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The 4 Best Solar Panels for Homes: Expert Reviewed

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Author Image Written by Tamara Jude + 1 other Reviewed by Roger Horowitz Updated 11/05/2024

With so many solar panels to choose from, finding the right ones can feel overwhelming. We’ve spent more than 300 hours researching the best solar panels available to help you narrow down your choices. Learn more about each of our top panels, their benefits, and how they impact your solar investment in our guide.


Top 4 Solar Panels for Homes

We analyzed the best solar companies product selections, efficiency ratings, customer reviews and more to choose the following solar panels as our top picks.

Best Solar Leasing : SunRun
Best East Coast Installer : Solar Energy World
Most Reputable : Blue Raven

Major Differences in Solar Panels

  • Cost: Panel pricing varies between solar installers and panel manufacturers. You’ll pay more for higher quality, name-brand panels that produce more energy. For solar panels on a budget, check out our guide to cheap solar panels.
  • Efficiency: High-efficiency panels convert more sunlight into usable electricity than low-efficiency options, leading to better energy production, savings, and return on investment. You’ll also need fewer high-efficiency panels to achieve the same energy production as lower-efficiency ones.
  • Panel type: Monocrystalline panels offer the best power production and efficiency but cost the most. Polycrystalline solar panels are more affordable but provide lower energy production. 
  • Warranty: Consider solar panels with warranties of 25 years or longer to protect your investment. Most manufacturer warranties last 25 years, while workmanship coverage lasts for 10. Some companies have a performance warranty that guarantees your panels won’t fall below a certain production level as they age.

Our Top Solar Panel Companies

Sunrun

4.5

We like Sunrun for its four financing options, including its unique leasing options if you don’t want to own your system. This stands out to us because the other companies on this list don’t offer as many options.

Prepaid and leased systems also include a 25-year warranty with system service and maintenance, ongoing monitoring, and theft insurance. The company even offers financing plans for quality monocrystalline solar panels and products from trusted brands such as LG.

How We Scored Sunrun

Sunrun earned 4.4 out of 5 stars based on our methodology. The company gained many points for its positive reputation, comprehensive leasing options, and well-rounded warranty coverage. It lost some points for is limited service selection.

  • Solar Equipment and Services (15 out of 25 points): Sunrun provides solar panel and battery installation but uses third-party installers. Though this is becoming an industry standard, in-house installers typically yield better communication and quality. The company also doesn’t provide roofing services or energy audits but does offer quality active monitoring assistance. 
  • Warranty and Performance Guarantees (19 out of 25 points): Sunrun offers quality warranties, such as its 25-year manufacturer and labor warranty, but doesn’t include a performance guarantee. 
  • Brand Reputation and Professional Certifications (13 out of 15 points): Sunrun has one of the higher customer BBB ratings we’ve encountered, and the company maintains an overall positive customer reputation online.
  • Financing Options (13.5 out of 15 points): The company doesn’t offer any in-house financing but provides more warranty coverage for customers interested in solar leasing than other providers, such as Palmetto.
  • Industry Experience (9 out of 10 points): Sunrun holds 17 years of experience in the solar industry, making it a veteran compared to a newer company such as Blue Raven Solar.
  • State Availability (8 out of 10 points): The company only serves 18 states.

Pros and Cons

Pros Provides system monitoring that signals issues with your system Offers diverse financing options to suit various budgets Provides EV and solar battery solutions Cons Limited online information on solar incentive disqualification with leases Requires added costs for the same coverage plans as leased and prepaid customers Varies solar battery availability by state

Warranty and Financing

Warranty

Sunrun backs its systems with a 10-year comprehensive warranty which includes product, roof penetration, and workmanship coverage.

Financing Options

✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
✔ Lease
PPA

State Availability

Available in: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.

Reputation and Reviews

The company earned DroneDeploy’s 2022 Guardian of Safety Award for incorporating drone technology in its site assessments. In 2021 and 2022, Sunrun was recognized by Comparably with 14 awards. Its accolades include Best CEOs for Diversity 2022, Best Company Culture 2021, and Best Company for Women two years in a row.

Sunrun currently holds an A+ rating from the BBB and is accredited. Former customers praised the comprehensive coverage for leased systems but complained about delayed installations, poor customer service, and poor communication with project managers. Additionally, some customers note being confused by Sunrun’s leasing and PPA options, though they also mention Sunrun is willing to discuss and clarify these plans.

