Much like cars, bicycles, and every appliance in your home, solar panels come in a wide variety of makes and models… so, claiming any panel is the “best solar panel” is not only subjective but also likely to change soon in the rapidly evolving renewable energy industry.
While there are plenty of great solar panel manufacturers in the US and around the world today, the most powerful, cost-efficient, and absolute best solar panel for any installation is always going to depend on the particular circumstances of the unique project.
In this article, we will walk through the different aspects of “better” solar panels before demonstrating exactly what you can do to choose the best solar panels for your home installation.
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What are the best solar panels?
To determine the best solar panels available for your specific installation, let's look at five key differentiators that make certain panels better than others in harnessing the sun and producing green electricity.
Efficiency
More than anything else, a solar panel’s efficiency is the key determinant of highly capable equipment. Today’s most efficient solar panels for homes are generally rated between 18-22%. And while breakthroughs are sometimes made at higher efficiencies in research labs, most innovations take extended periods of time to become commercially available.
Durability
Today’s most durable solar panels are rated to last for 20-30 years or more. As they age, solar cells slowly lose efficiency, and the best panels are typically insured with a multi-decade performance warranty.
Size
In a perfect world, you could always install solar panels with the highest wattage and efficiency ratings. However, factoring in solar panel size is also critical in new installations – especially when calculating the roof space needed for solar panels on residential roofs.
Appearance
The color of a solar panel may play a part in your decision marking if aesthetics are an important aspect of your installation. Whether restricted by historic building codes or made as a personal choice, either blue or black solar panels may help reach your green energy goals.
Source
To find the right price and best customer service for your solar panels, domestic brands from solar panels assembled in the US may be the right choice to avoid potential tariffs and shipping expenses. Even further, a new tax credit for American-made solar panels may help you save even more on your investment.
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The Best Home Solar Panel Brands
Although we would be glad to talk all day about the inner workings of the latest renewable energy technologies – when it's time to buy your solar panels – brand matters. By installing solar panels from a credible brand name, you can ensure the best possible end-to-end experience with your installation.
While the best solar panel brands are constantly changing, Palmetto always provides homeowners with sleek, American-assembled solar panels from manufacturers like Mission Solar and Qcells with 25-year performance warranty periods and efficiency ratings greater than 19.8%.
Learn more about our end-to-end solar panel solutions.
How to Choose the Best Solar Panels
Choosing the best solar panels for a home installation is always a project-by-project decision.
However, this choice should almost always be left up to the contractor or business installing your solar power system. Essentially, unless you are planning a DIY solar project on your off-grid cabin – allowing your installer to provide the equipment will mitigate several potential risks of unreliable panels and better guarantee long-term success.
As a matter of fact, most professional solar installers prefer working with their own panels to ensure the quality and longevity of the system. In some instances, potential installers may even deny your request to install a set of solar panels that you have already acquired.
In addition to helping you design, permit, and install your solar energy system, working with a professional solar company will also help you:
- Utilize professional resources, networks, and business efficiencies to get the best deal
- Access multiple financing or solar lease options for a custom buying experience
- Ensure panel performance with long warranty periods and dependable after-sales service
Ask Palmetto about the best solar panels for your home.
If you are a homeowner considering solar in the US today, the best solar panels are those that are available to help meet your energy needs with decades of guaranteed, low-cost, emission-free electricity generation.
To provide our customers with the best possible renewable energy systems, every solar panel Palmetto installs fits a predetermined set of quality standards and passes several levels of onsite inspection and approval processes.
Allow us to hand-pick your solar panels:
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Brian ChurchWriterBrian is a writer, NABCEP PV associate and outdoor enthusiast living in Denver, Colorado. As a freelancer, Brian has written hundreds of articles to help individuals, businesses and our planet benefit from solar power and sustainable energy systems.
