Best Solar Panels 2023
Guide to Buying Solar > 6. Best Solar Panels
How to choose a quality solar panel
Selecting a good quality and reliable solar panel can be very difficult for those not familiar with the hundreds of different manufacturers. Fortunately, the team at Clean Energy Reviews have over a decade of experience in the solar industry and feedback from hundreds of solar professionals, which we used to put together a list of the best quality and most popular solar panels available from the world’s leading manufacturers.
As highlighted in our guide to choosing a quality and efficient solar panel, when selecting panels, higher-cost panels from the leading manufacturers generally offer better quality, higher efficiency and increased reliability. Solar panels from the manufacturers listed below have proven to outperform and outlast most cheaper panels, with many lesser-known manufacturers failing to honour warranties, going bankrupt or being de-listed from the Clean Energy Council's list of approved solar panels.
Top 10 Solar Panels For Your Home
Here is our shortlist of the best quality and most reliable residential-size solar panels available based on company history, performance, warranty, and feedback from solar industry professionals. This list generally applies to most regions with established solar industries, including Australia, North America, Europe, Africa and Asia. Note this list does not include all the latest models available and generally represents the most popular and reliable panels from the last 12 months.
* The most efficient model solar panel currently offered by the manufacturer
** Maximum product warranty period - May vary by country or region
^ Cost range $ per W - Does not include the solar inverter, installation and other equipment.
(*) Product and performance warranty conditions may vary depending on panel model, region and country. Performance warranty figures shown represent the leading panels offered by the manufacturer with the lowest degradation. Refer to the manufacturer’s warranty conditions for your region.
Performance and Durability
The many advancements in solar technology have led to substantial price reductions over recent years, with many new low-cost solar panels being released by the leading Chinese manufacturers. While many of these panels have performed well over the years, several panels from a few manufacturers have suffered from poor-quality components, leading to severe degradation and panel failure.
To help ensure panels perform without degradation or failure, several independent testing organisations are available to verify long-term performance and reliability through rigorous testing to ensure ongoing quality. This includes the PVEL annual PV Module Reliability Scorecard Report and the TÜV Rheinland Quality Controlled certification for PV modules. Most leading solar panel manufacturers allow these independent testing organisations to test their panels and will supply a certificate of compliance.
Power derating in high temperatures
Thermal infrared image of a solar panel showing an operating temperature of almost 44°C
The power rating of a solar panel, measured in Watts (W), is determined under Standard Test Conditions (STC) at a cell temperature of 25°C and solar irradiance level of 1000W/m2. However, in real-world conditions, the cell temperature often surpasses 25°C (77°F) depending on the ambient temperature, wind speed, and amount of cloud cover. In hot, sunny weather, solar panel temperature can easily increase to 45 or even 60°C (140°F), resulting in an 8-15% reduction in power output, depending on the solar temperature coefficient explained below.
Power temperature coefficient explained
The power temperature coefficient of a solar panel determines how the panel perform under different temperature conditions. As the temperature of a solar panel increases during the day, the electrical resistance also increases, resulting in a slight reduction in power output, referred to as the power temperature coefficient, measured in %/°C. For every degree above the STC temperature of 25°C, the power output will decrease by a small percentage.
Solar cell temperature coefficient from highest (worst) to lowest (best)
P-Type PERC cells: 0.35 - 0.40 %/°C (Longi)
N-type TOPcon cells: 0.29 - 0.32 %/°C (Trina, Jinko, Winaico, Phono)
N-Type IBC cells: 0.28 - 0.30 %/°C (Sunpower Maxeon)
N-Type HJT cells: 0.25 - 0.26 %/°C (REC & Panasonic)
Solar panels made using N-type IBC and HJT cells have improved efficiency in higher temperature environments than traditional Monocrystalline (Mono) and Polycrystalline (Poly) panels. All SunPower Maxeon, REC Alpha and Panasonic panels utilise N-Type IBC and HJT cells with very low power temperature coefficients, resulting in extremely good high-temperature performance.
