Article Note: All rankings in this article were created based on expert opinions, consumer reviews, and solar install data. Solar Techs was not paid for any of the reviews or rankings.
| # | Solar Panel Brand | Panel Category | What The Experts Say |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hanwha | Premium | Outstanding specs, including the best temperature coefficient (heat performance) |
| 2 | LG | Premium | Strong reputation for high-quality solar panels |
| 3 | Canadian Solar | Value | Lower cost means great value for the money |
| 4 | Trina Solar | Value | Solid all-around performance at a cheaper price point |
| 5 | SunPower | Premium | The most efficient solar panels on the market |
Hanwha and LG solar panels are our experts’ top picks. Besides being excellent panels, they gain points for being produced by massive conglomerates. Both companies are known for their high manufacturing standards, and are almost certain to be around to honor any warranty claims down the line.
Comparing the two, the experts says that the LG solar panels have a slight edge in terms of specs, while Hanwha panels have a small cost advantage. So what is the Best Residential Solar Panels?
All five of these brands are available for much cheaper than many of the best premium solar brands. These 5 brands should be top of your list if you’re on a budget but still want a quality solar panel system on your roof.
There are three types of technology utilized in the solar panels available on the market today. They are monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin film amorphous solar cells.
Monocrystalline solar panels have always been the Best Residential Solar Panels preferred for their better performance and aesthetics. On the other hand, polycrystalline solar panels attract budget-conscious consumers due to their lower cost.
Monocrystalline panels
Polycrystalline panels
All of the solar panel on this page are high-quality, Tier 1 solar panel brands. Installing a solar panel system with any of these solar panels should result in an efficient, high-performance setup that can power your home for 25 years, or longer.
Solar Techs chose Hanwha Q CELLS because they have a long lifespan of over three decades and a super-low degradation rate (.54% degradation of productivity per year), which means these solar panels will keep producing energy at a high volume for years to come. Hanwha solar panels are also a PVEL award winner for six years in a row.
| Manufacturer | Special Features |
|---|---|
| Panasonic EverVolt | Legacy brand | Very low annual degradation rate |
| LG NeON® 2 Series | Cello Technology™ | Double-sided cell structure |
| SunPower® A-Series | Up to 400 watts | Proprietary Equinox system |
| Hanwha Q CELLS Peak Duo | Certified for high snow (5400 Pa) and wind loads (2400 Pa) | Six-year recognition as a Top Performer* |
| REC Alpha Pure Series | Lead-free | Gapless cells |
Solar panels are worth it for the long-term utility savings and the environmental impact. When you’re choosing a solar energy company to power your home, look for one that has a high efficiency rating to maximize the amount of power your solar system generates and a good warranty to protect you from future maintenance costs. The Best Residential Solar Panels are right here with your local Solar Techs.
When you get a free estimate with Solar Techs, we will look over your electricity bills as well as your roof and discuss the system size and panel type that would meet your needs best. More often than not, a standard-efficiency solar panel will do just fine. However, if you are short on space, we might recommend a premium solar panel if you don’t want your energy production to crumble.
Get in touchThank you for reading, we would also like to share a few tips that will help you get the most out of whichever brand or style you choose.
When you think of going solar you may only be thinking of saving money, but did you know that you can earn money with your home solar system? Many electric companies will allow you to connect your solar system to the main grid so that if your system produces more electricity than you need, the company can pay you for that. If this is something you’re interested in, be sure to ask your installer about getting a grid-tied system.
If you have been researching solar for a while you probably already know this, but if you’re new to the game this is an extremely important tip: Keep your solar panels clean! As we mentioned, these panels are designed to be out in all kinds of weather, so dust and dirt shouldn’t damage them. That being said, it can make them less efficient. Any kind of build-up on the front of the panel can block sunlight which means your panels won’t be able to absorb as much light. Be sure to clean your panels with a gentle detergent and soft cloth so that you can make the best out of your system.
You’re probably tired of hearing this, but if you truly want to get the most out of your panels you should consider your finance options. The best way to purchase your solar panels is through financing or cash payment. You will see your savings right away.