Best Solar Panels of 2024
1.BEST OVERALL SOLAR PANEL
Panasonic EverVolt HK Black Series
PROS
- Exceptional power output and efficiency
- Generous, all-inclusive warranty
CONS
- Panels no longer manufactured in-house by Panasonic
You probably know Panasonic for its consumer electronics, everything from cameras to hair dryers. But the century-old Japanese brand is also a pioneering powerhouse in the solar panel space, having entered the market way back in 1975. Though it stopped doing its own manufacturing in 2021, Panasonic panels still offer the best combination of performance and reliability, especially if you spring for the TripleGuard warranty, which provides a 25-year product, performance, and labor warranty on any panels installed by a Panasonic-authorized installer.
Our experts recommend EverVolt, Panasonic’s premium line of solar panels with exceptional power output and efficiency. The HK Black Series is the newest offering and represents the best of the best, including 410-watt output and an extremely low degradation rate, meaning the panels will still be producing at least 92% of their original output after 25 years.
2. BEST VALUE SOLAR PANELS
Canadian Solar HiHero Series
PROS
- Excellent price
- Solid power output in all climates
CONS
- Less generous product warranty coverage
Canadian Solar entered the market in 2001 with the mission of delivering the best possible value to consumers. The average cost of installation starts around $16,100 (including tax credits), which is the cheapest of all national manufacturers reviewed by our experts. The low cost doesn’t come with a lot of compromise in quality either. Case in point: Canada Solar’s new HiHero 445H-AG solar panel has an impressive power output (410 watts) and temperature coefficienct (.26), which means it works well in all climates.
The big tradeoff is on the product warranty, which, at 15 years, is a decade less than other leading brands. “If you plan on being in your current home for more than a couple decades, it might be worth paying more for another solar panel,” says Rachel Rothman, chief technologist and executive technical director at the Good Housekeeping Institute.
3. MOST RELIABLE SOLAR PANELS
SunPower Equinox
PROS
- Excellent all-inclusive warranty
- Superb performance and durability
CONS
- Steep upfront pricing
SunPower has been around since 1985 with a proven track record — and that’s significant, given the high rate of unscrupulous (or just plain inexperienced) companies in the solar panel space. What’s more, SunPower is an installer with a history of manufacturing so they know the industry inside out, plus they’re a one-stop solution for all your solar needs, including the panels and battery storage, all backed by one of the best warranties in the business.
Their products are superb too, none better than the M-line from its SunPower Equinox Series. The panels boasta maximum power output of 440 watts and efficiency rating of 22.8%, both best in class. “We also like the fact that SunPower uses microinverters behind each panel to convert sunlight into power for your home,” adds Rothman. “Besides maximizing power and efficiency, it means the entire system won’t shut down if there’s an issue with one panel, which is the case with solar panels that use a central inverter.” All that innovation doesn’t come cheap, but our experts say it’s worth paying a premium for SunPower, given the exceptional performance and peace of mind.
4. BEST SOLAR PANELS FOR WARM CLIMATES
REC Alpha Pure-R
PROS
- Excellent power output in all climates
- Sleek, durable design
- Very good guaranteed capacity
CONS
- REC doesn’t produce other equipment, like batteries and inverters
Europe’s largest manufacturer of solar panels, REC was founded in Norway in 1996, making it another brand that our experts say you can count on over the long haul. REC produces several lines of high-quality panels, all of which feature monocrystalline solar cell technology for maximum output and efficiency, even at higher temperatures. Though you’ll pay top dollar for it, our experts recommend the Alpha Pure-R, which can crank out up to 430 watts and will still be operating at 92% capacity after 25 years. “The all-black design also gives the panels a particularly sleek look,” says Rothman.
The panel is backed by a 25-year warranty, provided you go with a REC-certified installer, and it’s guaranteed to produce 92% of its output by the end of its warrantied life. The one drawback with REC is it only produces solar panels, so if you want to add other components, like battery storage, you’ll have to settle for a piecemeal system with different installers, service contracts and the like.
5. MOST POPULAR WITH PROFESSIONALS
Qcells Q.Peak Duo Blk ML-G10+
PROS
- Competitive pricing
- Wide distribution
- Well suited to heavy snow and rain
CONS
- Power production might decline more rapidly
As we noted earlier, you shouldn’t automatically go with the solar panel recommended by your installer. On the other hand, it’s always good to know which brands pass muster with the pros.
In the case of solar panels, that distinction belongs to Qcells, founded in Germany in 1999 and now headquartered in South Korea (though their factory in Dalton, Georgia is the largest solar manufacturing facility in the Western Hemisphere). Pros like Qcell because of its competitive pricing and wide availability. Homeowners like the low prices too, as well as the solid performance and clean aesthetics of Qcell’s line of solar panels. Their aluminum alloy frame can withstand heavy snow and rain.
The top-of-the-line Q.PEAK Duo BLK ML-G10+ series generates 41o watts, which is slightly less than other top picks, but still respectable. The panel’s efficiency and guaranteed capacity are more middle-of-the-pack and power production might drop off in very hot climates. But for a dependable solar panel at an affordable price, Qcell is one to consider.
