Welcome to our quick guide on the top 5 solar panels of 2024!
A question often asked by consumers in the market for a new solar system is: “What is the best solar panel of 2024”. With the huge push for sustainable energy, choosing the right solar panel for your home or business has never been more critical. Luckily, this year the solar industry has seen remarkable advancements in technology, efficiency, and design. In this article, we’ll explore the best solar panels that have set themselves apart in terms of performance, durability, and overall value. Let’s dive into the features of the leading solar panels of 2024!
Our Winner for Best Overall Panel:
Manufacturer: SunPower/Maxeon
Model: Maxeon 7
Score: 8.8/10
The SunPower Maxeon 7 solar panel represents the pinnacle of solar technology, achieving a remarkable efficiency of 24.9%, the highest in the industry as of 2024. This panel is designed with advanced interdigitated back contact (IBC) cells, which are highly efficient and feature a patented design to mitigate hotspot risks, ensuring enhanced reliability and performance even under shaded conditions. The Maxeon 7 panels are built to withstand extreme weather, including hail impact, making them exceptionally durable. They offer the best warranty in the industry at 40 years, have a sleek, all-black design, and are known for their exceptional durability and performance (Solar Builder Magazine) (Maxeon Solar Technologies Mediaroom).(Maxeon US) (Maxeon Solar Technologies Mediaroom) (Solar Builder Magazine).
| Efficiency | Wattage | Durability | Warranty | Aesthetics | Price |
| Up to 24.9% | Up to 445W | Exceptional | 40 years | All-black | Premium |
Our 2nd Pick:
Manufacturer: Qcells
Model: Q.Peak Duo BLK-G10+
Score: 7.6/10
The Q.Peak Duo solar panel stands out with its high efficiency and wattage, reaching up to 22% and 430W. This panel combines cutting-edge Q.ANTUM DUO technology with monocrystalline half-cells, enhancing performance and durability. These panels are sleek and have an all-black design, making them an aesthetically pleasing choice for residential installations. Qcells panels are generally more affordable compared to premium brands like SunPower, offering excellent performance without the high price tag. With a 25-year performance warranty, Qcells ensures long-term reliability and excellent energy output, making it a solid investment for homeowners. (SolarReviews) (This Old House).
Our 3rd Pick:
Manufacturer: Silfab
Model: Prime SIL-430 HL
Score: 7.5/10
This is a high-efficiency solar panel engineered for optimal performance in residential and commercial settings. It offers a power output of 430 watts and uses advanced half-cell technology, which enhances energy production even in low-light conditions. This panel features a clean, all-black design that not only adds aesthetic value but also ensures durability and compatibility with a variety of mounting systems. The SIL-430 HL is built to withstand harsh environmental conditions, making it a reliable choice for long-term installations. The panel is backed by Silfab’s industry-leading 25-year product and 30-year performance warranties, underscoring its quality and longevity (Silfab Solar) (EnergySage).
Our 4th Pick:
Manufacturer: SunPower/Maxeon
Model: A-Series (A425)
Score: 7.4/10
The SunPower A-Series A425 solar panel is a high-performance residential solar module with advanced Maxeon Gen 5 solar cells, which are 65% larger than previous generations. This design ensures the panel delivers a powerful output of 425 watts with an impressive efficiency of 22.8%. The A425 panel incorporates interdigitated back contact (IBC) technology, enhancing its durability and energy generation capabilities. It also comes with a factory-integrated microinverter, simplifying installation and optimizing energy production even in partial shading. SunPower backs this panel with a robust 25-year product and performance warranty, ensuring long-term reliability and peace of mind for homeowners (EnergySage) (SunPower) (Maxeon US).
Our 5th Pick:
Manufacturer: Panasonic
Model: EverVolt H Series
Score: 7.3/10
The EverVolt H Series solar panels are among the newest advancements in residential solar technology, offering high efficiency and great performance. The series includes modules with power outputs of 400 to 410 watts, featuring conversion efficiencies of up to 22.2%. These panels utilize half-cut cells and heterojunction technology with gapless connections, which enhances their performance and reliability. They also have an impressive temperature coefficient of -0.26% per degree Celsius, allowing them to maintain high output even in high temperatures. These panels are particularly notable for their low annual degradation rate, which ensures they produce more clean power over their lifespan. The EverVolt H Series panels are for long-term performance, with Panasonic providing a 25-year product and power output guarantee. This ensures that the panels will operate at a minimum of 92% of their original performance after 25 years. (Panasonic USA) (EnergySage) (NRG Clean Power) (pv magazine International).
How we determined our list
To accurately determine which solar panels were the best of 2024, we used a percentage-based system that evaluates solar panels based on efficiency, wattage, durability, warranty, aesthetics, and cost. We assigned weights to each parameter based on what we felt was important.
- Efficiency: 25%
- Wattage: 20%
- Durability: 15%
- Warranty: 15%
- Aesthetics: 10%
- Cost: 15%
Each parameter will be scored out of 10 for each solar panel, and then the weighted average will be calculated to determine the final score.
