10 Best Solar Panel Brands for Home

Solar panels are collections of solar cells that generate electricity from sunlight. Solar panels have gained traction in recent years for their ability to generate electricity without exploiting fossil fuels or producing greenhouse gases. Residential solar installation is on the rise in the US, with a whopping 2800% increase between 2010 and 2020, according to a study in the journal Energy Policy. In the paper, which is called “Solar Adoption Inequality in the U.S.: Trend, magnitude, and Solar Justice Policies,” researchers Xue Gao and Shan Zhou track the increase in home solar adoption from 667.4 megawatts (MW) to 19,079 MW over ten years.

One of the main advantages of installing solar panels in your home is that you don't have to rely on the grid to meet your home's energy needs. As a result of relying on renewable and freely available energy resources, homeowners reduce electricity bills by up to 62%. The amount of money that installing solar panels saves on your electricity bill depends on factors such as the type of solar system installed as part of, the size of the setup, the amount of sunlight your property receives, and the cost of grid electricity in your area.

The best solar panel for your home needs to balance cost, durability, and efficiency. It’s important to be aware of the high upfront cost. It is helpful to understand how the main residential solar brands in the US compare when it comes to these important metrics.

The ten best solar panel brands for homes are as follows:

• LG: Despite withdrawing from the solar business in 2022, LG's residential solar panels remain highly respected for their efficiency and durability.
• Panasonic: Panasonic's solar panels are renowned for their high performance and reliability, making them a popular choice for home solar installations.
• SunPower: SunPower is one of the biggest home solar providers in the US, offering high-efficiency panels with long warranties and excellent customer service.
• Canadian Solar: Canadian Solar's panels are known for their competitive pricing and reliable performance, making them a great option for residential use.
• QCells: Hanwha Qcells offer high-quality solar panels at a reasonable price, and are commonly used by top solar installers in the US.
• Trina Solar: Trina Solar provides a range of panels that balance performance and affordability, making them ideal for new home system setups.
• REC Solar: REC Solar's panels are known for their innovative technology and long lifespan, making them a solid choice for consumers.
• Mission Solar: Mission Solar's emphasis on domestic production and efficiency makes their panels an attractive option for US homeowners.
• Silfab: Silfab's high-efficiency panels are a great choice when it comes to maximizing energy production.
• Windy Nation: Windy Nation offers affordable solar solutions, making them a good choice for budget-conscious homeowners.

1. LG

LG Electronics Inc., known most commonly as LG, is a top solar panel manufacturer owned by LG Corporation. LG manufactured its first solar panel in 2008, mass-producing the component for several years until June 2022. LG’s decision to withdraw from the solar business was caused by limits in production resulting from the pandemic and supply chain issues that have weakened their output in recent years. Nevertheless, LG solar panels are still considered one of the best solar panel brands overall.

The price of an LG solar panel ranges from $360 to $1000, depending on the model, with an average price of $600. LG customers praised their panels for their above-market-average efficiency, incredibly long warranties, and damage-resistant components. In 2021, LG's NeON® 2 series solar panel won the PVEL Top Performer Award, making it one of the best solar panels available at the time.

2. Panasonic

Panasonic is a Japanese solar panel manufacturer known for producing a range of high-quality electronic products, including refrigerators, televisions, and auto parts. Panasonic is a key player in the solar industry, as they were largely responsible for bringing solar energy to residential markets in the seventies, and have been a top manufacturer of panels since.

Panasonic produced their first solar panel in 1975, using amorphous solar cells, which are a type of thin-film cells. Today, Panasonic solar panels use a trademarked technology called HIT® (Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin), which ensures the panel's performance at high temperatures. The typical 300-watt panel operates at an efficiency between 21.6% and 22.2%, costing between $745 and $1000. SolarReviews is a website that publishes verified consumer reviews of solar companies. There is an abundance of user feedback for Panasonic solar panels on the site, praising their lengthy warranty of 25 years, high performance, and robust manufacturing.

