10 Best Solar Panels to Buy in 2022
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Choosing the best solar panels to buy is a challenging task and one that requires proper research.
This is because unlike other products, it isn’t possible to try a solar panel then request a replacement if you do not like its performance.
And while solar panels are sustainable source of energy and they will reduce your energy consumption at home, solar panels are not cheap.
Hence, it falls to your better judgement to make sure you are getting the value of what you’re paying for.
So to help you out, we round up 10 of the best solar panels you can buy from the market.
When looking for the the perfect solar panel for your needs, make sure to consider these factors:
- Power – an essential factor to consider. You have to define your electricity consumption to match it with the product’s rated power capacity output.
- Dimensions – size always matters. If you are investing a significant amount for these, it is important to know how many can you fit in your place.
- Weight – If you put this on your roof, you need to ensure your roof can take the weight.
- Efficiency – the next most essential factor refers to the amount of sunlight it can convert to electricity.
- Cell type – It has three basic types: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin film. (see more info in FAQ)
- Temperature coefficient – refers to the decrease of efficiency when the panels’ temperature rises.
- Warranty – as we’ve already said, solar panels are a one-time purchase. It is your assurance to buy solar panels in case of defects or malfunction.
Let’s check out your options.
1. SunPower Maxeon 3 Solar Panel SPR-MAX3-400
Overview
- 400 W
- L: 66.53 in W: 41.18 in H: 1.57 in
- 41.88 lbs
- 22.6% efficiency
- Monocrystalline Maxeon Gen 3
- -0.27%/°C power temperature coefficient
- 40-year warranty
SunPower is on the top of this best solar panels list because it is the most efficient.
While there are other solar panels that deserves the top spot, we’ve settled for this one
Many factors are considered for ranking these solar panels, and this product’s efficiency is unmatchable given all the factors that may affect its efficiency.
The next best thing about SunPower is its warranty. Most solar panels last for 25-30 years, but SunPower offers a 40-year warranty.
That is why they are also recognized as a Top Performer in the 2021 PVL PV Module Reliability Scorecard.
Through hundreds and thousands of tests, they have developed a product with the lowest degradation rates in the industry.
Choosing this product will never be wrong, and your investments will all be worth it. Sun power’s quality is durable and long-lasting.
2. Panasonic Solar Panel EVPV410H
Overview
- 410 W
- L: 67.8 in W: 40 in H: 1.2 in
- 43 lbs
- 22.2% High module efficiency
- N-type Heterojunction technology half-cut cells
- -0.26%/°C temperature coefficient
- 25-year product and performance warranty
Panasonic competes well with the number one on our list because of its temperature coefficiency. After all, the best way to measure the strength of a device is its capacity to withstand difficult situations.
It has a stable performance with an efficiency rate of 22.2% because it has the lowest temperature coefficiency.
It is sure to perform well even in the hot season.
It is a robust panel for its size. Another good thing about the EverVolt H is it’s not space-consuming.
You can fit more compared to other solar panels with bigger sizes.
The warranty lasts for 25 years to maintain the panels’ performance until it is not usable anymore.
Panasonic’s stability in the solar industry is backed up by 45 years of experience and precision.
Their name is their assurance for quality and durability.
3. LG Solar Panel LG440QAC-A6
Overview
- 440 W
- L: 75.19 in W: 41.02 in H: 1.57 in
- 45.19 lbs
- 22.1% efficiency
- N-type monocrystalline cells
- -0.29%/°C power temperature coefficient
- 25-year warranty
LG has been known in the electronics industry like Panasonic, and its reputation for high-quality electronic products has been consistent through the years.
They didn’t earn this by creating sloppy products.
This product, the Neon R series, provides one of the highest efficiency on the list.
The temperature coefficient at 0.29%/°C is still very manageable, and this product will still perform on a high efficiency even in hot weather.
The stability of their solar panels is a product of 30-year intensive research and development.
Given that their products are of high quality, durability, and reliability, LG still provided a 25-year warranty, making the deal worth your money.