Solar Energy World

4.4

Solar Energy World (SEW) is one of the most robust and well-regarded solar installation companies. It boasts several impressive features, such as its 30-year manufacturer’s warranty. Its service area is limited, and it doesn’t offer energy auditing services. We like that SEW discloses what solar panels it primarily works with and that the panels are from trusted, quality brands such as Qcells and Silfab.

Roughly 11% of our surveyed solar users purchased their system from Solar Energy World.

How We Scored Solar Energy World

SEW scored 4.4 out of 5 stars according to our methodology. The company received many points because of its warranty, which is longer than most other solar companies’ warranties. SEW offers a 30-year manufacturer’s warranty on all its solar panels and inverters, whereas many providers only offer 25-year warranties.

  • Solar Equipment and Services (18 out of 25 points): The company is an ideal option for many basic solar products and services, such as solar panels and battery installation. It lost points because it doesn’t install EV chargers or perform energy audits.
  • Warranty and Performance Guarantees (19 out of 25 points): SEW’s manufacturer and labor warranties are standout features, but the company doesn’t include any production guarantees with its work. 
  • Brand Reputation and Professional Certifications (15 out of 15 points): The company’s reputation is one of the best, with high BBB and Google Reviews ratings. We also found no active alerts or lawsuits.
  • Financing Options (13.5 out of 15 points): SEW offers all possible solar payment options but doesn’t provide an in-house financing department. 
  • Industry Experience (8 out of 10 points): The company has been in business since 2009, so it received most of the points in this category.
  • State Availability (6 out of 10 points): SEW limits its service area to eight East Coast states.

Pros and Cons

Pros Features an extensive solar product catalog with trusted brands Includes free active monitoring Hires NABCEP-certified installers and designers Cons Reviews mention communication issues with staff Warranty coverage varies by solar panel brand Doesn’t offer a power production guarantee

Warranty and Financing

Warranty

SEW offers a 30-year manufacturer’s warranty on all purchased solar panels and inverters. However, coverage varies by brand, and the company doesn’t guarantee them with every panel option. 

Financing Options

✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
✔ Lease
✔ PPA

State Availability

Available in: Washington, D.C, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia

Reputation and Reviews

The company landed on Solar Power World’s 2023 Top Solar Contractors List in the No. 10 spot.

The BBB accredits SEW, and the company holds an A+ rating. Former customers praise the company for its professionalism, assistance with applying for financial incentives, and smooth installation process. However, some reported discrepancies in finances and scheduling.

Blue Raven Solar

4.4

Blue Raven Solar has one of the best reputations for reliability and trustworthiness. It has won awards for its team and CEO, and customer reviews report great customer service and prompt installations. The company also stands out for its in-house financing, which includes 18 months of free solar energy.

Out of all solar brands in the market, 6.5% of our survey respondents chose Blue Raven.

How We Scored Blue Raven Solar

Blue Raven received 4.4 out of 5 stars according to our rating system. The company scored the most points for its customer service reputation and warranty coverage. It also earned points for providing all standard solar panel services but lost some due to its limited financing options and lack of roof leak coverage.

  • Solar Equipment and Services (18 out of 25 points): Blue Raven offers solar panel and battery installation, active monitoring services, and energy audits. However, it doesn’t offer solar roofs, EV chargers, or additional roofing services. 
  • Warranty and Performance Guarantees (22 out of 25 points): The company offers top-of-the-line warranties, including a 25-year workmanship warranty. The company earned points fo providing a performance guarantee, but its guarantee is shorter than many other providers. However, it doesn’t provide any roof leak coverage. 
  • Brand Reputation and Professional Certifications (13 out of 15 points): Blue Raven has high customer review ratings on its BBB profile and other popular review sites. The company uses in-house installers but doesn’t ensure they’re NABCEP-certified, which made it lose some points in this category.
  • Financing Options (12 out of 15 points): Blue Raven offers some of the best in-house financing of the companies this list, but it limits this financing to solar loans. You may want to consider a different provider, such as Sunrun, if you’re looking for a lease or PPA.
  • Industry Experience (7 out of 10 points): Blue Raven has less experience than other providers, with only 10 years in the industry.
  • State Availability (7 out of 10 points): The company limits its service area to 19 states.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers SunPower’s high-efficiency panels and storage options Provides a unique in-house financing option which includes 18 months of free solar energy Recognized as one of the industry’s most reputable solar companies Cons Offers one of the shortest production guarantees among our reviewed companies Some customer reviews mention poor communication Workmanship warranty falls slightly below the industry standard

Warranty and Financing

Warranty

A Blue Raven system has a 25-year product warranty, a 10-year workmanship warranty, and a two-year production guarantee.

