Note: In July 2024, SunPower notified dealers it would be halting all new shipments and project installations. The company also noted it would “no longer be supporting new Leases and PPA sales nor new project installations of these financing options.”
Solar panels reduce energy costs by capturing sunlight, but choosing the best solar panels for homes is essential due to their high cost. This article focuses on the top solar panels for residential use, ensuring maximum efficiency.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
What Are the Best Solar Panels for Homes?
Selecting the best solar panels for your home is important, as this will ensure you get the most out of your solar energy system. Here are our top solar panel picks:
What Should You Consider When Choosing Good Solar Panels?
When buying solar panels, knowing what to look for is crucial to avoid costly mistakes. The wrong choice can lead to high installation, repair, and maintenance expenses for your home.
But don’t worry — we’re here to help and offer guidance to ensure you select the most suitable option. Here’s our list of things to remember as you look for solar panels:
Degradation rate: Solar panels degrade as the years pass, just like any product. Most solar panel systems feature a degradation rate of around 2.5% in the first year and 0.5% in the years following. Pay attention to degradation rates, as lower rates will translate to better savings over the long term.
Temperature coefficient: When the outdoor temperature climbs past 77°F, all panels lose some efficiency. Panels with a lower temperature coefficient maintain higher efficiency, losing less per degree. So, if you live in a hot climate, ensure you pick a panel with a lower coefficient (-0.35%/°C is the industry average), as this will ensure better savings and higher energy production.
Panel efficiency and wattage: Choose a residential solar panel with efficiency and wattage ratings that match your home’s energy needs. If you choose more efficient units with higher wattage, you might be able to get by with fewer panels and still significantly reduce your electricity bills.
Quality: Selecting a good-quality panel is essential, as you’ll want it to last many years. While you can cut corners from premium to good-quality panels, we recommend sticking with good-quality panels at a minimum. This will promote the longevity of your system, ensuring you get the most bang for your buck.
Warranty & Guarantee: Pay attention to the solar panel warranty, as the best solar panels come with solid warranties. Generally, you’ll get a warranty length of between 10 and 25 years for premium solar panels, but good-quality panels often outlive their warranties.
Guarantee: Some solar (photovoltaic) providers offer a performance guarantee in addition to the warranty. These usually guarantee the panels will produce a certain amount of energy over a specified period or life span. The length and production coverage in this guarantee vary based on the manufacturer. Some providers may refer to this as a performance warranty.
Compare the 6 Top-Rated Solar Panel Manufacturers
When shopping for a new home solar system, you’ll have no shortage of solar panel companies to choose from. However, the sheer number of choices can be tricky to narrow down.
So, to help you pick an appropriate option for your home, the chart below outlines the basics of our six top picks, including our most recommended option, Tesla.
| Panel Manufacturer | Our Score (out of 5) | Warranty | Power Output Range | Efficiency Range |
| Tesla | 4.6 | 25 years | 395W – 430W | 19.8% – 20.6% |
| Qcells | 4.5 | 25 years | 350W – 410W | 20.6% – 20.9% |
| Panasonic | 4.3 | 25 years | 350W – 410W | 20.3% – 22.2% |
| LONGi | 4.2 | 12 years | 445W – 570W | 20.9% – 22.1% |
| REC | 4.2 | 25 years | 360W – 430W | 20% – 22.2% |
| Canadian Solar | 4.0 | 12 – 15 years | 310W – 420W | 20.4% – 20.7% |
Tesla
4.6
Our Rating
If creating a complete renewable energy solar system with convenient control from your mobile device is a priority for you, Tesla is a strong contender. The brand offers multiple solar products with integrated technology, allowing you to complete your solar setup in one stop and manage it easily through a single app. However, the energy efficiency ratings of these panels fall short of many competitors, and sizes are limited to four options.
Solar panels from Tesla are well-rounded, with integrated technology to improve the aesthetics and user experience. For example, these systems are compatible with Tesla’s solar inverters (which convert direct to alternating current), solar batteries (Powerwall), solar roofs, and EV chargers, allowing consumers to create a complete solar setup through the brand. The Tesla app allows full control from the convenience of a mobile device, allowing for 24/7 remote monitoring. From the app you can monitor your solar system’s energy creation and usage statistics, historical data, diagnostics, recommended maintenance, and more.
