The Best PV Solar Panels

Choosing the right solar panel can be challenging due to the variety of brands available, each offering unique technologies, efficiencies, and warranties. However, there are a handful of solar panel manufacturers that stand out from the rest:

1. Maxeon
2. LG Solar
3. Panasonic
4. Canadian Solar
5. JinkoSolar

It’s important to note that solar panels can’t often be purchased directly from a manufacturer. Instead, companies typically have a variety of installers and distributors in areas around the country that offer their solar panels.

1. Maxeon

Maxeon Solar Technologies is a leading global solar technology company known for its high-efficiency solar panels. Previously a division of SunPower, Maxeon became an independent entity in 2020, focusing on the development and manufacturing of premium solar panels under the Maxeon brand. With a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability, Maxeon Solar Technologies is recognized for producing some of the most efficient and durable solar panels available today.

Maxeon key features

• Maxeon Solar Cell technology — Maxeon solar cells are known for their high efficiency and durability, delivering more power per square meter. The solar cells incorporate advanced design features, including the following:
  • Back-contact design — A unique design that places all electrical contacts on the back of the cell, reducing shading and increasing the active surface area for sunlight absorption.
  • Solid metal foundation — Cells are built on a solid copper foundation, which provides superior strength and resistance to corrosion and cracking.
• High efficiency — Maxeon solar panels offer efficiency ratings of over 22%, among the highest in the industry. A high efficiency rating indicates that the solar panels can convert more sunlight into electricity compared to conventional panels (ideal for installations with limited space).
• Warranty — Maxeon a 40-year warranty for power, product, and service. This warranty coverage is the longest and most comprehensive in the industry, providing more coverage for almost double the length of time when compared to other solar manufacturers. Typically, solar panel manufacturers provide 15- to 25-year warranties on panels.

Maxeon product lines

Maxeon offers the following two solar panels series:

• Maxeon 3 Series — One of the most efficient solar panels available in the market.
  • Efficiency — up to 22.6%
  • Power output — typically ranges from 405W to 430W, based on the model
• Maxeon 6 Series — Incorporates larger solar cells and advanced features to deliver even higher efficiency and power output.
  • Efficiency — up to 22.8%
  • Power output — typically ranges from 410W to 440W, based on the model

Maxeon Solar Technologies stands out in the solar industry for its cutting-edge solar cell technology, high efficiency, and robust durability. The Maxeon panels, with their innovative back-contact design and solid metal foundation, provide superior performance and longevity, making them an excellent investment for residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar installations. With a strong commitment to sustainability and a comprehensive warranty, Maxeon continues to lead the way in delivering reliable and efficient solar energy solutions.

2. LG Solar

LG Solar, a subsidiary of LG Electronics and headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, is a leading name in the solar industry, renowned for its high-efficiency solar panels, advanced technology, and robust durability. With a strong reputation for quality and performance, LG Solar panels are a top choice for both residential and commercial solar energy systems.

LG Solar key features

• NeON® Series — The NeON® 2 and NeON® R series panels are particularly popular for their high efficiency and sleek design.
• Durability — LG Solar panels are built to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, high winds, heavy snow loads, and salt mist. The panels undergo rigorous testing beyond industry standards to ensure long-term performance and reliability.
• Temperature coefficient — LG panels have a low temperature coefficient, which means they perform better at higher temperatures compared to many other solar panels. This characteristic ensures consistent energy production even in hot climates.
• Warranty — LG Solar offers a comprehensive 25-year product, performance, and labor warranty. This warranty guarantees that the panels will maintain a high level of performance over their lifespan, providing peace of mind to consumers and demonstrating LG's confidence in their products' durability and longevity.

