increased its solar product warranty from 12 to 25 years in 2021, providing even more value to its customers.
Companies that install Trina Solar panels include:
Before you decide which of these providers offers the best solar panels for your unique needs, consider the efficiency,cost,warrantyandtype of panelyou''re looking for.
The cost of solar panels runs from $0.60 to $3 per watt depending on their country of origin, durability, efficiency, and panel type.
Monocrystalline panels are the most common and most efficient panel type, but polycrystalline panels are typically cheaper.
Highly efficient panels can generate more energy and take up less room, but if you have plenty of roof space they may not be necessary.
Compare our top six solar panel manufacturers and let one of top solar panel installation companies provide you a free quote.
*Credit: Scott Williams of Solar Electric Supply, Inc. and Tatiana Boronnikova, Business Manager at A1 SolarStore.
**Note: solar panel costs listed above are at wholesale prices, without installation.
The country of origin, durability, efficiency and type of panel all determine the final cost of a solar panel. According to a survey that we conducted on 1,000 homeowners with solar, solar panels cost between $15,000-$20,000 on average per home.
The cheapest solar panels come from China, according to Tatiana Boronnikova, Business Manager and Senior Editor at A1 SolarStore. "The most famous Chinese brands with cheap panels are Jinko Solar, Trina Solar, JA Solar and LONGi Solar." In contrast, she noted that panels from North American brands are slightly more expensive, including Silfab, Mission Solar and Canadian Solar.
The difference in cost typically means a difference in warranties. "Chinese panels have shorter product warranties – usually, 10-15 years, with 12 being [the] standard," she added. North American panels may also offer better performance. "Expensive panels tend to have a better conversion efficiency."
High-end brands like Panasonic and SunPower have design features that make their panels more durable, but also more expensive. For instance, Panasonic panels have an aluminum frame that can withstand 210 mph winds, and SunPower panels have a copper foundation that makes them resistant to cracking.
If you have limited roof space, high-efficiency panels like the ones offered by SunPower will help you maximize your solar power system''s energy production and minimize the number of panels you need. However, high-quality, high-efficiency panels are typically more expensive, and having the most efficient panels on the market isn''t necessary if you have ample roof space. Making sure to routinely clean and maintain your solar panels can also help to improve the efficiency of your system.
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When you're looking for the latest and most efficient Best solar panel for residential for your PV project, our website offers a comprehensive selection of cutting-edge products designed to meet your specific requirements. Whether you're a renewable energy developer, utility company, or commercial enterprise looking to reduce your carbon footprint, we have the solutions to help you harness the full potential of solar energy.
By interacting with our online customer service, you'll gain a deep understanding of the various Best solar panel for residential featured in our extensive catalog, such as high-efficiency storage batteries and intelligent energy management systems, and how they work together to provide a stable and reliable power supply for your PV projects.
