REC and Maxeon offer two of the best solar panels CNET experts have evaluated. Both brands offer highly efficient solar panels that come backed with strong production guarantees over 25 years. Maxeon panels, long available only through SunPower , are now available from more installers. REC panels are also available from multiple major solar installation companies . Our reviewers have spent hours reading solar panel spec sheets and devising a scoring methodology that measures what matters most to solar customers (more on that below).
These panels scored the best in that evaluation, but that doesn’t mean other options won’t work for your home. There are differences among solar panels, but experts say that finding the best installer is likely more important than getting the very best equipment. The best solar panels for you are going to be the ones that fit your energy goals and budget . There are also many factors you’ll have to consider before moving forward with your installation, including the size of your roof and the energy consumption of your home. Both factors will likely inform what solar equipment you choose to install on your home.
Can solar panels save you money? Interested in understanding the impact solar can have on your home? Enter some basic information below, and we’ll instantly provide a free estimate of your energy savings. This best list doesn’t rely on any in-person testing. Instead, the data we used to rank solar panels is pulled from the publicly available spec sheets companies publish for their panels.