Between the WRO enforcement and general shipping and supply issues across markets, shoring up solar panel supply chains is a main objective for every solar installer and EPC heading into To aid in those efforts, we present the Solar PV Module Buyer’s Guide. We asked every major PV module manufacturer and some new up-and-comers to tell us about their latest and greatest modules for residential and commercial applications. As you’ll see, higher power is certainly the name of the game in . We also gathered info on larger format bifacial modules too. Their answers are listed below, in order of manufacturing capacity, but starting with our Module Month sponsor, Panasonic.
KINGSUN supply professional and honest service.
Headquarters: Newark, NJ
U.S. manufacturing? N/A
Website
Panasonic has more than a century of innovation and solid footing under its belt, with expertise in both B2C and B2B industries. When homeowners make solar purchase with Panasonic, they can have peace of mind knowing their investment is protected.
EverVolt Solar Module Black Series 370 (EVPV370K) and EverVolt Solar Module Series 380 (EVPV380) | The EverVolt Solar Module Black Series 370W features an efficiency rating of 21.2%; high efficiency in high temperatures, with one of the industry’s lowest temperature coefficients at 0.26%/°C; improved performance when shaded; one of the industry’s lowest annual degradation rates; and Heterojunction cell technology with half-cut cells. Same applies for the EverVolt Solar Module Series 380, with an efficiency rating of 21.7%.
Headquarters: Xian, China (Global); San Ramon, CA (U.S.)
Global mfg capacity: 85 GW wafer capacity; 50 GW module capacity
U.S. manufacturing? No
Website
LONGi supplies high-efficiency monocrystalline solar modules to all market segments and project types in the United States. A global market leader, LONGi has unmatched bankability, quality and performance validated by third-party laboratories, and has breakthrough innovation at both the wafer and module level.
Hi-MO 4; LR4-60HPB and LR4-60HPH | LONGi, a leader in cell and module delivery, and the only module with AAA Bankability Rating, features the Hi-MO4 Series. It’s an ultra-high-value product tailored by LONGi for DG users. The Hi-MO4 modules have a significant advantage of high efficiency, high power generation, and high reliability.
Hi-MO 4; LR4-72HPH | LONGi Hi-MO 4 series products are monocrystalline modules using the new M6 (166mm) silicon wafer that delivers the highest power in the modules. LONGi’s advanced R&D technology led to the upgrade of silicon wafer size from M2 to M6 and ushers in the era of the 166mm standard. LONGi M6 silicon wafer technology enhances the power of the modules, with power up to 465W.
LR5-72HBD | Industry standardized wafer and module dimensions based on the boundary analysis especially in global transportation, the single-format shipment over 10 GW from within one year. LONGi Hi-MO5 features optimized gallium-doped M10 standard silicon wafers (182mm) to produce a P-Type Mono PERC module with the lowest LID, increased attenuation, and power performance well as long-term reliability. Hi-MO 5 adopts “Smart Soldering,” which uses integrated segmented soldering ribbons that maximize light capture and connect cells with reduced gap distance and reduce the tensile stress of the cell.
Headquarters: Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
Global mfg capacity: ~22GW at the end of
U.S. manufacturing? No.
Website
Trina Solar continues to innovate and deliver better value, higher reliability and more savings for residential, C&I and utility-scale PV projects. Trina is leading the way on 210mm standardization in order to achieve higher value for the entire solar supply chain and push for greater adoption of PV energy.
400W+ Vertex S module series | Trina Solar’s 400W+ Vertex residential modules use a unique third-cut 210mm cell design to generate large amounts of energy even in limited space. This design allows for up to 60W higher module power and an increase in power generation of 10-23% compared to other modules on similar-sized rooftops. The higher power bin and efficiency also mean reduced installation costs. The modules have widespread compatibility with existing mainstream optimizers, inverters and mounting systems. The innovative non-destructive cutting technology used in manufacturing the modules minimizes the risk of micro-cracks. Diverse installation options allow for flexible system designs, including cross beam, 4-points mounting or shared rail.
