The Best Solar Panels for Homes in 2024

Check out our top-rated manufacturers for the best solar panels: 

• Sunpower: Our pick for most experience
• Silfab: Our pick for warranties
• Panasonic: Our pick for premium panels
• Qcells: Our pick for innovation 
• Canadian Solar: Our pick for colder climates
• Trina Solar: Our pick for affordability

Get an installation quote on top quality panels from one of our recommend installation companies using the panel below:

Before you decide which of these providers offers the best solar panels for your unique needs, consider the efficiency, cost, warranty and type of panel you’re looking for.

Compare our top six solar panel manufacturers and let one of top solar panel installation companies provide you a free quote.

*Credit: Scott Williams of Solar Electric Supply, Inc. and Tatiana Boronnikova, Business Manager at A1 SolarStore.

**Note: solar panel costs listed above are at wholesale prices, without installation.

The country of origin, durability, efficiency and type of panel all determine the final cost of a solar panel. According to a survey that we conducted on 1,000 homeowners with solar, solar panels cost between $15,000-$20,000 on average per home.

Country of Origin

The cheapest solar panels come from China, according to Tatiana Boronnikova, Business Manager and Senior Editor at A1 SolarStore. “The most famous Chinese brands with cheap panels are Jinko Solar, Trina Solar, JA Solar and LONGi Solar.” In contrast, she noted that panels from North American brands are slightly more expensive, including Silfab, Mission Solar and Canadian Solar.

The difference in cost typically means a difference in warranties. “Chinese panels have shorter product warranties – usually, 10-15 years, with 12 being [the] standard,” she added. North American panels may also offer better performance. “Expensive panels tend to have a better conversion efficiency.”

Durability

High-end brands like Panasonic and SunPower have design features that make their panels more durable, but also more expensive. For instance, Panasonic panels have an aluminum frame that can withstand 210 mph winds, and SunPower panels have a copper foundation that makes them resistant to cracking.

Efficiency

If you have limited roof space, high-efficiency panels like the ones offered by SunPower will help you maximize your solar power system’s energy production and minimize the number of panels you need. However, high-quality, high-efficiency panels are typically more expensive, and having the most efficient panels on the market isn’t necessary if you have ample roof space. Making sure to routinely clean and maintain your solar panels can also help to improve the efficiency of your system.

Type of Panel

There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are the most popular, efficient and long-lasting panels of the three. They’re also the most expensive. However, because polycrystalline and thin-film panels are less efficient, polycrystalline are usually reserved for large, commercial installations where roof space is not a constricting factor, and thin-film are mostly used for smaller applications like on boats and RVs.

High-quality solar panels might be more expensive than other options, but they’re more efficient and come with a longer warranty. Ultimately, that means you can purchase fewer panels to power your home and can rely on your system lasting 25 years or longer. Any of the panels on our list will be high-quality panels that you can count on to power your home.

Although going solar has a high upfront cost, most people who install solar panels on their homes will save thousands of dollars on electricity bills in the long run. However, every solar system is different, and whether or not solar panels are worth it for you can depend on a number of factors.

If one or more of these apply to you, solar panels are likely a smart investment: 

• The cost of electricity where you live is high, resulting in high energy bills 
• Your roof receives a lot of sunlight (especially if it faces south)
• Your roof is large and doesn’t have a lot of features that would prevent a panel from laying flat on it
• You live in a state like California or Arizona that receives a lot of sunlight 
• The state you live in has local solar incentives (every homeowner is eligible for the 30% federal solar tax credit)

“With home energy costs high and likely to continue increasing in the long and short term, our team firmly believes solar to be a crucial and worthwhile investment,” said Greg Fasullo, the CEO of Elevation Solar. “Not only will you see returns on your installation in the form of lower energy bills and payments for grid services, you’re improving the carbon footprint of your home and increasing its overall value.”

Ultimately, you should speak with a local expert about your energy needs and weigh your options to decide if solar is right for you. 

Learn more about your home services options in our top reviews to see how you can keep your peace of mind.

• Explore the Top Pet Insurance Companies 
• Leading Home Warranty Providers
• Top Picks for National Gutter Guards
• Analyzing the Best Window Brands
• Top-rated Solar Panel Installers
• Affordable Home Warranty Providers
• Compare Premier Interstate Movers

We scored each solar panel manufacturer based on the most important considerations for homeowners looking to invest in renewable energy: Solar panel tier, cost per watt, efficiency range and warranty period.

We spoke with five solar experts when researching the best solar panels, including two solar wholesalers, a solar durability representative at PV Evolution Labs and the CEO of Elevation Solar. We also received cost information from solar wholesalers and extensively researched each solar manufacturer’s lineup to holistically rank each one.

Here’s how we broke down the scoring:

• Tier (30%): Premium panels received the highest number of points in this category, while value panels scored slightly lower.
• Cost per watt (30%): Solar panel brands that were far more expensive than the average lost points in this category.
• Efficiency range (20%): Solar panels that had an efficiency of over 21% earned full points in this category.
• Warranty period (20%): Solar manufacturers who offer a 25-year warranty (or longer).