Which solar panels do customers choose?

Our analytics team analyzed a year of sales data to find a clear favorite among solar.com customers. Given quotes from multiple installers and dozens of equipment options, solar.com customers choose REC or QCells panels over 73% of the time, followed distantly by Panasonic*, SEC, Canadian Solar, and Solaria.

Who makes the best solar panels?

Five brands stood out: Maxeon, VSUN, REC, Qcells, and Canadian Solar. What are the best solar panels? Based on our analysis, Maxeon offers the best solar panels, followed by VSUN, REC, Qcells, and Canadian Solar. Each scored well overall, but the best one for you depends on your home’s specific needs.

How many types of solar panels are there?

We analyzed over 750 types of solar panel models from 40 different manufacturers available in the solar.com marketplace to determine the best solar panels to buy to meet common wants and needs. Did you know? With the “One Big Beautiful Bill” signed into law on July 4, the 30% solar tax credit is on track to end on December 31, 2025.

Which solar panels cost the most?

The efficiency: Panels that are 22% efficient or higher typically cost the most, while low-efficiency panels less than 20% tend to cost less. The manufacturer: Solar panel companies offering the latest and greatest solar panel properties often have higher prices for individual panels.

How much power does a solar panel produce?

However, top-end, high-efficiency solar panels can offer production of more than 450W per panel. This means that in a space-constrained area, like your roof, you’ll have higher power density. Related: The 8 Best Solar Batteries of 2025 (and How to Choose the Right One For You)

How many solar panels do I Need?

Start with your annual kWh usage (found on your electricity bills) and divide it by what each panel can produce in your area. A typical 400W panel in a location with good sun exposure produces about 600-700 kWh annually. So if your home uses 12,000 kWh per year, you'd need approximately 17-20 panels to cover your electricity needs completely.