Axitec, Jinko, Panasonic, Peimar, Q Cells, and SunPower create some of the best solar panels on the market today.
If you're trying to find the right panels for your new solar energy system, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll take a look at the world’s leading solar companies and see how the solar panels they create stack up.
The Best Solar Panels For 2022
Below is a chart comparing some of the best solar panel brands These manufacturers have years of experience making high-quality, dependable solar panels. We've taken a look at everything from their efficiency and sizing options to the pricing and warranties.
Explanations and insights into each of these categories are shared below the chart.
| Axitec | QCells | Jinko Solar | Panasonic | Peimar | SunPower | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warranty (Performance) | 25-year linear (85%) | 25-year linear (86%) | 25- to 30- year linear (80.2%-82.5%) | 25-year linear (92%) | 30-year linear (79%-81%) | 25-year linear (92%) |
| Warranty (Product) | 15 years | 12 - 25 years | 12 years | 25 years | 20 years | 25 years |
| Pricing | $$ | $$ | $$ | $$$ | $$ | $$$ |
| Modules Efficiency (%) | 19.8 - 20.7% | 20.4 -20.7% | 18.67-21.33% | 19.1%-21,7% | 16.6%-19.05% | 19%-22.7% |
| Manufacturer Tier | N/A | 1 | 1 | 1 | N/A | N/A |
| Headquarter Location | Germany | South Korea | China | Japan | Italy | United States |
The Factors That Make A Great Solar Panel
Warranties
Solar panel manufacturers typically offer two different types of warranties: performance warranties and product warranties.
With each year, the amount of electricity a solar panel can produce decreases slightly. This is known as degradation. Manufacturers offer performance warranties that ensure their customers' degradation rates stay above a certain percentage.
A product warranty protects customers from any defects in the solar panels that resulted from the manufacturing process.
Why solar panel warranties are important: They guarantee your investment. Your panels will produce what they’re expected to throughout their lifetime, or the solar manufacturers will step in. A company that’s willing to stand behind its technology and craftsmanship likely makes a great product.
Panel Pricing
While pricing will vary from model to model, companies with high-efficiency panels and industry-leading warranties will cost more overall. Your solar installer should help you determine which option offers the best value for you and your goals.
Why pricing is important: Cost is the main factor in just about everyone’s decision to go solar. You’ll also need to consider the installation costs and the cost of the other equipment needed to go solar, like wiring, racking, and inverters.
Panel Efficiency %
Solar panel efficiency indicates the percentage of energy each panel can produce from the energy they receive. Higher efficiency panels can produce more electricity per panel, but they will likely cost more.
If space is a concern for your system, you may want to opt for high-efficiency panels, as you can produce more electricity with fewer panels. If cost is a concern for you, you may be better off with more affordable but less efficient panels.
Why this is important: Efficient solar panels determine how much energy your system will produce and how many panels you might need to meet your desired output.
Panel Size & Type
Solar panels are sized by how many solar cells they contain. 60-cell options are shorter than 72-cell panels. Some manufacturers are beginning to release 66-cell panels as well. The larger the panel, the more electricity it can produce. However, it’ll also take up more space
A solar panel’s type is typically either a monocrystalline or polycrystalline. This describes the composition of the silicon crystals in the solar cells. Monocrystalline tend to have a black hue, are more efficient, and costs more. Polycrystalline tend to be bluer, less efficient, and cost less.
Why this is important: These two factors will influence your solar system's cost and power output. You’ll want to find a manufacturer that offers the type of panels you’re looking for.
Manufacturer Tier
In the solar industry, there’s a relatively well-known tier system. It is based on the Bloomberg New Energy Finance Corporation’s index of how bankable a manufacturer is. The factors that earn a company tier 1 status don’t truly reflect the quality of a manufacturer’s solar panels.
Why this is important: Tier 1 companies can be seen as financially stable and reliable, which is a good thing when it comes to upholding their warranties. However, take this information with a grain of salt, as it’s not a true marker of solar panel quality.
Which Solar Panels are the Best for You?
While some manufacturers on our list are objectively the “best” in terms of efficiency, warranty, or price, the panels that are right for you will depend on your specific situation.
You should go with the panel that offers the best value, balancing price with performance and quality. It’s about getting a system you’re happy with that’s cost-effective and has the best ROI. Here are a few things to look at:
- Brand preference
- Available space
- Desired energy production
- Aesthetic requirements
- Price budget
If you're looking for a deeper dive into each panel brand, visit our comparison blogs:
- Axitec vs LG Solar
- Axitec vs Q Cells
- LG Solar vs. Q Cells
- Q Cells vs. Silfab Solar
- Q Cells vs. Tesla Solar
Work With The Right Installer
With all the options offered, finding the right panels for your solar energy system can feel overwhelming. Our team of industry experts is here to help you evaluate and select your equipment, design your system, and complete the installation.
We’ll work with you to determine what you need out of your solar system and create a cost-effective solar system that provides the best possible ROI.
