SunPower A- Series Residenial
Highlights: The highest efficiency solar panels currently available, with 22.8% efficiency and power output of 400-425 W.
Find the best solar panels for 2023 with our comprehensive guide. We review the latest technology and efficiency ratings to help you make an informed decision and choose the best solar panels for your home or business. Start saving on energy costs and reduce your carbon footprint today.
Highlights: The highest efficiency solar panels currently available, with 22.8% efficiency and power output of 400-425 W.
SunPower makes the most efficient monocrystalline solar panel currently available. With 22.8% efficiency, SunPower’s high-efficiency A-Series SPR-A425-G-AC Residential Solar Panels are a great choice for homeowners with limited space or who just want the best of the best.Â
SunPower’s panels are also affordable, when you factor in their high-efficiency. After all, you’ll need far fewer panels to produce the same amount of electricity as less efficient panels.Â
SunPower is also pretty ethical as solar companies go and offers an industry-leading 25-year performance warranty. This demonstrates the company’s confidence in their solar panels. Instead of the typical 80% performance warranty offered by most companies, SunPower are committed to a whopping 92% after 25 years. That means they are confident their panels will still be performing at almost full bore in more than two decades’ time.
SunPower panels have earned a bit of a reputation as being out of reach for most customers, pricewise. However, if you shop around and get a good installation team, your solar system using SunPower panels could cost you only marginally more than a much less efficient array.
All in all, if you have limited space and want the best solar panels available, from a company in the top 10 for ethical practices, SunPower is hard to beat. We also like them for their Flex range, ideal for smaller spaces such as RVs and mobile homes.
SunPower’s A-Series Residential AC Modules are rated at 400-425 Watts and boast SunPower® Maxeon® Gen 5 cells that are 65% larger than the company’s X-Series cells. These solar panels are intended for use with the SunPower Equinoxâ„¢ system, a fully integrated solar solution designed, engineered and warranted by SunPower.Â
The panels offer the most powerful cells with the highest-efficiency in residential solar, meaning your panel makes more electricity per square foot than with any other commercially available solar. The SPR-A425-G-AC is 22.8% efficient, while the SPR-A415-G-AC and SPR-A400-G-AC models boast efficiency ratings of 22.3% and 21.5% respectively.Â
The temperature coefficient is -0.29%, and the operating temperature −40°F to +140°F (−40°C to +60°C), as per the full specification sheet. The maximum ambient temperature is 122°F (50°C).
Each panel contains 66 Monocrystalline Maxeon Gen 5 cells and has a factory-integrated microinverter which is 60% lighter than previous micronverters. They weigh 46.5 lbs (21.1 kg) and measure 72.2 by 40 inches.Â
When used with InvisiMount racking and InvisiMount accessories (UL 2703), the modules are Class A fire rated.Â
The one downside to SunPower’s A-Series panels is a relatively high temperature coefficient, compared to REC panels and a few others. This may mean they’re not necessarily the best choice for homeowners who live in very hot or cold climates. That said, even at a 0.19% drop in efficiency for every degree over 25 Celsius, the 22.8% efficient panels will be more efficient at 35 degrees Celsius than a 19.9% efficient panel with a lower temperature coefficient.
The A-Series is also a good choice if you live somewhere that gets lots of cloud cover, rain, and snow as the panels’ half-cut design will make the most of any sun that does make it through.
Highlights: High-quality and efficient solar panels from one of the more ethical companies around. Cradle to Cradle Silver Certified and LEED qualifying!
SunPower’s X-Series solar panels are another great choice for home solar. These are the predecessor to the company’s A-Series and boast a slightly lower but still excellent efficiency rating of 21.5% for the SPR-X21-345 and 21% for the SPR-X21-335. The SPR-X22-360 has an efficiency of 22%.
Each module features 96 Monocrystalline Maxeon Gen III solar cells. The modules measure 61.3 inches by 41.2 inches and weigh 41 lbs (18.6 kg). The 335-BLK has an amost-all-black appearance while the 345 and 360 have more of a standard grid-like solar panel look.
