Blue Raven Solar Review (2023 Costs, Panels & More)
By Karsten Neumeister /
In this EcoWatch guide on the best solar panels for homes, you’ll learn:
If you wish to take advantage of solar power for home use, the first step is assembling your home solar systems. This system will generally include a battery storage device, an inverter/microinverter, and of course an array of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels.
Based on factors such as efficiency, durability, product warranty, price point and temperature coefficient, we determined the following as the top solar panels for home use:
As you can see, each of these solar panels excels in a certain area, and each one comes with its own pros and cons. Again, as you seek the best residential solar panels, it’s crucial to consider the specific needs of your home and your solar power system.
Average cost
Pros
Cons
If you’re buying residential solar panels based solely on their efficiency, SunPower is the name to beat (remember, efficiency refers to the amount of sunlight that the panels can absorb and turn into useful energy for your home).
SunPower solar panels, made by Maxeon, have the highest efficiency we’ve seen: 22.8%. On top of that, we’ll note that SunPower’s products come with a fantastic warranty of 25 years (covering product, performance and workmanship), far more comprehensive than most of its peers.
The downsides of SunPower panels are their high upfront price, and that they are only offered through select installers, via SunPower’s network of certified dealers. As a result, you won’t have as many choices for which company performs the installation.
The bottom line: If you’re mainly looking for a powerhouse, SunPower is definitely a solar panel manufacturer for you to consider.
Read our full SunPower review for more information.
Pros:
Cons:
SunPower has a few options when it comes to solar panels:
Sunpower makes it easy to find a local dealer by simply entering your zip code, but some examples of authorized dealers include:
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
5 |
$$$$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries |
Average cost
Pros
Cons
We could have named Silfab’s solar panels the best panel for warranty coverage, best North American manufacturer, most durable solar panels or best value. As such, we decided to give Silfab the honor of the best all-around solar panel.
If you’re looking for a well-rounded option that is manufactured in North America, will withstand the elements and offers rock-solid reliability without breaking the bank, Silfab is the way to go.
When it comes to solar brands, the typical panel warranty may be anywhere from 10 years to 25 years. Silfab goes above and beyond the expected warranty options and offers an excellent 25-year solar panel repair warranty and a 30-year linear power performance guarantee. Sure, SunPower also offers 25 years of warranty coverage, but Silfab offers 30 while at a far lower price point.
Not only do these solar panels come supported by a robust workmanship warranty, but they routinely win accolades for longevity and for overall customer satisfaction. With industry-standard efficiency ratings and above average temperature coefficients of between -.36%/°C and -.38%/°C, Silfab has quickly become a competitive solar manufacturer.
Silfab Solar is a less prominent name in the solar renewable energy space, but it deserves your attention because it can offer everything the leader solar brands can at an often better price. It has great products that offer tremendous value and is one of our top picks for best solar panels for home use. It’s no surprise that it’s a growing favorite of a number of American solar installation companies.
Pros:
Cons:
Silfab offers several products for homeowners interested in going solar:
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
4.5 |
$$$ |
Solar Panels |
Average cost
Pros
Cons
At -0.26 %/°C, Panasonic solar panels have the best temperature coefficient. Basically, that means they will continue to perform at a peak power output even when the external temperature rises. Most other panels on this list have temperature coefficients in the -0.3 %/°C to -0.4 %/°C range (the closer to zero the better).
For those who live in extremely warm climates, this is an important consideration — when it gets hot outside and the sun is beating down, your panels will still perform at a high output level.
Panasonic solar panels vary in its efficiency, and many of its panels have a rating of between 14% and 18%. This company continues to invest in solar technology, so its newer panel models can reach as much as 22.2% efficiency. This high efficiency rating places Panasonic in the top tier of panel efficiency.
Panasonic is set even further above other competing solar companies because of its stellar customer support. As one of the leading electronics manufacturers, Panasonic has the resources to provide the individuzlied customer care that smaller companies cannot. Beyond that, this is another example of a well-made product by a top-tier solar company, and we think homeowners will love these panels for its durability and high quality.