3. SunPower

SunPower Corporation is an esteemed American solar technology company whose products are manufactured by its Singapore-based parent company. SunPower was recently named as a winner in ‘Good Housekeeping’s 2022 Home Renovation Awards’ in the ‘Biggest Energy Savers’ category, but they have already been succeeding in the solar industry for three decades. Their founder, Dr. Richard Swanson, first received grants from the US government in the eighties to fund his work developing solar cells. SunPower began producing its high-efficiency solar cell in 2007, reaching 22.4% conversion efficiency.

SunPower solar panels have an average price of $700 and are available in a variety of wattages to suit your solar system and budget. SunPower’s excellent customer service is consistently praised in user feedback, from the initial installation consultation to their commitment to supporting users on a long-term basis. SunPower maintains a high standard of customer service, even though they offer one of the best performance warranties in the industry, with a minimum of 88% to 90% power rating guaranteed for 40 years.

4. Canadian Solar

Canadian Solar is one of the most popular solar companies in the world, selling its products across 23 countries and six continents. Its activities are divided across two businesses: CSI Solar and Recurrent Energy. CSI Solar manufactures solar panels and utility-scale battery energy storage, whereas Recurrent Energy is a clean energy project development platform. Canadian Solar has a strong presence in the United States. With warehouses located in New York, New Jersey, Austin, San Francisco, and Walnut Creek, Canadian Solar offers great customer service and is one of the most popular solar panel brands in the United States for value for money.

Canadian Solar has been producing top solar panels for the best part of two decades. Canadian Solar first began researching solar energy in 1980, before being officially founded in 2001 and starting module production in 2009. Canadian Solar developed unique split-cell technology that reduces current resistance, improving their solar panels' efficiency and energy yield. The Canadian Solar research team continued making waves in the solar industry, creating a type of multi-crystalline silicon solar cell in 2020 that performs with a world-record 23.81% efficiency. In the years since the company was formed, Canadian Solar has remained on the Bloomberg Tier 1 list (which rates the stability of the company's finances).

Canadian Solar offers a number of different panels, designed for residential, commercial, and utility-scale systems. The price of a Canadian Solar solar panel (excluding installation costs) ranges from $400 to $650. This price is consistent with the average price of the other Bloomberg tier 1 solar panels. Canadian Solar customers praise the brand for the panel’s aesthetically pleasing design, competitive pricing, and reliable performance. It should be noted that the user feedback for Canadian Solar modules is not as overwhelmingly positive as testimonies for other brands. Customers cited choosing Canadian Solar on the basis of a recommendation of their solar installation company or local availability, rather than as a result of personal research.

5. QCells

QCells is a global leader in the solar industry, headquartered dually at locations in South Korea and Germany. QCells produces solar cells and photovoltaic modules, and it oversees the construction of residential solar systems and industrial solar power plants. QCells was founded in Germany in 1999, and produced its first solar silicon cell in 2001. Today, they serve markets globally thanks to their international manufacturing facilities. QCells was bought by Hanwha Group - a Korean company specializing in the development of smart energy solutions - in 2012 after running into some financial difficulty. It has a strong presence in the United States, with warehouses around the country and the largest solar module factory situated in Dalton, Georgia.

QCells put their first polycrystalline solar cell on the production line in 2001 and started manufacturing solar panels in 2010. QCell uses two trademarked technologies that separate them from other solar brands: Q.ANTUM and DUO cell separation. The Q.ANTUM technology optimizes the performance of their panels in real conditions, both in overcast weather and on sunny summer days. The DUO cell separation method, which pertains to the wiring and allows the panels to be interconnected seamlessly, maximizes the power and yield of the panel.

The average price of a QCell solar panel is between $300 and $400, which is consistent with the industry average for panels of this quality. According to Forbes, in a report last updated on the 4th of August 2023, QCell panels operate at an efficiency between 18% and 20.6%. QCells have great value for money, and help you maximize the output of your solar system without breaking the bank. Customer testimonials indicate that QCell solar panels have a great yield and high output for their cost. Reviews have cited being able to fit more panels on a smaller roof, thanks to the seamless DUO interconnection, as an added benefit that increases production.