Financing Options

✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan

State Availability

Available in: Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington

Reputation and Reviews

Blue Raven has won numerous awards from Comparably, a site known for its company culture and reputation reviews. It also ranked No. 20 on Glassdoor’s Best Place to Work in the USA in 2021.

Blue Raven is accredited by the BBB and currently holds an A+ rating. We noted that customers praised the knowledgeable staff and prompt installation but cited poor communication after completing projects. We analyzed several consumer reviews and found that some of these issues stem from the company’s financing department and third-party installers.

Read our review of Blue Raven Solar for more information.

Note: In July 2024, SunPower notified dealers it would be halting all new shipments and project installations. The company also noted it would “no longer be supporting new Leases and PPA sales nor new project installations of these financing options.


How Do Solar Panels Work?

Solar panels work by absorbing sunlight that hits their surface. This energy enters into your system as direct current (DC) electricity. Your home needs alternating current (AC) energy for power. A component known as the inverter converts DC power into AC power and runs this electricity throughout your home. You can also use solar batteries with your system to store energy for later use. This stored energy powers your home at night and during blackouts. You can rely on stored energy to offset periods of high electricity rates.

Factors That Impact Solar Panel Performance

Several factors impact overall panel performance, such as your panels’ quality, their positioning, and your local climate. We’ll review some of the biggest performance factors below. 

  • Cleanliness: Accumulating dirt, pollen, and other debris will impact panel performance. Although most debris cleans off naturally with rain, you may need occasional cleaning in areas prone to heavy dust. 
  • Orientation and angle: Northern Hemisphere homes should position their panels true south for optimal performance. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the optimal solar tilt should match your home’s geographic latitude. Solar panel installers use your latitude and longitude to find the ideal solar panel angle
  • Panel type and size: High-quality solar panels, such as Tesla solar, offer better power output and efficiency levels. These panels provide the best electricity bill savings. Opting for cheaper solar panels reduces your overall savings and could lead to a larger solar project. 
  • Shading: Nearby shading from trees or other obstacles could impact panel efficiency. Any shadows cast over the panels’ surfaces reduce their sunlight absorption and overall efficiency. 
  • Weather and sun exposure: Your geographic location, climate, and seasonal weather may impact your system performance. Areas with abundant sunlight and cloudless days have higher solar panel energy production than cloudy environments.

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?

According to the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL), solar panels cost an average of $3.16 per watt in 2022. If we apply this estimated cost to a typical 6-kilowatt (kW) system, you’ll pay $18,960 before any solar incentives. Solar panel costs can increase based on your local solar prices, solar installer, equipment, and energy needs.


Factors That Impact Solar Panel Cost

Factors such as panel type, efficiency, and quality can impact your solar panel costs. Here’s a breakdown of some notable cost factors.  

Country of Origin

Most solar panel manufacturing takes place overseas in China or Singapore. These companies include Trina Solar and LONGi. These panels typically have lower price points and shorter warranties. North American-based manufacturers, such as Canadian Solar, produce panels in both Canada and the United States. American solar panels cost the most but often have longer warranty coverage. Some manufacturers, such as Silfab, tailor their panels to suit North American homes. We recommend comparing panel quality and warranty coverage to find the best fit for your home energy system. 

Durability

Most solar panels are tested to withstand extreme weather conditions, but some panel manufacturers include additional protection for panel performance. For example, Panasonic panels are made to better withstand hotter climates, while Canadian Solar panels work best in colder environments. Additional design elements, such as reinforced frames and improved solar cell durability, help extend your panels’ life span and protect your long-term savings. 

Efficiency

Solar panels with higher efficiency rates can convert more sunlight throughout the day. The more captured sunlight, the more power generated to run your home. We recommend shopping for the highest-efficiency solar panels within your budget.

The University of Michigan’s Center for Sustainable Systems says solar panels typically fall between 15% and 20% efficiency. Though high-efficiency panels cost more, they’ll help save you more money on energy bills in the years to come.

Type of Panels

There are several types of solar panels with varying advantages and costs. We’ve broken down each panel type below. 