LG Solar product lines

LG Solar’s featured product line is the NeON Series, which includes the following two panel types:

• NeON 2 — LG’s best-selling solar module that utilizes LG's Cello Technology™, which replaces three busbars with 12 thin wires, improving power output and reliability. The NeON 2 series is available in a variety of styles, such as ACe, Black, BiFacial, and Cell.
  • Efficiency — up to 21.7%
  • Power output — typically ranges from 340W to 385W, based on the model
• NeON H — Part of LG’s NeON 2 series, but includes panels for commercial properties. This series features panels with higher power output and comparable efficiency to the NeON 2 residential panels.
  • Efficiency — up to 21%
  • Power output — typically ranges from 380W to 450W, based on the model
• NeON R — LG’s highest wattage solar module. Panels feature a rear contact cell structure, eliminating electrodes on the front of the cell to reduce power loss and improve overall efficiency.
  • Efficiency — can exceed 22%
  • Power output — typically ranges from 365W to 440W, based on the model

LG Solar stands out in the solar industry for its commitment to innovation, high efficiency, and reliability. The advanced technologies in the NeON series, combined with robust warranties and aesthetically pleasing designs, make LG Solar panels a preferred choice for many consumers looking to invest in sustainable and efficient solar energy solutions. Whether for residential rooftops or large-scale commercial projects, LG Solar provides the technology and quality necessary to harness the power of the sun effectively.

3. Panasonic

Panasonic was founded in 1918 in Japan and has established itself as a major player in the solar industry, known for its high-efficiency solar panels and innovative HIT® (Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin layer) technology. With a strong commitment to quality and sustainability, Panasonic’s solar panels are a preferred choice for many residential and commercial solar energy installations.

Panasonic key features

• HIT Technology — Panasonic’s HIT technology combines monocrystalline silicon wafers with ultra-thin amorphous silicon layers. This unique structure enhances efficiency and performance, particularly in high-temperature conditions.
• Performance in low light — Panasonic HIT panels perform well in low light conditions, such as during early morning, late afternoon, and on cloudy days. This capability ensures a more consistent energy output throughout the day.
• Compact design — Panasonic’s high-efficiency cells allow for more compact and aesthetically pleasing panel designs. This is particularly beneficial for residential installations where roof space might be limited.
• Warranty — Panasonic offers a robust 25-year product and performance warranty. This comprehensive warranty covers not only the materials and workmanship but also guarantees a high power output over the life of the panel, ensuring long-term reliability and customer satisfaction.

Panasonic product lines

Within the Panasonic Hit Series, the following two panel lines are available:

• HIT N Series — Panasonic's flagship line of solar panels, featuring the highest efficiency and performance.
  
  • Efficiency — up to 21.7%
  • Power output — typically ranges from 330W to 370W, based on the model
• HIT AC Series — The HIT AC Series incorporates a built-in microinverter, simplifying installation and improving system performance.
  • Efficiency — high efficiency with the added benefit of integrated AC technology
  • Power output — similar to the HIT N Series but with an AC output
• EVERVOLT® Series — Panasonic’s best-in-class solar modules that are engineered with the latest technology to provide greater efficiency and performance.
  • Efficiency — up to 22.2%
  • Power output — typically ranges from 350W to 430W, based on the model

Panasonic solar panels stand out for their advanced HIT® technology, high efficiency, and robust durability. With superior performance in both high temperatures and low light conditions, along with a comprehensive 25-year warranty, Panasonic panels offer reliable and efficient solar energy solutions. Whether for residential rooftops or large commercial installations, Panasonic provides the technology and quality necessary to effectively harness solar power and contribute to a sustainable future.

4. Canadian Solar

Canadian Solar, founded in 2001, has rapidly grown to become one of the largest and most bankable solar panel manufacturers in the world. Headquartered in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, the company has a significant global presence and is known for its diverse range of high-quality and cost-effective solar products. Canadian Solar's commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability has made it a preferred choice for many residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar projects.

Canadian Solar key features

• Diverse Product Range — Canadian Solar offers a wide array of solar panels to meet various needs and applications, including monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and bifacial modules. The company offers the following solar panel products:
  • HiDM Series
  • HiKu Series
  • BiHiKu Series
• Bifacial technology — The BiHiKu series incorporates bifacial technology, which allows panels to capture reflected sunlight from the ground and other surfaces, thereby increasing overall energy production. This feature makes them particularly effective in locations with high albedo surfaces like snow or sand.
• Warranty — Canadian Solar offers a 12-year product warranty and a 25-year linear power output warranty. The linear warranty guarantees that the panels will retain a high percentage of their initial power output over the warranty period, ensuring long-term performance and reliability.

