Solar panels continue to be an increasingly popular option for environmentally friendly and cost-effective home energy. However, when it comes to choosing the best solar panels for your home, several factors require careful consideration.
We’ve compiled this in-depth guide to help you compare and analyze several popular solar panel brands so you can make an informed decision about which panels will help you create the best solar system for your home.
So, what are the best solar panels for your home? The answer will vary from person to person based on different factors, including current energy consumption, the size of the home, and where the house is located. However, there are a few things to consider when choosing the best solar panels for you.
Solar panels are a worthwhile — though costly — investment, so you’ll want to shop around with a few different solar companies before making your final decision. You should get an in-person quote from at least three to five solar installers in your area to find the right price for your needs.
Another thing that influences the cost of solar panels is local, state, and federal rebates, incentives, and tax credits. These are programs that help offset the cost of solar installation, making it more affordable and accessible for many homeowners. You can work with your solar company to determine if you qualify for these programs.
In general, high-efficiency solar panels will work best for solar systems for homes. Efficiency can range from 16% for lower-performing panels to 22% for high-efficiency ones, though the average solar panel efficiency is 18%. Your efficiency requirements will be determined by your energy needs, the size of your home, and your overall budget.
The best solar panels should generate at least as much power as they replace. This means you’ll want to look for higher-wattage solar panels that have a range between 250 and 400 watts per hour. Your solar installation team can help you find panels that fit these parameters.
A temperature coefficient measures how much efficiency a panel loses as temperatures increase. This means that a lower temperature coefficient rating indicates the panels will perform more efficiently in hot weather. Solar panels with lower temperature coefficients are also better suited for areas with fluctuating temperatures since they’ll have more consistent efficiency regardless of the weather.
The best solar system for your home is the one that generates enough energy to meet your home's power needs. You should take time to assess your current energy consumption to determine how much solar energy you’ll need during the day as well as how much you’ll need to store for night use. With this information, you can work with your solar installation team to find the best solar home system that aligns with your home energy needs.
Most of the best solar panels have at least 25-year warranties. As you’re searching for the right panels for your home, make sure you take the time to research these warranties to ensure you’re getting the best and longest-lasting coverage available for your solar panels.
As you search for the best solar home system, you’ll want to find a trustworthy and professional solar installation copy to work with. Make sure the company you’re considering has the solar panels and components you’re looking for and is available to do the work you need. Take time to read reviews, get references, and get price quotes for any potential company to ensure you’re comfortable working with the installer you’re considering.
Before you make a final decision about switching to solar energy, you should evaluate your roof and check your yard. You want to make sure there’s enough space on your roof for a home solar system and that there aren’t any spaces that are excessively shaded. If there are any overgrown trees that are blocking parts of your roof, consider having them cut back before you schedule your solar installation.
Just as you should research a solar company, you should also thoroughly research any solar panels you are considering. This means reading reviews and understanding customer experiences to ensure that you can make an informed decision on the best solar panels for your home.
Another way to find the best solar system for your home is to speak with your family and friends. If any of them have solar panels, you can ask if they recommend the panels they have and the company they worked with to see if that might be a good option for you.
Solar panels work by converting sunlight into usable electricity to power homes and businesses. The panels are made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells that absorb available sunlight and create a direct current (DC). This current is then passed through the system inverter, where it converts into an alternating current (AC). Most home appliances and electronics need the alternating current to operate, which is why the currents need to be changed from DC to AC.
Here are some top solar panel companies you can consider for your home solar system.
Best overall choice
Disclaimer: *Wood Mackenzie U.S. PV Leaderboard for 16 consecutive quarters for the residential segment
Companies like Axia Solar and Forme use these solar panels.
Best for colder climates with lots of snow
Companies like SunRun, Blue Raven, and Solanta use these solar panels.
Best for high-temperature areas
Companies like Blue Raven and Forme Solar use these solar panels.
Best for high solar panel efficiency
Numerous companies are approved to install SunPower solar panels.
Best for solar panel warranties
Companies like ADT Solar and Astrawatt Solar use these solar panels.
Best for U.S.-based manufacturing
Companies like Blue Raven Solar and Vivint Solar use these solar panels.
There are several solar panel models that have excellent efficiency ratings, so you should consider one of these options when looking for the best home solar system.
