You can find many solar brands in the market, but there are some manufacturers who are consistently ranked among the industry leaders. The following are some of the best solar brands for homes in 2023:
- SunPower
- REC (Renewable Energy Corporation)
- Panasonic
- Silfab Solar
- Q CELLS
- Canadian Solar
In this article we will review the six solar brands listed above, covering their technical features and typical costs.
1) SunPower
SunPower currently offers the longest warranty in the solar industry: 40 years for their premium panels and 25 years for their standard panels.
- SunPower is both an equipment provider and installation company, unlike other solar brands who are exclusively dedicated to manufacturing.
- Their warranty not only covers the photovoltaic (PV) panels, but also workmanship.
- SunPower is a US brand, in case you prefer locally-made panels.
Currently, SunPower and Canadian Solar are tied for the most efficient PV panels: both brands have reached a 22.8% sunlight conversion efficiency. Keep in mind that this efficiency figure only applies for their best solar modules, not all their product lines.
According to industry data gathered by EnergySage, SunPower solar panels have a typical installed cost of $3.48 – $4.10 per watt. The following table summarizes the prices you can expect to pay for home solar systems ranging from 5 to 10 kilowatts (kW), before and after the 30% federal tax credit.
| Solar PV System Size | Installed Price | Net Price After 30% Tax Credit |
| 5 kW | $17,400 – $20,500 | $12,180 – $14,350 |
| 6 kW | $20,880 – $24,600 | $14,616 – $17,220 |
| 7 kW | $24,360 – $28,700 | $17,052 – $20,090 |
| 8 kW | $27,840 – $32,800 | $19,488 – $22,960 |
| 9 kW | $31,320 – $36,900 | $21,924 – $25,830 |
| 10 kW | $34,800 – $41,000 | $24,360 – $28,700 |
The most efficient solar panels manufactured by SunPower are the M-Series, which have the following technical specifications:
- Rated Power Output: 420W – 440W
- Solar Cells: 66 Maxeon Gen 6 monocrystalline cells
- Energy Efficiency: 21.7% – 22.8%
- Temperature Coefficient: -0.29% per Celsius degree (°C)
- Operating Temperature Range: -40°F to +185°F (-40°C to +85°C)
- Rated Output After 25 Years: 92% of initial output
- Dimensions: 73.7 x 40.6 in
Solar panels suffer a loss of productivity when they heat up, and this is indicated by the temperature coefficient. Keep in mind this is a temporary effect caused by high temperatures, which does not represent permanent damage. In other words, solar panels recover their lost productivity when they cool down. The SunPower M-Series has a temperature coefficient of -0.29°C, which means that a 20°C temperature rise will only cause a 5.8% productivity drop.
PV cells also degrade over time, but this happens at a very slow pace when you purchase high-quality solar panels. The SunPower M-Series modules retain 92% of their initial capacity after being used for 25 years.
2) REC: Renewable Energy Corporation
REC is a European solar brand that is frequently ranked among the best. REC solar panels offer an efficiency of up to 22.30%, only 0.50% less than the maximum efficiency offered by SunPower. They are also characterized by their excellent performance at high temperatures. REC offers a 25-year warranty, which has become standard among the leading brands.
Industry data from EnergySage reveals that REC solar panels have a typical installed cost in the range of $2.50 – $3.46 per watt. Here are the prices you can expect to pay for residential systems in the range of 5 to 10 kW, before and after the 30% tax credit:
| Solar PV System Size | Installed Price | Net Price After 30% Tax Credit |
| 5 kW | $12,500 – $17,300 | $8,750 – $12,110 |
| 6 kW | $15,000 – $20,760 | $10,500 – $14,532 |
| 7 kW | $17,500 – $24,220 | $12,250 – $16,954 |
| 8 kW | $20,000 – $27,680 | $14,000 – $19,376 |
| 9 kW | $22,500 – $31,140 | $15,750 – $21,798 |
| 10 kW | $25,000 – $34,600 | $17,500 – $24,220 |
The product selection offered by REC includes the Alpha Pure-R series, characterized by its sleek all-black design. The module frames and backsheet are painted black to match the color of monocrystalline solar cells, resulting in a uniform look. These solar panels can be an attractive option for homeowners who don’t like the appearance of traditional panels, with visible color differences between the PV cells and other components.
The REC Alpha Pure-R series has the following technical specifications:
- Rated Power Output: 400W – 430W
- Solar Cells: 80 half-cut bifacial mono cells
- Energy Efficiency: 20.7% – 22.3%
- Temperature Coefficient: -0.24% per Celsius degree (°C)
- Operating Temperature Range: -40°F to +185°F (-40°C to +85°C)
- Rated Output After 25 Years: 92% of initial output
- Dimensions: 68.1 x 44.0 in
As of July 2023, REC solar panels have the best temperature coefficient in the market. They only lose -0.24% output per Celsius degree, which means a 20°C temperature rise only causes a 4.8% productivity drop. Alpha Pure-R solar panels are an excellent option for hot climates, generating more electricity than similar panels with an inferior temperature coefficient.
