Best solar panels in 2026: Which one should you choose?

Choosing the best solar panel can feel overwhelming, but it's easier than you think. A quality solar installer will typically install quality solar panels, so your main focus should be choosing the best solar installer for the job—your installer's experience and your solar system's size have a bigger impact on effectiveness. Still, every home is different, and most will benefit from having the most efficient panels on the market.

To find the best solar panels, we analyzed thousands of models from hundreds of manufacturers featured on the EnergySage Marketplace. We compared key factors like efficiency, power output, performance in warmer temperatures, durability, and warranty coverage.

Five brands stood out: Maxeon, REC, Canadian Solar, Silifab, and CW Energy.

Maxeon offers the best solar panels based on our analysis, followed by REC, Canadian Solar, Silfab Solar, and CW Energy. Each scored well overall, but the best one for you depends on your home’s specific needs.

Choosing the highest quality solar panels will likely mean a higher upfront cost, but it's often worth it in the long run. With higher efficiency, output, and longer lifespans, solar panels from these five brands will maximize your savings.

1. Maxeon 6: Best efficiency

• Cost: $2.84/W

• Efficiency: 22.8% 

• Warranties: 40-year performance (93.8% at year 25) & 40-year product

Maxeon’s 440-watt solar panel is our pick for best overall. It’s among the most efficient panels at 22.8% and comes with the longest warranty (40-year performance and product warranties—15 years longer than the industry standard). Maxeon is the highest-rated solar panel on the EnergySage Marketplace. 

The biggest downside to Maxeon solar panels is the price tag. At $2.84 per watt, it’s one of the most expensive brands available. Its specs are stellar, but if budget is your priority, you can likely find a cheaper panel that still meets your efficiency needs.

What customers are saying about Maxeon panels

“My panels were installed in April 2023. I paired them with Enphase IQ8A’s and they put out a TON of power. On a hot summer day, each panel is putting out almost 380 watts per panel, which I’m very happy with. I bought Maxeon panels because they are the most reliable panels with their unique cell design that is different than anyone else’s on the market. And surprisingly, the pricing I got was actually less expensive than some higher-end panels like REC AlphaPure and Panasonic Evervolt. Would highly recommend!” -mattjohnson5456, EnergySage (edited for grammatical clarity)

“After extensive analysis and also moderately extended experience, I can say the Maxeon panels truly are an incredible, high performing, highly reliable and durable panel.” -guywthclss, Reddit (edited for grammatical clarity)

2. REC Alpha Pure-RX: Most popular; best for hot climates

• Cost: $2.52/W

• Efficiency: 22.1% 

• Warranties: 25-year performance at 92% & 25-year product

REC is a longtime favorite among EnergySage shoppers, probably because of its relatively low price per watt and impressive specs. Out of our top brands, REC offers one of the best values: The Alpha Pure-RX 460-watt panel maintains efficiency above 22%, has a powerful output, and solid 25-year performance and product warranties at just $2.52 per watt. These panels also have one of the lowest temperature coefficients on the market, which means they perform better in hotter temperatures compared to other panels.

REC does the best job of balancing top-tier specs and affordability, and it’s one of the most popular brands among installers, which speaks to its reliability. However, it falls short of Maxeon in terms of efficiency. 

What customers are saying about REC panels

“Really happy with the great technology from REC. They have the best panel on the market and their 25+year history in the solar industry is really important to me.” -gdavissolar, EnergySage

“Simply put, the Alpha series panel is the best in the market right now. Being a solar consultant for the past 8 years has afforded me the opportunity to learn about panels in a detailed way. The Alpha series matches or beats SunPower in every metric there is, and its costs don't come close to the astronomical price point SunPower demands. I have 38 of these bad boys cranking out power here in Vegas, and I couldn't be happier.” -Tgibs0807, EnergySage (edited for grammatical clarity)

3. Canadian Solar TOPHiKu6: Well-rounded

• Cost: $2.55/W

• Efficiency: 22.5% efficiency

• Warranties: 30-year performance (89.5% at year 25) & 25-year product

Canadian Solar’s TOPHiKu6 450-watt solar panel ties with REC for the  highest power output of all the products on our list, which means it has the capacity to generate more electricity.  Beyond that, it delivers well-rounded performance across all categories: Boasting an impressive 22.5% efficiency rating and an extended 30-year performance warranty. At $2.55 per watt, it's competitively priced while still delivering premium specs. Plus, despite its name, Canadian Solar manufactures some of its panels in the U.S.

Canadian Solar strikes a nice balance between performance, warranty coverage, and affordability. While it doesn't lead in any single category, its consistent performance across the board makes it a reliable choice for most homeowners.

What customers are saying about Canadian Solar panels

“I had the panels installed on the back of my house 2 years ago. They are doing everything they should do and nothing they shouldn't. Output has been a bit above expectations, and they have been completely reliable. I have 39 panels in place and have not had an issue with any of them. We have had some rough weather, and they have come through it just fine. I would absolutely buy them again.” - mcgrathdw, EnergySage (edited for grammatical clarity)

“Canadian Solar offers the best solar panels money can buy. They are highly efficient and aesthetically pleasing.” -peter, EnergySage (edited for grammatical clarity)

Learn more about Canadian Solar

3. Silfab Solar QD: Well rounded; American-made

• Cost: $2.82 per watt

• Efficiency: 22.6%

• Warranties: 30-year performance (91.1% at year 25), 25-year product

Silfab's QD 440-watt panel is an excellent choice for homeowners who want American-made solar panels without sacrificing quality. Manufactured in Washington state, these panels deliver strong performance with a 22.6% efficiency rating and an impressive 30-year performance warranty. The company has built a reputation for quality manufacturing and responsive customer service.