Pros:
Cons:
Panasonic’s solar panels offer a range of wattage with efficiency ranges between 21.6% and 22.2%:
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
4.5 |
$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries |
Average cost
Pros
Cons
If you’re looking to secure some quality panels at a lower price point, Canadian Solar may be your best option. This company makes high-quality Tier 1 solar panels that are not too far off from the industry leaders with regard to efficiency, temperature coefficient and other technical considerations. However, similar to Silfab, Canadian Solar makes its panels available at a much cheaper price.
Candian Solar offers modern black solar panels that add modern flair to any home. These sleek monocrystalline panels may be more desirable, but homeowners should be aware of the slightly decreased efficiency. Canadian’s black panel models are reportedly not as efficient as its traditional blue panels because the black backsheet is not reflective and retains more heat. If you have plenty of roof space, however, this won’t be an issue.
The most common warranty for Canadian Solar panels is 12 years, which is reasonable, but it is certainly a far cry from the industry-leading 25 years. Some panel options do com with 15 or 25-year product warranties, but this is sadly not the case for every panel the company makes. With that one quibble, though, we believe Canadian Solar represents one of the best overall values for home solar panels.
Pros:
Cons:
The efficiency of Canadian solar panels will depend on the model, but Canadian offers three panel lines for homeowners on a budget:
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
4 |
$$ |
Solar Panels |
Average cost
Pros
Cons
Speaking of value, we also want to mention the residential solar panels from Trina Solar. Trina Solar is a Chinese company, and like Canadian Solar, and it does an admirable job of producing premium-quality cell technology at competitive price points. The company’s panels are almost as cheap as the ones from Canadian Solar and come with a comparable 12-year warranty.
These panels have a competitive efficiency rating at up to 21.1%, but may not be as efficient as other leading brands. Trina’s panels may actually be just a tad more durable than other comparable solar panels, however, which is why we rank them as a slightly better value overall.
As compared to other brands, such as Panasonic, Trina does have a poorer temperature coefficient of -0.41 to -0.36. This means that if you live in a region that experiences an excess of warm days, your Trina panels’ solar cells may not perform as well as comparable brands. But, these panels are still excellent overall and you should keep this brand in mind as you seek the best use of your solar dollar.
Pros:
Cons:
Trina offers a few different models for residential solar systems:
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
4 |
$$$ |
Solar Panels |
Average cost
Pros
Cons
As we considered the best solar panels on the market today, we took into account consumer reviews. Basically, we wanted to get a sense of how actual homeowners rank the leading products. The results were somewhat surprising: Based on reviews from a number of different websites, we found that Qcells consistently rose to the top.
Established in 1999, Qcells has risen to the top as a world-renowned solar manufacturer and has facilities all over the world. Qcell’s panels may offer high efficiency, but they are not the most efficient panels on the market (reaching 20.6% — most other manufacturers offer higher efficiency). While these panels may be slightly behind the curve in efficiency, Qcells does offer a robust 25-year product and performance warranty that easily competes with that of SunPower and Panasonic.
Customers repeatedly rave about the sleek look of Qcells panels, and consistency of their solar system’s operation and overall performance. In terms of sheer customer satisfaction, this may be the company to beat… and of course, Qcells also offers high efficiency, value, durability and more. Qcells has invested heavily in manufacturing its panels in the U.S. and has even released its own solar battery to pair with your solar panel system.
Pros:
Cons:
Qcells offers three brands of solar panel for residential use:
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
4 |
$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries |
Average cost
Pros
Cons
The residential solar space is dominated by big tech and electronics companies like LG, Panasonic and even Tesla. For some homeowners, though, there’s something appealing about going with a smaller, more niche brand — especially one that makes products here in the U.S. If that’s the boat you’re in, then we’re happy to recommend Mission Solar.
Where Mission Solar panels lack in efficiency and wattage, the company gains in panel cost and in its robust warranty. The price of a Mission solar system comes in at below the industry average at between $18,000 and $20,000 after the federal solar tax credit, which makes this company an ideal option for homeowners on a budget.
These panels are made in the San Antonio, Texas, area, which makes them some of the best U.S.-made products in the solar field. The technical specs are all on point, and the company pulls some robust customer satisfaction numbers, too. Keep Mission solar panels on your radar as you seek the best option for home use.