Real-world performance
To help determine the real-world performance of a solar panel, manufacturers also provide a power rating under Nominal Operating Cell Temperature (NOCT) conditions. NOCT assumes a cell temperature of 45°C and a lower solar irradiance of 800W/m2 to mimic average operating conditions. This simulates that solar panels often face temperatures and light levels other than the ideal STC conditions, giving consumers a more accurate idea of how they will perform in everyday scenarios. Both the STC and NOCT ratings are shown on the solar panel datasheet. They are helpful for consumers to make informed decisions when choosing solar panels for their specific environmental conditions, especially when installed in very hot climates or on a dark-coloured rooftop that absorbs more heat.
Best Solar Panels November 2023
SunPower
Sunpower, now known as Maxeon Solar, is the world leader in manufacturing high-efficiency solar panels using a highly robust patented cell design, which has proven to outperform and outlast conventional solar panels by a considerable amount of time. Sunpower now offers an industry-leading 40-year product and performance warranty, which is 10 to 15 years longer than any other manufacturer. The renowned Maxeon series panels are guaranteed to generate a minimum of 88% of the original power rating after 40 years.
Build Quality: 9/10
Efficiency: 9/10
Warranty: 10/10
The Sunpower Maxeon panels are built using high-performance IBC N-type cells, some of the most efficient solar PV cells available today. Although, they do come at a premium price due to the more expensive materials and sophisticated manufacturing process. SunPower's more cost-effective Performance or P series panels are popular for residential and larger-scale commercial installations. Sunpower panels are popular and considered the most trusted brand in North America.
Power rating (W): 340W to 550W
Efficiency (%): up to 23.0%
Panel strength: Standard (5400 Pa - Front load)
Price range: Med to Very High $$$$$
Product Warranty: 25 or 40 Years *
Performance Warranty: Min 92.0% after 25 years *
See the detailed SunPower solar panels review.
REC
REC produces high-quality, reliable panels, which are a very popular high-end choice among solar installers, notably the Alpha Pure series. Highlights include extremely good high-temperature performance and a high-strength frame design with cross-bracing offering very high wind and snow loading. All REC panels, including the Alpha, TwinPeak, and N-peak series, come with a standard 20-year product warranty and an improved performance warranty with reduced degradation, making it one of the best warranties on the market.
Build Quality: 9/10
Efficiency: 9/10
Warranty: 9/10
REC pioneered the use of half-cut cells in the split module format, now the industry standard, due to higher efficiency and improved shade tolerance. The cost-effective TwinPeak series panels and high-performance Alpha R series panels, which use the advanced N-type Heterojunction (HJT) half-cut cells, have positioned REC among the industry-leading manufacturers in high-performance solar with extremely low degradation.
Power rating* (W): 370W to 470W
Efficiency (%): up to 22.6%
Panel strength: High (7000 Pa - Front load)
Price range: Med to High $$$
Product Warranty: 25 Years
Performance Warranty: Min 92.0% after 25 years *
See the detailed REC solar panels review.
Panasonic
Panasonic is a well-known Japanese company that specialises in manufacturing premium, high-quality solar panels. With over two decades of experience, the company, previously known as Sanyo, was a pioneer in high-performance heterojunction (HJT) solar cell technology and established itself as one of the industry leaders in high-performance solar panels. HJT cells are built on the more efficient, higher purity N-type silicon, which offers the lowest degradation and best performance in high temperatures.
Build Quality: 9/10
Efficiency: 8/10
Warranty: 8/10
The new EverVolt series of panels from Panasonic, built on the next-generation half-cut HJT cells, incorporates the latest innovations to improve performance and efficiency. The EverVolt series, designed primarily for residential applications, are available in power ratings from 350W to 380W with a maximum efficiency of 21.7%, making them some of the most efficient panels available.