210mm 500W+ Vertex module series | Trina Solar’s 500W+ Vertex modules use large area cells based on 210mm silicon wafers and third-cut cell technology. These modules use multi-busbar design for better light trapping effect, lower series resistance and improved current collection. Non-destructive cutting technology minimizes micro-crack risks, while cell process and module material control ensure high PID resistance. The modules are designed for widespread compatibility with mainstream system components. With up to 21% module efficiency with high-density interconnect technology, the 500W+ modules deliver lower LCOE, reduced BOS and shorter payback time.
670W Vertex 21 series | Trina Solar’s ultra-high-power and high-efficiency 670W+ Vertex modules increase power output by 35W-90W and provide savings on BOS up to $0.5-1.6 cents per watt compared with the current industry average. In addition to the larger 210mm wafer or module size, Trina developed an innovative low-voltage and high-power string design that further reduces BOS costs. The modules were designed for widespread compatibility with existing mainstream system components, including 19 inverter brands and more than 180 inverter models. The modules’ excellent incident angle modifier and low irradiation performance are validated by third-party certifications. Vertex modules have passed a non-uniform snow-load test, extreme wind tunnel test, extreme low-temperature mechanical load test and hail test. The TrinaPro utility solution integrates bifacial Vertex modules and our customized TrinaTracker to further optimize Vertex module performance and ensure system safety and reliability, boosting performance by 3-8%.
Global Headquarters: Shanghai
U.S HQ: Jacksonville, Fla.
U.S. Sales Office: San Francisco
Global mfg capacity: 36 GW
U.S. manufacturing? Jacksonville, Florida
Distributors in U.S. ABC Supply Co., CED Greentech, Inter-Island Solar Supply, McNaughton & McKay, R&R Solar Supply, Sonepar
Website
JinkoSolar is a leading PV module manufacturer and energy storage system integrator, deploying more than 85 GW in 160 countries globally, including 15 GW in the U.S. EAGLE Modules come from facilities in Malaysia and Florida. EAGLE Storage brings together the best energy storage technology for turnkey hardware and energy storage services. Publicly vetted by trusted industry third party laboratories and top financial institutions, EAGLE is a trusted choice for U.S. solar and storage projects. As a global leader with strong regional focus, JinkoSolar has more than 300 employees based in San Francisco, CA and Jacksonville, FL offices to provide timely, local service.
Eagle 66TR G4 | The EAGLE 66TR G4 is the newest module, available July . It utilizes tiling ribbon (TR) technology, which eliminates horizontal cell gaps and increases power density. The all-black construction creates a high-power solution with premium aesthetics making it ideal for residential applications. The EAGLE 66TR G4 uses high efficiency
9 busbar mono PERC “Diamond” half-cells. The half-cell construction increases power and helps the module mitigate shading. The busbars are now round, which redirect light into the cell, creating even more power. The EAGLE 66TR G4 is backed by a DuPont Tedlar-based backsheet, which uses the same film found on the International Space Station and commercial jetliners.
● Panel size: x x 35 mm
● Rated power: 370-390W
● Cell type: Mono PERC
● Module efficiency: 19.38% – 20.43%
● Temperature coefficient: -0.35%/℃
● UL Fire Type 1
● Quantity per pallet: 30pcs
● Warranty: 12-year limited product, 25-year limited power warranty
EAGLE 72HM G2 | The EAGLE G2 modules consist of JinkoSolar’s “Diamond” half-cells. These uniquely designed cells feature high-efficiency mono PERC technology which enable module powers up to 410W while maintaining a low temperature coefficient for maximum energy yield. As with all of JinkoSolar’s modules, the EAGLE G2 is Fire Type 1 rated, engineered with a thick frame, 3.2mm front side glass, and thick backsheet for added durability. It is also certified for high snow and wind loads (45mm Hailstones at 29m/s)
EAGLE 72HM G5b | The EAGLE G5b modules utilize JinkoSolar’s high efficiency “Diamond” half-cell technology. The half cut design minimizes space between cells enabling module power up to 545W with efficiencies up to 21%. JinkoSolar’s bifacial cell architecture allows higher backside contribution and high lifetime energy yield. The EAGLE G5b is a single glass bifacial module with transparent backsheet which allows it be lighter for easier installation and lower BOS costs. The thick 3.2mm front-side glass is proven to withstand hailstones of up to 55mm at 34m/s, making it more resistant to extreme weather than dual glass constructions with thinner glass.
