© MDV Edwards / Shutterstock.com
When shopping for the best solar panels for your home, you’ll want to find one with the right wattage and efficiency. However, not all panels are made the same. So, you need to think about what you want in your solar energy system. With a myriad of options, choosing between different panel types, components, and even portability, the right decision can prove difficult.
We’ve looked at dozens of options to provide you with our favorite choices for residential solar. From quality to versatility, these panels have you covered. Below are the best residential solar panels in 2023.
- Best Overall: Renogy 320W Mono
- Best Kit: ECO-WORTHY Complete Kit
- Best for Emergencies: EcoFlow DELTA 2
- Best for Leightweight Installation: Newpowa 360W Mono
- Best for Mobile Homes: EcoFlow 220W Foldable Solar Panel
Best Solar Panels for Your Home: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Renogy 320W | ECO-WORTHY Complete Kit | EcoFlow DELTA 2 | Newpowa 360W | EcoFlow 220W Foldable Solar Panel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wattage* | 320W | 195W | 220W | 360W | 220W |
| Size* | 65.6 x 39.5 x 2.8in | 58.3 x 26.3 x 1.4in | 72.0 x 32.3 x 1.0in | 69.1 x 40.9 x 1.4in | 72.0 x 32.3 x 1.0in |
| Weight* | 45.3lbs | 29.2lbs | 20.9lbs (47.9 with generator) | 42.6lbs | 20.9lbs |
| Type | Monocrystalline | Monocrystalline | Monocrystalline | Monocrystalline | Monocrystalline |
| Efficiency* (Rated) | 21% | 21.5% | 22% | 22.9% (claimed) | 22% |
| Waterproof Rating | IP68 | NA | IP68 | IP65 | IP68 |
| Additional Components | Junction box, solar connectors | 60A charge controller, 100Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate battery (x2), 2000W Inverter, solar connectors (x3), Z mounting bracket set (x4), solar extension cable, controller-battery extension cable, battery-battery cable | Delta 2 generator, case, car charging cable, solar charging cable, solar connectors | Junction box solar connectors | case |
| Price | $1,325.61 (4 pack) | $2,195.97 | $1,649.00 | $1,599.00 (4 pack) | $549.00 |
Best Overall: Renogy 320W Mono
- [Space Optimized] The 320W solar panels are large and have a higher power rating (up to 1600Wh of electricity per day), allowing fewer modules per installation on your rooftop. Renogy's solar panels...
- [Enhanced Anti-Corrosion Aluminum Frame] Adding an improved anti-corrosion coating to the aluminum frame, this solar panel is designed to survive all the surprises that weather brings, providing...
- [Reliable and Durable] This Renogy solar panel is made of advanced encapsulation material with multi-layered sheet laminations to protect cells from physical damage or distortion, improving cell...
- [Fast and Easy Installation] Pre-drilled holes on the back of the panel allow for fast mounting and securing, ideal for off-grid applications including RVs, rooftops, cabins, yachts, and more. They...
- [Claim Federal Solar Tax Credit] Claim up to 26% of your home's new solar system costs (both equipment and installation) for a tax credit. To learn more about the Investment Tax Credit, please refer...
Our top pick is the Renogy 320W Mono, one of the premier solar panels that’s easy to install and use. Its larger panels and higher power rating mean fewer modules during installation.
Having over 12 years of experience in the solar industry, Renogy has a reputation for creating quality panels for universal uses. The company receives accolades across the board for its pure monocrystalline panels and state-of-the-art encapsulation. Whether looking for the best solar panels for your home or any off-grid project, you can rely on these to last.
A critical aspect of Renogy’s panels that makes them the premier option overall is their ease of access and installation. You won’t find many panel distributors offering that level of accessibility. In addition, Renogy provides instructions that anyone can follow for connecting their solar to their power supply. With universal Z-brackets and waterproof connectors, Renofy’s installation is a breeze.
Check out the Renogy 320W Mono on Amazon.
Best Kit: ECO-WORTHY Complete Kit
- [Poweful Output]: The premium and complete solar panel kit daily output generate 3.2kwh per day under 4 hours full sunshine. Suitable for fan,lights, TV, small refrigerator, etc.
- [21.5% High Conversion Efficiency]: 195W monocrystalline solar panel with high quality frame, which has excellent performance in various weather, and tempered glass panel for extended outdoor use,...
- [60A Controller & 2000W 12V Inverter]: The 60A Solar Charger Controller and Updated Power Inverter are compatible with various battery types such as AGM, GEL and lithium-ion. It protects your battery...