4. REC Solar Panel Alpha 72 Series
Overview
- 450 W
- L: 81.22 in W: 40.39 in H: 1.18 in
- 51.80 lbs
- 21.3% efficiency
- Half-cut cells with REC heterojunction cells technology
- -0.26%/°C power temperature coefficient
- 25-year product, labor, and performance warranty
Multiple awards prove REC Alpha solar panel’s quality. Its edge among other solar panels is it has less impact on the environment. It is Lead-free.
All panel components are lead-free, including cell connections, cross connectors, and junction box soldering.
It is what every solar panel manufacturer is trying to achieve. The technology is getting there.
Efficiency is still at a competitive level. It is good that its temperature coefficient is the lowest on the list.
Its cell technology is pretty advanced with an increased number of wires to improve the flow of electricity. The REC Alpha series can deliver 20% more power than other conventional panels.
Reliable with minimal impact, other companies can learn from REC how to build their solar panels.
5. Canadian Solar BiHiKu7 CS7N-665 MB-AG Solar Panel
Overview
- 665 W
- L: 93.9 in W: 51.3 in H: 1.38 in
- 83.6 lbs
- 21.4% – 25.7% efficiency
- Monocrystalline PERC cells
- -0.34%/°C power temperature coefficient
- 12 years enhanced product warranty 30 years enhanced linear power output property
Together with Jinko Solar, Canadian Solar is the two most oversized solar panels on the list in dimensions. This product is the heaviest on the list.
It is essential to know the weight of the panels to assess where to put them. Wherever you decide to put them will be most likely permanent for the next 30 years.
This particular solar panel is the only bifacial model on the list. It means that it can capture light from the front and back sides of the panels.
It has a standard efficiency of 21.4% that can reach up to 25.7% due to its bifacial aspects. The panels should be tilted appropriately to maximize for better light capture.
So why did is it not on our top list?
The truth is it should be, but for the current trends, bifacial solar panels are a little more delicate to use and are more advisable on the utility market than on residential applications.
Experts expect a shift in bifacial solar panel purchases in the coming years. Maybe it will end up in our top 3 next year.
6. Jinko Solar Tiger Neo 78HC Solar Panel
Overview
- 615 W
- L: 97.05 in W: 44.65 in H: 1.38 in
- 67.46 lbs
- 22% efficiency
- N-type TOPCon cells
- -0.3%/°C temperature coefficient
- 12-year product warranty 30-year linear performance warranty
Jinko solar’s efficiency is almost as high as our top 3. The reason why it didn’t make the cut is because of the temperature coefficient.
The product is more likely to perform less than the products above during the hot season, but rest assured that Jinko Solar Tiger Neo can go head-to-head with these top products.
It does have a competitive light trapping and current collection to improve module power output and reliability.
If we talk about durability, this is where Jinko Solar will steal the show.
This product is designed to withstand extreme environmental conditions with high salt mist and ammonia resistance.
Its construction can take 2400 pascal of wind load and 5400 pascal of snow load.
Its performance will be checked, mainly if problems occur because of its 30-year linear performance warranty, which ensures that your solar panels are always working at their best.
7. Silfab Solar SIL-380-BK Solar Panel
Overview
- 380 W
- L: 70.67 in W: 38.98 in H: 1.5 in
- 41.9 lbs
- 21.4% efficiency
- High-efficiency back-contact mono-PERC c-Si cells
- -0.37%/°C power temperature coefficient
- 25-year product warranty 30-year linear performance warranty
So far, Silfab Solar is making a name in the solar industry. The past years have been very significant for them to establish a reputation with other big companies.
They pride themselves on their automated manufacturing process that enables them to produce high-quality solar panels at a fast phase.
That is hard to do. Maintaining high-quality products in a high amount of production in a short period is challenging.
Silfab Solar has maintained competitive efficiency and temperature coefficient rate that will not disappoint.
Their products are used by US Military and Federal Aviation Administration properties.
You can’t doubt their product quality and legitimacy if government departments themselves trust Silfab Solar technology.