6. Trina Solar

Trina Solar is one of the top solar panel manufacturers in the world, with a global distribution network that spans 30 countries. The company was founded in China in 1997 and was one of the country’s first photovoltaic manufacturers. In addition to researching, developing, and manufacturing PV products, Trina Solar produces intelligent micro-grid and multi-energy systems. Trina Solar is included in Bloomberg's Tier 1 solar panel manufacturer cohort.

Trina Solar panels are 30% cheaper than top-end brands, despite some of their product lines reaching the efficiency of higher-end manufacturers at 19.8% to 21.9%. The average price of a Trina Solar panel is $250, depending on the wattage, number of cells, and material. Trina Solar panels ‘do what they say on the tin,’ balancing performance and value for money. Their black-on-black appearance, substantial 30-year warranty, and minimal underperformance in terms of efficiency make them a great alternative to premium solar panels.

7. REC Solar

REC Solar, standing for Renewable Energy Corporation, is a popular Norwegian solar energy company in operation since 1996. They offer premium solar panels for residential, commercial, and utility-scale systems. REC Solar began producing silicon wafers, solar cells, and solar panels in Scandinavia at the end of the nineties. By 2010, they had established a module production facility in Tuas (Singapore), increasing their capacity by 170%. REC Solar Panels are available in the USA from a number of authorized distributors, including ABC Supply Co. Inc., AEE Solar, Capital Electric, Codale, and Greentech Renewables

The brand is recognized as a pioneer in the solar industry and an innovator of solar technology. Their REC Alpha line of solar panels, launched in 2022, won the Intersolar Award 2020 in the photovoltaics category. Their unique half-cut cell technology, created in 2014, promotes energy generation in two ways. First, the size of the solar cells is reduced so that more units fit on each panel. Second, the panel’s operation is split in half so that the top half generates energy even if the bottom half is shaded, and vice versa. A half-cell design has since become an industry standard because of its efficiency.

The average price of a REC solar panel across their products is $350, excluding installation costs. REC Solar offers three lines of solar panels (Alpha Pure, N-Peak, and Twinpeak) at different price points. Each line is composed of different sizes, cell types, and wattages suited to your needs. It should be noted that panel models with better longevity and durability come at a higher cost. Customers praise the minimum warranty of 20 years, with this coverage increasing to 25 years if a REC-accredited installer fits the panels.

Customer reviews cite the fact that the warranty covers the product, labor, and replacement as a noteworthy benefit. Customers compliment the panels' sleek appearance, with their discreet mounting systems and all-black components. Beyond appearance, user feedback indicates that REC Solar panels consistently perform well in overcast and rainy conditions. REC Solar panels are slightly more expensive, but their good performance across all areas makes them worth the extra charge.

8. Mission Solar

Mission Solar is an American brand headquartered in San Antonio. It is relatively new to the solar industry and was founded in 2013. Mission Solar began manufacturing solar panels the same year, after receiving a commission from a regional energy provider to provide panels for seven solar farms. As of November 2022, Mission Solar is Texas's only solar panel manufacturer. The brand places a strong emphasis on its domestic production, with its website citing that it ‘proudly manufactures on American soil.’

As of 2019, Mission Solar offered five solar panels, with starting prices ranging from $120 to $200. Mission Solar's efforts to create jobs and stimulate the local economy are noted as one of its main attractions among American customers. With regard to efficiency, Mission Solar systems use fewer panels to achieve the same energy output. The PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) technology causes light to be reflected back through the silicon layer via a covering on the bottom, providing a second opportunity to generate current. If you have limited space for a solar array, their panels are a good option.