- [Updated 10+ Years' life Batteries]: The 2560WH lithium battery has a built-in Battery Management System (BMS) that can protect it from overcharging, deep discharge, overload, overheating and short...
- [Warranty]: 1 year warranty and 24/7 technical support team, call ECO-WORTHY hotline for any question or concern you have.
As well as providing you with 800W of panels, the ECO-WORTHY Complete Kit is available at an unbeatable price. You get everything you need to start powering your home with solar energy.
Looking at our top choice, you may wonder about the mounting system. You might also have questions about what battery to get or how to convert DC energy into AC. A complete solar array includes multiple components; unless you’ve bought some in the past, you’ll need them too.
Alongside the quality panels, we particularly like the two 100Ah lithium-ion batteries. Bought as a package deal, these batteries are some of the safest in the industry and have five times the lifespan compared to traditional AGMs. We also appreciate that all of the components come from the same manufacturer. We believe that products under the same name communicate with each other more efficiently, Especially when paired with ECO-WORTHY’s 1-year warranty and customer service.
Check out the ECO-WORTHY Complete Kit on Amazon.
Best for Emergencies: EcoFlow DELTA 2
- Made for the Outdoor. Replace your outdoor generator with a solar generator. Includes a 220W Bifacial solar panel to capture up to 25% more energy. Charge your DELTA 2 even faster with green energy.
- Built to Last 6x Longer. Its LFP battery chemistry makes for a portable power station with a 3000+ cycle life. Enough for years on end of use. With a sophisticated BMS, you can go easy knowing its an...
- Power Almost Anything. Portable batteries have come a long way. Power all your appliances with 1800W output, that's on par with outdoor generators without the fumes or noise. With 15 outlets and its...
- Expandable Capacity from 1-3kWh. With the standalone portable power station sporting 1kWh, you can add on extra batteries to reach up to 3kWh. Ideal for camping, RVs or home backup power.
- What you Get. DELTA 2, 220W solar panel, Adjustable kickstand case, AC charging cable, Car charging cable, Solar charging cable, DC5521 to DC5525 cable, User manual, and an exclusive 5 year warranty.
If you’re looking for a solar array to supplement your power rather than replace it, the EcoFlow DELTA 2 is a fantastic choice. It provides a complete and easy set up system, and includes 1kWh of energy.
The EcoFlow Delta 2 outperforms mounted panels in its portability. The package comes with a 220W bifacial solar panel that folds away for easy storage. This makes it one of the best solar panels for homes in emergencies. You can set up the bifacial panel using an adjustable stand, allowing it to face the sun as it moves optimally. This results in a more efficient system over the day. Taken one step further, the portable battery comes with 15 outlets, making it easy to power your appliances in a pinch.
Check out the EcoFlow DELTA 2 on Amazon.
Best for Lightweight Installation: Newpowa 360W Mono
- New Design: 6PCS 9BB 360W monocrystalline solar panel, ultra high-performance cells with 22.9% max efficiency. Bulb pack shipping on Pallet.
- Heavy-duty anodized frame with pre-drilled holes for mounting, pre-attached 3ft wire with solar connectors (M/F)
- Maximum power (Pmax): 360W Voltage at Pmax (Vmp): 33.71V Current at Pmax (Imp): 10.68A
- Built-in bypass diodes inside junction box that minimize power drops caused by shading.
- Withstood "1.375” diameter hailstones falling at terminal velocity. Rugged design with hail/snow tolerance up to 5400 Pa positive load and high wind tolerance up to 2400 Pa negative load.
If you’re planning on installing your solar panels, you don’t want to fuss about getting your equipment on the roof buy the Newpowa 360W Mono.
These solar panels provide more wattage than our best overall pick with a lighter design. However, even though they’re smaller, these panels don’t lack capability.
Newpowa prides itself in providing monocrystalline panels that are highly efficient and incredibly durable. Each 360W module has a tolerance of up to 5400Pa of positive load (think snowfall) and up to 2400Pa of negative load (think gale-force winds). With their large wattage and great durability, these panels make for an excellent choice when installing solar in stormy climates.
Check out the Newpowa 360W Mono on Amazon.
Best for Mobile Homes: EcoFlow 220W Foldable Solar Panel
- New Design: 6PCS 9BB 360W monocrystalline solar panel, ultra high-performance cells with 22.9% max efficiency. Bulb pack shipping on Pallet.
- Heavy-duty anodized frame with pre-drilled holes for mounting, pre-attached 3ft wire with solar connectors (M/F)
- Maximum power (Pmax): 360W Voltage at Pmax (Vmp): 33.71V Current at Pmax (Imp): 10.68A
- Built-in bypass diodes inside junction box that minimize power drops caused by shading.