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea and Thalheim, Germany
Global mfg capacity: 12.4 GW
U.S. manufacturing? Yes, 1.7 GW in Dalton, Georgia
Distributors in U.S. CED Greentech, AEE, Krannich, Graybar, WESCO, Fortune Energy, Soligent, Rexel, Platt, altE, Amicus, R&R Solar Supply
Q CELLS is one of the world’s largest and most recognized photovoltaic manufacturers, known for its high-performance, high-quality solar cells and modules. The company offers the full spectrum of photovoltaic products, applications and solutions from cells and modules to kits to systems to large-scale solar power plants.
Q.PEAK DUO BLK ML-G10+ | With a higher efficiency rate than previous series, the Q.PEAK DUO BLK ML-G10+ is Q CELLS’ first 400W module for the residential market and takes high performance to a new level. The G10+ module utilizes Q CELLS’ zero gap Q.ANTUM DUO Z technology to boost module efficiency up to 20.9%. The module is also backed by a 25-year product and performance warranty that guarantees at least 86% of nominal power up to 25 years.
Q.PEAK DUO XL-G11 | The high-performance module Q.PEAK DUO XL-G11 is an ideal solution for commercial and utility applications thanks to a combination of its innovative Q.ANTUM DUO Z technology and cutting-edge cell interconnection. This V UL/IEC solar module ensures high yields with a power output up to 590W while maintaining a very low LCOE.
● Panel size / thickness: 95.1 x 44.7 x 1.38 in. (including frame)
● Rated power: Up to 590W
● Cell type: 6 x 26 monocrystalline Q.ANTUM solar half cells
● Module efficiency: Up to 21.7%
● Warranty: 12-year product / 25-year linear performance
● Temp. coefficient:
Q.PEAK DUO XL-G11 / BFG | The high-performance module Q.PEAK DUO XL-G11 / BFG is an ideal solution for commercial and utility applications, benefiting from an extra bifacial energy yield gain of up to 20%. Thanks to its Q.ANTUM DUO-Z bifacial technology and cutting-edge cell interconnection, this V UL/IEC solar module ensures superior yields with a power output up to 590W, while maintaining a very low LCOE.
● Panel size / thickness: 95.1 in. x 44.7 in. x 1.38 in. (including frame)
● Rated power: Up to 585W
● Cell type: 6 x 26 monocrystalline Q.ANTUM solar half cells
● Module efficiency: Up to 21.5%
● Back-side gains estimate? Up to 20%
● Warranty: 12-year product / 30-year performance warranty
● Temperature coefficient:
Headquarters: Seoul, S Korea
Global mfg capacity: 2 GW
U.S. manufacturing? Yes. Huntsville, AL (500 MW)
Distributors in U.S.: CED, BayWa, Rexel, US Renewables, McNaugton McKay
Website
LG Electronics is more than just a great brand. LG’s solar panels are globally renowned for their high efficiency and low degradation; representing a strong value for installers and end-users alike. LG features a “Triple 25” limited warranty, which covers workmanship, performance, and labor reimbursement for 25 years.
LG NeON H+ Black | The NeON H+ Black is LG’s first module to employ the company’s gap-free technology, which reduces the distance energy must travel by eliminating the empty space between cells. The NeON H+ Black is designed with cells that overlap by 0.5 millimeters, eliminating the gap altogether which allows more cells to fit in the same amount of space compared to non-gap-free modules. In addition, the NeON H+ Black is a lower-cost offering and is differentiated from other black modules on the market due to its color uniformity across cells. The black busbar ribbon and frame and back sheet are color matched to the cell as much as possible, and the lightweight, high-quality glass maintains the color of the HTAR coating layer transparently. This results in an all-black, stunning offering for homeowners.