The 345 and 335, respectively, have rated power outputs of 345 W and 335 W and coefficients of –0.29%, as per the full specifications. The 360 (full specifications) also has a temperature coefficient of -0.29% and a rated power output of 360W. SunPower guarantees that power output to 95% for the first 5 years, then a maximum degradation of −0.4% annually until the panels are 25 years old.
Interestingly, the X-Series modules carry Cradle to Cradle Certified Silver status and are eligible for LEED points, while the A-Series doesn’t appear to carry this sustainability certification (yet).
Highlights: A great choice of attractive, high-efficiency solar panel, especially if you live somewhere very hot or cold.
REC’s latest Alpha Black series of solar panels is also a fantastic choice for high-efficiency solar panels. These distinctive black solar panels are 20.3%, 20.6%, 20.9%, 21.2%, and 21.4% efficient, for the 355, 360, 365, 370, and 375 W respectively. The efficiencies are quite a bit lower than SunPower’s A-Series but still better than most solar panels.
Where the Alpha Black panels really shine, though, is if you live somewhere very hot or cold. That’s thanks to a much lower temperature coefficient (-0.26%) compared to SunPower (0.29%), meaning you’ll get better year-round electricity production with these REC panels.
In addition, each module features 120 half-cut cells with REC heterojunction cell technology and six strings of 20 cells in series. This means that even if a module is partially shaded for part of the day, it can still produce electricity.
The panels’ power output is guaranteed for 25 years. as per the full specification sheet. This incudes a maximum 2% decrease in the first year, followed by a 0.25% decrease annually until the panels are 25. This means that REC guarantees your panels will still be producing 92% of their initial output when they hit 25. This is far more generous than most solar panel warranties.Â
The modules measure 67.75 inches by 40 inches and weigh 43 lbs (19.5 kg). The frame is a black anodized aluminum, and this combined with the larger size makes for a very attractive solar installation, if you like that kind of thing.
The materials are warranted for 20 years. The panels are resilient against snow, wind, hail, salt spray, and fire.
Highlights: The Panasonic EverVolt Series offers excellent efficiency, a low degradation rate, guaranteed power output for 25 years, and an impressive temperature co-efficient – a top choice for hotter climates!
The most efficient of the panels, the EVPV410H boasts a 22.2% conversion rate, followed by the EVPV400H at 21.6%. The panels have a very low 0.25% annual degradation rate, with power guaranteed to 92% by a 25-year warranty. The Panasonic warranty also covers product, parts, and labor, assuming your panels are installed by a Panasonic Authorized, Premium, or Elite installer and registered within 60 days.
These panels have an industry-leading temperature co-efficient of just -0.26%, making them a fantastic choice for hotter climates. The half-cut cell technology makes these panels a good choice if your roof gets partial shade for some of the day.Â
Panasonic has also begun offering some of its modules with a darker black appearance, giving REC some serious competition. There are also some panels in the series that have a slightly different, strip-like look instead of the conventional grid pattern.
Highlights: The highest efficiency LG panel with a huge 440 W output, excellent temperature coefficient, and great warranty.
The NeON R series is LG’s newer range of high-efficiency, premium-quality solar panels. The most powerful of the bunch is the LG NeON R LG440AC-A6 which boasts an output of 440 W and an efficiency rating of 22.1%.Â
The NeON® R has no electrodes on the front, making for a more modern, sleek aesthetic. Each panel weighs 45.2 lbs. (20.5 kg) and measures 75.2 inches by 41 inches by 1.6 inches (1,910mm x 1,042mm x 40mm)
These panels have a temperature coefficient of -0.29% and an annual degradation rate of just -0.25% in years 2-25 (1.5% in the first year). After 25 years, the LG NeON® R panel is guaranteed to at least 92.5% of its initial performance. The panels also come with a workmanship warranty of 25 years.
LG’s panels tend to be a bit pricier than other brands, but with the company shutting up shop on solar, you might be able to grab a bargain.Â
Highlights: Longstanding, ethical, and reputable solar panel company making efficient and durable solar modules.
The Trina residential solar range includes two models: 365W DE06X.05(II) and 335W DD06M.05(II). These panels are resistant to salt, acid, sand, and ammonia and have been subject to a barrage of tests to confirm their robust nature and excellent performance.