In addition, Tesla panels are surprisingly affordable compared to other competitors. The brand offers a price match guarantee, so you can always ensure you’re getting the best deal. If you get a quote from another panel manufacturer for a system comparable to one from Tesla and the price is lower, Tesla will match the lower price assuming all requirements are met.
While Tesla’s offerings are solid, there are a few drawbacks. The brand’s panels have good efficiency levels, but they aren’t nearly as efficient as other options on the market. Another downside is that Tesla’s panel sizing is somewhat limited — there are four preset sizes available which the company uses to create the array of panels appropriate to your roof and needs. Lastly, wait times with Tesla can be lengthy, both from the standpoint of panel availability and service from customer support.
Tesla’s solar panels come in two primary options — the S Series and the H Series:
- S Series: These panels feature a sleek black finish with low-profile technology and no visible grid lines. They offer solid efficiency ratings and come in larger sizes, making them a good choice for homeowners with high energy demands.
- H Series: These panels are more efficient than those in the S Series but feature the same sleek black finish. Since they offer a higher efficiency rating, they’re a good pick for homeowners with high energy demands and larger homes.
| Panel Model | Power Output | Efficiency Rating | Temperature Coefficient (per °C over 25) | Power Tolerance | Efficiency After 25 Years |
| S Series | 420W – 430W | 19.8% | -0.33% | 0/+5% | 85.0% |
| H Series | 395W – 405W | 20.6% | -0.34% | 0/+5% | 86.0% |
Like many manufacturers, Tesla offers a 25-year warranty on its solar panels. The warranty covers the basics, including degradation of the panel quality. However, it excludes coverage for damage associated with the elements, like corrosion from saltwater.
Both series feature a production guarantee, with 85% for the S Series and 86% for the H series.
Tesla works with an extensive network of certified installers to install its products.
Featured Video: Ultimate Guide To Going Solar
QCells
4.5
Our Rating
Qcells solar panels are our top pick for people who want the best panel warranty. These panels have strong coverage, ensuring customers get their money’s worth out of their purchases. However, these panels aren’t quite as efficient as some options on the market.
The warranty is crucial in the hunt for solar panels to complete your home’s setup. Qcells is our top pick in this respect, earning its place with the best product warranty. The brand offers well-rounded coverage, including a 25-year power warranty and between 12 and 25 years of product coverage.
Qcells solar panels are extremely durable and are rated to withstand harsh weather conditions including high winds, hail, heavy snowfall, and extreme temperatures. For example, the panels are rated to withstand 4,000 Pascal units on the rear side of the panel. This contributes to the overall durability, meaning they hold up well under strong gusts of wind that often lead to mishaps and damage on solar setups from other manufacturers.
This impressive durability gives Qcells the confidence to stand behind its strong warranty.
Although Qcells is a formidable contender in the solar panel game, it falls short in a few areas. It has a slightly higher degradation rate than others, even though its first-year efficiency degradation rate is comparable to that of competitors. For example, the efficiency after 25 years for both Qcells solar panel options is rated at 86.0%. This is less than other leading solar panel manufacturers, including SunPower (87.2%) and Panasonic (92%). Although this doesn’t seem like much of a difference, over several years it could represent hundreds of dollars of energy cost differences.
Additionally, Qcells has only two panel options available for residential settings — considerably fewer than most competitors, which offer three to four on average.
Qcells offers two solar panel options for residential settings:
- Q.Peak Duo BLK ML-G10+: Models in this series are more efficient than the alternative and feature an all-black design, which many customers prefer. With a solid efficiency rating and larger sizes available, these units are a strong pick for customers seeking high-end options.
- Q.Peak Duo BLK-G10+: Models in this series feature a lower power output and aren’t quite as aesthetically appealing as the other series. However, they’re more budget-friendly than the alternative, so if you don’t mind the look, they’re a solid choice.
| Panel Model | Power Output | Efficiency Rating | Temperature Coefficient (per °C over 25) | Power Tolerance | Efficiency After 25 Years |
| Q.Peak Duo BLK ML-G10+ Series | 385W – 410W | 20.9% | -0.35% | 0/+5W | 86.0% |
| Q.Peak Duo BLK G10+ Series | 350W – 370W | 20.6% | -0.34% | 0/+5W | 86.0% |
Each solar panel from Qcells comes with a 25-year product warranty comparable to that of most competitors. The warranty extends to manufacturer defects and efficiency, typical inclusions in a solar panel warranty.