Pros:
Cons:
Mission has several competitive residential solar panels available, including:
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
4 |
$$ |
Solar Panels |
Average cost
Pros
Cons
Buying solar panels requires a significant investment, even if you opt for some of the cheaper options. Naturally, you’ll want to select robust technology that will withstand the test of time and also hold up well in extreme elements, and Renewable Energy Corporation (REC) just might be the best option for you.
REC Solar panels are well-regarded for its trustworthiness and durability. So that REC can offer the toughest panels in the industry, the company tests its panels with standards that are three times as stringent as the industry average. These rigorous tests ensure that REC’s panels perform strongly in even the most extreme conditions.
REC panels boast efficiency ratings that compete with the industry’s most efficient panels and have a temperature coefficient of-0.26 %/C that rivals Panasonic. As you seek solar panels that have a long lifespan and will perform well regardless climate and weather, REC Solar is a company to consider.
Pros:
Cons:
REC Solar has a few products for prospective customers to choose from:
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
4 |
$$$ |
Solar Panels |
Average cost
Pros
Cons
Windy Nation makes panels that are a bit smaller and less robust, so you may not wish to use them as your primary energy source. However, they work extremely well for backup power options and are also great for powering your cabin or RV with solar energy.
These smaller solar panels are perfect for the DIY homeowner that wants to utilize renewable solar energy for outdoor projects and off-grid applications. Happy customers report that Windy Nation’s panels are durable and do well in extreme weather conditions. Many also discuss how easy it is to set up Windy Nation solar systems and add additional panels.
We’ll also note that, for their size, Windy Nation panels pack an efficient punch. And, they come backed by a 25-year warranty, which should instill some confidence as you buy.
Pros:
Cons:
Windy Nation products are best used for small solar projects. Their solar panels often come in sets of 100W solar panels, including:
Windy Nation solar panels are often installed by customers themselves. They come with easy installation guides for setting up your RV, boat, cabin or off-grid project.
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
4 |
$$$$ |
Solar Panels |
When looking for the best solar panels, here are a few tips to ensure you’re picking the right products.
The efficiency of your solar panels is going to be one of the key drivers of how much you save on monthly utility bills and how quickly you recoup your investment. Each solar panel is rated for a particular efficiency level; the industry standard is between 17 to 20%, so anything in that range is going to be pretty decent. We’ll note that SunPower’s panels, with 22.7% efficiency, represent the highest rating we’ve come across.
Something else to keep in mind is that the most efficient solar panels are not always the most affordable. In some cases, opting for a slightly less efficient product will actually provide superior value. You’ll also want to think about the cost of solar installation and additional parts such as inverters and battery banks when setting your solar budget.
We also recommend comparing a panel’s warranty against the industry standard. Hopefully, any solar panels you buy will come with a warranty of 10 years at a minimum. If you can find something with a 25-year product warranty, that’s ideal.
In assessing your solar needs, think about things like your roof’s exposure to the sun, the available roof space, and the amount of energy your household consumes on a monthly basis. These factors are all important in determining the number of solar panels you need, as well as the type of solar panels.
See Also: EcoWatch Solar Calculator – Calculate Your Home Solar Energy Savings
When shopping for solar panels, it’s also helpful to know the panel types that are available. The three basic solar panel categories are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Each type of solar panel comes with its own list of pros and cons:
Monocrystalline panels are made from a single, pure crystal of silicon. This allows them to have higher efficiency levels, but they also tend to be more expensive due to a more costly manufacturing process. Note: If you have less space on your roof and can only fit a small number of panels, monocrystalline solar panels may be the only viable option.
Polycrystalline solar panels are also made of silicon, but in this case, they are assembled from smaller fragments. This means they are often a little less efficient than monocrystalline panels, but they are also a more affordable option.
Finally, thin-film solar panels can be made from a variety of ultra-thin materials. They are recommended when you need something that’s lightweight, flexible and portable; they may work better for RVs and camping than for homes. Thin-film panels can be relatively low in efficiency when compared to the other two options.
When weighing solar energy pros and cons before making an investment, one of the most common questions that homeowners have is whether their solar panels will require maintenance.
For the most part, all the hard work comes on the front end. Installing a home solar panel system requires in-depth knowledge of electronics as well as solar power, and in most cases, the installation process will take a few days. We recommend outsourcing this to trained solar professionals.