● Panel size / thickness: 1,880 mm (L) x 1,042 mm (W) x 40 mm (H)
● Rated power: 405W
● Cell type: Monocrystalline / N-type
● Module efficiency: 20.9% (LG410N3K-V6), 20.7% (LG405N3K-V6), 20.4% (LG400N3K-V6)
● Temperature coefficient: -0.33 percent per degree Celsius
● Warranty: 25-year limited warranty for a performance level of 90.6 percent of initial performance, even up to 25 years of continuous use
● Gap-free technology, 132 half-cut, N-type cells, black on black
LG NeON H 460W (E6) | LG continues to innovate its successful commercial module platform with a higher efficiency version of its popular “TopCon” E6 series modules. The LG NeON H 460W (E6) features a .35% maximum allowable degradation for years 2 – 25, which guarantees the panel will produce over 90% of its nameplate rating at year 25. Backed by one of the strongest balance sheets in the solar industry LG’s E6 solar panels are high performance, in every aspect.
● Panel size / thickness: 2,110 x 1,042 x 40 mm
● Rated power: 460W
● Cell type: Monocrystalline/ 144 cells half-cut N-type cells)
● Module efficiency: 20.9%
● Temperature coefficient: -0.33 percent per degree Celsius
● Quantity per pallet: 25
● Warranty: 25-year limited warranty for a performance level of 90.6 percent of initial performance, even up to 25 years of continuous use
LG NeON H 440W (E6) | LG continues to innovate its successful commercial module platform with a higher efficiency version of its popular E6 series modules. The NeON H 440W E6 bifacial features a .35% maximum allowable degradation for years 2 – 25, which guarantees the panel will produce over 90% of its nameplate rating at year 25. Backed by one of the strongest balance sheets in the solar industry LG’s E6 solar panels are high performance, in every aspect.
● Panel size / thickness: 2,130 mm (L) x 1,042 mm (W) x 40 mm (H)
● Rated power: 440W
● Cell type: Monocrystalline / 144 cells half-cut N-type bifacial cells
● Module efficiency: 19.8% (STC) and 21.2% (BiFi100)
● Back-side gains estimate: Up to 20%
● Temperature coefficient: -0.33 percent per degree Celsius
● Quantity per pallet: 25
● Warranty: 25-year limited warranty for a performance level of 96.4% percent of initial performance, even up to 25 years of continuous use (based on BiFi100)
Global Headquarters: Vietnam
U.S. Headquarters: San Jose, Calif.
Global mfg capacity: PV PERC Cell Capacity: 1.5 GW; PV PERC Module Capacity: 1.5 GW
U.S. manufacturing? No. We manufacture our products at Vietnam.
Distributors in U.S.: We work with multiple distributors in USA
Website
Boviet Solar is part of Boway Group and a global Tier 1 solar technology company specialized in manufacturing Monocrystalline -based PV cells and modules for utility-scale, commercial, industrial, and residential solar projects. The company leverages financial stability, technology know-how, manufacturing excellence to support IPP’s, EPC’s project developers, solar installers, contractors, distributors through project design and development.
GAMMA SERIES I PERC MONOFACIAL I 440W-450W | Advanced Monocrystalline wafer-based technology combined with PERC, half cut, multi busbar cell and split PV. Monofacial PV Module design provides high power, efficiency, and reliable PV modules.
VEGA SERIES I PERC BIFACIAL I 360W-375W | Advanced Monocrystalline wafer-based technology combined with PERC, half cut, multi busbar cell and split PV. Monofacial PV Module design provides high power, efficiency, and reliable PV modules.
VEGA SERIES I PERC BIFACIAL I 530W-550W | Advanced Monocrystalline wafer-based technology combined with PERC, half cut, multi busbar cell and split PV . Monofacial PV Module design provides high power, efficiency, and reliable PV modules.
Headquarters: Oslo, Norway with operational headquarters in Singapore
Global mfg capacity: 1.5 GW, (plans for over 5 GW in 2 to 3 years)
U.S. manufacturing: Not yet. Future plans include Singapore, Europe and USA
Distributors in U.S.
Since its foundation in Norway 25 years ago, REC Group has always been committed to leading power densities, reliable long-term performance and a low carbon footprint in its solar materials and panels. REC is known for its patented innovations, manufacturing excellence and multiple award-winning products as well as trustworthy and close business relations.
