Best Solar Panels

To determine the best solar panels in 2021, our Choose Energy analysts pinpointed the features that are most important to consumers and ranked the options based on these criteria. These features are cost per module, the warranty offered by the manufacturer, the panel’s efficiency, the temperature coefficient, and the panel materials. 

Based on these features, here are the top five solar panels for homes:

Read on for detailed reviews of these top five best solar panels, including what sets them apart from the rest of the competition.

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Total Score: 14 out of 15

• Average cost per panel: $398 (2 points)
• Warranty: 25 years performance warranty & 25 years material warranty (3 points)
• Max efficiency: 21.7% (3 points)
• Temperature coefficient: -0.26% (3 points)
• Materials: Heterojunction/Monocrystalline (3 points)

The Panasonic EverVolt checks all of the boxes, which is why it sits at the top of this list. The average cost for the EverVolt model rests slightly higher than the industry average, but the rest of the features more than make up for the price tag. 

Panasonic offers the AllGuard warranty, which covers “your solar panel system for performance, product, parts, and labor for 25 years.” The AllGuard warranty is more inclusive compared to other warranties because it also covers microinverters, inverters, and racking. One detail to note – this warranty only applies to materials purchased from a “Panasonic Authorized, Premium or Elite Installer.”

In terms of specs, the Panasonic EverVolt is above average in its max efficiency at 21.7 percent. Its temperature coefficient averages around -0.26, making it a better option for consumers living in hot or humid regions compared to competitors. The Panasonic EverVolt materials are also more efficient than other types of panels. All told, the Panasonic EverVolt solar panel is one of the best models on the market and can work for a variety of energy needs.

Total Score: 14 out of 15

• Average cost per panel: $317 (3 points)
• Warranty: 25-year performance warranty & 20-year material warranty (2 points)
• Max efficiency: 21.7% (3 points)
• Temperature coefficient: -0.26 (3 points)
• Materials: Heterojunction/Monocrystalline (3 points)

The REC Alpha Pure solar panels also stack up really well compared to other panels on the market. With a temperature coefficient of -0.26, this solar panel will work best for consumers who live in hot climates because the heat will not have a significant effect on its electrical output. What’s more, this solar panel is a heterojunction/monocrystalline material, meaning its efficiency and power generation will continue to thrive in hot climates. For this reason, the REC Alpha Pure has earned our Best for All Climates superlative.

This solar panel option also performs well in other fields. It is on the more affordable end of the spectrum and includes a 25-year performance warranty and a 20-year material warranty. With a max efficiency of 21.7 percent, the REC Alpha Pure solar panel is another top solar choice on the market for most consumers.

Total Score: 13 out of 15

• Average cost per panel: $348 (2 points)
• Warranty: 25-year performance warranty & 25-year material warranty (3 points)
• Max efficiency: 22.0% (3 points)
• Temperature coefficient: -0.29 (2 points)
• Materials: Monocrystalline (2 points)

The LG NeOn 2 Series is another great option when considering a well-rounded solar panel, offering many high-value features at an affordable price. This solar panel wins the Best Warranty superlative on this list because LG warranties its products’ performance and materials for 25 years. For the first 5 years of ownership, LG’s warranty guarantees the solar panels will generate at least 95 percent of the labeled output. 

The LG NeOn 2 solar panels also offer a max efficiency above the industry standard at 22.0 percent. The only competitor that our analysts found that beat the LG NeOn in efficiency is SunPower. In terms of its temperature coefficient, it rests at -0.29, which is an average level for solar panels and is a monocrystalline material. In all, the LG NeOn 2 solar panel is a great option for consumers searching for quality products, a stellar warranty, and a lower price tag.