The higher power module offers 355-380 W and is up to 20.6% efficient. They boast 132 half-cut monocrystalline cells and have a temperature coefficient of -0.34% (full specification). The modules measure 72.91 inches by 39.21 inches by 1.38 inches and weigh 43.4 lbs.
The 335W DD06M.05(II) (full specification) has 120 half-cut monocrystalline cells and a power output of 310-335W. These panels are up to 19.9% efficient and have a sleek black frame and streamlined aesthetic.Â
In 2021, Trina Solar increased its warranty from 10 years to 25 years for product and power. This warranty is only available in the U.S. and applies automatically – no registration required, and no restrictions based on who installs the modules.
The performance guarantee is for 97.5% by the end of year 1, followed by no more than a 0.6% degradation rate until the panels are 25 years old. This works out to a performance guarantee of 83.1% at 25 years.Â
The company carries a bunch of impressive certifications including ISO 14001: Environmental Management System and ISO14064: Greenhouse Gases Emissions Verification. The panels themselves come in recyclable packaging and are compatible with the PVCycle recycling process.Â
Highlights: Great for corporate social responsibility, high power output and good efficiency, with panels now made in America.
Jinko Solar is one of the world’s largest solar panel manufacturers and has been around since 2006. It has been a Tier 1 company since 2010 and predominantly manufactures panels in Vietnam and Malaysia. Jinko recently began making its Eagle series panels in Jacksonville, Florida, however, making this a great ‘made in America’ option for U.S. solar customers.
The Eagle G5 modules incorporate half-cut cells and Jinko’s Diamond Half Cell technology. By minimizing white space between cells, Jinko has produced modules with a power output up to a staggering 545 W. These panels are quite large and heavy though, weighing 64.82 lbs. each and measuring 89.53 inches by 44.65 in by 1.57 in.
These modules are Fire Type 1 rated with a tick frame, 3.2mm front side glass, and thick backsheet for added durability. The panels are certified to withstand humidity, heat, rain, salt spray, wind, hailstorms, and packed snow.
The half-cell bifacial Eagle 72HM G5b panels (full specification) offer 525-545 W and up to 21.13% efficiency. The temperature coefficient is -0.35%, however, making these a lesser choice for hotter climates.
Jinko used to be less generous about its warranties but has caught up with its competitors to offer a more robust warranty for product and power. For the Eagle 72HM G5b panels, Jinko offers a guarantee of no more than 1% degradation in the first year and no more than 0.4% each year thereafter until 30 years beyond the warranty start date. At the 30-year mark, then, your Jinko solar panels are guaranteed to have an Actual Power Output of no less than 87.4% of the Nominal Power Output.Â
Jinko Solar also offers a complete solar storage package that won the 2022 Green Builder Sustainable Product of the Year Award. The Eagle RS is a fully integrated DC-coupled 7.6kW/26.2kWh residential energy storage system. Adding this to your Jinko solar panels makes for a seamless step into home solar.
Highlights: Wind-resistant solar panels from one of the more ethical solar energy companies.
Nobody wants to invest a cool $20k on solar panels only to have them wrenched from the roof or mangled beyond recognition in a wind-storm. So, if you live in a particularly wind-prone area and are considering a solar array, look for panels with extremely strong framing and a reputation for standing up to a good whipping wind.
Winaico are a great choice for such conditions. Their panels were some of the first to pass an industry leading hail test, sport the HeatCap which helps protect against micro-cracks that impact performance, and they have an extremely tough and durable design with water drainage channels to help reduce dirt and dust accumulation.
This family-run Taiwanese company is unique among competitors in that they don’t distribute panels through wholesalers. Instead, they provide panels direct to installers, solar technicians, and project managers, which can both help to reduce your costs and ensure a more direct relationship between the company and the end user.
Winaico solar panels are tested to German TUV standards and were recently awarded a 2018 Top PV brand seal in Germany for quality and longevity. The company integrated PERC (passive emitter rear cell) technology earlier than most companies and makes very efficient monocrystalline cells, including the 330W to 340 W WSP-MX PERC.