9. Silfab

Silfab is a top American solar panel manufacturer, originally founded in Canada in 2010. The innovative manufacturing process used by Silfab, including advanced robots and automated production, has earned them the reputation of being an international leader in the solar industry. Silfab offers two residential panel lines: Silfab Elite and Silfab Prime.

Silfab Elite incorporates back-contact technology to minimize heat loss and reduces the gap between each cell to increase efficiency to 21.4%. The Silfab Prime is the economy alternative to the Silfab Elite, whose half-cell design ensures an efficiency of 20.2%. Based on Silfab's two residential solar panel lines, Silfab Elite, and Silfab Prime, the average price is $300, excluding installation costs.

Silfab solar panels maximize efficiency in multiple ways. Customer reviews note the benefit of the reduced gap between solar cells. Removing the space between cells allows more of them to be squeezed together, resulting in a greater panel surface area to generate power. The half-cell design ensures that the panels perform well in overcast conditions common in North America. It should be noted that although you have to pay the additional cost for a local distributor to install the panels, Silfab is unique in the fact that they do their manufacturing in the same region they are headquartered. Their manufacturing processes are monitored closely to ensure the quality and integrity of the final products.

10. Windy Nation

Windy Nation is a popular California-based brand that provides alternative power solutions worldwide. Windy Nation was founded in 2010, originally manufacturing wind turbines and solar panels. Their production has since grown to include battery cables, cable connections, and other solar accessories. At present, Windy Nation offers two solar panels. Both panels are 100-watt and 12-volt monocrystalline, one being rigid and the other flexible. The panels are priced at $130.

The user feedback for Windy National solar panels is mixed. On one hand, customers praise the panels for their weather resistance and ability to generate power in overcast weather conditions despite their low prices. On the other hand, customers note a mismatch between the power output and the size of WindyNation panels. The panels are relatively large and heavy, meaning they require substantial space for mounting and aren’t compatible with small roofs like RVs, vans, or boats. While Windy Nation panels are large, they often do not produce enough wattage. For example, a 100-watt panel will not reach its full wattage output if connected to a 12-volt system. You need to increase to a minimum of 24 systems for it to reach its full output.

What is the Best Solar Panel for a Home?

SunPower, LG, and REC produce the top 3 best solar panels for homes. SunPower came first place in the Forbes list of the best solar panels for homes in 2023. The SunPower M440 model is their popular residential solar panel. The M440 boasts 22.80% efficiency, making it ideal for houses with limited roof space, and its solid metal base protects it against corrosion. The Q.PEAK DUO BLK ML-G10+ module is a another highly efficient and reliable solution for residential solar systems.

With its advanced zero gap Q.ANTUM DUO Z technology, this module delivers an efficiency rate of up to 21.1%, making it the first 400W module of its kind in the market.REC offers a high-quality line of residential solar panels under the name Pure, of which the Alpha model won the Intersolar Award in 2022. The REC Alpha Pure panel uses heterojunction (HJT) cell technology to deliver 16% more power on your roof than conventional panels while looking incredibly sleek due to the monochrome-black and solder-free cells. Additionally, the REC Alpha Pure panel is made with entirely environmentally friendly manufacturing, which may appeal to customers who are already looking to reduce their carbon footprint by installing a solar system.

The best solar panel for your home will balance cost, durability, and efficiency. Knowing your electricity consumption is crucial to choosing solar panels which confidently meet your home's power needs while balancing these three factors. Electricity consumption is the average amount of energy used in your home. Your electricity consumption varies with the number of devices used, and the amount of time spent using those appliances. With solar panels, you don't have to rely on the grid to meet your energy needs, which decreases your electricity bills.

What to look for when buying Solar Panels for Home use?

The four main things to look for when buying solar panels for your home are outlined .