Canadian Solar product lines

Canadian Solar offers one of the most diverse ranges of solar panels with three series options, including the following:

• HiKu Series — High-efficiency monocrystalline and polycrystalline modules with higher power output per panel, suitable for both residential and utility-scale projects.
  • Efficiency — up to 23%
  • Power output — up to 670W, based on the model
• BiHiKu Series — Bifacial modules that capture sunlight from both sides of the panel, significantly increasing energy yield and efficiency, perfect for ground-mounted solar farms.
  • Efficiency — up to 23%
  • Power output — up to 715W, based on the model

Canadian Solar is a top choice for those seeking high-quality, efficient, and reliable solar panels. With a diverse product range that includes advanced technologies like bifacial modules and high-density cells, Canadian Solar caters to a wide array of applications from residential rooftops to large-scale solar farms. The company's commitment to sustainability, coupled with robust warranties and global reach, ensures that Canadian Solar panels provide long-term value and performance for a variety of solar energy projects.

5. JinkoSolar

JinkoSolar is one of the world's largest and most innovative solar panel manufacturers. Established in 2006 and headquartered in Shanghai, China, JinkoSolar has rapidly grown to become a leader in the solar industry, known for its high-quality, efficient, and reliable solar panels. The company’s dedication to technological advancement and large-scale production capabilities has made it a preferred choice for a wide range of solar applications. In addition, JinkoSolar offers some of the more cost-effective solar panel modules in the market.

JinkoSolar key features

• High efficiency — JinkoSolar panels are known for their high efficiency, which allows them to convert more sunlight into electricity compared to many standard panels. This efficiency is crucial for maximizing energy production, especially in installations with limited space.
• Bifacial technology — JinkoSolar has also embraced bifacial technology in some of its product lines. Bifacial panels can capture sunlight from both the front and back sides, significantly increasing the overall energy yield.
• Durability and reliability — JinkoSolar panels are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions. They undergo rigorous testing to ensure they can endure high winds, heavy snow loads, and extreme temperatures. Panels are resistant to Potential Induced Degradation (PID), ensuring long-term performance and reliability.
• Warranty — JinkoSolar offers robust warranties that reflect their confidence in the durability and performance of their panels. The company offers a 10–12 year product warranty, covering material and workmanship defects. In addition, JinkSolar provides a 25-year linear power performance warranty.

JinkoSolar product lines

JinkoSolar offers the Eagle® solar module series that includes the following models:

• Eagle G6 — JinkoSolar’s Eagle G6 modules utilize TOPCon cell technology, featuring higher cell efficiencies than most competitors.
  • Efficiency — up to 23.23%
  • Power output — up to 590W
• Eagle G5 — Eagle G5 modules utilize half-cut cells which minimize white space between cells and increase efficiency.
  • Efficiency — up to 21.13%
  • Power output — up to 545W
• Eagle G4 — High efficiency cells featuring Panasonic’s TR technology.
  • Efficiency — up to 20.87%
  • Power output — up to 475W
• Eagle Continental — The Eagle Continental modules include Panasonic’s Diamond cells and high-efficiency mono PERC technology.
  • Efficiency — up to 19.88%
  • Power output — up to 400W

JinkoSolar is a top-tier solar panel manufacturer known for its high efficiency, durability, and innovative technology. With a strong commitment to quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, JinkoSolar continues to lead the way in providing reliable and efficient solar energy solutions worldwide. Whether you're looking for high-efficiency panels, bifacial technology, or robust performance warranties, JinkoSolar offers the products and expertise to meet your solar energy needs at a lower price point.

In conclusion

Choosing the right solar panel brand depends on various factors, including efficiency, durability, warranty, and price. SunPower, LG, and Panasonic lead the market with their high-efficiency offerings, while Canadian Solar and JinkoSolar provide excellent value for cost-conscious consumers. By considering these top brands, consumers can ensure they invest in reliable and efficient solar energy solutions that will provide long-term benefits.