The WSP-MX series uses high-grade P-type mono PERC cells with 5 busbars to deliver up to 19.4% efficiency (with the 340 W model) as per the full specification sheet. The panels have a temperature coefficient of -0.38%, though, which isn’t great.Â
They incorporate the familiar high-strength Winaico frames and drainage features, and come with a 15-year product warranty and a 25-year performance warranty. The average linear degradation is 0.7% annually, with a performance warranty guaranteeing 80.2% at the 25-year mark.
Winaico claims to have had only 16 recorded panel failures across more than 250,000 panels distributed in Australia over the last 7 years.
Winaico also advocates for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and strive to reduce energy and water usage throughout the manufacturing process. They pay attention to environmental protection across the whole life-cycle of the solar panel and work with recycling partners to help ensure the products are recycled in compliance with the WEEE directive (Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment). Winaico’s environmental management system is also certified to ISO 14001 and they put out an annual Corporate Social Responsibility report.
Highlights: The most efficient solar panels manufactured in the U.S., with a sleek black look and potential tax credits through the Buy America Act.Â
Silfab is headquartered in Canada but has factories in both Canada and America. The company makes the most efficient solar panels manufactured exclusively in America, meaning that some Silfab solar panels comply with the Buy American Act (BAA). This opens up additional financial incentives for commercial and residential solar projects and means there are customer service representative in America and Canada to help if necessary.
Silfab used to be a commercial and residential OEM manufacturer for other Tier 1 companies. In the last decade, however, Silfab branched out to design, engineer, and manufacture its own premium brand of high-efficiency solar panels.Â
Silfab offers value for money and an American-made product with a lower carbon footprint than most solar panels. The current range includes its Prime, Elite, and Commercial series of solar panels, with the Elite series offering efficiencies as high as 21.4%.
Silfab uses advanced back-contact technology to reduce the presence of metal on the front of the panels. This not only allows for a sleeker aesthetic, it also minimizes conductive losses, mechanical stress and shading. This means greater reliability, performance, and efficiency overall.Â
The most efficient SIL-380 BK panels (full specification) measure 70.67 in x 38.98 in x 1.5 in and weigh 41.9 lbs. These panels boast 66 high-efficiency back contact mono-PERC c-Si cells per panel.
The main downside to Silfab’s panels is a fairly high temperature coefficient of -0.377 %. These panels are probably best suited, then, for homeowners in areas that don’t get super hot.
Silfab offers a module product workmanship warranty for 25 years, and a linear power performance guarantee for an impressive 30 years. This comprises a guarantee of at least 97.1% performance by the end of the 1st year, followed by at least 91.6% at 12 years, 85.1% at 25 years, and 82.6% at 30 years. That’s about a 0.58% annual degradation rate over 30 years.
Winaico are a great choice for such conditions. Their panels were some of the first to pass an industry leading hail test, sport the HeatCap which helps protect against micro-cracks that impact performance, and they have an extremely tough and durable design with water drainage channels to help reduce dirt and dust accumulation.
This family-run Taiwanese company is unique among competitors in that they don’t distribute panels through wholesalers. Instead, they provide panels direct to installers, solar technicians, and project managers, which can both help to reduce your costs and ensure a more direct relationship between the company and the end user.
Winaico solar panels are tested to German TUV standards and were recently awarded a 2018 Top PV brand seal in Germany for quality and longevity. The company integrated PERC (passive emitter rear cell) technology earlier than most companies and makes very efficient monocrystalline cells, including the 330W to 340 W WSP-MX PERC.
The WSP-MX series uses high-grade P-type mono PERC cells with 5 busbars to deliver up to 19.4% efficiency (with the 340 W model) as per the full specification sheet. The panels have a temperature coefficient of -0.38%, though, which isn’t great.Â
They incorporate the familiar high-strength Winaico frames and drainage features, and come with a 15-year product warranty and a 25-year performance warranty. The average linear degradation is 0.7% annually, with a performance warranty guaranteeing 80.2% at the 25-year mark.
Winaico claims to have had only 16 recorded panel failures across more than 250,000 panels distributed in Australia over the last 7 years.
Winaico also advocates for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and strive to reduce energy and water usage throughout the manufacturing process. They pay attention to environmental protection across the whole life-cycle of the solar panel and work with recycling partners to help ensure the products are recycled in compliance with the WEEE directive (Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment). Winaico’s environmental management system is also certified to ISO 14001 and they put out an annual Corporate Social Responsibility report.
