Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic systems, make for an excellent home investment. Not only do they generate clean electricity and reduce your carbon footprint, but they can also save you thousands in energy bills over the years and can add resale value to your home.
Despite these advantages, choosing solar panels can be a daunting task. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The best solar panels for home use are those that meet your specific needs.
The 3 Best Solar Panels for Your Home
This article both narrows down your selection and provides you with a comprehensive buyer’s guide so that you can make an informed purchase.
1. SunPower 110-Watt Flexible Solar Panel
This SunPower Maxeon solar panel is one of the best solar panels for home use because of its power, durability, and reliability. Not only is it known as the most efficient solar panel in the industry, but it generates more power from the same roof than other panels. This results in higher savings.
The panel’s reliability also means lower degradation rates and long-lasting investment. Furthermore, SunPower’s Maxeon cells are highly durable and don’t break under tough conditions. Instead, they bend, and have a lifespan of approximately 40 years.
Because the SunPower Maxeon solar panel is flexible up to 30 degrees, it’s easy to install no matter the surface. Installation, removal, and transport are also made easy because of the lightweight construction of the panel. In case of any problems, SunPower also provides customers with both power and product warranties.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Reliable
- Durable copper-base construction
- Easy installation
- Efficient
- Portable
- Flexible
- 5-year power warranty
- 2-year product warranty
Cons:
- Premium price
2. Renogy 100-Watt 12-Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel
The Renogy 100-watt monocrystalline solar panel is our top pick for the best solar panels for home use because it’s reliable, versatile, and durable, all at a very affordable price. It also prioritizes convenience, since it comes installation-ready with pre-drilled holes for mounting and grounding.
This solar panel’s versatility allows for a multitude of functions, including working on both on-grid and off-grid systems. From residential use to use in RVs and campers, the Renogy 100-Watt solar panel is extremely versatile. In fact, it comes with a junction box, connector leads, and other cables to make expansion easy.
Made with a corrosion-resistant aluminum frame, this solar panel is made to be long-lasting. In fact, it’s also built to withstand high winds and snow loads and comes with an IP65-rated junction box for protection against the environment. This, in combination with the low-iron, tempered glass makes the panel impact-resistant and highly durable.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Reliable
- Durable
- Versatile
- Easy installation
- 25-year transferable power output
- 5-year material and workmanship warranty
- Compatible with on-grid and off-grid systems
Cons:
None.
3. WEIZE 100-Watt 12-Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel
The WEIZE monocrystalline solar panel is another of our favorites for residential use. However, because of how versatile it is, this isn’t all it can do. Whether it’s an RV, boat, or cabin, this solar panel can be used in different locations for all power generation needs. In addition to its versatility, it’s also known for being highly efficient. Its monocrystalline construction alone ensures up to 21% more efficiency than polycrystalline solar panels.
Furthermore, this WEIZE solar panel is built to last. In addition to anodized aluminum frames and tempered glass, there’s a sealed junction box that makes the panel corrosion-resistant and weatherproof. The pre-drilled holes also make installation quick and easy.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable
- Highly efficient
- Low maintenance
- Durable
- Versatile
- Easy installation
- Warranty
Cons:
None.
Features to Consider
Keep these specifics in mind when looking for the best solar panels for home use.
Type of Solar Panel
There are three types of solar panels available on the market for home use: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film amorphous solar cells.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Monocrystalline solar panels are known for their sleek look and uniform appearance. They’re the most efficient of the three types of solar panels. Thus, it is more expensive than the alternatives. However, they’re also the least sustainable of the options.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Polycrystalline solar panels are less efficient than their monocrystalline counterparts but are also more sustainable and less expensive. While they aren’t as aesthetically pleasing because of their fragmented appearance and blue hue, they’re still a good option if you can’t afford monocrystalline solar panels.
Thin-Film Amorphous Solar Cells
Thin-film panels are the least expensive and the least efficient, but they’re the most sustainable option available.
From all the choices available, we would advise purchasing monocrystalline solar panels. Not only are they the most aesthetically pleasing, but they’re also the most efficient solar panels on the market today. In this guide, all our top picks are monocrystalline solar panels.
Efficiency
Solar panel efficiency refers to the proportion of sunlight that can be converted into usable electricity. This is expressed as a percentage, with the best solar panels for home use having an efficiency rating of around 15-22%.
Temperature Coefficient
The temperature coefficient measures how a solar panel’s efficiency will be affected by rising temperature. This is usually measured for every degree above 25ºC (77ºF), i.e., energy loss per 1ºC increase in temperature. The lower this number, the better.
Warranty
Solar panels come with performance and workmanship warranties, both of which show you that the manufacturer stands behind their product. Make sure that your warranty covers most of the panel’s lifespan before purchasing it.
Our Final Thoughts
Solar panels can be a great investment in your home to increase value and save money on energy bills. We hope that this guide to the best solar panels for home use has been helpful and can aid you in your journey to clean energy.
While all the products on this list are great ones, the Renogy 100-Watt 12-Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel has to be our favorite. In addition to the great price, it also wins across the board on versatility, durability, ease of installation, and reliability.
We’re sure you’ll be happy with the results no matter which product you end up picking. Just make sure that you take full advantage of the buyer’s guide when shopping for your solar panels.
