Leading Solar Panel Brands
A Guide to Home Solar Panels > Leading Solar Panel Brands
Choosing the Best Solar Panels for Your Home in 2024
Choosing the right solar panels for your home can be compared to selecting the perfect car—there isn't a single best option. Everyone has their own preferences, financial constraints, and expectations.
Therefore, the key question to ask is: which solar panel is the most suitable for your individual needs?
In order to find the best solar panels to suit typical desires and requirements, we evaluated more than 750 types of solar panel models from 40 different manufacturers available in the solar.com marketplace.
Naturally, figuring out your specific solar needs can be simplified with the help of a knowledgeable Energy Advisor. Connect with one today.
Top Solar Panels for Home Use in 2024
When selecting the ideal solar panel, homeowners will have different preferences based on their specific budget, energy requirements, roof design, and other factors.
We have curated a selection of top-rated panels that cater to a variety of common homeowner needs.
We'll begin by exploring the most sought-after panels to understand which options are favored by many homeowners.
REC and Q CELLS provide a diverse selection of high-quality solar panels that combine exceptional performance with cost-effectiveness. The solar.com network offers close to 50 REC models and 80 Q CELLS models, with wattages ranging from 265W to 450W, catering to a variety of needs, though 400W panels are now standard, and those below 365W are less common.
Moreover, REC and Q CELLS panels come with a 25-year product warranty, offering long-term reliability. Trusting these reputable brands is a safe choice, as their strong market presence and commitment to honoring warranties ensure peace of mind for years to come.
Top American-Made Solar Panels
For certain homeowners, opting for American-made solar panels is important. Though there are several reputable solar manufacturers based in the United States, it can be challenging to identify panels that are entirely produced domestically.
This is because some American companies have production facilities abroad, and some international companies operate manufacturing plants in the United States. Additionally, there are companies that produce certain solar panel models in the US while manufacturing others overseas.
​
Best solar panels manufactured in the US
If you're passionate about supporting American manufacturing and American-based companies, you have several choices available when it comes to solar panels.
Best solar panels made overseas by US-based companies
Top Solar Panels with Low Degradation Rates
Solar panels naturally experience a reduction in efficiency over time, a process known as degradation, which is a key concern for some homeowners considering solar energy.
Fortunately, the industry has been impressed by the durability and longevity of solar panels produced in the past, and technology has advanced significantly.
Today, high-quality solar panels often come with a warranty guaranteeing over 85% performance even after 25 years of use. It is essential to carefully review the warranty terms for each panel to understand the specifics.
​
If you are primarily concerned about degradation, focus on these three types of panels:
Top-Rated Solar Panels for Optimal Efficiency
Another key feature to consider when evaluating solar panels is their efficiency rating, which indicates the proportion of sunlight a panel can convert into electricity.
While the highest efficiency solar cell boasts an impressive conversion rate of 39.5%, this is exclusive to specialized space applications and not suited for residential installations.
For home use, solar panel efficiency usually falls between 15% and 20%, with some top-tier panels reaching up to 23%.
If maximizing solar panel efficiency is a priority, keep an eye out for these top-performing panels:
Top Solar Panel Warranties
Solar panels can require a significant upfront investment, and the time it takes to recoup that investment can be a concern for many potential buyers. Fortunately, manufacturers offer extensive warranties that extend well past the point where solar panels pay for themselves, providing peace of mind and ensuring a reliable energy source for years to come.
The industry standard for solar panel warranties is 25 years, but some manufacturers now provide even longer warranties of up to 30 years. For example, Aptos Solar extends its standard 25-year warranty by an additional five years for its DNA Split Cell Series panels. This extension guarantees an 82.4% output level after 30 years, offering a 4.9% improvement after 25 years and a 5.7% increase after 30 years compared to the industry average.
Hyundai Energy Solutions, a branch of the automotive manufacturer, provides a 30-year performance warranty on its RG series panels, guaranteeing an 80.2% performance level after three decades. Similarly, Canadian Solar offers 30-year output warranties on its range of panels, with the following performance guarantees: 83% output for polycrystalline products, 81.5% for standard monocrystalline products, and 83% for monocrystalline PERC products by the end of year 30.
Selecting the Ideal Solar Panels for Your Home
Every home solar system is uniquely tailored with the help of software by an engineer. While some may assume that expensive, high-efficiency panels will always outperform standard or economy panels, this isn't necessarily true. In some cases, standard panels can deliver comparable performance, depending on the circumstances. Therefore, it's important to consider the specific needs of your home, which are primarily influenced by two key factors:
-
Your household's annual electricity usage: The amount of electricity you consume annually will directly influence the size and capacity of the solar system you need. Ideally, the system should be designed to offset 100% of your energy consumption. Having a full year's worth of electricity bills can be helpful for your system designer to account for your household's monthly usage variations.
-
Your roof's characteristics: Since most residential solar systems are installed on the roof, factors such as its tilt, age, and shading are important considerations when determining the number of solar panels needed. Typically, panels perform best when installed on the southern side of the roof, as this orientation maximizes exposure to the sun in the northern hemisphere.
Selecting an Efficient Solar Panel for Your Home
When evaluating solar panels for home use, consider the key aspects that contribute to the quality and longevity of the panels. These include solar panel warranties, energy performance guarantees, efficiency, wattage, aesthetics, and the bankability of the manufacturer.
​
Solar Panel Warranties
Solar panel warranties serve as an indication of the manufacturer's confidence in their product's quality. Typically, warranties range from 10 to 25 years, with premium panels on the higher end. Panels often last longer than the warranty period due to their durability and lack of moving parts. If a panel is faulty within the warranty period, the manufacturer will repair or replace it, unless the failure is due to workmanship errors or certain external factors.
​
Solar Energy Performance Guarantee
Manufacturers also offer a performance guarantee, ensuring a specific level of production over time, usually guaranteeing 80-85% of production after 25 years. The best panels can maintain at least 90% of their power output. These guarantees come with similar exclusions as the solar panel warranty and are often outlined in the same document.
​
Solar Panel Efficiency
Monitoring systems are crucial for tracking energy production and consumption data in real-time. This data can be displayed via physical or online interfaces, helping ensure your system is operating efficiently. Whole-house energy monitoring systems are becoming more common, providing comprehensive insights into energy usage.
​
Solar Panel Wattage
Wattage denotes the potential electrical output of a panel under ideal conditions. Higher-wattage panels produce more electricity but may come at a higher price and could be physically larger. Balancing wattage and efficiency with available space is important when designing your solar array.
​
Solar Panel Aesthetics
Solar panel design is increasingly important as more homeowners seek aesthetically pleasing options. Black panels are a popular choice due to their sleek appearance, and various elements such as the cells, backsheet, and frame can be chosen in black for a uniform look.
​
Bankability
When selecting a solar panel manufacturer, consider their bankability, which refers to the company's financial stability and longevity. Companies with a strong reputation and financial standing, such as REC and Q CELLS, are more likely to honor warranties and guarantees over time. Choosing a reliable, bankable manufacturer ensures your investment in solar panels is protected for years to come.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, the best solar panel for a home can differ greatly from one homeowner to another. It is crucial to have a certified installer assess your specific requirements and tailor a solar system that aligns with them.
However, some unreliable solar companies offer generic, one-size-fits-all solutions for every home. To counteract this, Solar.com was established to provide clarity in the solar market and to connect homeowners with reputable installers they can trust.