Are you considering going solar for the first time or replacing your current system, there are plenty of options available. To make things a little simpler, we’ve ranked the top solar panel brands based on energy efficiency and quality.
Performance-wise, the more efficient a panel is, the more power it can generate from each watt of sunlight. This is because efficient panels use higher-grade N-type silicon cells with improved temperature coefficient and reduced power degradation over time.
1. SunPower
SunPower has earned a reputation for producing top-quality solar panels. These systems come with the industry’s only complete system warranty, providing homeowners with peace of mind for their investment.
SunPower was one of the first companies to develop high-efficiency PV cells, setting itself apart with its innovative cell technology. Its all-back contact (IBC) solar cells have been utilized in spacecraft, NASA Pathfinder aircraft and Honda’s world solar challenge car race – just to name a few!
In 2019, SunPower transferred their solar panel manufacturing division to Maxeon Solar Technologies Ltd. Despite the change, Maxeon series solar panels still use high-efficiency IBC cells and use the same interdigitated back contact energy conversion technology as their earlier panels.
2. Panasonic
Panasonic is one of the world’s premier solar panel brands, boasting some outstanding features and benefits. Their product warranty stands at 25 years, and they use some of the top technologies available on the market.
Their most advanced technology is Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin (HIT) layer technology, which offers them high efficiency at high temperatures and reduces power loss. Furthermore, these solar panels boast a pyramid-shaped surface to minimize reflection and maximize electricity output.
Panasonic provides a selection of panels with various specifications. These models range in power output from 330W to 430W and vary in color and aesthetic look. All panels include water drainage frames as well as light capturing technology for added convenience.
3. Qcells
Qcells is a solar manufacturer that fabricates mono- and polycrystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) cells as well as solar modules. Additionally, the company provides energy storage devices and hybrid solar inverters.
Hanwha Group companies have been in operation for over two decades, building a solid reputation for quality and dependability in their panels.
This company produces top-tier polycrystalline and monocrystalline solar panels. Their panels are built for strength and longevity, designed for use in demanding environments.
This company is known for producing high-wattage panels at an excellent value. Additionally, they provide a selection of product warranties and performance guarantees.
4. Canadian Solar
Canadian Solar, based in Guelph Ontario, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of solar panels. Their modules are renowned for their dependability and performance; as such, Canadian Solar was recently named a Tier 1 solar company by Bloomberg New Energy in 2017.
They boast an impressive product innovation history. Recently, they unveiled a range of high-power monocrystalline panels with impressive power ratings and efficiency levels.
Another impressive quality of their solar panels is their low temperature coefficient (Pmax). This allows them to perform optimally even on hot summer days, keeping your electricity production consistent.
They boast an outstanding symmetrical module design, making them more resistant to shading than other panels. Furthermore, their products come with 25-year product and performance warranties.
5. Silfab
Silfab is North America’s leading producer of premium monocrystalline PV modules. Their fully automated facility utilizes precision engineering for superior reliability and performance with the lowest defect rate in the US.
Silfab offers a selection of residential solar modules, from the 370 W Silfab Prime to the 380 W Silfab Elite series. All meet or exceed industry standards for power output from monocrystalline panels, making them competitive with most other options on the market.
Silfab also provides a 30-year performance guarantee and 25-year module product workmanship warranty, covering panel defects that could impact your home’s energy system performance. With these warranties in place, Silfab helps guarantee that your energy system stays running optimally for years to come.