REC Alpha Pure Series | The REC Alpha Pure Series marks a major advancement in the solar energy industry and leads to a more sustainable future. The new product comes with a lead-free RoHS compliant construction and power reaching 410 Wp in a compact panel size. Thanks to an outstanding power density of 20.6 W/ft2 REC Alpha Pure is ideal for limited spaces and allows higher savings on homeowners’ energy bills and greater power independence while minimizing consumers’ environmental footprint. Its gapless cell layout provides a seamless, full black appearance as well as excellent performance in hot climate conditions thanks to an exceptional temperature coefficient of -0.26 %/°C, a super-strong frame and more durability due to the unique advanced cell connections. Eligible for the comprehensive RECProTrust warranty covering product, performance and labor, REC Alpha Pure provides long-term and value-adding security to consumers.
Headquarters: Toronto, Canada
Global mfg capacity: 1 GW
U.S. manufacturing? Two locations in Bellingham and Burlington, Wash.
Distributors in U.S.: CEDGreentech, BayWa. r.e. Krannich, PLATT, US Solar Distributing, WTS
Website
Silfab Solar panels are specifically designed and engineered for North American homeowners and businesses to withstand rigorous conditions and perform under varying temperatures, humidity and environmental factors. To be close to its customers, all of its in-house manufacturing is located in North America. With just-in-time manufacturing in Washington State and Toronto, Canada, Silfab can provide fast delivery, service and support for local economies by generating hundreds of clean-tech jobs. Its solar panels deliver maximum power density and long-term reliability not to mention beautiful aesthetics all backed by one of the most trusted warranties in the business.
Silfab Elite (SIL-410 BG) | The Silfab Elite SIL-410 BG is the latest entry in Silfab’s next generation back-contact panel. The innovative conductive backsheet and back-contact cell design eliminates the need for conventional stringing and bussing. With electrical contacts on the back of each cell, this allows the front of the module to collect and convert more light into energy. Reduced frontside metallization means less shadowing, maximizing your modules power density, efficiency and aesthetics. Reduced thermal stresses and lower operating temperatures dramatically improve durability, reliability and performance.
Silfab Commercial (SIL 490 HN) | Silfab Commercial is a high-efficiency solar panel optimized for commercial projects where maximum power density and superior performance is essential. The half-cell technology is designed to improve the panel’s performance and durability. The durable silver frame is engineered to accommodate high wind and snow loads with front load validated up to Pa. It also backed by our 25 year product and 30 year performance warranties.
Headquarters: Sault Ste. Marie, ON Canada
Global mfg capacity: 900 MW
U.S. manufacturing capacity: 650 MW
Distributors in U.S.: AltE Store, Backwoods Solar, CED Greentech, City Electric, KrannichWESCO, Soligent, UMA Solar, and Unbound Solar
Website
Heliene says it is the only manufacturer of heterojunction modules in the United States. Consistently ranked a Tier 1 supplier by Bloomberg New Energy Finance, Heliene is accelerating North America’s clean energy transition through ongoing R&D, state of the art manufacturing facilities, and rapidly growing U.S. production capacity.
66M HJT All Black Module | Heterojunction solar cells consist of a monocrystalline silicon cell placed between two layers of thin-film silicon. This combination of different cell technologies results in three total layers that allow for the absorption of additional photons and higher levels of efficiency. These modules promise to deliver what the residential market requires – better aesthetics, higher durability, and increased performance. Heterojunction modules have proven to be more efficient and durable, with a great potential for lower costs per unit of energy (kWh). Not only does the end result provide a much superior product, the cell manufacturing process requires less steps, leading to potential cost savings as manufacturing volumes increase. One key advancement worth noting is the incorporation of micro-wire technology instead of traditional busbars, which results in improved durability and higher performance in heterojunction cells. Micro-wires also help to reduce shading by as much as 25% compared to busbars.
• Panel size / thickness: 66 cell
• Rated power: 370W
• Cell type: N-type Heterojunction
• Module efficiency: 20.5%
• Temperature coefficient: -0.294%/°C
• Warranty: 15 Year Manufacturer’s Workmanship Warranty and 25 Year Linear Power Guarantee
• 18 round microwires reduces shading by 25 percent by creating a light trapping effect.