Once your system is in place, however, the level of upkeep required is fairly minimal. Besides routine cleaning, you shouldn’t have any issues that require maintenance with your solar panels for 20 to 30 years. And if you do run into an issue, your warranty will hopefully cover it.
Watch Below: If you are just beginning to explore the solar industry, you may want to spend a few minutes familiarizing yourself on how solar cells even work. In the below video, the TED team describes just that.
Solar panels can vary quite a bit in their overall performance and productivity. There are a number of specific factors that can impact how your solar system performs, including:
As more and more homeowners seek clean energy solutions, solar power is increasingly attractive. By harnessing the sun’s natural energy, homeowners can reduce their dependence on traditional utility providers. Not only does this yield significant savings on monthly electric bills (potentially even eliminating those bills altogether), but it also reduces direct contributions to atmospheric pollution.
Ultimately, the decision about getting solar panels is a highly individual one. For some homeowners, going solar makes plenty of sense. For others, it may prove unfruitful.
As you consider what’s best for you, make sure you take into account your home: The surface area available on your roof, the kind of weather you get and the level of sunlight you’re exposed to.
Also think about the panels themselves: Which performance factors should you consider? Which type of panels is best? And which brand is best aligned with your needs and your budget?
By weighing all of these factors, you can make a well-informed decision about the best solar panels for your household.
In choosing our rankings, we carefully researched many types of solar panels from the industry’s top manufacturers, evaluating them according to several criteria. Some of the factors we used to arrive at our rankings include:
The efficiency rating of a solar panel refers to the amount of captured sunlight that it can actually convert into useful energy. Keep in mind that solar panel efficiency tops out just over 20%, and generally speaking, the most efficient solar panels will yield the greatest energy savings for your home. As a rule of thumb, the less space you have for solar panels, the more you’ll want to look for high-efficiency panels to get the most from your solar energy system.
Solar panels represent a significant investment, and naturally, homeowners want to select products that are going to hold up over time. This means you’ll want to buy solar panels that are made to be durable and to withstand even intense weather.
A good, lengthy performance warranty can give you peace of mind after you purchase residential solar panels. In the solar industry, a decent warranty may last anywhere from 10 to 25 years.
Naturally, you will want to consider your budget before investing in solar panels. The cost of solar panels can fluctuate based on many factors. As you think about a panel’s price tag, however, also keep in mind things like durability, efficiency and warranty, which provide you a fuller sense of overall value.
Another important ranking factor is temperature coefficient. With solar panels, temperature coefficient refers to how much (or how little) the panel’s productivity is diminished when the external temperature rises. How solar panels work in extreme heat plays a key role in year-round energy production.
Yes, solar panels all contribute to generating clean energy, but not all are created equal when it comes to sustainability. For example, SunPower panels (made by Maxeon) are one of the only brands on this list designed with circular economics in mind, thereby conserving rare minerals and reducing e-waste. We take sustainability into account when making our rankings.
We certainly don’t think so, but a lot of homeowners out there think solar panels are ugly, and are therefore hesitant to install them on their home. These homeowners are likely thinking of solar panels that are decades old and still have silver frames and blue faces. However, we still take into account the sleekness of a solar panel in giving our ratings.
Below are a few questions EcoWatch readers regularly send in about the leading solar panels for home use. If you have anymore, do not hesitate to contact us at contact@ecowatch.com!
The best solar panels for your home will depend on your needs. If you have limited space on your roof, you should probably opt for the most efficient solar panels. If you live in a hot climate, temperature coefficient may be of more importance. Think about what you’d value most in your panels in order to decide which are best.
As with so many answers in solar, the number of panels needed to run a house depends on the situation — primarily the amount of energy that your home and habits require. Contact a local installer to get a free, no-obligation estimate for your home’s system.
As of 2022, SunPower’s M and A-Series panels take the top spot for most efficient solar panels. Both panels have efficiency ratings of at least 22.7%, the highest we’ve found.
The two biggest disadvantages of solar energy are the upfront cost and the fact that solar is so location dependent. Both public and private sectors are continuing to address these challenges, however, as more companies are adopting flexible payment methods and governments are pushing for more solar-friendly policies.