3) Panasonic
Panasonic focuses on high-efficiency monocrystalline panels, like SunPower and REC. Their EverVolt HK Black Series reaches up to 22.20% energy efficiency, combined with an excellent temperature coefficient. Panasonic offers a 25-year warranty, like many other leading brands.
- Panasonic is a well-known Japanese company who makes a wide range of electronic devices.
- They started outsourcing their solar panel production in 2021, but their quality has not been affected.
As of July 2023, EnergySage reported a price of $2.61 – $3.45 per watt for home PV systems using Panasonic solar panels. The following table provides the estimated cost for residential installations in the range of 5-10 kW:
| Solar PV System Size | Installed Price | Net Price After 30% Tax Credit |
| 5 kW | $13,050 – $17,250 | $9,135 – $12,075 |
| 6 kW | $15,660 – $20,700 | $10,962 – $14,490 |
| 7 kW | $18,270 – $24,150 | $12,789 – $16,905 |
| 8 kW | $20,880 – $27,600 | $14,616 – $19,320 |
| 9 kW | $23,490 – $31,050 | $16,443 – $21,735 |
| 10 kW | $26,100 – $34,500 | $18,270 – $24,150 |
In terms of wattage and efficiency, the EverVolt HK Black Series is one of the best solar panel lines offered by Panasonic. Here are their technical specifications:
- Rated Power Output: 390W – 410W
- Solar Cells: 132 half-cut mono cells
- Energy Efficiency: 21.1% – 22.2%
- Temperature Coefficient: -0.26% per Celsius degree (°C)
- Operating Temperature Range: -40°F to +185°F (-40°C to +85°C)
- Rated Output After 25 Years: 92% of initial output
- Dimensions: 71.7 x 40.0 in
The EverVolt HK solar panels have a uniform color, where the frame and backsheet are painted black to match the PV cells. Compared with traditional modules, which have visible divisions between solar cells, the EverVolt HK panels can blend with your roof more effectively.
With a temperature coefficient of -0.26% per °C, Panasonic falls between SunPower (-0.29%) and REC (-0.24%) in terms of high-temperature performance. The EverVolt HK Black Series only suffers a 5.2% performance loss with a temperature increase of 20°C.
4) Silfab Solar
Silfab is a North American manufacturer who offers high-efficiency solar panels. They have a 25-year product warranty and a 30-year power production warranty, which is one of the longest in the industry. In terms of module design, Silfab can be compared with REC and Panasonic: their solar panels have an all-black design without visible separations between PV cells.
Industry data from EnergySage reveals that Silfab solar panels have an installed cost in the range of $2.45 – $3.09 per watt. Based on this figure, here are the price ranges you can expect for 5-10 kW home solar systems:
| Solar PV System Size | Installed Price | Net Price After 30% Tax Credit |
| 5 kW | $12,250 – $15,450 | $8,575 – $10,815 |
| 6 kW | $14,700 – $18,540 | $10,290 – $12,978 |
| 7 kW | $17,150 – $21,630 | $12,005 – $15,141 |
| 8 kW | $19,600 – $24,720 | $13,720 – $17,304 |
| 9 kW | $22,050 – $27,810 | $15,435 – $19,467 |
| 10 kW | $24,500 – $30,900 | $17,150 – $21,630 |
The Silfab Elite series is a popular product line, which offers the following specifications:
- Rated Power Output: 380W – 410W
- Solar Cells: 66 mono cells
- Energy Efficiency: 21.4%
- Temperature Coefficient: -0.377% per Celsius degree (°C)
- Operating Temperature Range: -40°F to +185°F (-40°C to +85°C)
- Rated Output After 25 Years: 85.1% of initial output
- Dimensions: 70.67 x 38.98 in (380W), 73.4 x 40.5 in (410W)
Compared with other leading solar brands, Silfab can be considered an affordable option (based on the EnergySage price range). The Silfab Elite product line has excellent specifications, but there are two areas where they fall slightly behind the other top brands: temperature coefficient and long-term productivity.
The Silfab Elite series has a relatively high temperature coefficient of 0.377% per °C, while some competitors have reached the range of 0.24% – 0.29% per °C. With a 20°C temperature rise, Silfab Elite panels suffer a performance drop of 7.54%, while competing panels with coefficients below -0.30% are affected by less than 6%.
Silfab Elite panels retain 85.1% of their rated capacity after 25 years, and 82.6% after 30 years. There are competing products that offer 92% energy output after 25 years, surpassing Silfab by 6.9%. However, Silfab offers a 30-year performance warranty, while many competing warranties end at 25 years. Among the top brands, only SunPower offers a longer 40-year warranty, but it does not apply for all their product lines.
