The solar panel market has grown significantly over the last few years. Currently, there are hundreds of manufacturers trying to compete and sell their products. While competition is healthy, sometimes it leaves consumers with more choices than they need.
Homeowners are, by far, make up a significant portion of solar panel consumers. However, when you survey the market to look for the best solar panels for residential use, the variety can overwhelm you.
The 5 Best Solar Panels for Residential Use
The following guide narrows down your choices and will help you get the best product. Here are the five best solar panels you can buy for residential use.
1. SunPower 110 W Flex
SunPower is a space-friendly option for smaller homes. If you’re a homeowner looking for high-quality and efficient solar panels but are tight on space, this product is the best option for you. You can bend this solar panel up to 30 degrees, which allows it to fit around curved surfaces. Moreover, it is lightweight and performs well even in low light conditions.
If this is the first time you’re experimenting with a solar panel, you can also go for the 50W option as it costs less. This solar panel is also robust, which means it can easily withstand harsh weather conditions.
Pros
- Flexible design
- Robust
- Space friendly
- High efficiency and quality
Cons
- Price point is higher than other options
- May not work well for bigger residencies
2. Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline
Renogy 100 Watt Solar panel is the most famous product launched by Renogy so far. It has a sleek design that adds to your home’s overall appeal. Moreover, it also runs your off-grid applications by providing optimum power.
Additionally, it has monocrystalline solar cells that maintain its efficiency and output. If you wish to create an off-grid energy system, you can also add more panels. This solar panel is easy to install as it comes with pre-installed diodes. It offers 500W hours per day output, which means your house will never run out of energy.
Pros
- Anti-corrosion aluminum frame
- 25 years energy output warranty
- Sleek design
- Higher efficiency
- Easy to install
Cons
- May require additional panels to charge high voltage applications
3. HQST 100 Watt 12V Polycrystalline Solar Panel
This one is known for its high performance, especially for homes. Not only is it a great option for your off-grid needs, but it’s also pretty stiff and provides protection against any impact. It gives a top-notch performance even at night, thanks to its anti-reflective glass. You can also install it on your rooftop since it’s lightweight.
There are 36 solar cells on each panel that allow it to perform efficiently. Moreover, it’s waterproof; hence the performance remains consistent even during harsh weather conditions.
Pros
- Has 36 solar cells on each panel
- Is waterproof
- Stiff in design
- Has an anti-reflective glass
- Performs well in low light
Cons
- May require more panels for your entire home
4. Windy Nation 100W Solar Panel
The Windy Nation 100W solar panel is also among the best solar panels for residential use, but you can also use it for your cabins or boats. If you wire two panels parallel to each other, they will allow you to charge a 12V battery.
It has a heavy-duty aluminum frame that protects it from any possible impact. Moreover, it provides up to 600W hours of energy per day, which is more than enough for residential use.
Pros
- High energy conversion
- High-quality solar cells
- 25-year warranty
- Durable and has a heavy-duty aluminum frame
Cons
- One panel may not be enough to light up the entire house.
5. ECO-WORTHY Monocrystalline Solar Panel
This solar panel may be the last one on our list, but it’s equally outstanding. It comes with heavy-duty tempered glass; hence it’s quite durable. The next most notable quality of the ECO-WORTHY Solar Panel is that it’s waterproof and can withstand strong winds and snow loads.
Additionally, its resistant to corrosion, dust, and other elements, which means it’s much longer-lasting than the other options. The solar panels have a simple design, making them easy to install and maintain.
Even though it has a simple design, it can generate up to 500W of power daily regardless of the weather conditions. It’s user-friendly as you can easily connect it to devices. Thanks to its 12V module, it can power up many devices.
Pros
- Comes with pre-drilled holes, hence easy to install
- Higher durability
- Simple design
- More value for money
- Can generate 500W of energy
Cons
- Slightly heavy to move around
Factors to Consider When Buying Solar Panels
You must take a panel’s quality, performance, warranty, and durability into consideration when searching for the ideal product. You can also look into the following briefly.
Efficiency
If your panel’s efficiency rating is higher, it indicates your solar panel can convert more sunlight into energy. Therefore, always compare the efficiency ratings of different products before taking your pick.
Temperature Requirements
The temperature coefficient indicates how well your panel can perform in difficult conditions. Even though most products perform well under any condition, their ideal performance depends on how low the temperature is. If the temperature goes beyond 77 degrees Fahrenheit, your electricity production may decrease.
Warranty
Warranty is the biggest factor most people consider when purchasing any item. The same also applies to solar panels because the manufacturer should stand behind the product they’re selling. Having a significant warranty duration is important because it protects you from equipment failure due to environmental factors or unexpected defects. Typically, the warranty should be for at least ten years. However, some manufacturers also give up to 15 or 25 years of warranty.
Our Final Thoughts
Buying a solar panel for residential use requires a thorough consideration of all the factors mentioned above. Therefore, our top pick is the SunPower 110W solar panel. It stands as one of the best solar panels for residential use because it’s space-friendly, performs well in low-light conditions, is lightweight, and can withstand different weather conditions.
Even though it’s on the pricier side, there is good value for money. However, if the price is a concern, you can also look into the 50W option. Furthermore, you can refer to additional reviews to form your own opinion and evaluate your needs before buying a solar panel.
