For those who wish to take advantage of solar power for home use, the first step is assembling their home solar systems. This system will generally include a battery storage device, an inverter/microinverter, and of course an array of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels.
Based on factors such as efficiency, durability, product warranty, price point and temperature coefficient, these are the best solar panels for home use:
As you can see, each of these solar panels excels in a certain area, and each one comes with its own pros and cons. Again, as you seek the best residential solar panels, it’s crucial to consider the specific needs of your home and your solar power system. To get connected with a solar panel installer in your area, follow the link below any of the solar panel brands.
Watch Below: If you are just beginning to explore the solar industry, you may want to spend a few minutes familiarizing yourself on how solar cells even work. In the below video, the TED team eloquently describes just that.
In choosing our rankings, we carefully researched many types of solar panels from the industry’s top manufacturers, evaluating them according to several criteria. Some of the factors we used to arrive at our rankings include:
The efficiency rating of a solar panel refers to the amount of captured sunlight that it can actually convert into useful energy. Keep in mind that solar panel efficiency tops out just over 20%, and generally speaking, the most efficient solar panels will yield the greatest energy savings for your home. As a rule of thumb, the less space you have for solar panels, the more you’ll want to look for high-efficiency panels to get the most from your solar energy system.
Solar panels represent a significant investment, and naturally, homeowners want to select products that are going to hold up over time. This means you’ll want to buy solar panels that are made to be durable and to withstand even intense weather.
A good, lengthy performance warranty can give you peace of mind after you purchase residential solar panels. In the solar industry, a decent warranty may last anywhere from 10 to 25 years.
Naturally, you will want to consider your budget before investing in solar panels. The cost of solar panels can fluctuate based on many factors. As you think about a panel’s price tag, however, also keep in mind things like durability, efficiency and warranty, which provide you a fuller sense of overall value.
Another important ranking factor is temperature coefficient. With solar panels, temperature coefficient refers to how much (or how little) the panel’s productivity is diminished when the external temperature rises. How solar panels work in extreme heat plays a key role in year-round energy production.
Read More: Why Aren’t Solar Panels Everywhere?
Based on the criteria outlined above, these are our picks for the best solar panels available in 2022.
For our top selection, and our vote for all-around best residential solar panel, we’re going with LG. LG is a top-tier electronics company, and its solar panels are known for their quality and durability. Truly, these are premium products that work well with almost any home solar configuration.
A quick look at LG’s technical stats confirms this. In terms of efficiency, LG solar panels are almost unbeatable. (They are rated as 21.7% efficient; the only brand we’ve found that can surpass that is SunPower.) A competitive price point and robust 25-year warranty just sweeten the deal and make LG the most recommendable of home solar panels.
NOTE: As of February 2022, LG announced it would be exiting the solar panel market. The company stated it will continue to offer support to customers already owning LG panels for a certain period of time after the closure is completed.
If you’re buying residential solar panels based solely on their efficiency, SunPower is the name to beat. (Remember, efficiency refers to the amount of sunlight that the panels can absorb and turn into useful energy for your home.) SunPower solar panels have the highest efficiency we’ve seen: 22.7%. And on top of that, we’ll note that SunPower’s products come with a fantastic warranty.
The bottom line: If you’re mainly looking for a powerhouse, SunPower is definitely a solar panel manufacturer for you to consider. Read our full SunPower review for more information.
Panasonic solar panels have the best temperature coefficient. Basically, that means they will continue to perform at a peak power output even when the external temperature rises. For those who live in extremely warm climates, this is an important consideration — when it gets hot outside and the sun is beating down, your panels will still perform at a high output level.
As for technical specs, note that the temperature coefficient rating for the Panasonic solar panel is -0.26. Beyond that, this is another example of a well-made product by a top-tier electronics company, and we think homeowners will love it for its durability and its overall quality.
When it comes to solar panels, the typical warranty may be anywhere from 10 years to 25 years. There are actually a number of products that hit that 25-year mark, including some that we’ve mentioned already, but we’ll give the honor to Silfab. Not only do these solar panels come supported by a robust workmanship warranty, but they routinely win accolades for longevity and for overall customer satisfaction.
Silfab is a less prominent name in the solar renewable energy space, but it really deserves your attention. It has great products that offer tremendous value and is one of our top picks for best solar panels for home use.
If you’re looking to secure some decent solar panels at a lower price point, Canadian solar may be your best option. This company makes high-quality panels that are not too far off from the industry leaders with regard to efficiency, temperature coefficient and other technical considerations. However, Canadian Solar makes its panels available at a much cheaper price.
One caveat: The warranty for Canadian Solar panels is 12 years, which is reasonable, but it is certainly a far cry from the industry-leading 25 years. With that one quibble, though, we believe Canadian Solar represents one of the best overall values for home solar panels.
Speaking of value, we also want to mention the residential solar panels from Trina Solar.
Trina Solar is a Chinese company, and like Canadian Solar, it does an admirable job of producing premium-quality cell technology at competitive price points. The company’s panels are almost as cheap as the ones from Canadian Solar and come with a comparable 12-year warranty. They may actually be just a tad more durable, which is why we rank them as a slightly better value overall. Keep this brand in mind as you seek the best use of your solar dollar.
