Solar panel systems can help you save on energy costs, add value to your home, and reduce your carbon footprint – but how do you find one that meets both your budget and needs?
Finding a solar panel that meets your needs requires extensive research and comparison between brands, their warranty options, efficiency ratings, durability and overall cost. Here are some of the top solar panels on the market which strike an optimal balance between affordability and quality.
Renogy
If you’re on a budget, Renogy is an excellent brand to consider. They offer rigid monocrystalline and flexible thin-film panels with wattages ranging from 5 to 200 Watts.
The company specializes in smaller installations for mobile use such as boating, RV travel and camping. Their panels typically use lower wattage and boast higher efficiency ratings than more expensive products.
These panels are lightweight and ideal for campers or other hikers who want to take them with them on trips or excursions. However, they should be placed against a sturdy surface since they don’t fold up or feature closable pockets for convenient storage.
Renogy also offers a selection of solar kits for smaller households that are ideal for those who don’t require much power. These systems typically run on 12 volts and can be used in RVs, motorhomes, vans, camper trailers, small cabins or tiny homes.
Panasonic
Panasonic is one of the leading global brands in solar panels, having been a top performer for decades. Their reputation for quality, dependability, and efficiency can be attributed to their groundbreaking HIT (Heterojunction Intrinsic Thin-layer) technology, which sets new standards in conversion efficiency among solar panels.
For instance, the company’s EverVolt series is a high-performance range with a 25 year materials warranty that ensures panels will continue to deliver 90%-92% of their rated power after 25 years.
These panels are highly durable and perform well under real-world conditions. For instance, they’re better able to withstand summer heat waves than other crystalline solar panels.
Although these panels come at a higher cost than other manufacturers’ offerings, their performance and warranty make them worthwhile. Furthermore, Panasonic panels qualify for the 30% federal solar tax credit which could further reduce installation costs.
Q Cells
Q CELLS solar panels are an affordable solution for budget-minded homeowners who want to cut their energy costs and go green. Their selection of attractive panel models also boast impressive performance capabilities.
Q Cells’ G10+ series utilizes gapless cell spacing to maximize power generation and efficiency. These panels are the best performing residential solar panels available today.
They boast an average efficiency rating of 19%-21%, which exceeds the industry standard. Furthermore, these panels are renowned for their excellent shading tolerance and temperature coefficients.
They provide a 12-year product warranty and 25 year performance warranty to demonstrate their dedication to quality assurance. With such guarantees, it is clear that they stand behind their products and are dedicated to maintaining them.