However, Qcells offers a unique solar cell testing process that helps promote steady power generation by eliminating most issues associated with potential-induced degradation (PID).
Qcells solar panels are available through an extensive network of dealers and installers. The company doesn’t have a certification program for installers like some solar brands do, so you can choose any local installer with a relationship with Qcells to handle your installation.
Panasonic
4.3
Our Rating
With temperature coefficients that surpass the industry standard, Panasonic panels are an excellent pick for homeowners in hot, arid climates. These panels perform well even in higher temperatures. However, they’re not the most budget-friendly option available, so they might not be a good option for all scenarios.
As you search for solar panels for your home, it’s essential to consider the temperature coefficient, especially if you live in a hot climate. Panasonic panels perform well in higher temperatures, as they have a high temperature coefficient, earning a place on our list as the best for their temperature coefficient.
All Panasonic’s solar panels have a temperature coefficient of -0.26% per °C over 25ºC. Solar panels from other brands range from -0.29% to -0.35%. This means that Panasonic panels maintain their energy efficiency better in high temperatures, which makes them good candidates for you if you live in the South or Southwest.
On top of their durability in extreme temperatures, these panels come with an excellent warranty extending for 25 years, which sits on the higher end of the industry standard.
While these solar panels are a strong choice due to their effectiveness in hot climates, they have a few drawbacks. While they’re not as high-priced as premium brands like SunPower, they’re not the cheapest, costing more than Tesla, Qcells, LONGi, REC, and other solar panels on the market. So if you’re looking for a budget-friendly pick, this might not be your best option. However, prices vary depending on your solar installer, so always get a quote first before you make a decision.
Panasonic offers multiple panel options separated into series, including:
- EverVolt: Featuring the base models in Panasonic’s lineup, units in this series are a strong choice for folks who don’t mind the basics.
- EverVolt H: These panels feature a traditional look with higher efficiency, making them an excellent pick for people who don’t mind the classic appearance but want something with better efficiency ratings.
- EverVolt K Black: Featuring a sleek, less obtrusive appearance, these panels are a good choice for those who prefer a seamless look.
- EverVolt PK Black: Complete with a modern look, excellent conversion efficiency, and a low degradation rate, these panels are a suitable pick for homeowners seeking a high-end option.
- EverVolt HK Black: These panels combine everything, from sleek looks to high efficiencies, complete with a low degradation rate, making them a solid choice for those who want a premium option.
| Panel Model | Power Output | Efficiency Rating | Temperature Coefficient (per °C over 25) | Power Tolerance | Efficiency After 25 Years |
| EverVolt | 360W – 380W | 21.7% | -0.26% | 0/+5% | 92% |
| EverVolt H | 390W – 410W | 22.2% | -0.26% | 0/+10% | 92% |
| EverVolt K Black | 350W – 370W | 21.7% | -0.26% | 0/+5% | 92% |
| EverVolt PK Black | 350W – 370W | 20.3% | -0.26% | 0/+10% | 86% |
| Evervolt HK Black | 400W – 410W | 22.2% | -0.26% | 0/+10% | 92% |
Panasonic solar panels come with a solid 25-year warranty. This warranty is pretty lengthy but remains within the range of the industry standard. It’s comparable to leading brands yet surges ahead of brands like Tesla, which offer 10-year warranties.
However, these panels can outlast their warranties as some homeowners report high power outputs even after the warranty ends.
Panasonic solar panels are widely available through various installers, including chain companies and local installers. For example, Sunrun and ADT Solar are two chain companies that install these panels. However, if you don’t have one of these providers nearby, check with local installers.
LONGi
4.2
Our Rating
Reliability is crucial in a solar energy system, so choosing panels that offer durability and longevity is important. This way, you’ll get the most out of your system without constant hiccups. LONGi is known for its reliable panels, making it a formidable contender on our list. However, its warranties leave much to be desired, with only 12 years of product coverage.