Power rating (W): 350W to 430W
Efficiency (%): up to 22.2%
Panel strength: High (7000 Pa - Front load)
Price range: High $$$$
Product Warranty: 25 Years
Performance Warranty: Min 92.0% after 25 years *
QCells
Hanwha Qcells is a well-known, high-volume panel manufacturer offering quality, reliable panels for residential and commercial rooftops. The latest Q cells G11+ Duo panels are backed by a new 25-year product warranty and an improved long-term performance warranty with 86% rated output after 25 years.
Build Quality: 9/10
Efficiency: 7/10
Warranty: 8/10
Qcells offer a wide range of panels, from entry-level split-cell panels using proven monocrystalline cells to highly efficient half-cut mono PERC cells used on the Q.Peak Duo G5 and G6 range and, more recently, the advanced Q.Peak DUO G10+, and G11+ range featuring the latest innovations including zero-gap cells with 12 microwire busbars.
Power rating (W): 335W to 505W
Efficiency (%): up to 21.8%
Panel strength: High (5400 to 8100 Pa - Front load)
Price range: Med $$$
Product Warranty: 12 to 25 Years
Performance Warranty: Min 86.0% after 25 years *
See the detailed Q cells solar panel review.
Winaico
Winaico is a relatively small-volume Taiwanese company offering a range of high-quality panels that are reasonably priced. Winaico panels now come with a new 30-year manufacturer’s product and performance warranty and are well-regarded and trusted by installers. They also have a good track record for long-term reliability and performance in harsh Australian conditions.
Build Quality: 8.5/10
Efficiency: 7/10
Warranty: 9/10
Winaico’s attention to detail, high-quality frames and great service also put them ahead of most other manufacturers. The next-generation dual-glass bifacial WST-NGX-D3 panels are available in power ratings from 425W up to 525W and feature high-efficiency N-type half-cut cells.
Power rating (W): 330W to 415W
Efficiency (%): up to 22.0%
Panel strength: Standard (5400 Pa - Front load)
Price range: Med to High $$$
Product Warranty: 30 Years
Performance Warranty: Min 87.4% after 30 years *
See the detailed Winaico solar panel review.
Trina Solar
Trina Solar is one of the world’s largest solar panel manufacturers and is investing heavily in low-cost, high-efficiency panels. The well-known Trina Vertex range of panels are considered high quality and very good value for money, in particular, the Vertex S+ (monocrystalline) N-type panels built on the next-generation TOPcon cell technology featuring power ratings up to 450W.
Build Quality: 7/10
Efficiency: 8.5/10
Warranty: 8/10
Trina Solar offers a diverse range of panels, from cost-effective mono-crystalline PERC panels to advanced bifacial panels. The latest Vertex and Vertex S+ (small) series of high-performance panels boosted Trina Solar’s standing as a manufacturer of advanced high-efficiency panels.
Power rating (W): 330W to 670W
Efficiency (%): up to 22.5%
Panel strength: Standard (5400 Pa - Front load)
Price range: Low to Med $$
Product Warranty: 12 to 25 Years
Performance Warranty: Min 87.4% after 25 years *
See the detailed Trina solar panels review.
Jinko Solar
JinkoSolar is the largest Chinese solar panel manufacturer by volume and produces a wide range of cost-effective and reliable panels. The Jinko engineers work closely with the Australian UNSW solar research center of excellence. They have achieved many cell efficiency records over the years through their continuous research and development in new PV cell technology.
Build Quality: 7/10
Efficiency: 8.5/10
Warranty: 8/10
The Tiger series from JinkoSolar are some of the most popular low-cost panels on the market, with an excellent track record for reliability and good support from local offices. More recently, the more powerful Tiger Pro and Tiger NEO series panels have pushed the boundaries of PV cell innovation and technology.
Power rating (W): 335W to 585W
Efficiency (%): up to 22.5%
Panel strength: Standard (5400 Pa - Front load)
Price range: Low to Med $$
Product Warranty: 12 to 25 Years
Performance Warranty: Min 84.8% after 25 years *
See the detailed JinkoSolar panels review.