• Low light induced degradation (LID) and potential induced degradation (PID)
Headquarters: De La Cruz Blvd., Suite 200 Santa Clara, CA
Global mfg capacity: 600MW annually
U.S. manufacturing? Planned U.S. Manufacturing in
Distributors in U.S.CED Greentech, City Electric Supply, Krannich, Wesco, Soligent Distribution
Website
Are you interested in learning more about TOPCon PV Cell? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
Aptos Solar believes that advanced solar technology should be accessible and affordable for business and homeowners across the globe. Its patented DNA technology improves solar panel performance while driving down the cost of manufacturing.
DNA-144MF10-540W | Aptos’ high-efficiency solar panels are optimized with the patented Dula Nano Absorber (DNA) technology. Aptos pairs advanced selective emitter PERC technology with thin film layers to improve heat tolerance, increase photon capture, minimize resistive loss, and use 5% more of the available active area for optimal power performance. The new line of DNA solar panels utilize M10 wafer technology which increases the efficiency and power output of the solar panel.
Headquarters: San Antonio, Texas
Global mfg capacity: 300 MW
U.S. manufacturing? Exclusively US-made
Distributors in U.S. National distribution network
Website
Mission Solar is a true American brand and is proud to manufacture on American soil—driving energy independence and investing in its San Antonio community. Born in Texas for use in the harshest environments—Mission’s sleek black-on-black modules are rigorously tested to ensure unsurpassed quality.
The all-black 415W: MSE415SX6Z | Mission Solar panels are always made in San Antonio, Texas. Its latest, MSE415SX6Z—a 72-cell black-on-black module —is quickly becoming a favorite in the Texas and Florida markets where the climate can be unforgiving. This is because Mission is committed to building the strongest panels from the inside out. Some of the ways “America’s Module Company” commits to quality include a thicker, fortified 40mm frame with 9μm anodization; a durable 3-ply, 370μm backsheet and 25 percent thicker glass. Careful process audits by its employees in San Antonio ensure only the best modules enter distribution.
Headquarters: Fremont, Calif.
Global manufacturing capacity: 250MW
U.S. manufacturing? No. Designed and engineered in the U.S.
Distributors in U.S. CED Greentech, Krannich Solar, Soligent, Sonepar, Wesco
Website
Solaria Corporation is a U.S.-based solar PV technology and systems company, with a 20-year history in solar power innovation and product development. Solaria is paving the way for distributed, clean power generation by delivering state-of-the-art engineering and automation to provide superior field performance and unrivaled aesthetics.
PowerXT 400W-PM and PowerXT 430W-PL | Solaria’s patented technology is leading the way in premium residential and commercial solar markets. Its flagship product, Solaria PowerXT, delivers greater than 20% efficiency, sleek Pure Black design with no visible circuitry, shade resistance and proven reliability, all backed by a 25-year warranty. Solaria PowerXT panels deliver aesthetics, power and performance, as well as outstanding project economics with high shading performance and energy yield. Leveraging patented cell design, module architecture and assembly techniques, Solaria PowerXT panels are optimized and engineered for maximum energy output. Solaria PowerXT features Pure Black technology to deliver an attractive panel with excellent curb appeal. PowerXT offers certified quality and a 25-year warranty.
As energy bills climb, tax incentives become more generous and environmental concerns grow, more homeowners are turning to solar power. Spring brings longer days and more sunshine, so you might want to harness this increased solar potential. A recent CNET survey found that 78% of US adults are concerned about rising energy costs. If you're considering solar panels for your home, you might be wondering which solar panels have the best efficiency ratings. Our CNET experts have found the market's top performers with the highest efficiency ratings.
The most efficient residential solar panel right now is the Maxeon 7, which dethroned the older Maxeon and Canadian Solar panels when it launched in February . Maxeon has consistently remained ahead of its peers in the industry when it comes to solar panel efficiency for some time, and its newest offering had its record-setting efficiency metrics confirmed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The 24.9% efficiency mark recorded in lab settings translates to about 24.1% in more realistic settings -- essentially, what would be recorded if they were on your rooftop.
