If you’re ready to jump into the world of solar energy, you may already be overwhelmed by the many brands and types of solar panels available on the market. Finding the right panels for your home and lifestyle can be difficult, and you may be wondering, who makes the best solar panels? But the answer isn’t straightforward and will depend on your budget, your home, and what you need to switch to solar.
In this guide to choosing the best solar panel for your home, we will break down what to look for when comparing the available models, some of the terminology you need to know, and how to choose from the best solar panel brands out there to generate renewable electricity for your home and savings on your monthly electric costs.
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Price
One of the primary factors you will want to consider when looking for the best brand of solar panels is, of course, the initial price. Solar is a major investment that will require a large upfront cost, requiring you to determine if solar panels are worth it for your home. Fortunately, there is financing available for solar power systems, as well as tax incentives and rebates, such as the federal solar tax credit, that can help defray that cost.
Keep in mind that price isn’t everything. You will want to weigh solar panel costs against other factors, like durability and temperature coefficient, to find the right fit for your home and your budget.
In the table below, we compare the top solar panels based on price as of February 2023. These prices were the average range for the most common number of residential solar panels needed for a home at the time.
Efficiency
Solar panel efficiency measures how well the panels convert the sun’s light and energy into usable electricity for your home. Panel efficiency is expressed in a percentage. For example, if a solar panel has a 20% efficiency rating, it means the panel is capable of converting 20% of the sunlight reaching it into usable electricity. A good efficiency rating for residential solar panels is between 15% and 22%, and many of the top-rated solar panels meet that standard.
Related: Explore the difference between solar shingles vs. solar panels.
Temperature Coefficient
The temperature coefficient of a solar panel measures how much of the panel’s electricity production is reduced during times of warmer temperatures. Most solar panels work best in cooler temperatures, ideally around 77 degrees Fahrenheit. For every degree over that ideal temperature, the energy your solar panels produce will decrease by the temperature coefficient.
A solar panel’s temperature coefficient is expressed in a negative decimal number, such as -0.25. The higher the number, the more quickly the panel’s production will decrease as the temperature rises. That means that you want to look for the best brand of solar panels with a low temperature coefficient.
Related: Learn more about how solar panels work.
Warranty
Most solar panel manufacturers provide an equipment warranty that covers any issues due to faulty equipment or environmental factors that are out of your control. The standard warranty for most solar panels is currently 25 years, so you can find a 25-year warranty on almost all the best solar panel brands out there. However, some manufacturers even offer a 30-year warranty.
Degradation
Most solar panels last around 25 to 30 years before their production begins to decrease significantly. Regular maintenance and professional inspections of your solar array can ensure that you enjoy the highest possible clean electricity generation from your panels throughout their lifespan. However, regardless of how well you clean and maintain your chosen brand of solar panels, they will slowly lose efficiency over time in a process known as degradation.
Many warranties for the highest-quality solar panels guarantee at least 85% performance after 25 years, which means that your solar array can still generate a decent amount of clean electricity even when the panels are no longer at their newest. The SunPower X-Series offers one of the lowest degradation rates of any panel on the market, promising 92% minimum peak power after 25 years. Close behind is the Panasonic EverVolt Photovoltaic series, which boasts a maximum 0.25% per year degradation rate, as well as 92% power after 25 years, as does the REC Alpha series.
Durability
A solar panel’s durability refers to the product’s ability to perform at its maximum capacity even in adverse conditions, like poor weather. Because your solar power system will spend its entire lifespan outside, it’s important to choose highly durable equipment that can stand the test of time and hold up during storms and other severe weather. Plus, durability has a direct impact on your system’s efficiency, so the more durable your solar panels, the more efficient your entire solar system will be, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of solar electricity for years to come.
Key Takeaways
When purchasing solar panels, it’s important to compare the different solar panel brands available. Don’t just go for the most affordable option, but take a look at details like efficiency, temperature coefficient, durability, degradation, and the manufacturer equipment warranty. You should also set a budget before you begin to shop around for your solar power system, so you know how much you can afford to spend.
Do your research not only on the panel options, but on federal, state, and local tax incentives and rebates that can help match the initial cost.
Every solar power system is custom designed for the home, so the biggest factors in switching to solar will be your annual household electricity use and the condition and style of your roof. Gexa Energy can help you partner with a professional solar installer to find the right panels and equipment for your home, help you generate clean electricity, and offer solar plans to help you start saving on your electricity costs as soon as possible.