LONGi’s solar panels are known to be reliable and durable, making them a worthwhile consideration as you shop for a solar setup for your home. These panels are packed with the company’s innovative solar cell technologies yet are priced reasonably. All the company’s solar panels use monocrystalline solar cells, which are efficient and hold up well over time. Most customers cite little to no issues and minimal downtime with LONGi solar panels.
On top of that, these panels offer an impressive efficiency rate and large power outputs, so they’re suitable for larger homes with greater energy demands and smaller homes with less roof space.
Although LONGi is a good option, its warranties are sub-par compared to other options on our list. They have only 12-year product coverage, which falls short of the typical 25 years on solar panels (and 40 years on Qcells panels).
That said, since LONGi’s solar panels are so durable, you might not even need a long warranty. Solar products that are low quality and unreliable tend to fail in the first few years of operation, so 12 years may be enough coverage for you.
LONGi’s solar panels are available in three primary series:
- HiMo 4: Even as the base models in LONGi’s lineup, these panels feature high power outputs and solid efficiency ratings. They’re a good option for homeowners with higher energy demands but don’t want to splurge on premium features.
- HiMo 5: These panels offer a solid middle ground between the other options, with multiple power output options and strong energy efficiency ratings. These panels are suitable for homeowners with higher energy demands or larger homes.
- HiMo 6: Packed with LONGi’s latest and greatest features, HiMo 6 solar panels are an excellent choice for homeowners who prefer premium, high-end panels.
| Panel Model | Power Output | Efficiency Rating | Temperature Coefficient (per °C over 25) | Power Tolerance | Efficiency After 25 Years |
| HiMo 4 | 445W – 455W | 20.9% | -0.34% | 0/+5% | 83.8% |
| HiMo 5 | 545W – 555W | 21.3% | -0.34% | 0/+5% | 84.8% |
| HiMo 6 | 560W – 570W | 22.1% | -0.29% | 0/+5% | 83.8% |
LONGi’s solar panels come with a shorter warranty than most others on our list. Most panels feature a 12-year product warranty and a 30-year power warranty. Though these panels can outlast their warranty and continue producing for years after, the coverage isn’t great.
Like several options on our list, LONGi solar panels are widely available through numerous installers, both local companies and chains. The brand doesn’t require its installers to complete a certification program, so finding an installer that offers these panels is usually simple.
REC
4.2
Our Rating
REC panels are a durable, adaptable option that often outlasts the warranty. These panels are suitable for homeowners in many situations, as they have solid temperature coefficients and strong efficiency ratings. However, they are pricier than some options, so they might not be the best pick for everyone.
As one of America’s most popular panel options, REC solar panels are a strong contender. These panels are known to be long-lasting performers, earning their place as the most durable on our list.
REC solar panels met stringent requirements for water and dust tightness, hail strikes, and snow loads. They’re adaptable to multiple climates, featuring a below-average temperature coefficient and above-average resistance to wind and snow loads. Three of the company’s solar panel series offer an outstanding temperature coefficient of -0.34% per °C over 25ºC — nearly the best on the market. This temperature coefficient means REC solar panels maintain their efficiency better in hotter climates, making them a good choice for the Southern United States.
They also feature surprisingly high efficiency ratings, with top models reaching 22.2%, well above the industry average.
The durability and efficiency of these solar panels come at a cost, as these panels are pricier than other options on the market. Compared to other solar panel manufacturers on this list, they are the second most expensive.
Given the above-average cost, these panels aren’t the best pick for homeowners on a budget, but considering the features, the pricing makes sense. That said, if you live in a hot climate, the industry-leading temperature coefficient will give you better efficiency during the warm season. So you may pay more money upfront but you may save more money on your energy bills long term.
REC’s solar panel lineup includes five residential panel options:
- Twinpeak 4: As the base model in REC’s lineup, this panel is the smallest and features the lowest efficiency rating. They’re a good option for homeowners who want supplemental solar energy or don’t have high energy demands.
