Tag Archives: solar panel quality

floating solar panels

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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Image of a black solar panel on a white and blue background. The text on the image reads Q CELLS the complete review

Q CELLS solar panels: the complete review

Founded in Germany in 1999 by a group of German engineers and acquired by Hanwha Group in 2012, Q CELLS (formerly Hanwha Q CELLS) is one of the world’s largest solar panel manufacturers. Now headquartered in South Korea, they produce panels in the United States, Malaysia, and China. In North America, they are based in Dalton, Georgia, where they have the largest solar manufacturing facilities in the Western Hemisphere! The combination of aesthetically pleasing and high-quality panels at a relatively low cost has made Q CELLS an increasingly popular choice for solar shoppers comparing their options on the EnergySage Marketplace. 

When evaluating your solar panel options, it’s essential to compare what’s available so you can be confident in your solar investment. So, let’s look at Q CELLS’ solar panel technology and how it compares to other leading solar panel brands available today.

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rec solar panels review

REC Solar panels: the complete review

REC Group is Europe’s largest solar panel manufacturer, with offices in Europe, the United States, Asia, and Australia. The company was founded in Norway in 1996 and manufactures its solar panels in Singapore. REC is known for pioneering half-cut cell technology in 2014, which improved the performance of solar panels by cutting solar cells in half. 

In 2022, REC launched its newest series of solar panels: the Alpha Pure-R. They now offer four series of high-power solar modules for residential applications, including Alpha Pure-R, Alpha Pure, N-Peak 2, and Twinpeak 4. REC solar panels are growing increasingly popular – they’re now some of the most quoted and most selected panels on the EnergySage Marketplace.

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Image of a solar panel with text that says SunPower: the complete review

SunPower solar panels: the complete review

SunPower solar panels are one of the most frequently requested solar panel brands on the EnergySage Marketplace and for a good reason: SunPower panels are often the most efficient (read: powerful!) products on the market today, and they offer an industry-leading warranty. For many years, SunPower has been a fully-integrated solar shop, manufacturing solar cells and panels and then offering sales and installation services for residential and commercial applications. But, while they are considered some of the best panels, they do come at a premium price. 

When evaluating your solar panel options, it’s essential to compare what’s available so you can be confident in your solar investment. Let’s look at SunPower’s solar panel technology and how it compares to other leading solar panel brands available today.

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solar panel kits

Solar panel kits: a complete overview

Most home solar panel systems are installed by a qualified solar installer, but more DIY-minded homeowners are exploring options like solar panels for sale online and solar panel kits for home available for purchase in hardware stores. If you’re one of the millions of Americans considering joining the transition to renewable energy by going solar, you’ve probably come across some of the DIY solar products and off-grid solar systems available – but do you know how to choose the best product out of all the solar panels for sale? Here’s your complete guide to finding the right option for your home.

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Image of Panasonic solar panel with text

Panasonic solar panels: the complete review

As one of the world’s largest consumer electronics manufacturers, Panasonic is a household name that entered the solar industry in 1975. Panasonic solar panels are popular among EnergySage shoppers and installers – in fact, they’re the third most quoted brand in 2023! However, in 2021 Panasonic announced that they’ll no longer manufacture their own solar panels (they previously had a manufacturing deal with Tesla). But if you’re interested in Panasonic solar panels, don’t worry: unlike LG Solar, Panasonic is continuing to sell high-performing panels – manufacturing is now just outsourced to a third party. 

When evaluating your solar panel options, it’s important to compare what’s available so you can be confident in your solar investment. Let’s take a look at Panasonic’s solar panel technology and how it compares to other leading solar panel brands available today.

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do solar panels work during winter graphic

Do solar panels work in the winter? Solar snow performance explained

Memories of cold, snowy winters past can be discouraging even for the hardiest homeowner. If you’re considering going solar, you might be wondering whether solar panels and snow are a bad combination. On the contrary, EnergySage marketplace data has indicated that solar shoppers can often find the lowest quotes during winter months when competition is reduced. After all, if you look at solar as an investment, then it should be able to generate returns throughout the year as other investments do. Luckily, plenty of people have both solar panels and snow, and some of the most popular regions in the U.S. for solar have snowy winters. Don’t let winter weather discourage you from going solar!

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monocrystalline vs polycrystalline solar panels

Monocrystalline vs. polycrystalline solar panels: which is the best for you?

When you evaluate solar panels for your photovoltaic (PV) system, you will encounter two main categories of panel options: monocrystalline solar panels (mono) and polycrystalline solar panels (poly). Both types of panels produce energy from the sun, but there are some key differences to be aware of.

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types of solar panels

What are the different types of solar panels?

There are three types of solar panels primarily available today: monocrystalline, polycrystalline (also known as multi-crystalline), and thin-film. These solar panels vary in appearance, performance, costs, and how they’re made. Depending on the type of photovoltaic (PV) installation you’re considering, one option may be more suitable than the others. In this article, we break down each type of solar panel by cost, materials, appearance, and efficiency to help you understand which one is best for you.

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