There's one catch for American solar shoppers: The Maxeon 7 isn't widely available in the US market yet, which means that it likely won't be part of any rooftop solar system you might be installing right now. It was expected to have wide availability by the end of , but the panels aren't available just yet. It's also worth noting that Maxeon announced a restructuring of its business portfolio in November. "The Company intends to focus exclusively on the US market where its market presence and planned local manufacturing footprint create a strong platform to drive growth and profitability," per George Guo, Maxeon's CEO.
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Guo also said the company would focus its US strategy on creating a domestic solar panel supply chain. Reading between the lines here, Maxeon is on-shoring US manufacturing to get around potential tariffs and customs problems that may result from the election, though currently, it's unclear if and how this will impact the availability of the Maxeon 7.
Nearly 25% is an eye-catching number, experts have told us that fixating on efficiency isn't always the way to go, especially for someone looking into a residential installation. You'll want to consider the whole output of a solar panel system and its total cost, not just the specs of an individual panel. Small jumps in efficiency might not be worth major leaps in your project costs, especially considering your price will be multiplying based on your solar panel system size. You may not want to wait for better or cheaper options, although solar tech keeps improving and installation costs are trending down. Still, if you have limited space -- such as a small roof or a lot of shading -- highly efficient panels could make sense. Maxeon 7 aside, here are the solar panels that perform the best.
Maxeon is no longer the sole manufacturer of more efficient residential solar panels. In a recent development, Jinko Solar's new Tiger Neo 3.0 panels have reached a 24.8% efficiency, just 0.1% shy of the Maxeon 7's lab results. It remains to be seen how that translates to real life, but the company is taking advantage of tunnel oxide passivated contact modules (TOPCon), which offer higher voltages and fill factors than cells with front-collecting emitters. The Tiger Neo 3.0 is available in two versions -- a 495-watt panel for residential systems and a 670-watt panel for utility-scale projects.
Another Chinese company, Longi Green Energy, set a world record for an independently developed hybrid passivated back contact 2.0 module with a 25.4% conversion efficiency, significantly beating out both the Maxeon 7 and Tiger Neo 3.0, but it's currently only being produced for commercial shipment.
Neither has anything for Trina Solar, which has set a world record for the 27th time, with an N-type TOPCon cell achieving 25.9% efficiency. This is the highest we've seen outside of lab tests from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems, which achieved a 26.1% efficiency for a TOPCore solar cell, although this is more a proof of concept. Both sides-contacted solar cells may have the potential to reach efficiencies of up to 27%, although no results have been published yet.
Solar panels may all seem basically the same, but they're different in at least a few key ways. One of those ways is the efficiency rating, which measures how much of the sun's energy a panel's solar cells turn into usable electricity. More efficient solar panels will generate more electricity than less efficient ones given the same amount of sunlight. Getting more electricity from the same amount of sunshine means you can further tamp down some of your energy costs over time.
"If something is 20% efficient, that means that 20% of the energy in that sunlight reaching the solar panel gets turned into moving electrons," Daniel Ciolkosz, professor of agricultural and biological engineering at Pennsylvania State University, told CNET.
The 20% efficiency of some panels is much different than the nearly 25% efficiency of the Maxeon 7, for example. That means an extra 5% of the energy from the sunlight hitting the panel is getting turned into moving electrons -- producing electricity.
Choosing the best solar panels for your home is a game of balancing solar panel cost, function (like efficiency) and perhaps even aesthetics, if that's a variable that matters to you. Your choice is also limited by what solar equipment your chosen installer actually has available.
I've read dozens of spec sheets and talked to numerous industry experts about what matters for home installations. Ranking panels by their efficiency rating is a relatively straightforward task, I've also created the scoring methodology for the best solar panels and ranked them.
This list ranks the most efficient solar panels as identified by our mid-April survey of the specifications solar companies have publicly available. We'll tell you which panels get top marks for turning sunlight into the most energy, and we'll explain how much solar panel efficiency actually matters when it comes to residential rooftop solar.
Determining the highest solar panel efficiency is a pretty simple matter of tracking down manufacturer-provided data sheets and locating the efficiency numbers. Those numbers today are higher than in the not-too-distant past and keep creeping upward.
According to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Tracking the Sun report, was the first year more than half the residential solar panels installed in the US had efficiency ratings above 20%. Ten years ago only 0.6% of those installed reached that mark.
