Best Solar Panels for Homes in 2023

Solar panels for homes are becoming more affordable and accessible than ever before. The U.S. installed a record 4.6 gigawatts (GW_dc) of solar PV capacity in Q3 2022, raising the total installed capacity to 135.7 (GW_dc). That’s enough to power 24 million American homes [1].

It’s exciting to see how rapidly the solar industry is growing and transforming the way we think about energy. Just recently, president Joe Biden has signed a new legislation that includes bigger investments in renewable energy and measures to tackle climate change. One of the provisions in this law is a 30% solar tax credit, valid until 2032, to encourage even more Americans to consider “going solar” [2].

A Pew Research Center poll taken in 2022 found that 39 percent of homeowners were seriously thinking about getting solar panels for their homes. Solar energy accounted for a record 45 percent of the new electricity-generating capacity added in the United States in Q3 2022, which proves these sentiments are being translated into action [3].

The trends in solar—and in the U.S. energy market—are clear and unmistakable. If you do decide to jump on the solar energy bandwagon soon, you certainly won’t be taking that leap alone.

Our comprehensive guide will help you navigate the solar panel industry and make informed decisions about which panels are best for your home.

Best Solar Panels in 2023

To help homeowners make informed decisions when it comes to choosing the best solar panels, we did extensive research and looked for the top solar panel manufacturers in the United States. We researched and analyzed solar panels based on several key criteria, including efficiency, durability, warranty, cost, and customer reviews. Based on our research, these are the top ten solar panel manufacturers in the industry in 2023:

Solar Panel Company	Greentumble Rating Score	Max Efficiency	Max Panel Wattage (W)	Solar Panel Warranty
	5.0	22.8%	440w	40 Years
	4.8	22.2%	410w	25 Years
	4.7	22.5%	440w	25 Years
	4.7	22.8%	440w	25 Years
	4.5	22.3%	430w	25 Years
	4.5	22.3%	400w	25 Years
	4.3	22.3%	400w	25 Years
	4.2	21.9%	425w	25 Years
	4.0	22.2%	480w	25 Years
	4.0	22.3%	440w	25 Years

SunPower – Winner for Best Solar Panels This Year

If you’re looking for the best solar panels in the industry, look no further than SunPower. With over 30 million solar panels installed worldwide, SunPower has generated a staggering 18 billion kilowatt-hours of clean electricity [4]. And helped more than 510,400 homeowners to save on their energy bills so far [5].

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SunPower made its early breakthroughs in the field of solar energy in 2003, when it achieved a world record efficiency rate of over 20% for its solar cells. The cells that were available at that time were in the range of 12% to 15% [6].

This was a massive milestone in the solar industry because it showed the real potential of solar energy to become a viable alternative to traditional energy sources.

Today, SunPower’s Maxeon solar panels have been proven to outperform any other solar panels in even the harshest of conditions, with a maximum efficiency of 22.8% [7].

• Warranty: SunPower recently made a big announcement: their Maxeon 3 solar panels now come with an extended warranty of 40 years! It is currently the longest warranties you can find in the solar panel industry. And that’s not all, based on a failure analysis program on 15 million panels, SunPower reported a remarkable 0.005% return rate for their panels [4].

• Efficiency: When it comes to solar panels, efficiency is the name of the game. The more efficient a panel is, the more sunlight it can transform into electricity. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want more bang for their buck?

SunPower panels can reach a maximum efficiency of 22.8%. This is the maximum efficiency that can be achieved today in residential solar panels.

• Temperature Coefficient: The temperature coefficient measures how a solar panel’s performance is affected by changes in temperature. SunPower’s solar panels have a low temperature coefficient of -0.29%/°C, which means they can maintain their efficiency even in high temperatures.

• Performance in Low Light Conditions: An unfortunate reality that many solar panel owners only realize after installation: shade happens. And often it is inevitable. Shading comes from many sources, such as nearby structures or objects that cast shadows over your roof. But no matter the source, the result is the same: less direct sunlight reaching your panels, leading to less reliable system operation.

Now for the good news. Not all solar panels are created equal, and some are better at dealing with shading than others. SunPower’s solar panels are the #1 for best performance in shade.

