At SolarReviews our mission is to arm consumers that want to buy solar panels with the best information tools possible to help them find the best solar panels for their home, the best inverter for their solar system and also the best solar prices they can get. Buying solar panels is not a simple purchasing decision because they are designed to last at least 25-30 years and so this is a long-term investment.
In the first table below you will find our expert reviews of the top 5 brands of residential solar panels commonly used in the US in 2025.
These solar panel comparison tables can be expanded by clicking the + symbol on the right of each brand. Below the expert reviews, you will find consumer reviews of all of the top brands of residential solar panels commonly used in the US today.
The Panasonic N series of panels are a good quality solar panel with a top efficiency on their 330 watt monocrystalline system of 19.7% and a very impressive temperature coefficient of -0.29%, a figure which is equal best with the market leader Sunpower.
The key reason that we rate Panasonic number 1 as a solar panel brand is not the quality of the solar panels per se (although the race is close between their technology and Sunpower's) it is the strength of the company.
They also score well on value compared to Sunpower being slightly cheaper based on what we can see from offers being promoted in the US market. However, they may not have this pricing advantage for long and Sunpower have began moving their manufacturing offshore to reduce costs and better compete.
There are two specific things about the strength of the company that lead us to weight this so highly being:
The LG Neon series of panels are a good quality solar panel with efficiency between 18.6 and 19.5% conversion of solar irradiation to power at the module level. This is in the top 5% of module manufacturers. LG also offers a range called Mono Plus panels with efficiency in a range of 16.8 to 17.4.
Similar to Panasonic in the number 1 position, the key reason that we rate LG as the number 2 solar panel manufacturer is due to the strength of the LG conglomerate along with the high quality of their solar panels.
They also score highly on value when compared to the other solar panels that are in the top 5 percent on panel specifications such as Sunpower and Panasonic.
Their Neon 2 series uses a technology they call "Cello" to reduce internal resistance and this has allowed them to gain slight improvements in efficiency, but they are still somewhat below Sunpower and Panasonic on the efficiency of their panels.
There are two specific things about the strength of the company that lead us to weight this so highly being:
The Canadian Solar Dymond series of panels are a very good quality solar panel with a top efficiency on their 300 watt monocrystalline system of 18.33%. The temperature coefficient, a measure of the amount power output falls as temperature rises isn't particularly outstanding at -0.39%.
The key reason that we rate Canadian in our top 5 as a solar panel brand is not the performance of the solar panels per se it is the value they offer, their stable financial position and their reputation for manufacturing quality control.
Read moreThe Sunpower X series of monocrystalline panels are the most efficient solar panels used widely in residential solar installations in America with their X21-345 panel claiming an impressive 21.5% average panel efficiency. They also make an E Series of monocrystalline panels in the range of 320 to 327 watts that also offer an impressive maximum efficiency of 20.4%.
Sunpower also has a range of polycrystalline solar panels (not surprisingly known as the P Series) that have efficiencies much closer to industry averages of around 17%. They tend to market these to cost sensitive commercial and utility scale customers. Sunpower's X series of solar panels are clearly the best solar panels on the market both in terms of efficiency and in terms of temperature coefficient, although their is a premium price to be paid for these excellent panels.
Read moreTrina solar panels have a lower cost and still offer tier 1 level performance. Due to their lower price and lower efficiency they're perfect in situations where money is limited but roof space is not.
While there are better modules out there, you can never go wrong with the all round performance of Trina solar panels.
Read moreIf you want to buy an individual solar panel for a caravan, boat, RV or trailer then there are plenty of online websites that sell these products such as Amazon, Wholesalesolar, altEstore, GoGreenSolar, Solaris-Shop and others. Some of these will offer advice about the products but the cheapest websites typically offer little help in choosing the correct product for your needs.
DIY solar panel kits are also available from these websites, but even those that run these websites will tell you that a DIY solar panel installation for your home is not something you should take on lightly because of the physical risk in working on the roof, the potential to damage the solar modules if they are installed incorrectly and also the requirements for permits and approvals from the city and your utility company.