  • Monocrystalline solar panels: These panels offer an efficiency of 20% or higher and provide the best energy production. Due to their improved performance, they use less space than other options and work well on roofs with limited space. These panels last an average of 25–35 years or longer, making them a sound investment. Monocrystalline panels have the highest cost of all panel types. 
  • Polycrystalline solar panels: Polycrystalline panels are more cost-effective but less efficient, with ranges between 15% and 17%. Since they produce less energy, you’ll need more panels to meet your energy needs. Polycrystalline panels can last 20–35 years. 
  • Thin-film solar panels: Thin-film panels work for small-scale solar projects, such as boats, recreational vehicles (RVs), and smaller buildings. They cost the least but also have the lowest power production. Most thin-film panels have an efficiency rating starting around 7% and a life span of 10–20 years. 

Some newer panel technology includes solar roofing, which combines traditional roofing materials’ strength with solar panels’ energy savings. Adding efficient solar shingles or tiles to your existing roofing will boost your energy conversion while maintaining a sleek home aesthetic. Full solar roofing options replace the roof entirely with durable solar materials to provide protection and energy savings at the same time. Solar shingles are often more aesthetically pleasing but less efficient when compared to solar panels. These factors are important when deciding if you should buy solar shingles.

Company Star Rating Warranties Payment Options Link
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10–25 years Full purchase, loan, lease, PPA GET QUOTE
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25–30 years Full purchase, loan, lease, PPA GET QUOTE
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10–25 years Full purchase, loan GET QUOTE
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25 years Full purchase, loan GET QUOTE
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25 years Full purchase, loan, lease, PPA GET QUOTE
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25 years Full purchase, loan, lease, PPA GET QUOTE
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Solar Incentives and Payment Options

Solar incentives, credits, and rebates promote solar conversion by reducing the cost of going solar. Perhaps the biggest incentive is the federal solar tax credit, which allows you to claim 30% of your installation costs on your federal taxes. Using the example above, you would save $5,688 on a $18,960 system. Note that the credit reduces your owed taxes; it does not provide a refund. Homeowners can also apply the federal credit to stand-alone battery installations.

Many state governments provide solar incentives and rebates to support solar growth. Examples include rebates for adding solar batteries to your system and property and sales tax exemptions. Local utility companies and city governments may offer additional benefits. We recommend checking the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) for local solar incentives. 

Most solar incentives require system ownership. To meet this requirement, you must pay for your system up-front or take out a loan. These solar financing options provide the best return on investment and the lowest payback period. Other options, such as solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs), keep panel ownership with the solar company. While they work well for solar users not interested in legal ownership, they provide little to no ROI and offer limited home value benefits.


Are Solar Panels Worth It?

Although solar panels offer many benefits, they don’t fit every household situation. Several environmental and cost factors impact your solar savings potential. Consider the following factors to determine if solar panels are worth the investment

  • Amount of daily sunlight: Areas with abundant sunlight benefit most from solar. Although panels do work on cloudy days, they won’t reach the savings potential of sunnier environments. Nearby obstacles, such as tall trees or buildings, can also cast shadows, hindering your panels’ efficiency. 
  • Available roof space: You’ll need ample roof space to accommodate your solar panels. Depending on the solar panel type, you may need a large solar system to meet your home’s energy needs. Other roof features, such as skylights and chimneys, reduce your available space and could impact your solar panel installation. 
  • Electricity costs: Areas with high electricity rates will see the biggest savings from going solar. Converting to solar in an area with relatively low energy costs won’t yield the same savings.
  • Solar incentives and rebates: We recommend maximizing your solar savings with local incentives, credits, and rebates. Some states offer more incentives than others. Homeowners in states with more solar incentives will save more than residents with limited options.

Pros and Cons of Solar Panels

Pros

Cons

  • Performance depends on your local weather conditions
  • Significant financial investment
  • Available roof space required for installation

What To Expect During a Solar Installation

Our team spoke with professional solar installers and experts to better understand the solar installation process. Here’s a step-by-step overview.