Check the video below to learn how Sunpower’s solar panels work in shade. The technology is truly impressive and unmatched in the solar industry.

Panasonic – Runner-up

Panasonic Solar Panels are a strong runner-up in our rankings. Like SunPower, Panasonic has been in the solar industry for a very long time and their solar panels have proven to be reliable and efficient.

Panasonic produces so-called HIT solar cells. These cells can convert a maximum of 22.2% of sunlight into electricity at mass production level. The company produces about 600 megawatts of HIT solar cells every year and the future for Panasonic looks very promising.

Back in 2014, Panasonic announced that it has received a conversion efficiency of 25.6% in its HIT(R) solar cells [8]. While these amazing results were just from a research level, they are going to be released for commercial use in the near future that’s for sure.

• Warranty: Panasonic offers a 25-year warranty on their solar panels, which is standard in the industry. The company also offers product warranties of the same length, backed by their output warranty.

• Efficiency: Panasonic solar panels have an efficiency rating of up to 22.2%. Falls just a bit short of SunPower’s maximum efficiency of 22.8%.

• Temperature Coefficient: Panasonic’s solar panels have a temperature coefficient of -0.26%/°C and it is the highest output temperature coefficient in the world right now. It is slightly better than SunPower at this aspect so you can definitely count on top performance with these panels under heat stress [9].

Panasonic’s newest line of solar panels is the EverVolt series with half-cut HIT solar cells. Half-cut cells are simply photovoltaic solar cells that have been cut in half. By making the cells smaller, there are lower heat losses in the solar system and increases the cells’ efficiency.

• Availability: Panasonic’s solar panels are available in all 50 states. This is an area where Panasonic and SunPower are equal.

• Price: Panasonic’s solar panels are slightly cheaper than SunPower’s, making them a more cost-effective option for homeowners who prioritize affordability. However, the price difference is not significant. Homeowners should weigh the benefits of each panel against the cost on an individual level.

Best Solar Panel Ranking Factors

Warranty

When you invest in solar panels, you want to know that you’re covered in case anything goes wrong.

At Greentumble, we use warranty as the number one metric to rank solar panels, and we only give high ratings to companies that offer the best warranty in the industry. We believe that a strong warranty is a key factor in ensuring that people are secure in their investment.

It’s common sense, right? When you invest in solar panels, you deserve the peace of mind that comes with a comprehensive and reliable warranty.

A useful tip to solar companies: As a solar panel manufacturer, having the best warranty for your clients can set you apart from the competition and help you become a leader in the industry. Providing your clients with an exceptional warranty is not only a great selling point, but it also shows that you stand behind the quality of your products.

Best Solar Panels Ranked by Warranty

Solar Panel Company	Solar Panel Warranty
	40 Years
	25 Years
	25 Years
	25 Years
	25 Years

Efficiency

When it comes to solar panels, efficiency is key. And it’s another important metric for our ranking system. The efficiency of a panel refers to how much sunlight it can turn into electricity. The more efficient a panel is, the more electricity it can produce. With other words, you can generate more energy with fewer panels.

When it comes to efficiency, the company that puts the most effort into improving their solar technology and ensuring their customers are satisfied is sure to hold a top spot in our rankings.

Best Solar Panels Ranked by Efficiency

Solar Panel Company	Max Efficiency (%)
	22.8%
	22.8%
	22.5%
	22.3%
	22.3%

Temperature coefficient

The temperature coefficient is a measure of how much a solar panel’s efficiency (how well it can turn sunlight into electricity) decreases as it gets hotter. The hotter it gets, the less efficient it becomes, which means it produces less electricity from the same amount of sunlight. And since solar panels are often exposed to sunlight for long periods of time, especially in hot places, it’s important to pay attention to this coefficient.

The best temperature coefficient is one that is as low as possible. A low coefficient means that even if the solar panel gets hotter, it won’t lose as much efficiency.

Best Solar Panels by Temperature Coefficient

Solar Panel Company	Temperature Coefficient Pmax (%/°C)
	-0.26
	-0.26
	-0.26
	-0.29
	-0.34

How to Find the Best Solar Panel Deals

Investing in solar panels for your home can provide a significant long-term benefit, not only to the environment but also to your wallet. However, finding the best solar panel deals can be a challenge, especially if you’re not familiar with the technology or industry.