Total Score: 11 out of 15

• Average cost per panel: $1,014 (1 point)
• Warranty: 25-year performance warranty & 25-year product warranty (3 points)
• Maz efficiency: 22.8% (3 points)
• Temperature coefficient: -0.29 (2 points)
• Materials: Monocrystalline (2 points)

While the SunPower A-Series did not score as high as some other solar panels on this list, it remains a great option for consumers who are not deterred by its high upfront cost. This solar panel is by far the most expensive option, but its efficiency levels are impressive. In our research, we did not find another solar panel that could beat the SunPower A-Series solar panel’s 22.8 percent max efficiency.

This solar panel’s other features are on par with what its competitors offer. SunPower’s warranty covers the performance and materials for 25 years and its temperature coefficient is in the average range of what we expect from high-performing solar panels. If you don’t mind paying more for your solar panels, this option from SunPower could be well worth the cost.

Total Score: 10 out of 15

• Average cost per panel: $256 (3 points)
• Warranty: 25-year performance warranty & 12-year product warranty (1 point)
• Max efficiency: 20.6% (2 points)
• Temperature coefficient: -0.35 (2 points)
• Materials: Monocrystalline (2 points)

The Hanwha Q Cells Peak Duo Series rounds out our top five solar panels list. This solar panel has earned our Best Deal superlative because of its lower upfront price tag compared to more expensive models. Despite being the one of the cheapest solar panels on the market, the Hanwha solar panels do not skimp on quality. This solar panel brand remains among the most popular in the industry.

Several of the features of these solar panels are on par with industry standards. The max efficiency and temperature coefficient align with what is expected of solar panels today. The panel is a monocrystalline material, which is a desired feature for many consumers. The warranty is the only area where the Hanwha solar panels did not score as high as expected. While the panels come with a 25-year performance warranty, the product warranty only lasts for 12 years. Overall, this solar panel option is best for consumers looking for a great deal that doesn’t sacrifice quality.

Total Score: 8 out of 15

• Average cost per panel: $293 (3 points)
• Warranty: 25-year limited performance warranty & 15-year material warranty (1 point)
• Max efficiency: 19.91% (1 point)
• Temperature coefficient: -0.37 (1 point)
• Materials: Monocrystalline (2 points)

The Canadian Solar BiHiKu Series did not make the cut for our top 5 best solar panels list, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a great option. There are a few reasons why this solar panel earned an honorable mention from the Choose Energy analysts. 

To begin, it’s clear that there are some drawbacks to the BiHiKu option from Canadian Solar, including the fact that it only includes a 15-year product warranty, which is below the average 20-year warranty offered by most solar companies. It also did not score as well in efficiency or temperature coefficient compared to its competitors.

The BiHiKu Series comes in a few different sizes, meaning it can work for a variety of budgets and energy needs. There is another reason why we’re including this solar panel on our top five list – it is a bifacial solar panel. This means it can absorb sunlight from both sides to turn into electricity, unlike traditional panels that only collect sunlight on the front side. According to Canadian Solar, the BiHiKu panel can collect 30 percent more energy from the back of the panel. So, while this option does have some drawbacks, it can be a great solar panel for consumers who want a cheaper price point or who are looking for a bifacial solar panel.

What solar panel brand is the best?

Our Choose Energy analysts ranked the Panasonic EverVolt as the best overall solar panel on the market. While we think the Panasonic EverVolt is the most well-rounded option, the REC Alpha Pure Series tied the Panasonic EverVolt in scoring and the LG NeOn 2 Series scored very well, too. All three of these options are affordable and can work well for most homes.

How many solar panels do I need for my home?

There are a lot of factors that can impact how many solar panels you would need to power your home, including the size of your roof and how much electricity your home generally consumes. The average home needs about 20 solar panels to completely cover energy consumption, but investing in that many panels is not realistic for most homes. Many consumers who buy solar panels also invest in solar batteries to store excess energy for later use, or rely partially on the traditional power grid to make up the difference in energy.

How can I find the best solar panel installation company?

