National Rooftop Potential. According to National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Trying to determine the best solar panels for your home is like trying to determine the best car – there''s no one correct answer. Everybody has different budgets, goals, and capacities.
So the real question is, which solar panel is best for you?
We analyzed over 750 types of solar panel models from 40 different manufacturers available in the solar marketplace to determine the best solar panels to buy to meet common wants and needs.
Of course, determining your solar needs is a lot easier with the guidance of an experienced Energy Advisor. Connect with one here.
We’ve chosen a handful of the best panels that meet some of the most common needs for homeowners.
Let’s get started with the most popular panels to give us a sense of what other homeowners are gravitating towards.
While we can''t name the single best solar panel for your home, we analyzed a year of sales data to find a clear favorite among solar customers.
Given quotes from multiple installers and dozens of equipment options, solar customers choose REC or QCells panels over 73% of the time, followed distantly by Panasonic, SEC, Canadian Solar, and Solaria.
That''s because REC and Q CELLS have a wide range of premium panels that offer a blend of solid performance and affordability.
To top it off, REC and Q CELLS back their panels with a 25-year product warranty.
When it comes to solar panels, there’s no shame in following the crowd. REC and Q CELLS are popular for a reason and there is safety in knowing these well-established panel makers aren''t going anywhere and will be around to honor their 25-year warranty.
Related: The 8 Best Solar Batteries of 2024 (and How to Choose the Right One For You)
For some homeowners, finding American-made solar panels is a priority. While there are several fantastic solar makers headquartered in the US, finding panels that are truly made in America can be tricky.
That''s because there are American companies that manufacture overseas, and overseas companies that manufacture in America. And then there are companies that manufacture some panels in the US and others abroad.
Whether your heart is set on supporting American manufacturing, American-based companies, or both, there are options when it comes to solar panels.
Solar panels slowly lose efficiency over time through a process called degradation. This is a substantial concern to some homeowners curious about going solar.
However, the industry has been pleasantly surprised by the longevity of the solar panels manufactured decades ago, and the technology has only gotten better.
Today, it''s not uncommon for premium solar panels to come with a warranty that guarantees more than 85% performance after 25 years. Each warranty is a little different, so it’s important to read the language closely when researching panels.
If your top concern is degradation, here are three panel to focus on:
Another important solar panel feature is efficiency rating, or how much sunlight a panel converts into electricity.
The most efficient solar cell of any kind has an efficiency of 39.5%, but is designed for space applications, not an ordinary roof.
Residential solar panels typically range between 15% and 20%, with the industry-leading panels pushing 23%.
Solar panels are a substantial investment that takes time to pay off. One of the things that makes going solar a safe bet is the manufacturer''s warranties that guarantee performance well beyond the break-even mark.
Today, a 25-year warranty is standard. However, a few panel makers are offering 30-year warranties.
Aptos Solar offers a five-year extension to their standard 25-year warranty to guarantee 82.4% output after 30 years on their DNA Split Cell Series panels.
According to Aptos, that''s 4.9% more output after 25 years and 5.7% greater output after 30 years compared to the industry average.
Hyundai Energy Solutions – a subsidiary of the carmaker – also offers a 30-year performance warranty on their RG series panels. This warranty guarantees 80.2% performance after 30 years.
Finally, Canadian Solar has 30-year output warranties for different types of panels.
Every home solar system is custom-designed with software by an engineer.
About Home solar energy options
As the photovoltaic (PV) industry continues to evolve, advancements in Home solar energy options have become critical to optimizing the utilization of renewable energy sources. From innovative battery technologies to intelligent energy management systems, these solutions are transforming the way we store and distribute solar-generated electricity.
When you're looking for the latest and most efficient Home solar energy options 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 Home solar energy options 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.