A good place to start is to research the solar options available in your area. Look for panels that have high efficiency ratings and long warranties, as these factors often indicate a high-quality product that will last for many years and they come with the best return on investment in the long-term.

Should You Get Solar Panels Now or Wait?

Every year you wait to install solar panels is another year you’ll be purchasing 100 percent of your electricity from the grid, thereby postponing your quest for energy independence. Depending on the size of your home and family, switching from grid power to solar energy could save you anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 per year on your utility bills in the long-term.

Another reason to make the jump to solar as quickly as possible is so you can enjoy the special financial benefits that are currently available, but may not be for much longer.

For example, net metering practices that allow homeowners to sell their excess solar power to utility companies have become increasingly controversial. Many states have announced cutbacks in net metering practices, and some may ultimately eliminate net metering altogether (Hawaii and Louisiana are two states that have already done so) [10]. Other states are planning to keep their net metering programs but eventually to begin restricting access to existing solar customers only.

By installing your new solar panels this year, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of net metering while they’re still available and still generous.

Tax credits and rebate programs that can help offset solar equipment purchase and installation costs may also be at risk. Some of these initiatives will be allowed to expire (the 30 percent federal tax credit is currently set to expire in 2032), others may be phased out gradually, and still others might be ended abruptly by states, counties, or municipalities dealing with sudden budget crunches.

Should you decide to wait to purchase solar panels for two or three years, you might get lower quotes from solar installation companies than you’d get next week or next month. But those savings may be an insufficient substitute for the benefits you’ll enjoy by going solar now, while governments are still enthusiastically supporting the industry.

How Many Solar Panels Does It Take to Power a Home?

The average American home will require somewhere between 15 and 19 solar panels to meet 100 percent of their energy needs. The final number is based on a homeowner’s individualized energy use habits, which vary by home size, home architecture, family size, and lifestyle.

Fortunately, you won’t have to guess how many solar panels your home requires. There is a simple calculation you can perform, using readily available data, that will help you determine this number.

This equation is:

Average Monthly Energy Consumption (In Kilowatt-Hours)

To determine the first number, you’ll need to check your utility bills, covering a 12-month period, to find out how much electricity you use in a single year. This data may be provided on one monthly bill, or you may need to add your energy use totals from 12 separate monthly bills to get this number. You’ll then divide the number by 12 to obtain your average monthly consumption total.

Average Monthly Peak Sun Hours

Peak sun hours are when the sun is more or less directly above you. They are important because it is during these times when your solar panels will be producing the vast majority of their daily energy. Peak sun hours will vary based on season, but you can still get a good approximation of how many solar panels you’ll need by using the average monthly number.

To get that number, you should multiply your state’s peak sun hour daily average by 30.

When you divide your monthly electricity consumption by peak sun hours, your answer will be expressed in kWh. The number you get will tell you how big your solar panel array will need to be to meet 100 percent of your electricity needs.

For example, if you consume 1,000 kWh of power each month, and live in an area with an average daily peak sun hour total of five, you would divide 1,000 by (5×30) 150, which would produce an answer of 6.67 kWh—which is the size of the solar energy system you’d need to purchase to meet all of your home power needs.

To convert this into actual solar panels, you’ll need to multiply your answer by 1,000. This converts kilowatt-hours into watts (6.67 would become 6670 in our hypothetical example), and you’ll need this information because solar panels are rated by the number of watts they are capable of producing.

The best solar panels will likely be rated at around 400 watts, which is an expression of its power-producing potential.

If you decided to install standard-size panels in our hypothetical example, you would divide 6670 watts by 400 watts, and your final answer would be 16.67. Rounding up, this would mean you’d need to purchase 17 standard-sized, 400 watt solar panels to meet 100 percent of your home energy needs.

Naturally, you could reduce this number by purchasing high-efficiency panels, which convert a greater percentage of sunlight into electrical energy. High-efficiency panels aren’t likely to cost you more on a per watt basis, and should be the preferred choice when roof space is limited.

Should You Purchase Extra Solar Panels?

It is recommended to install a solar panel array that includes a 25 percent “cushion,” or extra generating capacity, to make up for the fact that your solar panels won’t work at their highest potential efficiency at all times.