- N-Peak 2: These panels are nearly identical to the Twinpeak model but feature a slightly higher efficiency rating. They also have a better efficiency retention rate, giving them an edge over the Twinpeak model and a good choice for homeowners looking to take things a step up.
- N-Peak 3 Black: These panels feature an entirely black layout, making them an aesthetically pleasing option. They’re available in larger sizes and suitable for larger homes with greater energy demands.
- Alpha Pure: These panels stick with the all-black design but have a higher energy efficiency rating and sizing options. These are a good option for homeowners who want a higher-end pick but don’t want to splurge on the most expensive option.
- Alpha Pure-R: These panels are slightly less efficient than the Alpha Pure panels but offer many of the same features. Given the temperature coefficient, these panels are excellent for homeowners in hot climates.
| Panel Model | Power Output | Efficiency Rating | Temperature Coefficient (per °C over 25) | Power Tolerance | Efficiency After 25 Years |
| Twinpeak 4 | 360W – 375W | 20.0% | -0.34% | 0/+5% | 86.0% |
| N-Peak 2 | 360W – 375W | 20.3% | -0.34% | 0/+5% | 92.0% |
| N-Peak 3 Black | 390W – 400W | 20.3% | -0.34% | 0/+5% | 92.0% |
| Alpha Pure | 390W – 430W | 22.2% | -0.24% | 0/+5% | 92.0% |
| Alpha Pure-R | 390W – 430W | 20.7% | -0.24% | 0/+5% | 92.0% |
REC’s solar panel warranty coverage varies based on the model you purchase. Most panels feature 25 years of equipment warranty coverage, but a select few come with 20-year equipment coverage. Several models also come with a 25-year performance guarantee.
These panels can last between 25 and 30 years or more on average.
Like SunPower, REC has a certification program for its installers nationwide. However, its panels are widely available even through uncertified dealers and installers. If your installer is certified through REC, warranty coverage is often better.
Canadian Solar
4.0
Our Rating
Canadian Solar’s offerings might be perfect for your home if you’re installing solar on a budget. The affordable panels offer solid efficiency ratings, durability, and standard degradation rates. However, the warranty is shorter than those of competitors.
Complete with solid efficiency rates, standard degradation rates, and affordable prices, Canadian Solar is our top pick for value. The brand’s solar panels start far below the prices of its competitors without sacrificing efficiency or durability.
In fact, Canadian Solar products are on par with other leading manufacturers’ specifications. For example, the TOPHiKu6 series has a 22.5% efficiency rating, which is just a tad below the SunPower Maxeon 6’s 22.8% efficiency, but is available for a far lower cost.
These panels are built to last and resist heavy snow loads and high winds, making them an excellent pick for climates with more extreme winters. They feature a sleek, all-black design that’s been increasingly popular in recent years, ensuring homeowners don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics.
While Canadian Solar’s offerings are solid, a few areas have room for improvement. Primarily, the degradation rate isn’t as good as that of brands like SunPower or Panasonic.
The Canadian Solar HiKu6 and All Black series, for instance, have an efficiency after 25 years of 84.8%, which is almost the worst on the market. In contrast, the best ratings are 87.2% and 92% from SunPower and Panasonic, respectively. In addition, some of Canadian Solar’s products come with much shorter warranties (12 to 15 years on select models).
Canadian Solar offers four series of residential panels:
- TOPHiKu6: This series has panels with excellent efficiency ratings, temperature coefficients, and the widest power output range, making it a great go-to model for most homes.
- HiKu6: These models feature a larger power range and a solid energy efficiency rating, making them a good pick for larger homes with greater energy demands.
- HiHero: These solar panels have the best efficiency rating, efficiency loss, and temperature coefficient, but they have a lower power output.
- All Black: These panels feature an all-black design that often appeals to homeowners, creating a seamless, unobtrusive look. Models in this series are less powerful than the other options, so they’re better suited to homes with lower energy demands.
| Panel Model | Power Output | Efficiency Rating | Temperature Coefficient (per °C over 25) | Power Tolerance | Efficiency After 25 Years |
| TOPHiKu6 | 420W – 580W | 22.5% | -0.29% | 0/+10% | 89.4% |
| HiKu6 | 530W – 555W | 21.5% | -0.34% | 0/+10% | 84.8% |
| HiHero | 420W – 445W | 22.8% | -0.26% | 0/+10% | 90.6% |
| All Black | 345W – 405W | 20.7% | -0.34% | 0/+10% | 84.8% |
Canadian Solar offers shorter warranties on some of its products than the industry standard. Most products come with 12- to 15-year product warranties covering materials and workmanship, and several come with 25- to 30-year linear power output warranties.