• Efficiency: Efficiency is a vital consideration when choosing a model for your home. Solar panel efficiency indicates energy production capability, and is expressed as a percentage, with higher numbers indicating better performance. The solar industry’s standard solar panel efficiency is between 17% and 18%, but high-performing premium models reach efficiencies as high as 22%. Efficiency is key as it predicts the amount of degradation a panel will undergo over time.
• Cost: The price of solar panels varies with the size of the system into which they are being installed, the location of the distributor from whom they are bought, the materials being used to make them (cell type, frame, mounting), and their size (wattage and dimensions). According to Forbes, installing a solar energy system costs $3,500 to $35,000, with an average of $ 16,000.Despite the fact that quality typically costs more, you may be able to get by with a less expensive solar system if your energy consumption is limited.
• Warranty: Warranties cover the product and performance, with the industry’s standard being 10 and 25 years for product and performance, respectively. The components, including inverters and batteries, may have varying warranties depending on the company from whom they are purchased. Your search for solar panels for your home should prioritize long-term product and performance warranties.
• Home energy needs: The higher your annual electricity consumption, the higher your solar energy requirements are. It is crucial to choose solar panels that produce sufficient energy to offset your home electricity needs. Knowing your electricity consumption is crucial to choosing solar panels which confidently meet your home's power needs, on a monthly and annual basis.

What Are the Different Types of Solar Panels?

The main types of solar panels on the market today are monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film, and PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact). These 3 types of solar panels are differentiated by the solar cells used to make them and the quality and efficiency of these cells.

The four main solar panel types are listed below:

• Monocrystalline: Monocrystalline solar panels, the most efficient of the solar panel types, are made from single (mono) crystal (crystalline) silicon solar cells. The pure silicon, formed in bars, is sliced into wafers, and its square edges are smoothed into rounded shapes. Monocrystalline cells are composed of a single silicon crystal, boosting their efficiency. Monocrystalline, as one of the solar panel types, is ideal for homeowners with limited roof space, as it maximizes power output. Monocrystalline panels have a lifespan between 25 and 40 years, making them extremely long-lasting.
• Polycrystalline: Polycrystalline solar panels are made by melting several fragments of silicon crystals together. Identify polycrystalline panels by their blue and speckled appearance, caused by the sun hitting the many fragments. Polycrystalline panels are faster, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly to produce as the sides of each cell are not cut off and discarded. However, they have a lower efficiency and shorter lifespan because there is less freedom for the electrons to move due to the excess of crystals in each cell.
• Thin-film: Thin-film solar panels are made from layering semiconductive materials, typically as cadmium, silicon, or telluride. Thin-film panels are 350 times thinner than the crystalline wafers used to make monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels. Their narrow dimensions make thin-film solar panels versatile for different applications because they are flexible and discreet. However, thin-film panels are significantly less efficient, operating at 11%, and have a short life span of 10 to 20 years.
• PERC: PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) solar panels enhance the efficiency of silicon cells by adding extra layers. They generate 1-4 percent more solar energy than conventional cells and represent around 75% of the new solar technology market. Available in both monocrystalline (mono) and polycrystalline (poly) subtypes, mono PERC cells are more efficient, generating up to 3% more electricity than poly PERC cells. The main advantage of PERC cells is their ability to produce more electricity in less space, making them ideal for green energy generation in limited spaces.

What causes solar panels not to generate electricity?

Below are the seven major factors that prevent solar panels from generating electricity correctly.