If you're looking for the most efficient solar panel for your roof, here's how the most widely used brands on the market stack up.
Data collected in April .
It depends on the solar panel. The most efficient solar panels on our list top 24%, meaning they convert more than 24% of the available energy from sunlight into usable electricity. Not all solar panels hit that figure, and the ones you buy might fall below it. Be sure to examine not just efficiency, but the whole expected output of your solar panel system for the price.
These are just the most efficient residential solar panels. Experimental technology and panels designed for commercial and utility-scale applications can be even more efficient.
The numbers listed above are obtained under controlled conditions in laboratory tests. In the real world, plenty of factors might cause you to receive less energy than a panel's efficiency rating would suggest.
Sunlight: If the skies are hazy or cloudy, less sunlight will reach your panels and they'll produce less electricity than expected.
Solar panel angle: Solar panels will work facing in most directions, but there's an optimal angle and placement for your panels that depends largely on where you live.
Other electrical components: Power doesn't flow straight from the panels into your toaster. Some will be lost along the way through the inverter and other electrical devices.
Temperature: Another factor affecting solar panels' efficiency is their temperature. As solar panels get hot, they start to produce less energy, although not at the same rate. A solar panel's temperature coefficient measures how much worse its production gets for every degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit) it gets above 25C (77F).
For example, at 26C (79F) a REC Alpha Pure would produce 0.24% less energy than at 25 degrees. At 29C (84F), it would lose just shy of 1% of its production.
There are three main types of solar panels, and each converts sunlight into power at a different rate. Here's a look at the three types:
All things being equal, it would make sense to choose a higher-efficiency solar panel over one with a lower rating. High-efficiency solar panels typically cost more than lower-rated ones, so making the best choice becomes a matter of balancing your financial goals with what your preferred installer offers and other considerations like brand and aesthetics.
"It's just one part of the equation," said Ciolkosz. "The bigger question for the end user is the economics and how it's paying off."
Is there a case where efficiency might be a worthwhile consideration?
"If you have one of those tiny homes on HGTV," said Tom Beresnyak, a Pennsylvania State University extension educator.
If you're limited by available space for solar panels, you might want to squeeze out as much solar energy as possible from that space, although if your state allows it, a community solar subscription still might be a better choice financially, Beresnyak said.
No, but the panels listed here aren't the most efficient solar panels ever made -- just commercially available ones marketed for homes.
Research into solar cells (the energy-producing components that make up solar panels) has produced much higher efficiencies in the lab. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory tracks the highest efficiencies achieved in standardized lab conditions. The highest-ever solar cell efficiency was 47.6%, recorded in June .
Because there's no one-size-fits-all solar setup, there's no one-size-fits-all advice for choosing a solar company. The best approach is to get quotes from multiple installers before deciding. You should be aiming for at least three to five quotes from different companies before contracting with anyone. Choose the company that has offered you the best fit for your needs, you trust to do the work and has answered all your questions.
You should understand your energy usage before going solar and decide whether your goals are to completely replace that energy, save as much money as possible or achieve something else. From there, it's a matter of measuring competing quotes against your goals.
The Department of Energy recommends that you choose an installer with credentials from a respected third party, like the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, which operates an online directory of certified installers that you can filter by state and certification.
Installers should definitely assess your roof condition because removing panels at a later date to replace a roof will be an additional cost. They should also be able to transparently answer questions about the system's design and why they're making their specific proposal.
"The installer can make a huge difference because the angle and the mount [are important for] maximizing what you have at that location -- a skilled installer is still going to be the real key in your long term production," Beresnyak said.
Read more: See our picks for the best portable solar panels and solar backup generators.
The panels on this list were chosen because they're some of the most commonly installed panels and are likely to appear on quotes for solar installations. If you're quoted for panels that don't appear on this list, you can check their efficiency rating and other specifications in the same way I did. Here's how.
Solar panel manufacturers publish data sheets for solar panels, which detail their dimensions, performance metrics and internal chemistry. If your solar company doesn't provide you with them, you can access them by clicking on the company name in the table above. (Many of the links lead to PDFs.) From there, it's a simple matter of comparing statistics.
For more information, please visit Wholesale Solar Panels.