Highlights: High-quality solar panels made in the U.S. with a solid warranty and performance warranty and half-cell technology good for shadier spots.
The Q Peak DUO G10 is the latest generation of solar panel produced by Hanwha Q Cells. Made in Georgia, U.S., these panels offer up to 360-380 W and have a generous 25-year performance and product warranty. The performance warranty guarantees at least 98% of nominal power during the first year and a 0.5% maximum degradation rate thereafter, providing at least 93.5% of nominal power up to 10 years, and at least 86 % of nominal power up to 25 years.
With 120 half-cut monocrystalline PERC cells, these panels are a good option for partially shaded areas. They’re also certified for high snow (5400 Pa) and wind loads (4000 Pa) and have a temperature coefficient of -0.34%. each panel measures 67.6 × 41.2 × 1.26 in and weighs 43.9 lbs.
Confusingly, the Q Cells website states an efficiency of 21.5% for these panels, but the specification sheet states up to 21.2% under standard test conditions. Either way, this is an excellent efficiency rating.
Hanwha Group is one of the world’s largest and most well-regarded photovoltaic manufacturers. It is a FORTUNE Global 500 firm and a Top 8 business enterprise in South Korea, has been around since the 1950s, and started making solar panels in 2011. Hanwha is also a consistent Tier 1 solar panel manufacturer, meaning it’s likely to be around to honor those warranties.Â
In 2012, Hanwha bought out the German company Q-Cells. Thereafter, it quickly became one of the best brands of solar panels around. Interestingly, Hanwha Q-Cells are currently engage in legal action against Jinko Solar, REC Group and Longi alleging patent infringements.
Highlights: German-made, high efficiency solar panel.
AXITEC has been making solar panels since 2001 and is based in New Jersey, with warehousing in California. This makes AXITEC a great choice if you want solar panels fast!Â
The company controls its entire manufacturing chain, through to sales and service, which is always helpful for more complex electronics and home appliances. AXITEC manufactures its panels in Germany and offers panels up to 21.48% efficient. The panels are also very affordable and have excellent temperature coefficients.
The Axitec AC-555MH/144V is the company’s most efficient solar panel, with a power output of 555 W and an efficiency of 21.48%. The panels comprise 144 monocrystalline high-efficiency cells and have a temperature coefficient of -0.35% (full specification).
Each panel measures 2278 x 1134 x 35 mm and weighs 28.5 kg. The panels have a design load of (pressure/suction) 3600 Pa / 1600 Pa and a test load (pressure/suction) of 5400 Pa / 2400 Pa.
Axitec offers a 15 years manufacturer‘s guarantee to 90% of the nominal performance, and a 25 years manufacturer‘s guarantee to 85% of the nominal performance.
Highlights: Highlights: Made-in-America solar panels, great for larger rooftops in the northern states, and very affordable!
Mission Solar offers made-in-America residential solar panels in several sizes and with a few different color options. The company’s most efficient module currently is the MSE330SR8K which is rated up to 19.53% efficient with a temperature coefficient of -0.375%.Â
This module has a sleek all-black design and fairly compact size at 65.98 in. x 39.68 in. x 1.58 in. Each panel weighs 44 lbs. and features 60 P-type monocrystalline cells (6×10) with 5 busbars (full specification)
Mission Solar modules are very robust and are resistant to 5,400 Pa front load and 3,600 Pa back load. These panels make the California Energy Commission’s approved list, which means they’re more likely to qualify for solar rebate programs across the U.S.
Mission Solar guarantees no more than 3% panel degradation at the 1-year mark, and a guaranteed capacity of 90.7% at 10 years and 80.2% at the 25-year mark. This is a higher degradation rate than most of the companies on our list, but still very good, especially given that Mission Solar panels are so affordable.
Mission Solar modules are made in San Antonio, Texas, and are some of the cheapest solar panels around. Don’t let that fool you, though. These are still quality solar panels and a great choice if you don’t mind a slightly lower efficiency rate, and a slightly higher temperature coefficient. Ironically, given they’re built in Texas, these panels are better suited for customers in Alaska, Wisconsin, Maine, or Washington State, rather than hotter southern climes.