If you are considering switching to solar power, your next step will be choosing which solar panels are the best out there in the market. With solar power growing more popular, there are more options available now, which means more competition, better quality, and lower prices. This could prove an ideal time to jump on the solar bandwagon, and with the help of experts, we compiled a list of the best solar panels to help you decide which is best for you.
1. SunPower 50/110 Flex Series
If you’re living in a small space and need an efficient solar panel, try out the SunPower Flex series. They are ideal for people in condos, RVs, mobile homes, and boats. These panels are not only lightweight but are also bendable up to 30 degrees. I hope my insights are of value to your audience, Melissa.
Andrew Barker, Founder of HomeownerCosts
2. Loom Solar
Even if you choose one of the less expensive solutions, purchasing solar panels will need a hefty investment. Naturally, you’ll want to choose with durable technology that can stand up to the test of time as well as the elements. The robustness and durability of Loom solar panels are well-known.
They’ve been carefully developed to operate well even in severe weather. They’re also calibrated to work effectively in low light or when there’s a cloud cover. Loom Solar is a company to keep in mind if you’re looking for solar panels that will last a long time and function effectively in any condition.
3. Panasonic
Panasonic is my pick for the best temperature coefficient solar panel. In simpler terms, this means it will continue to operate at peak power even if the outside temperature rises. This is particularly important for those who live in severely hot areas. (In terms of technical specifications, the Panasonic solar panel has a temperature coefficient rating of -0.26.)
Aside from that, this is another well-made product from a top-tier electronics manufacturer, and we believe homeowners will appreciate its endurance and overall quality.
Dan Close, Founder & CEO, We Buy Houses in Kentucky
4. Solar, Trina
Give Trina a try if you’re searching for a good balance of outstanding ethics, efficiency, availability, and pricing. Models in the Trina solar lineup range in efficiency from 16.2 percent to 19.9 percent, with some panels boasting a temperature coefficient of -0.38 percent.
Trina offers a normal 10-year guarantee, but they’ve installed so many solar panels around the world that you can be relatively confident that if you need to call them on it, they’ll honor it. Trina’s DUOMAX TWIN series, which comes with a 30-year power warranty, is now one of the best solutions available. This is undoubtedly the most PID-resistant, long-lasting dual-glass bifacial module available and one of the most weather-resistant.
Adam Wood, Co-Founder of RevenueGeeks
5. LG
LG is a well-known electronics manufacturer, and its solar panels are well-known for their quality and durability. These are very superior goods that can be used with practically any home solar setup. This is confirmed by a quick look at LG’s technical statistics. LG solar panels are nearly unsurpassed in terms of efficiency. (They’re rated at 22% efficiency; the only brand that comes close is SunPower, and it’s by less than a whole percentage point.)
LG is the most recommended home solar panel because of its cheap price point and a strong 25-year warranty.
Steve Pogson, Founder & E-commerce Strategy Lead FirstPier
6. LG Neon R 360 W
LG Neon R 360 W solar panels are high-efficiency, premium-quality panels with a 20.8 percent efficiency and a degradation loss of only 0.4 percent each year (which is substantially less than most panels!). After 25 years, these LG solar panels have an efficiency of 87 percent, a craftsmanship warranty of 25 years, and a temperature coefficient of -0.3 percent.
Consider the difference between a panel that loses 0.4 percent per year and 0.7 percent per year when considering that degradation rate. The LG would be 7.5 percent more efficient than the Mission Solar panel after 25 years, but not as efficient as Jinko or SunPower.
Most manufacturers only provide a 10-year workmanship warranty; however, LG provides a 25-year warranty.
Ethan Howell, Co-Owner of Florida Environmental
7. SunPower
SunPower is the brand to beat if you’re looking for residential solar panels just for their efficiency. (Keep in mind that efficiency relates to how much sunshine the panels can absorb and convert into electricity for your home.) SunPower offers the best efficiency of any solar panel that I’ve seen, at 22.8 percent.
Furthermore, I should mention that SunPower is reasonably priced and comes with a respectable product warranty. The bottom line: SunPower is a solar panel manufacturer to consider if you’re primarily looking for a powerhouse.
Lauren Cook-McKay, Director of Marketing & Content Divorce Answers
8. SunStyle Solar Shingles
When you are in the market for a new roof plus solar panels, consider a new category of panels: integrated photovoltaic shingles. SunStyle offers cutting-edge building-integrated rooftop solar technology with its fully integrated solar roof system.
SunStyle solar shingles deliver the same energy generation as rack-mounted panels with a sleek and versatile aesthetic and at a price point that is comparable to a premium roof plus solar panels. Now, you can have beauty and power without compromise.
Charlie Mayer, COO SunStyle
9. Three Types of Solar Panels
Monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film are the three major types of solar panels. Monocrystalline panels are the most common type found on rooftops today, and while they are costly, they have the highest efficiency rating and longest warranties.
Polycrystalline panels are a bit less costly and produce less waste, but they are also less efficient. Thin-film panels have the lowest efficiency rating and typically take up more space but are lightweight and less obtrusive.
Gilbert Michaud, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of Environmental Policy at the School of Environmental Sustainability
