We researched dozens of solar panels—including those that require professional installation and kits for small-scale DIY projects—evaluating effectiveness, durability, and overall value. Our best overall pick is the Renogy 100W Monocrystalline Solar Panel, thanks to its compact design, ability to withstand natural elements, and overall efficiency. Here are the best solar panels for every type of home. The Renogy 100 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel was designed to save space and weigh less, thanks to a lightweight aluminum frame. This makes these solar panels a good choice for roof installation and other applications. Specifically designed to weather the elements, these popular solar panels have been rated to withstand wind speeds up to 130 miles per hour, and snow loads up to 125 pounds per square foot. This model has an IP65-rated junction box to protect against dust and rain, along with IP67 connector cables. To convert the energy into standard AC electricity, use these cables to connect this panel to an inverter, which is similar to a transformer. You can also connect multiple Reonogy Monocrystalline panels together to create a larger array of solar panels for increased energy production. Price at time of publish: $85 (single panel) You can connect multiple Nature Value solar panels for expanded energy output, but keep in mind that adding. more panels requiring upgrading the controller. The panel comes with a 25-year limited warranty, and the charge controller and power inverter come with 1-year limited warranties. Price at time of publish: $418 (including controller and inverter) The Goal Zero Boulder 100W Solar Panel is built with a durable aluminum frame. It can be permanently installed, but it’s most often used as a travel option with a portable generator. The integrated kickstand provides angled support, though it’s worth noting that you can’t adjust the angle to optimize the amount of sunlight reaching the panel. It comes with a 1-year warranty. Price at time of publish: $250 (panel, cord, and kickstand) The Jackery SolarSaga is a popular folding solar panel. This 100-watt lightweight model is made with ETFE, a fluorite-based plastic, and is 100 percent permeable for UV rays. This translates into more light reaching the panel, resulting in an efficiency rating of 23 percent for the unit. Note that this model is designed for short-term setups and temporary applications—it’s not waterproof, so you shouldn’t permanently mount it outside or leave it exposed to rain or snow. Jackery also manufactures 60-watt and 200-watt versions of this solar panel. Price at time of publish: $300 While some solar panels for pools take up square footage on the ground around your pool, this model mounts to your roof for out-of-the-way energy production. Every panel provides 80 square feet of surface area. Larger pools require more than one solar panel for maximum heating results. Price at time of publish: $256 The controller supports four-stage battery charging, to maintain optimal performance. A multi-layered TPT backsheet is designed to effectively dissipate heat. The connectors are rated at IP67, meaning they should effectively keep out dust—essential when you’re on the road—and rain. If you wish to monitor your system’s status by smartphone, you can connect a Bluetooth module (sold separately) to the RS232 communication port and keep track with a downloaded app. We like that the kit comes with pre-drilled holes, as well as the necessary hardware that allows for fairly easy installation on the the roof of an average-size RV. We should note that this price includes the controller but not a battery. Neither does it include a power inverter, which converts solar DC energy to standard AC electricity. Also, as with many products these days, the user manual is available only online. Price at time of purchase: $235 Monocrystalline panels are generally the most expensive but also have the highest energy efficiency ratings. They also require less space to reach the kind of power output you desire, so you likely need fewer panels on your roof. Manufacturers say these types of solar panels also have greater heat resistance, and last longer. You can frequently find these products with warranties of 25 years or even longer. The main disadvantage is these solar panels cost more than other types. Polycrystalline solar panels resemble “mono” panels, although they tend to appear blue in color, as opposed to black. They are more affordable, last about as long as mono panels, and retain better effectiveness as the temperature rises (lower temperature coefficient). But they take up more space than mono panels and don’t perform as well in cloudy weather. Thin-film solar panels are layered strips of 1-micron-thick materials that capture solar energy, like the other two types. Unlike the others, they are not rigid but extremely flexible. There are three types, with names all relating to their composition: amorphous silicon, cadmium-telluride, and copper indium gallium selenide. All cost less than mono or “poly” crystalline solar panels and function better in high heat. But they have lower energy efficiency ratings than the other types, require more surface area, and don’t last as long.
Energy Efficiency
The energy efficiency of a solar panel refers to how much of the received sunlight the panel’s photovoltaic cells convert into electrical energy. A higher percentage is better. Top-quality monocrystalline solar panels often have energy efficiency ratings of 18 to 20 percent. (Keep in mind that most solar energy is dissipated as heat.) Polycrystalline panels usually have efficiency ratings of 13 to 15 percent. Thin-film panels may only convert as little as 7 percent.
Durability
Since solar panels are outdoor fixtures, durability is important to consider. Many solar panels designed for fixed installation (such as on a house’s roof, RV, or boat) have passed ASTM testing to evaluate their ability to withstand wind up to 130 miles per hour and snow loads up to 125 pounds per square foot. While most panels also have sealed junction boxes to prevent damage from dust or moisture, some portable, folding solar panels are not weather-resistant. If you plan to install your panels or leave a portable solar outside—rain or shine, then it’s important to look for one that is water-resistant. Look for an IP rating of 66 or higher.
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This article was researched and written by Erica Puisis, a professional writer who specializes in large and small home appliances, along with home improvement features and additions. Slate or wood roofs may be more difficult than asphalt shingles to mount a solar panel on since they aren’t as easy fo installers to walk around on. Also, when a solar panel is installed on a slate or a concrete tile roof, those tiles often need to be removed and replaced with flashing. If not done 100 percent correctly, a less-than-perfect job can result in a leaky roof. Temperature also affects solar panel performance. Panels absorb the sun’s rays, and with that comes a significant rise in the solar cells’ temperature. The temperature coefficient tells you how much efficiency the panel loses in terms of voltage output for every degree above 77 degrees. A lower temperature coefficient on a product’s spec sheet is better. You may choose to wash your solar panels of dirt, debris, bird droppings, etc. once a year. Keep in mind that you should use only water and avoid high-pressure water, abrasive sponges, solvents, or hard water, as those may damage solar panels. This article was edited by Senior Editor Margaret Badore, who has been covering climate change and clean tech for over a decade. Her home is powered by rooftop solar.