Scoring Criteria
- Efficiency:
- 24-25%: 10
- 22-23%: 8
- 20-21%: 6
- 18-19%: 4
- <18%: 2
- Wattage:
- ≥440W: 10
- 420-439W: 8
- 400-419W: 6
- 380-399W: 4
- <380W: 2
- Durability:
- Exceptional (40-year warranty and high durability features): 10
- Excellent (30-year warranty and advanced durability features): 8
- High (25-year warranty and good durability features): 6
- Average (20-25 year warranty, standard durability features): 4
- Below average (less than 20-year warranty, basic durability): 2
- Warranty:
- 40 years: 10
- 30 years: 8
- 25 years: 6
- 20 years: 4
- 15 years or less: 2
- Aesthetics:
- Sleek, all-black design: 10
- Modern, mostly black: 8
- Functional, partially black: 6
- Functional, mixed colors: 4
- Basic, standard colors: 2
- Cost:
- Very affordable (low cost per watt): 10
- Affordable (moderate cost per watt): 8
- Average (industry standard cost per watt): 6
- Expensive (above industry standard): 4
- Very expensive (premium pricing): 2
Example Calculation
1. Maxeon 7
Efficiency: 24.9% (10)
- Wattage: 445W (10)
- Durability: Exceptional (10)
- Warranty: 40 years (10)
- Aesthetics: Sleek, all-black (10)
- Cost: Very expensive (2)
Weighted Score:
(10×0.25)+(10×0.20)+(10×0.15)+(10×0.15)+(10×0.10)+(2×0.15) = 8.8
Using this method, we can calculate the scores for the other panels.
Final Top 10 List Based on Scores
This system ensures that each parameter is considered fairly, providing an unbiased ranking of the top solar panels as of May 2024:
| Rank | Solar Panel | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maxeon 7 | 8.8 |
| 2 | Qcells Q.PEAK DUO BLK-G10+ | 7.6 |
| 3 | Silfab Prime SIL-430 HL | 7.5 |
| 4 | SunPower A-Series (A425) | 7.4 |
| 5 | Panasonic EverVolt H Series | 7.3 |
| 6 | JA Solar JAM72S20 450/MR | 7.1 |
| 7 | Jinko Solar Tiger Pro 440W | 7.0 |
| 8 | Canadian Solar HiKu7 | 6.9 |
| 9 | LONGi Hi-MO 5 | 6.8 |
| 10 | REC Alpha Pure-R | 6.7 |
Reference Table
| Manufacturer | Model | Efficiency | Wattage | Warranty | Cost |
| SunPower | Maxeon 7 | Up to 24.9% | Up to 445W | 40 years | High (Premium) |
| Qcells | Q.PEAK DUO BLK-G10+ | Up to 22% | Up to 430W | 25 years | Affordable |
| Silfab | Prime SIL-430 HL | Up to 22.1% | Up to 430W | 30 years | Competitive |
| SunPower | MaxeonA-Series (A425) | Up to 22.3% | 425W | 25 years | High (Premium) |
| Panasonic | EverVolt H Series | Up to 22.2% | Up to 410W | 25 years | Moderate to high |
| JA Solar | JAM72S20 450/MR | Up to 22% | Up to 440W | 12 years product, 25 years performance | Affordable |
| Jinko Solar | Tiger Pro 440W | Up to 22.53% | Up to 440W | 25 years product, 30 years performance | Reasonable |
| Canadian Solar | HiKu7 | Up to 22.8% | Up to 445W | 15 years product, 30 years performance | Higher |
| LONGi | Hi-MO 5 | Up to 21.3% | Up to 540W | 25 years | Competitive |
| REC | Alpha Pure-R | Up to 21.9% | Up to 405W | 25 years | Moderate to high |
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Why is efficiency important in solar panels?
Efficiency determines how much sunlight a panel can convert into usable electricity. Higher efficiency panels produce more power in a given area, which is crucial for installations with limited space.
2. How do I choose the right solar panel for my home?
Consider factors such as:
Efficiency: Higher efficiency panels produce more power in less space.
Cost: Balance your budget with desired efficiency and features.
Warranty: Look for long-term warranties for both product and performance.
Climate Suitability: Some panels perform better in specific climates (e.g., hot or low-light conditions).
3. What is the lifespan of a solar panel?
Most solar panels come with a 25 to 30-year warranty. However, their actual lifespan can extend beyond that, often still producing power at reduced efficiency levels after the warranty period.
4. How do temperature and shading affect solar panel performance?
High temperatures can reduce panel efficiency. Panels with a low-temperature coefficient, like SunPower and Panasonic models, perform better in hot climates. Shading can significantly reduce output; panels with microinverters or optimizers can mitigate this effect.
5. What maintenance do solar panels require?
Solar panels require minimal maintenance. Regular cleaning to remove dust, debris, and bird droppings can ensure optimal performance. It’s also advisable to have periodic professional inspections.
6. Can I install solar panels myself?
While DIY solar panel kits are available, professional installation is recommended to ensure safety, compliance with local regulations, and optimal performance.
7. How do solar panel warranties work?
Warranties typically cover two aspects:
Product Warranty: Covers defects in materials and workmanship, usually for 10-25 years.
Performance Warranty: Guarantees that the panels will produce a certain amount of electricity (e.g., 80% of their rated output) after 25 years.
8. Are high-efficiency solar panels worth the extra cost?
High-efficiency panels are often more expensive but can be worth it if you have limited installation space or need to maximize energy production. They can also offer better performance and durability.
Conclusion
Selecting the right solar panel involves considering efficiency, cost, warranty, and suitability for your specific conditions. The top solar panels of 2024, such as those from SunPower, Panasonic, Qcells, and JA Solar, offer excellent options to meet a variety of needs.