This may happen because:

• Weather conditions (clouds or storms) reduce actual peak sun hours on some days, enough so that your battery storage isn’t always sufficient to meet all of your energy needs
• Your rooftop’s orientation or tilt angle doesn’t allow your solar panels to be installed at an optimal angle for capturing the sun’s rays
• Shading over your rooftop decreases sunlight exposure at certain times of the day
• Your solar panels are a few years old and have lost some of their energy-generating capacity (this type of attrition is expected)

You should consult with your solar contractor about these issues, and they can help you decide whether or not you really need to install extra panels.

Other Questions to Ask When Buying Solar Panels for Your Home

You’ll undoubtedly have many questions you’d like to have answered by a solar contractor or other industry authority, before you commit to the technology and sign an installation agreement.

Here are just a few examples of questions that homeowners frequently ask when they’re considering solar power:

Are ground-mounted solar arrays as good as rooftop panels?

In comparison to rooftop systems, ground-mounted solar arrays are more costly because they require more labor to install and more parts, pieces, and sections to connect to your home.

Nevertheless, ground-mounted solar panels can be an excellent alternative if your roof:

• Has a tilt of greater than 40 degrees
• Is made of wood or slate
• Is excessively shaded with trees or buildings that can’t be removed
• Has less than 300 square feet of open and unobstructed area

Do I need a solar battery for energy storage if I have a grid-connected system?

If your solar array remains connected to the grid, you can usually qualify for net metering credits that create a favorable balance of payments on the grid energy you purchase. In this situation, you’ll have no need to include battery storage with your system.

However, if you live in a state that offers reduced or wholesale rates in place of full-value net metering credits, you’d be better off storing your excess energy in a solar battery and using it yourself, rather that diverting it to the grid [39].

If you should ever decide to go completely off-grid, you’ll absolutely need to have battery storage for your system, since solar panels can’t produce electricity 24 hours a day.

Are solar leases and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) a good way to take the leap into solar?

As an alternative to purchasing solar panels, you can contract a third-party to install them for you, with no money down required. Under these arrangements, you won’t own the panels outright, but will still have the right to purchase the power they produce for a set monthly fee (solar lease) or sliding fee based on consumption (PPA).

These plans will offer some savings in comparison to your normal utility bills. But you’ll never actually own your solar panels and will therefore never enjoy the benefits associated with a direct solar panel purchase. The company that owns the panels will cash in on the rebates, tax credits, and SRECs, which makes a leasing or PPA arrangement vastly inferior to a cash purchase or loan-financed purchase in the long run.

Over a 20-year period, you’ll save one-and-a-half times more on utility bills with a financed solar panel purchase, and two-and-a-half times more if you buy your solar panels outright with cash.

Do you really need to purchase more solar panels as a “cushion” for power deficits?

If you plan to install a grid-connected solar energy system, or purchase and install a home battery system to store excess solar energy for later use, you are unlikely to need extra solar panels beyond the recommended level. As long as you have excess ground or roof space, you could always add a panel or two later if necessary.

The one exception to this advice is if you know you’ll be remodeling or renovating in the near future. This could increase your daily demand for electricity and require a more expansive solar array.

In general, it’s an advantage to have unused roof or ground space after an installation is complete, since this will allow you to add more panels later if your current system proves inadequate for any reason.

How will having solar panels installed affect my property values?

Research reported by Zillow shows that adding solar panels to your home can increase its value by 4.1% more than homes without solar installed [13].

To fully enjoy this benefit, however, it is important that you don’t still owe money on a solar loan while you’re trying to sell. This can scare off potential buyers who worry you’ll abandon your obligations and refuse to pay back your loan once you’ve moved out of the home, leaving them in a sticky situation.

This short list of queries is just to get you started. You can find more important questions to ask when buying solar panels here.

Are You Ready for Solar? It Is Definitely Ready for You

Right now, solar panel arrays are spouting like sunflowers on rooftops and lots across the American landscape. If you join the solar movement, you’ll be adding your name to the rolls of a growing club of solar enthusiasts, who are doing their part to save the planet while also enjoying significant savings on their utility bills.

Solar is a virtuous technology, and its virtues make it an easy sell to consumers who are paying attention.