Canadian Solar
Canadian Solar is the world's fifth-largest solar panel manufacturer and produces a wide range of cost-effective, reliable panels. The company generally focused on producing more cost-effective panels based on the half-cut mono-PERC cell design. However, over the last two years, Canadian Solar shifted to developing far more efficient HJT cell-based panels like the new HiDM and TOPHiKu series, which are now on par with the world’s leading manufacturers in terms of performance and efficiency.
Build Quality: 8/10
Efficiency: 8.5/10
Warranty: 7/10
The current generation HiKu6 and HiKu7 monocrystalline PERC split-cell panels from Canadian Solar have proven popular among installers as a quality, affordable, high-performance option backed by good support from local offices.
Power rating (W): 350W to 665W
Efficiency (%): up to 22.8%
Panel strength: Standard (5400 Pa - Front load)
Price range: Low to Med $$
Product Warranty: 12 to 25 Years
Performance Warranty: Min 84.8% after 25 years *
See the detailed Canadian Solar panels review.
Phono Solar
Phono Solar is a medium-volume manufacturer with a good reputation, offering a range of quality panels at very competitive prices. In recent years, Phono panels have been recognised as a top performer in the annual 'PV Module Reliability Scorecard Report' based on the results from rigorous testing conducted by PVEL.
Build Quality: 8.5/10
Efficiency: 8/10
Warranty: 7/10
Phono Solar offers a range of panels for residential rooftops, including the well-known TwinPlus and TwinPlus X (all-black) series up to 420W, along with the new Draco series built on N-Type TOPcon cells with increased power ratings up to 440W. The next-generation commercial rooftop Helios series panels built using advanced heterojunction (HJT) cells are rated up to 645W.
Power rating (W): 400W to 645W
Efficiency (%): up to 22.8%
Panel strength: Standard (5400 Pa - Front side)
Price range: Low to Med $$
Product Warranty: 15 Years
Performance Warranty: Min 87.4% after 30 years *
LONGi Solar
LONGi Solar has grown rapidly over the last few years to become one of the largest Chinese solar panel manufacturers and the world's largest monocrystalline cell manufacturer. LONGi produces a wide range of cost-effective and reliable panels which only use monocrystalline cells. Part of the industry shift towards more efficient mono and mono PERC cells was due to the massive investment by LONGi in large-scale mono wafer manufacturing.
Build Quality: 7/10
Efficiency: 8/10
Warranty: 8/10
The popular Hi-MO 5 range from LONGi uses the standard split-cell format and has become some of the most affordable 400W to 430W panels on the market. Additionally, the unique Gallium-doped silicon cells are an impressive development that has proven to improve the lifespan of solar panels. The recently released next-gen HiMO 6 range of panels looks set to become some of the most efficient panels available.
Power rating (W): 350W to 540W
Efficiency (%): 19.8% to 22.6%
Panel strength: Standard (5400 Pa - Front side)
Price range: Low to Med $$
Product Warranty: 12 to 25 Years
Performance Warranty: Min 84.8% after 25 years *
See the detailed LONGi solar panels review
Australian made solar panels
Tindo Solar is currently the only Australian solar panel manufacturer and is well-regarded by installers and customers alike. The company only uses high-quality mono PERC cells in the newly constructed manufacturing facility near Adelaide. However, the limited production volume means they can be difficult to source outside South Australia.
American made solar panels
The US solar market is unique in that it has numerous local manufacturers. There are several well-regarded North American-based brands, such as Silfab Solar, Solaria, Misson Solar and, of course, Tesla, who are focused on supplying the growing North American market. Note: Compared to the Australian market, the installation cost is far greater in the US and Canada due to higher overhead costs and stricter regulations. Other factors adding to the cost of solar in the US are the additional safety requirements, including arc-fault detection (AFCI) and the installation of rapid shutdown devices on every panel.
Solar Power Questions
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