Solar energy is on the rise and for good reason. The long term benefits—from protecting the environment to saving a significant amount of money on electricity—make the decision about whether or not to go solar an easy one. What's not so easy, however, are the decisions that come later on. If you’ve chosen to go solar but are wondering which solar panels are the best modules to install on your home, we would recommend consulting with a specialist. But in the meantime, here’s a quick rundown of some well-known brands to help you better understand what’s out there:
An overview
Panasonic has been a pioneer in the solar industry for many years. Their high-efficiency HIT solar modules have a sleek design, an industry-leading power conversion and extreme weather durability. In fact, SolarReviews rates Panasonic solar panels as the best on the market. Efficiency definitely plays a role in that ranking, but the company’s hard-earned reputation and strength differentiate the brand as well.
Manufacturers that are more well-known for affordability include Canadian Solar and S-Energy. Canadian Solar is one of the three biggest solar companies worldwide. Although there’s nothing exceptionally special about its technology, the company is still reputable and considered a top brand for other reasons, including low price and solid performance. S-Energy has been manufacturing solar panels since 2001 and is responsible for many advancements in photovoltaic (PV) technology.
A few other brands worth noting are Sunpower and LG. Sunpower is very similar to Panasonic in efficiency and is widely used for residential properties. LG panels aren’t quite as efficient as Panasonic and SunPower, but are still highly rated by customers and solar installers alike. This is due to their impressive design and top-notch construction quality, detail and finish.
Which is right for you?
When it comes to making a decision between all of the different solar panel modules, it really comes down to your unique needs. If price is a major concern, Canadian Solar and S-Energy panels can offer you affordable options. Both companies are known for offering real value, which means a great return on investment for their customers. You can make a decision between affordable brands based on how the investment fits into your budget.
Panasonic
- Staple in solar panel industry since 1975; made transfer to HIT panels in 1997
- Efficiency rate of 19.4% to 21.6%
- 25-year warranty
- Good rating for technical/support issues
SunPower
- Formed in 1985; opened fist solar panel factory in 2005
- Efficiency rate of 19.1% to 22.2%
- 25-year warranty
- Poor rating for technical/support issues
LG
- Origins traced back to the late 50s; began mass production of solar panels in 2009
- Efficiency rate of 18.8% to 21.1%
- 10-year warranty
- Fair rating for technical/support issues
Get a professional opinion today
You could spend hours, weeks, or even months trying to understand all of the different solar panel options, or you can skip the headache and get an expert opinion instead. At YSG Solar, our knowledgeable solar energy consultants, designers and installers bring over 25 years of experience to the table and can find you the right solution for your unique needs and concerns. Schedule a free consultation today.