8. Q Cells Solar Panel Q. PEAK DUO ML-G10
Overview
- 415 W
- L: 73.97 in W: 41.14 in H: 1.25 in
- 48.5 lbs
- 21.4% efficiency
- Monocrystalline Q. ANTUM solar half cells
- -0.34%/°C power temperature coefficient
- 25-year product and linear performance warranty
Q cells used to be a Germany-based company acquired and operating in South Korea.
Their products are tested thoroughly as they are the first solar module manufacturer to pass the most comprehensive quality program TÜV Rheinland “Quality Controlled PV Certification.”
This certification boosted its legitimacy and reputation to keep up with its competitors.
You can’t say less about their product’s performance. The company’s efficiency is above 20%, which is the standard efficiency of every solar panel.
Their efficiency rate is enough to manage a temperature coefficient of -0.34%/°C.
Q cells and the other underdogs in the industry continue to improve and upgrade their solar panels into a product that can match the top providers.
It will not take long until they are all on the same tier in quality, durability, and performance.
9. Phono Solar PS505M6H Solar Panel
Overview
- 505 W
- L: 82.44 in W: 44.65 in H: 1.38 in
- 59.52 lbs
- 21.27% efficiency
- Monocrystalline PERC cells
- -0.35%/°C power temperature coefficient
- 12-year product warranty 25-year linear performance warranty
Phono Solar has been around for almost 15 years.
They have managed to be part of Bloomberg’s list of Tier 1 solar manufacturers through these years. It is one of the highest distinctions in the solar panel industry.
All of their products are at the same level of outstanding performance. We picked this specific model because it has the highest efficiency rate among all their products.
They also have their bifacial type of solar panels.
Their products have a 12-year warranty and a 25-year linear performance warranty. Phono Solar will be with you throughout the life span of your solar panels.
Some say that the degradation rate of Phono Solar panels could be a problem in the future as it adds up.
But for as long as they always check it, it could slow it down.
10. Hyundai Solar Panel HiE-S410VG
Overview
- 410 W
- L: 67.67 in W: 44.88 in H: 1.37 in
- 48.5 lbs
- 20.9% efficiency
- PERC monocrystalline silicon shingled
- -0.34%/°C power temperature coefficient
- 25-year product warranty
Hyundai is also a known brand. Purchasing from these brands will be less problematic since they have already established a name for themselves.
The warranty they offer is market standard to ensure that they will see your solar panels through until it is not working anymore.
Their consistency in their product is maintained; if not, it is continually improving.
Their products are durable as they can withstand extreme weather conditions like heavy snow and strong winds.
As far as performance is concerned, Hyundai may be the lowest, but being part of this list already means that their product is one of the bests.
Final Thoughts
Solar panels technology is gaining popularity, and many homeowners consider it an alternative to the traditional energy source.
However, using solar panels is a big decision.
People should give it a lot of thought before buying because there are many possible options.
We hope this list of 10 best solar panels can help you make an informed purchase.
Solar Panels Frequently Asked Questions
How many solar panels are needed to power a house?
Most consumers buy 20 to 25 solar panels for their homes, but still, it depends on your energy consumption. Having solar panels doesn’t mean you can exceed your normal energy consumption. The number of solar panels you buy should suffice your energy needs since it is not cheap.
Which solar panel produces the most electricity?
The entry-level of efficiency should start at 20%. The most efficient in the market has an efficiency rating of 22.8% but should be complemented with a low-temperature coefficient for much more stable use.
What are the most efficient solar panels?
Currently, the most efficient solar panels are produced by Sun power. They have managed to maintain high efficiency with a low-temperature coefficient. However, there are bifacial types of solar panels with an energy efficiency that can go as high as 25%.
What are the 3 cell types of solar panels?
The three types of solar cells are monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin film. Monocrystalline is the most efficient but pretty expensive. Polycrystalline is cheaper with less silicone waste but with only 13-16% efficiency. Thin-film cells are also cheap but a bit delicate making them unideal with a short lifespan and warranty.