- Withstood "1.375” diameter hailstones falling at terminal velocity. Rugged design with hail/snow tolerance up to 5400 Pa positive load and high wind tolerance up to 2400 Pa negative load.
Want to have reliable power anywhere you decide to live? EcoFlow 220W Foldable Solar Panel will work anywhere you go.
Featuring a folding stand and a well-designed carrying case, EcoFlow panels are easy to pack away. With ample wattage and industry-standard efficiency, they’re some of the best solar panels for your home on wheels.
EcoFlow’s solar modules feature a bifacial design; they have 220W on the front and 155W on the back to catch ambient light. This design offers up to 25% more solar radiant absorption, making them more efficient than many popular mounted options. The manufacturers built it with a single piece of tempered glass to make it even more portable. This allows the solar panel to withstand up to five times more pressure from the elements.
Check out the EcoFlow 220W Foldable Solar Panel on Amazon.
How to Pick the Best Solar Panels for Your Home
There are four main considerations when choosing the right solar panels to power your home.
- Wattage
- Efficiency
- Components
- Cost
Let’s review each one in more detail.
Wattage
Wattage is one of the first aspects to consider when buying residential solar panels. After determining how much total power you’re planning on covering, you can decide how much wattage your panels need to input. Residential solar panels can range from about 100W to 400W, making it easy to design your array around the conditions of your home.
Efficiency
Not all panels have the same manufacturer, and many feature different efficiencies. Monocrystalline, the more common residential panel type, typically features efficiency ratings of 19-23%. Polycrystalline, on the other hand, rarely has efficiencies of over 20%. For those with less roof space, having a higher-efficiency panel is essential. However, those in optimal conditions or with large roofs could consider lower-efficiency modules to save money.
Components
When buying solar panels online, you should confirm what additional components are included in the box. If you plan on installing mounted panels to your home roof, you’ll want to have the mounting brackets required. Additionally, you should consider other necessary components such as charge controllers, inverters, and batteries.
Cost
One of the toughest aspects of purchasing solar is the cost of the array. When choosing between different panels, the easiest way to calculate a budget is to consider the cost per watt. On average, monocrystalline panels range from $1.00 to $1.50 per watt. Scaled up, that comes to about $100 to $150 for a 100W panel.
Because of their manufacturing process, polycrystalline panels tend to run more affordably. At an average cost per watt of $0.70 to $1.00, these modules can reduce the price of your array by nearly 50%.
What to Know Before Buying Residential Solar Panels
An essential consideration before buying residential solar panels is the installation. While the steps to installing your solar array are pretty straightforward, the logistics of implementing it into your home power supply can prove challenging. To help you with the setup, consider talking with a professional solar installer.
While an installer will cost extra labor, don’t let these piling purchases dissuade you from moving to solar energy. In 2023, the United States federal government is offering up to 30% of your solar fees back as a tax return. Anything you spend on parts or installation will come off the amount you owe during tax season.
Using Residential Solar Panels: What It’s Like
Studies show that residential solar panels can reduce the cost of one’s electric bill by nearly 100%. However, the size of these arrays can vary depending on several factors, the largest being location. Those that live in an area that receives a large amount of peak sun per day can get away with less total wattage than those that live in a cloudy area. Other aspects that can affect the size of an array include:
- Efficiency
- Position
- Shade
- Temperature
Although installing the best solar panels for your home can involve a considerable investment, the vast majority of them have a lifespan of 20-25 years. This suggests that throughout their lifetime, the amount saved in utilities will more than pay for the system.
Finally, switching to solar energy helps reduce your carbon footprint. By switching to alternative energy, you require less emissive power from municipalities. This reduces the amount of waste produced while also allowing that money spent on other benefits. Those willing to connect their array to the grid can earn money on excess solar energy collected.
Best Solar Panels for Your Home: Further Reading
Whether looking to save money on utilities or trying to help protect the environment, you’ll want the best solar panels for your home. Residential solar is just one way we’re using alternative energy to improve the way we live. Check out the articles below for the latest information on other solar trends.
- 7 Solar-Powered EVs You Can Buy Today – As society turns its attention to renewable energy, some auto manufacturers are jumping on the trend.
- A Guide to All of Tesla’s Gigafactories, and Where They Are Located – To drop the cost of solar manufacturing, the world’s leading EV manufacturer is making gargantuan moves.
- The 5 Best Solar Lanterns for the Modern Camper – When you need light in a hurry, these solar-powered lanterns require no batteries.
- The 10 Largest Renewable Companies in the World, and What They Do – From photovoltaics to wind turbines, these companies build the backbones of renewable energy infrastructure.