As we considered the best solar panels on the market today, we took into account consumer reviews. Basically, we wanted to get a sense of how actual homeowners rank the leading products. The results were somewhat surprising: Based on reviews from a number of different websites, we found that a smaller company called Q Cells consistently rose to the top.
In terms of sheer customer satisfaction, this may be the company to beat… and of course, Q Cells also offers high efficiency, value, durability and more.
The residential solar space is dominated by big tech and electronics companies like LG, Panasonic and even Tesla. For some homeowners, though, there’s something appealing about going with a smaller, more niche brand. And if that’s the boat you’re in, then we’re happy to recommend Mission Solar.
These panels are made in the San Antonio, Texas, area, which makes them some of the best U.S.-made products in the solar field. The technical specs are all on point, and the company pulls some robust customer satisfaction numbers, too. Keep Mission solar panels on your radar as you seek the best option for home use.
Buying solar panels is going to require a significant investment, even if you opt for some of the cheaper options. Naturally, you’ll want to select robust technology that will withstand the test of time and also hold up well in extreme elements.
REC Solar panels are well-regarded for their trustworthiness and durability. REC tests its panels with standards three times as stringent as the industry average to ensure they will perform strongly in even the most extreme conditions.
As you seek solar panels that have a long lifespan and will work well no matter the weather, REC Solar is a company to keep in mind.
Windy Nation makes panels that are a bit smaller and less robust, so you may not wish to use them as your primary energy source. However, they work extremely well for backup power options and are also great for powering your cabin or RV with solar energy.
We’ll also note that, for their size, Windy Nation panels are quite efficient. And, they come backed by a 25-year warranty, which should instill some confidence as you buy.
When looking for the best residential solar panels, here are a few tips to ensure you’re picking the right products.
The efficiency of your solar panels is going to be one of the key drivers of how much you save on monthly utility bills and how quickly you recoup your investment. Each solar panel is rated for a particular efficiency level; the industry standard is between 17 to 20%, so anything in that range is going to be pretty decent. We’ll note that SunPower’s panels, with 22.7% efficiency, represent the highest rating we’ve come across.
We also recommend comparing a panel’s warranty against the industry standard. Hopefully, any solar panels you buy will come with a warranty of 10 years at a minimum. If you can find something with a 25-year product warranty, that’s ideal.
Something else to keep in mind is that the most efficient solar panels are not always the most affordable. In some cases, opting for a slightly less efficient product will actually provide superior value. You’ll also want to think about the cost of solar installation and additional parts such as inverters and battery banks when setting your solar budget.
In assessing your solar needs, think about things like your roof’s exposure to the sun, the available roof space, and the amount of energy your household consumes on a monthly basis. These factors are all important in determining the number of solar panels you need, as well as the type of solar panels.
When shopping for residential solar panels, it’s also helpful to know the panel types that are available. The three basic solar panel categories are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Each type of solar panel comes with its own list of pros and cons:
Monocrystalline: Monocrystalline panels are made from a single, pure crystal of silicon. This allows them to have higher efficiency levels, but they also tend to be more expensive due to a more costly manufacturing process. Note: If you have less space on your roof and can only fit a small number of panels, monocrystalline solar panels may be the only viable option.
Polycrystalline: Polycrystalline solar panels are also made of silicon, but in this case, they are assembled from smaller fragments. This means they are often a little less efficient than monocrystalline panels, but they are also a more affordable option.
Thin-Film: Finally, thin-film solar panels can be made from a variety of ultra-thin materials. They are recommended when you need something that’s lightweight, flexible and portable; they may work better for RVs and camping than for homes. Thin-film panels can be relatively low in efficiency when compared to the other two options.
When weighing solar energy pros and cons before making an investment, one of the most common questions that homeowners have is whether their solar panels will require maintenance.
For the most part, all the hard work comes on the front end. Installing a home solar panel system requires in-depth knowledge of electronics as well as solar power, and in most cases, the installation process will take a few days. We recommend outsourcing this to trained solar professionals.
Once your system is in place, however, the level of upkeep required is fairly minimal. Besides routine cleaning, you shouldn’t have any issues that require maintenance with your solar panels for 20 to 30 years. And if you do run into an issue, your warranty will hopefully cover it.
Read More: How to clean solar panels without water
Solar panels can vary quite a bit in their overall performance and productivity. There are a number of specific factors that can impact how your residential solar system performs, including:
As more and more homeowners seek clean energy solutions, solar power is increasingly attractive. By harnessing the sun’s natural energy, homeowners can reduce their dependence on traditional utility providers. Not only does this yield significant savings on monthly electric bills (potentially even eliminating those bills altogether), but it also reduces direct contributions to atmospheric pollution.
Ultimately, the decision about getting solar panels is a highly individual one. For some homeowners, going solar makes plenty of sense. For others, it may prove unfruitful.
As you consider what’s best for you, make sure you take into account your home: The surface area available on your roof, the kind of weather you get and the level of sunlight you’re exposed to.
Also think about the panels themselves: Which performance factors should you consider? Which type of panels is best? And which brand is best aligned with your needs and your budget?
By weighing all of these factors, you can make a well-informed decision about the best solar panels for your household.