If you are looking for solar panels for home then you are much better to use a licensed and experienced solar installation company. Our site shows you reviews of the best solar companies in your city. A home solar energy solution will typically be grid-tied, meaning excess power you might generate during the day is exported to the grid. If you live in one of the 35 states with a net metering law you get a one for one credit for this exported solar power. This allows you to use one kilowatt hour (the unit of measure electricity is billed in) of electricity at night for free.
Our solar panel calculator and estimator is also a free online tool you can use to estimate how many solar panels you will need to cover your power usage, their cost, and savings. If you wish you can enter your details and one of our great pre-screened solar pros that services your area will measure your roof and confirm the online estimate with a solar quote.
Each brand of solar panels has their own warranty, efficiency and other electric specifications based on the solar cells used within the module. While a standard solar panel warranty is 25 years, some are now as long as 30 years. A standard efficiency of a typical panel is around 17% but high efficiency panels such as those made by the brands above can have efficiency up to 22%.
How do solar panels work?
There are two different types of solar panels that use different types of solar energy.
There are solar thermal solar panels that use the sun’s heat to heat water. Solar hot water systems have been around for quite a while and are a great way to use renewable energy to save money.
The second type of solar panels are those that convert the irradiation of sunlight into electricity. Turning sunlight into electricity is a phenomenon known as the photovoltaic effect. Sometimes this is abbreviated to PV and so solar power systems for homes are sometimes called PV systems.
Most solar panels are made from silicon although there are other solar technologies and materials that can also be used to make solar panels. When you buy a residential solar system it will generally use either monocrystalline solar panels or polycrystalline panels.
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I chose Panasonic solar panels because they have a partnership with Tesla and Panasonic has a good reputation.
Eliza Garcia was my representative and I really enjoyed how she explained everything to me , she has been very patient through this process and is very responsive , loved my solar install will be referring friends and family
Services: Install & Replace, Installation, Roof Installation
One our panels stopped producing after 4 years and we turned in a claim to Canadian Solar. They came back and told us they would give us $76 instead of a replacement panel. In the fine print, they state they can do that instead of a replacement panel. They still brag about their great warranty coverage. Don’t believe it! Go with a better company that will back up their warranty!... read more
Services: Installation, Repair
When I purchased a new home in 2016, I had two choices: buy a solar panel or lease it. I was stupid enough to purchase it. Now all microinventors failed due to the power outrage, and Sunpower refused to warranty all these. I have to pay $2000 to repair them. Also, they claimed to add a surge protector which protected the power surge during the power restore. HOWEVER, Sunpower still refuses to warranty even if the surge protector is in place. As you know, the power interruption will be occurred by SCE frequently. The microinverters under the solar panel will go out every time it happens. You will have to pay more than $2000 constantly. DO NOT GO WITH SOLAR PANEL.... read more
Bad Batch - Covered under warranty
We got a bad batch of panels (installed in 2013-2014). Getting Trina to send new panels took 1.5 years. I'm not sure if the breakdown was our solar service company (solar service help), or installers (Verengo - now bankrupt and sold assets Crius) or Trina but there's no reason it should have taken 1.5 years to get new panels.... read more
It was recommended by Tesla Energy during my initial estimate quote.
Services: Residential solar - Grid tied, Commercial solar - Grid tied, Residential solar - Hybrid solar systems, Residential solar - Off-grid systems, Utility scale solar sales and installation
In operation in N. Ft. Worth, TX almost 2-yr. Operational data exceeded design expectations by a wide margin. The system (panels, inverters & the physical plant) has been stable & reliable with only one inverter replacement early on (an infantile failure). On the financial side; the monthly note came in 20% lower than utility averaging. So the money worked out too.... read more
One of the more expensive inverters on the market but still lasted only one year.
Just installed 34 535 watt panels. Seeing over 100kwh on most days. Pushing the inverter to its limit
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