As you are deciding which are the best solar panels for your home, you can speak with your solar installation company to see if any of these panels would be a good fit.
As previously mentioned, there are three types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film panels. Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient, with polycrystalline having mid-efficiency and thin-film being the least efficient. Additionally, the size of panels can impact performance as well, with bigger panels being more efficient than smaller ones.
Several components comprise a home solar system, including the solar panels, inverter, electrical panel, and electrical meter. All of these parts need to be carefully balanced and working correctly to ensure the system can work at maximum efficiency. If any of the components are outdated, poorly designed, or failing, it could significantly reduce the system performance.
Solar panels need direct sunlight for peak performance. This means that if your panels are often in the shade, they aren’t going to generate as much energy as they could. However, it’s important to note that cloudy or overcast days won’t significantly impact panel performance like shade does, meaning you’ll only experience a slight decrease in system efficiency on days without direct sunlight.
The best solar panels are designed to work in a range of temperatures since they are always exposed to the elements. However, when the temperature gets too hot, it can slightly reduce the efficiency of the panels. Additionally, if the solar panels are constantly exposed to extremely high temperatures, there could be damage to internal components over time.
The cost of a home solar system varies based on different factors, including the size of your home, how many panels you have, where you live, and even which solar installation company you work with. Solar panel costs can range from $15,000 to $40,000, and you can use the Axia Solar Calculator to get an estimate for your property. To get the most accurate price, though, you should get a quote from professional solar installers.
MonocrystallineMonocrystalline solar panels are the most common option for home solar systems but are also the most expensive. However, these panels also have the longest lifespan, around 25 years or longer, and operate at a higher efficiency than other options. So, while you may pay more for these solar panels, the benefits of longevity and efficiency are well worth the cost.
Additionally, monocrystalline panels are made from a single (mono) silicon crystal, which sets them apart from polycrystalline panels.
PolycrystallineUnlike monocrystalline panels, polycrystalline solar panels are made up of multiple crystal fragments melted together. This process makes manufacturing these panels more cost-effective compared to other options, but they are slightly less efficient than monocrystalline panels.
Thin-Film Solar Thin-film solar panels are the least efficient — and least expensive — option for solar energy. Instead of using cells like other panels, thin-film solar panels are made by placing a thin layer of photovoltaic material on top of a glass pane, which is why they are less efficient. The lower efficiency makes them less ideal for homes or businesses, meaning they are mostly used for smaller utility-scale projects.
So, what are the best solar panels for your home? If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, consider Canadian Solar. For high-temperature areas, you might prefer REC Solar. Want solar panels with high-efficiency ratings? SunPower could be just what you need. Maybe you’re looking for a robust warranty for your solar panels? Silfab is an excellent option. For solar panels manufactured right here in the United States, Mission Solar is a great choice. For superior customer service and our best option overall, Qcells may just be the right choice for you.
Reach out to the team at Axia Solar to discuss your solar panel options and determine the ideal route for your home solar installation.
Get startedSo, why are so many homeowners choosing to switch to solar energy for their homes? There are several reasons to choose and find the best solar system for your home.
When switching to solar energy, you reduce your reliance on the local electrical grid. Over time as you use more solar energy and less grid electricity, it can lower your utility bill, which can save you money in the long run.
Home solar systems can help increase a home's value because solar energy is a desirable and highly sought-after feature for many prospective buyers. On average, solar panels can up a home’s value by around 4.1%, meaning you could sell your home for around $10,000 more than comparable homes in your area.
The best solar systems for homes include a backup battery that allows the system to work without using the electrical grid. When your solar panels produce more energy than you can use, a backup battery can store the extra energy until you need it, like at night when panels aren’t generating energy or when there’s a power outage on the electrical grid.
Solar energy is an abundant, renewable resource that is easily accessible to homeowners around the world. As an added benefit, solar energy doesn’t produce greenhouse gases or contribute to climate concerns like fossil-fuel-based energy options do. Many people value environmentally friendly practices, which is why they care about finding the best solar panels for their homes.
In addition to being better for the environment and more cost-effective for homeowners, solar panels — and solar energy in general — are helping build jobs and boost the economy. Due to a rise in traditional energy expenses, a drop in technology costs, and more demand for clean energy solutions, energy jobs are growing in several sectors across the country, including renewable energy, energy storage and advanced grid, energy efficiency, and advanced vehicles and transportation.