Canadian Solar’s panels are widely available through many installers throughout several countries. Since they’re readily available, there’s a good chance that local installers in your area offer them.
Compare the Top-Rated Solar Panels for Homes
| Panel Model | Power Output | Efficiency Rating | Temperature Coefficient (per degree C over 25) | Power Tolerance | Efficiency After 25 Years |
| Tesla H Series | 395W – 405W | 20.6% | -0.34% | 0/+5% | 86.0% |
| Q.Peak Duo BLK ML-G10+ Series | 385W – 410W | 20.9% | -0.35% | 0/+5% | 86.0% |
| Evervolt HK Black | 400W – 410W | 22.2% | -0.26% | 0/+10% | 92% |
| LONGi HiMo 6 | 560W – 570W | 22.1% | -0.29% | 0/+5% | 83.8% |
| REC Alpha Pure | 390W – 430W | 22.2% | -0.24% | 0/+5% | 92.0% |
| Canadian Solar TOPHiKu6 | 420W – 580W | 22.5% | -0.29% | 0/+10% | 89.4% |
So, What’s the Best Solar Panel for Your Home?
The best solar panel for your home hinges on your individual needs and expectations, so your best option might not match the best fit for someone else. Use factors specific to you to determine the most suitable choice for your needs.
As you sift through your options, we recommend obtaining several quotes from installers that offer your chosen panel. This way, you can get the best price for your new system.
FAQs: Best Solar Panels for Homes
Which type of solar panel is best for home use?
Generally speaking, monocrystalline panels are the best option for home use. However, polycrystalline and thin-film panels can be good options depending on the size of the system and other factors specific to you.
Which solar panels are most efficient?
Monocrystalline panels usually offer the highest efficiency rates and power output.
How many solar panels do I need for an average house?
The number of solar panels you’ll need for your home will vary based on factors specific to you, including the size of your home, energy needs, and location. However, the average home needs between 17 and 21 solar panels to completely offset utility bills.
Methodology: How We Rank Solar Panels
Solar panels not only make your home more environmentally friendly, but they also make your home more energy efficient. The review experts at Today’s Homeowner want to make sure you have all the information you need to make the best decision for your home. We strive for transparent and accurate information, so we base our ratings on publicly available data and customer feedback.
A solar panel brand can earn a maximum of 100 points across five categories converted to a five-star scale. We researched dozens of solar panels to develop the following formula:
- Tier (25 points): Solar panel Tiers represent the quality of a solar panel. Tier 1 solar modules are considered the best solar panels due to their reliability and warranty coverage, which is why solar panels with Tier 1 status perform the best in this category.
- Cost per watt (20 points): The cost of solar panels is one of the most important factors, as the price can range from $2.50 per watt to well over $3 per watt. Many homeowners consider the price of solar panels when doing their research, which is why we always include this data point in our methods. Solar panel brands that cost $2.50 or less perform best in this category, while the more expensive panels cost $3 per watt or more.
- Efficiency range (20 points): Solar panel efficiency is one of the most important factors to consider when looking for a new solar panel for your home. Efficiency is how much energy a solar panel can convert from the sun into usable energy for your home. The higher the efficiency, the better the panel, which is why solar panels with an efficiency of 22% or more score the best in this category.
- Panel options (20 points): It's important to have the best solar panel for your home, but it's equally important to have a variety of panel options so you can choose the one that best suits your energy and budget needs. There are three types of panels, including monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film. A solar panel brand will perform best in this category if it has all three types.
- Warranty period (10 points): A solar panel is only as good as the warranty behind it. A warranty on your solar panel can save you thousands of dollars in the event of an unexpected failure. The best solar panels have a 25-year warranty, but some go even further and have a 30-year performance guarantee.
We monitor company data on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.