• Corrosion: Corrosion occurs when moisture builds up and seeps into the panels after periods of rain. Corrosion deteriorates the metal bus bars of the solar panel and causes isolation faults. In the case of isolation faults, the inverter stops converting power to prevent current from traveling around the circuit. Corrosion causes isolation faults, which cause the system to stop generating electricity.
• Faulty wiring: Faulty wiring occurs when the connections between the different components in the solar system are dangerously loose. The loose connections lead the panel to develop corrosion and oxidation, which reduces electricity production and disrupts its efficiency.
• Cracks: Although invisible to the human eye, microscopic cracks on the surface of the panels pose a big risk to their efficiency. Microscopic cracks inevitably become bigger over time, as a result of external pressure, causing the panel to bend and ultimately diminish the efficiency of the solar cells.
• Faulty solar meter: Faulty solar meters are unable to read the energy production of the panel accurately. The meter displays an incorrect, often insufficient, value which suggests that the panel is underperforming.
• Weather changes: Solar panels generate less power during the winter months than they do during the summer months. Solar energy relies on the sun, so the panels are less efficient in overcast weather conditions. The amount of energy your solar panels produce varies with the seasons. It is normal for your electricity bill to grow larger and smaller throughout the year as the weather changes.
• Debris: The solar panels may become obstructed by dirt, dust, or other debris. Buildup on the panel reduces the surface area that converts sunlight into energy, which decreases its efficiency. Cleaning or repairing the panels restores their functioning.
• High energy demands: The amount of household energy you use directly affects the amount of solar energy consumed. Although summer is likely to be hot, using an air conditioner for longer periods consumes more solar energy. This depletes the energy in the panels.

Does a solar panel need maintenance?

Yes, solar panels need maintenance. Regular cleaning and inspection are the main tasks of solar panel upkeep. Solar panel manufacturers typically recommend cleaning a solar panel twice a year to prevent the buildup of excessive dirt and debris, regardless of the weather conditions where you live. Solar panels produce 30% less energy if they are not properly cleaned, according to research done by the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). With regards to inspection, it is recommended that your solar panels be serviced at least once every two years.

Does a solar panel have a lifespan?

Yes, solar panels have a lifespan. Most solar panels have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, which is covered by a performance warranty. The performance warranty guarantees the solar panels will continue to produce a certain amount of electricity after a certain number of years. For example, a performance warranty may guarantee that the panels will operate at 85% of their original efficiency after 25 years of usage. Cleaning and scheduling them for regular maintenance extends the life of your solar panels.

How many solar panels are needed in a house?

The number of solar panels needed in a house depends on the residents’ daily energy consumption. In order to determine the amount of energy used specifically in your home, consider the number of devices in use and the amount of time spent using those appliances. A typical American home requires between 15 and 25 panels to generate 10kW. Completely off-grid residences typically require more powerful solar systems to meet their energy needs.

To calculate the exact number of panels needed to power your home, you should first look at past utility bills to ascertain your average energy usage. Most electricity bills mention “Kilowatt Hours Used” or “kWh used” for the period of time the bill is for (typically 30 days). This is the monthly average. Divide this number by 30, then divide it again by 24 to determine your average hourly electricity use (measured in kilowatts).

The formula for calculating how many solar panels are needed in a house is as follows: average hourly electricity use multiplied by the maximum number of hours of sunlight per day in your area, divided by a hypothetical panel wattage. You should repeat the calculation with two different wattages, one low (150w) and one high (370w), to establish a range for the number of solar panels needed.

What Are the Downsides of Solar Panels?

The downsides of solar panels include their sensitivity to location and reliance on specific weather conditions. Location is critical for panel efficiency, as shading or soiling from nearby tall trees or buildings reduces sunlight and panel output. Weather, particularly overcast conditions, has the potential to negatively impact performance by reducing the amount of solar energy generated.

Before deciding to purchase a solar system, assess the weather in your area and determine if there is an appropriate location on your property for installation. Solar systems are expensive and may take 7 to 8 years to provide a return on investment. Additionally, the amount of energy the panels need to produce depends on the size of the property you are planning to power. If you expect a high volume of usage, you will need to install a sufficient number of panels to meet this need, which is a costly endeavor.

Can solar panels help in reducing electricity bills?

Yes, solar panels can help to reduce electricity bills. The amount of money that they will save the homeowner depends on the type of solar system, the size of the setup, the amount of sunlight the property receives, and the cost of grid electricity in the area. According to Earth.Org, a platform for environmental news and statistics, homeowners who install solar panels reduce their energy bills by up to 62%. You will benefit from this reduction straight away. Following this, you will start to make a profit from the upfront cost of the system after 7 to 8 years.