  1. Consultation: A company representative will conduct a virtual or in-person consultation to evaluate how suited your home is for solar power and which system will best fit your needs. Have your latest energy bill handy so the rep can determine your average energy usage. The salesperson will provide details on your potential solar power system, energy savings, and estimated payback period.  
  2. Site survey: An employee will check your roof’s condition and structural integrity. They will identify the ideal panel installation location. They will consider your available space, nearby shading, and roof pitch and angle.  
  3. Designing, paperwork, and permitting: The design process includes choosing solar panels as well as additional components, such as solar batteries and electric vehicle chargers. You’ll receive a finalized, detailed quote for all costs. Some companies also assist with finding and filing for local solar incentives. Most installers handle all necessary permitting and paperwork, which takes two to four weeks on average. 
  4. Installation day: On installation day, your solar company will install your system using either their in-house staff or third-party contractors. When speaking with professional installers, we discovered most panel installations take one to two days, but may run longer for complex jobs. 
  5. Final inspections: After completing the installation, your solar installer will coordinate with local officials for final system approval. Installations must meet local codes and match the originally approved project blueprints. This may take an additional two to four weeks, depending on all parties’ availability. 
  6. System activation: Once approved, your solar energy system receives permission to operate (PTO). Your installer will work with your local utility company to get final approval and grid connection.

Depending on your home’s condition, you may need additional services to prepare for a system installation. This may include electrical panel upgrades, roof repair, or tree removal. Your solar installer will advise you of any additional repairs or system upgrades. 

Learn about the cost of tree removal in out in-depth article.


How Do I Find The Best Solar Company in My State?

To find the best solar installers in your state, consider your desired system efficiency, warranty protection, and additional solar services. Read positive and negative customer reviews on trusted sites such as Better Business Bureau and Best Company. Our team compiled the following state solar guides to assist with the shopping process. 

Find A Solar Installation Company in Your State


Our Conclusion

We recommend investing in high-quality, efficient solar panels to support your energy needs. The most efficient solar panels (which have 20% or higher ratings) will cost more initially but offer better long-term savings. Choose panels with long-term warranty protection, including a 25-year product warranty, 10 years or more for workmanship, and a 25-year production guarantee.

We recommend Maxeon solar panels for maximum solar panel efficiency and savings. Q Cells work best for budget-conscious homeowners who want efficient panels for less. Finally, consider Silfab and its 30-year production guarantee for long-term system protection.  Request quotes from at least three solar companies to find the perfect panels for your home. 

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FAQ About Best Solar Panels for Homes

What is the best type of solar panels for homes?

In terms of efficiency, monocrystalline panels are the best options for homes. They offer high efficiency, durability, and have a roughly 25-year life span. All top solar companies offer mono panels, so be sure to compare the various options to find the best panels for your home. Although the up-front cost will be higher, it will pay off in the future.

How big of a solar panel do I need to run my home?

Your specific energy needs will determine your solar panels’ size and wattage. Panels range from 200–400 watts per panel. In terms of the panel’s physical size, installers will choose panels that best fit your roof space. Larger homes can reduce the amount of required panels by using more efficient options such as mono. For example, a 60-cell panel with 21% efficiency would generate more power than a 72-cell panel with 16% efficiency. Reputable installers will ensure the selected solar panels work effectively for your home’s needs.

Do solar panels require regular maintenance?

No, solar panels require minimal maintenance. You should have panels serviced every five years to verify their power production and functionality. Panels are cleaned naturally by rainfall. However, they may need periodic cleaning if you live in an area susceptible to dust or wildfires, such as Arizona or California.

Will solar panels work on a cloudy day?

Yes, solar panels continue working on cloudy days. However, your panels’ power production and efficiency will drop slightly without direct sunlight.

What are the main disadvantages of solar panels?

Solar panels’ main disadvantages are their weather dependency and high initial costs. Solar panels produce more power on sunny, cloudless days. In cloudy conditions, panel efficiency and production drop. Solar panels also don’t work at night, so you need a supplemental power supply, such as grid-tied connections or a solar battery. In terms of cost, homeowners could pay an average of $15,000–$25,000 for a full solar system, according to the Center for Sustainable Energy. These initial costs vary based on your selected solar installer, equipment, and energy needs.


Our Rating Methodology

We are committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. After over a thousand hours of research on solar companies, interviews with experts, and common customer needs, we’ve created a detailed rating system for solar providers based on six factors:

  • Solar equipment, installation, and services (25%)
  • Warranty and performance guarantees (25%)
  • Brand reputation and certifications (15%)
  • Financing options (15%)
  • Experience (10%)
  • Availability (10%)

Total scores are divided by 20 for a final 5-point rating scale.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.