5) Q CELLS
Q CELLS was founded in Germany and acquired by the South Korean Hanwha Group. The company offers up to 20.9% solar panel efficiency and 25-year warranty coverage. In terms of product offering, Q CELLS can be compared with Silfab: other leading brands have slightly better specifications, but Q CELLS has lower prices overall.
According to market data from EnergySage, you can expect to pay $2.32 – $3.16 per watt when installing Q CELLS solar panels. Here is a table with the typical prices for 5-10 kW home solar systems:
| Solar PV System Size | Installed Price | Net Price After 30% Tax Credit |
| 5 kW | $11,600 – $15,800 | $8,120 – $11,060 |
| 6 kW | $13,920 – $18,960 | $9,744 – $13,272 |
| 7 kW | $16,240 – $22,120 | $11,368 – $15,484 |
| 8 kW | $18,560 – $25,280 | $12,992 – $17,696 |
| 9 kW | $20,880 – $28,440 | $14,616 – $19,908 |
| 10 kW | $23,200 – $31,600 | $16,240 – $22,120 |
EnergySage has also determined that Q CELLS is one of the most frequently quoted brands among solar installers. If you want to get your solar panels installed as quickly as possible, you can choose Q CELLS and take advantage of their abundant inventory.
Among the residential panels offered by Q CELLS, the Q.PEAK DUO BLK ML10+ is one of the best in terms of wattage and efficiency. This product line has the following specifications:
- Rated Power Output: 385W – 410W
- Solar Cells: 132 Q.ANTUM half-cut mono cells
- Energy Efficiency: 19.6% – 20.9%
- Temperature Coefficient: -0.34% per Celsius degree (°C)
- Operating Temperature Range: -40°F to +185°F (-40°C to +85°C)
- Rated Output After 25 Years: 86% of initial output
- Dimensions: 74.0 x 41.1 in
Q CELLS panels have decent specifications. Similar to Silfab, the brand falls slightly behind its competitors in two areas: high-temperature performance and long-term productivity.
- With a temperature coefficient of -0.34% per °C, the Q.PEAK DUO BLK ML10+ line suffers a 6.8% performance loss with a 20°C temperature rise. Competing solar panels with a coefficient of -0.26% per °C experience a less drastic drop of 5.2%.
- Q.PEAK DUO BLK ML10+ solar panels retain 86% of their initial output after 25 years of use. While they have a long service life, there are competing products with 92% guaranteed output after 25 years.
Q CELLS panels from previous generations had the traditional appearance, with an unpainted frame and visible divisions between PV cells. Newer product lines like the Q.PEAK DUO BLK ML10+ are fully painted in black to achieve a uniform appearance.
6) Canadian Solar
As of July 2023, Canadian Solar holds the solar panel efficiency record of 22.8% along with SunPower. Canadian Solar is also characterized by their broad product selection, which includes monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels of many sizes. Most leading brands are exclusively dedicated to high-efficiency monocrystalline panels.
Residential PV systems that use Canadian Solar panels have a typical price of $2.70 – $3.20 per watt, before subtracting incentives. The following table provides the estimated costs for home solar systems ranging from 5 to 10 kW:
| Solar PV System Size | Installed Price | Net Price After 30% Tax Credit |
| 5 kW | $13,500 – $16,000 | $9,450 – $11,200 |
| 6 kW | $16,200 – $19,200 | $11,340 – $13,440 |
| 7 kW | $18,900 – $22,400 | $13,230 – $15,680 |
| 8 kW | $21,600 – $25,600 | $15,120 – $17,920 |
| 9 kW | $24,300 – $28,800 | $17,010 – $20,160 |
| 10 kW | $27,000 – $32,000 | $18,900 – $22,400 |
SunPower held the energy efficiency record of 22.8% for many years, until Canadian Solar launched the HiHero series in 2023. This product line has the following specifications:
- Rated Power Output: 420W – 445W
- Solar Cells: 108 half-cut mono cells
- Energy Efficiency: 21.5% – 22.8%
- Temperature Coefficient: -0.26% per Celsius degree (°C)
- Operating Temperature Range: -40°F to +185°F (-40°C to +85°C)
- Rated Output After 25 Years: 90.6% of initial output
- Dimensions: 67.8 x 44.6 in
The Canadian Solar HiHero is evenly matched with the SunPower M-Series in terms of maximum efficiency. HiHero panels have a slightly better temperature coefficient of -0.26% per °C, compared with SunPower’s -0.29% per °C. On the other hand, the SunPower M-Series is slightly ahead in long-term performance – 92% output after 25 years, compared with 90.6% output for the HiHero series.
Compared with other solar panels covered in this article, the HiHero series is outclassed in terms of product warranty. Most solar panels from leading brands have 25-year coverage, while the HiHero series only gets 15-year coverage. However, Canadian Solar makes other product lines with 25-year warranties.
On the other hand, the HiHero Series power warranty is longer than many competing warranties. Canadian Solar offers 90.6% output after 25 years and 88.85% output after 30 years. Most power warranties end after 25 years of use.