Finding the best solar panel company in your area will take thorough research and consideration before signing a contract. Consider what is most important to you during your search, whether it’s affordability, efficiency, brand name, or something else entirely. Choose Energy offers a variety of expertly-written guides to help you navigate the solar industry and find the best solar installation company in your area. Visit any of the following guides to learn more:

• An overview of solar energy
• The cost of solar panels
• The best states for solar energy
• Solar power generation by state
• The pros and cons of solar energy

What solar panel company offers the best deals?

We found that Hanwha Q Cells Peak Duo is the best solar panel deal purely in terms of the price tag. However, there are many other solar panel companies that offer bundling deals or better warranty options when you work with one of their partner installers (which is the case for the Panasonic EverVolt).

Will solar panels save me money?

Investing in solar panels can save you a significant amount on your monthly energy bills. In fact, it is possible to completely offset your energy costs using solar panels. However, that depends on whether you are able to invest in enough solar panel modules to power your home entirely. Many consumers find their energy costs cut in half using solar.

We broke our scoring down into five categories. Each category awards up to three points, allowing up to 15 points total. Here is an explanation of each of these categories and why they are important factors to consider when evaluating solar panels for homes:

Solar panel cost 

The cost of solar panels is by far one of the most important considerations for consumers, and for good reason. Solar panel costs can range from a few hundred dollars into the thousands. To ensure that our reviews of each solar panel remained clear and relevant for all consumers, we looked at the average cost range per module (or per panel). Based on our research, the average cost of a solar panel by module checked in around $322 per panel.

Based on this average, we broke down ranking the cost of solar panels in the following way:

• 3 points – Less than $320
• 2 points – $321 – $450
• 1 point – More than $450

Solar panel temperature coefficient

A solar panel’s temperature impacts how much power it can efficiently generate. This is why it’s important to measure a panel’s temperature coefficient, which is how well a panel will operate in warm climates. The temperature coefficient is expressed in the percentage decrease a panel will experience for every degree increase in temperature above 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). The lower the temperature coefficient, the better a solar panel will operate. Most solar panels have a temperature coefficient of around -0.3%. 

Based on this, we broke down our ranking of temperature coefficient like this:

• 3 points: -0.29% or lower
• 2 points: -0.3% to -0.35%
• 1 point: -0.36% or higher

Solar panel warranty

The warranties on solar panels are important because they guarantee that the panel will operate efficiently for a certain amount of time. In the solar industry, the warranty is split into two: a panel’s performance warranty (how well it generates electricity) and a panel’s material or product warranty (that the panel itself does not have any defects or issues). The industry standard for the performance warranty is 25 years. The product warranty usually sits between 15 and 20 years, although newer solar panels often have material warranties of between 20 and 25 years.

Based on this information, we awarded warranty points in the following way:

• 3 points: 25+ years performance warranty and 21+ years material warranty
• 2 points: 25 years performance warranty and 16-20 years material warranty
• 1 point: 25 years performance warranty and 15 or less years material warranty

Solar panel efficiency

A solar panel’s efficiency measures how well a panel converts sunlight into electricity that can power your home. Solar panel companies provide an efficiency range that the panel will operate within. For example, the Panasonic EverVolt solar panel’s efficiency ranges from 20% – 21.7%. For the purposes of this guide, we looked at each solar panel’s maximum efficiency. Most solar panels operate at a max efficiency of around 20.5% – 21%. By far the most efficient solar panel on the market currently is the SunPower A-Series with a max efficiency of 22.8%.

Based on these industry standards, here is how we scored solar panel efficiency:

• 3 points: 21.1% or higher
• 2 points: 20% – 21%
• 1 point: 19% or lower

Solar panel materials

There are different types of solar panel materials on the market, with the three main types being monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and heterojunction. Currently, heterojunction and monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient types and generally have the highest output levels. Polycrystalline and amorphous panels normally cost less, but also have lower efficiency levels.

Using this information, we ranked the top solar panels in the following way:

• 3 points: Heterojunction and Monocrystalline 
• 2 points: Monocrystalline
• 1 point: Polycrystalline or Amorphous

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