Best solar panels in 2023: Top products compared

Going solar is an easy and popular way to lower your electricity bills and your carbon footprint. If you’re starting the solar shopping process, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is which solar panels you want to install. With many high-quality options available, comparing solar panels can be a daunting challenge.

To streamline your comparison process, we researched thousands of solar panel models quoted by installers in the EnergySage Marketplace. Based on our analysis, we’ll explain how solar panel brands stack up against each other, and which companies offer the highest quality panels for your home.

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The 2023 solar tax credit for businesses

The best solar incentive is the federal investment tax credit (ITC). This is true both for home- and business owners: by providing you a credit on your taxes equal to 30 percent of the cost of your solar panel system, the ITC provides a significant benefit to anyone looking to add solar. For the most part, the business solar (and storage) ITC works nearly exactly the same way as it does for homeowners, with a few key nuances. In this article, we’ll explain what you need to know about the ITC for businesses in 2023.

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What is the output of a solar panel?

Most solar panels on the market in 2023 produce between 250 and 450 watts of power. You might come across these solar panel output numbers from your solar installation quote, which will typically include “245W”, “300W”, or “345W” next to the name of the panel. They are all referring to a solar panel’s wattage, capacity, and power output.

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Community solar savings: why do seasons matter?

Community solar is one of the easiest ways to save on electricity bills. However, as you compare your options, you’ll notice that most community companies won’t provide an average monthly savings estimate, and there’s a very good reason for this – truthfully, your bills and savings can vary quite a bit from season to season. We’ll dive into why below.

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Florida heat pump incentives: 2023 guide

Heat pumps are a great fit for Florida’s hot climate. One-third of all homes in the state already rely on these electric, energy-efficient, all-in-one HVAC systems, and it’s easy to find models that can meet all your heating, cooling, and dehumidification needs. As of 2023, most Florida residents will qualify for at least a couple thousand dollars in incentives to install a heat pump.

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2023 guide to EV charger rebates and incentives

You don’t have to buy a special charger for your electric vehicle (EV). A regular household outlet will get the job done… slowly. EV owners who install faster chargers at home (so-called Level 2 equipment) tend to be much more satisfied with their cars overall, according to a JD Power survey.

Since quicker EV chargers might make people more willing to switch to an electric vehicle, some governments and utility companies offer tax credits or rebates to sweeten the deal and make it a little less expensive to install one. Here’s what you need to know to get started.

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U.S. solar panel manufacturers: a list of American-made solar panels

On January 22, 2018, the Trump Administration announced a 30 percent tariff on solar panels and cells imported into the United States. This announcement raised a lot of questions for solar customers on the EnergySage Solar Marketplace. One of the most popular questions: where can I find solar panels that are made in America?

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The top solar panel manufacturers in 2023

When you’re choosing a solar panel brand, there are several important factors to consider. While most solar shoppers care about metrics like efficiency, power output, and warranty, which directly influence the value of your solar investment, we also hear from many homeowners who care about where their panels are manufactured. Looking at how much solar capacity manufacturers produce and sell can also give you a sense of their credibility; in many cases, they wouldn’t be able to produce at such a mass scale if their products weren’t in high demand.

Who are the biggest solar companies in the world and the U.S.? We reviewed global shipping data from TrendForce to determine which manufacturers shipped the largest capacity of shipments in 2022 and manufacturing data from the Department of Energy to see which companies manufacture panels in the U.S. Based on our Marketplace data, we evaluated these companies in terms of panel efficiency and price to help you decide if it’s worth it to choose solar panels from the top panel manufacturers globally, and here in the States.

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North Carolina’s net metering policy is about to change: Here’s what you need to know

If you look at the best solar and renewable energy markets in the U.S., they all have one thing in common: a strong net metering program. Net energy metering – or NEM – allows you to earn credits for any excess solar electricity you send to the grid when your solar panel system generates more than you need. North Carolina has one of the largest solar industries in the United States, ranking fourth in 2022 on SEIA’s list of the top solar states by installed megawatt capacity. However, on March 23, 2023, the North Carolina Utilities Commission approved new net metering rules that will lower solar savings for Duke Energy customers.

The changes to net metering in North Carolina are nowhere near as drastic as the recent changes in California but are still anticipated to reduce the average solar shopper’s savings by approximately 20 percent. Luckily, residents of North Carolina can lock in current net metering rates through 2026 by deciding to go solar and submitting a completed interconnection application by October 1, 2023. In this article, we’ll explain what you need to know about the changes to North Carolina’s net metering policy and the steps you need to take now to guarantee the best solar savings.

This article was updated on May 24, 2023 to reflect new developments and adjusted deadlines.

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What are the most efficient solar panels? Top brands in 2023

In the past years, solar technology has been making leaps and bounds toward higher solar cell efficiency, power output, and overall quality. Today, most top solar panels have conversion efficiencies above 20%, compared to their previous average of less than 15%. They also now mostly come with a warranty of 10-25 years, helping you feel more confident in the longevity of your purchase. It’s important to know what determines solar panel efficiency so your investment in solar can generate the most energy and ultimately save the most money on your electric bill.

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