The Best Solar Panels for Homes (2023)

Shopping around for the best solar panels for home use? We know the number of options on the market can be overwhelming and as a consumer, you have a lot to consider. Should you choose a premium brand or stick with a value brand? Should you prioritize warranty or efficiency?

We’ve rounded up the best consumer solar panels for home use among different categories to make your solar panel hunt a bit easier.

Top 5 Consumer Solar Panel Brands

There are a lot of factors to consider when searching for the best brands for residential solar panels. With so many options available and so many specifications to compare like power output, efficiency ratings and temperature coefficients, it can be difficult for the average consumer to understand what is most important.

Here is the bottom line of the best solar panels for home use, and what makes them great:

1. Mission Solar: An assembled-in-the-USA brand that makes some of the most durable, highest quality solar panels on the market today. Mission Solar is an emerging leader in new solar panel technology, with 66-cell panels unveiling soon.
2. SunSpark: Based in California, SunSpark manufactures sleek, high-efficiency panels that are consumer- and DIY-friendly.
3. ZNshine: This tier-1 solar panel brand makes high-performance panels at an affordable price point.
4. Phono Solar: Reputable brand that also offers quality solar panels at a great price point. Panels are small enough for a DIY installer to handle.
5. Trina Solar: Another reputable solar brand that offers quality, easy-to-install panels at a good price.

We’ve ranked Mission Solar as our number-one solar panel brand due to their American roots and high manufacturing standards. Compared to other brands, Mission Solar panels are typically thicker (high-quality glass) and have superior frames, among other features.

Next, we’ll evaluate the best home solar panels by features like price, warranty, efficiency and more.

Best Premium Residential Solar Panels

The word ‘premium’ can mean different things. In the solar industry, ‘premium’ is typically defined by high power output, high-efficiency ratings, low temperature coefficients and sleeker looks with black frames and backsheets.

A few premium solar panel manufacturers include:

• Panasonic
• QCells
• Silfab

These solar brands use high-quality solar cells to create high-wattage solar panels with high-efficiency ratings. Their panels are typically more aesthetically pleasing with dark frames and backing.

While name brands and high-efficiency rates sound appealing, these panels come at a cost and aren’t suitable for every home.

Best Value Residential Solar Panels

Just like the word ‘premium, the word ‘value’ doesn’t necessarily imply low quality or lowest price. There are many value residential solar panels from reputable brands that are affordable and are great quality. That means you can save money on powerful solar panels for your home with the industry standard 25-year warranty.

The solar companies to look for if you want the best bang for your buck are:

• ZNshine
• Phono Solar
• Trina Solar
• Canadian Solar

Best Solar Panels by Warranty

All solar panels come with a warranty, but not all warranties are the same. Different manufacturers have varying terms and conditions in their warranties, so it is important to read the fine print.

For example, many solar panel manufacturers provide a 25-year warranty on power output but only a 10- or 15-year warranty on the product workmanship. Others might offer a 25-year product warranty and even guarantee the labor to replace the solar panel.

A couple of brands with some of the best residential solar panel warranties are:

• ZNshine
• Mission Solar

These manufacturers offer a 25-year power warranty and 12-year product warranty, guaranteeing:

• 98% power output in the first year
• 92% output at year 10
• 82 to 84% power output at year 25

Another brand with a good warranty is Silfab — they offer a 25-year product warranty and guarantee at least 82.6% power output at year 30. However, they do not cover labor costs to replace a defective solar panel.

Learn more: How Long Do Solar Panels Last? Lifespan & Warranty Overview

Best Solar Panels by Efficiency

A high-efficiency rating is a desirable quality for residential solar panels, but this ultimately depends on your situation and configurations.

Solar panel efficiency is determined by comparing power rating to square footage. A higher efficiency solar panel has a higher power output compared to a solar panel of the same physical size. So if you have a limited amount of space, you might benefit from more efficient solar panels, but keep in mind you’ll have to pay a premium for these kinds of panels.

Consumer solar panel brands with some of the highest efficiency ratings are:

• QCell
• Panasonic
• REC
• Canadian Solar

Read more: The Most Efficient Solar Panels

Best Solar Panels for DIY Installation

Opting for DIY installation can help you save thousands of dollars on professional installation costs. If you’re thinking about going DIY, you should consider all the factors mentioned above, as well as the physical size of the solar panels.

Some solar panels measure approximately 5.5 feet long. Others can measure as much as 7 feet long, with weights ranging from 45 pounds to 60 pounds.

During a DIY solar installation, you’ll spend a lot of time and energy putting solar panels on your roof. Consider choosing smaller, lighter solar panels that are easier to work with.

Here are a few ideal solar panel brands for DIY installations:

• Mission Solar
• SunSpark
• ZNshine
• Phono Solar
• Trina Solar
• Hanwha

These brands have a great reputation and offer different types of panels in smaller sizes that are easier to mount.

Read more: The Best DIY Home Solar Kits

How to Choose the Best Solar Panels for Your Home

When it comes down to choosing the best solar panels for your home, there is no direct answer. It’s all about what’s best for your situation, what’s most important to you, and what your budget is. Find the right balance between value, warranty, efficiency ratings, physical size and design.

When in doubt, get help from experts at GoGreenSolar. We’ll walk you through the process of deciding the best residential solar panels for your needs, and provide custom solutions tailored to your home and your budget.