At $2.82 per watt, Silfab panels are priced slightly higher than some competitors, but the American manufacturing, robust warranties, and high efficiency make them a compelling choice for homeowners who prioritize USA-made products.

What customers are saying about Silfab Solar

"89% efficiency after 30 years makes solar an easy decision. They also look great on my roof!" -andrewgittinsasb, EnergySage

I LOVE my new Sil-Fab panels! They look so sleek and attractive. So far they are working flawlessly. I also LOVE the fact that they were made in the USA! -nhammerschmidt, EnergySage

5. CW Energy CWT: Most efficient; best value

• Cost: $2.17 per watt

• Efficiency: 23%

• Warranties: 30-year performance (89.5% at year 25) & 25-year product

CW Energy's CWT 450-watt panels offer the best value in our top five. At $2.17 per watt—the lowest cost on our list—these panels deliver impressive specs without breaking the bank. With a leading 23.0% efficiency rating and solid 30-year performance warranty, CW Energy proves you don't have to sacrifice quality for affordability.

CW Energy may not have the brand recognition of Maxeon or REC, but its panels perform reliably and come with strong warranties. They're the ideal choice for budget-conscious homeowners who still want high-efficiency panels.

What customers are saying about CW Energy

"These panels are awesome. Great quality and performance is good," -Matthew L, Shopper Approved

"The panels are top tier, and for the price its amazing." -Guest-6528536, CW Enerji

Learn more about CW Energy panels

Our team evaluated thousands of solar panel models from hundreds of manufacturers quoted through the EnergySage Marketplace. Here’s how we compare them:

Performance

The best way to assess a solar panel's performance is to look at its efficiency, output, and temperature coefficient.

Warranty

A solar energy system is a significant investment. Choosing a solar panel with a strong warranty is one of the best ways to feel confident that your system will pay off in the long run.

Durability

Solar panels spend their entire functional lives outdoors, subject to everything nature throws at them. A solar panel's durability measures its ability to perform at maximum capacity in conditions that diminish optimal performance.

You'll want to invest in durable solar panels that you can trust not to break or malfunction in the elements. Manufacturers put solar panels through several standardized tests to determine their durability—for our eqipment rating system, we focus on results from the  Mechanical Stress Sequence (including static and dynamic loading), which measures resistance to weight or pressure. Specifically, we look at the wind (back) load and the snow (front load), which is indicative of how they’ll withstand less-than-ideal conditions.  

Your solar panel's durability directly impacts its longevity and its efficiency: The most durable solar panels have the lowest degradation rates, enabling them to maintain their efficiency ratings.

Popularity

Choosing the best solar panels certainly isn’t a popularity contest, but there’s something to be said about a brand that is repeatedly quoted by many installers. Panels that rank high in popularity have earned installer trust through proven performance, responsive manufacturer support, and few warranty claims. This installer confidence often translates to better service for you—if something goes wrong, installers are more familiar with the product and can troubleshoot issues faster.

Value

The average 12 kW solar panel system costs $30,505 before any available incentives. While that's a significant investment, it's one that typically pays for itself over time through electricity savings. Choosing high-quality, efficient panels helps you maximize those long-term returns. To evaluate which panels give you the best value, divide the panel's power per square foot (watts per square foot) by its cost per watt (dollars per watt). The higher this number, the more power you're getting for every dollar you spend.

Top 10 solar panels, compared

*The scoring system only considers solar panels with 100 quotes or more on EnergySage.

Even the best solar panels may perform poorly in difficult conditions. Some panels are better suited for small spaces, while others excel in hot temperatures. That’s why it’s so important to consider your roof, household electricity use, and climate when choosing solar panels for your home.

An experienced, local solar installer knows how solar performs in your area and can properly inspect your roof to recommend the best panels. But if you want to start some of the research, here are some things to think about:

Your roof's size and shading

Have a small roof with a lot of shading? You'll probably want a very powerful solar panel (unless you use very little electricity). Even light shading can reduce your solar panels’ output by 50% or more. Look for solar panels with high power output and high efficiency. 

If you have a complex roof with a lot of small, awkward spaces, we recommend selecting a small solar panel that still offers a lot of power.

Your region and climate

It's no secret that solar panels are more prevalent in the Sun Belt than in other parts of the country, but they're also an excellent investment if you live in the Northeast or Midwest. You just need to choose the right panels. Your region and climate influence the performance of your panels—things like sun power, shading, panel orientation, temperature, precipitation, wind, dust, and dirt—play a role. 

If you live in a place that sees a lot of rain, snow, or other cloudy conditions, you’ll want high-output and high-efficiency panels. If you live in a hot and sunny region, you're in a prime spot for premium solar panel efficiency and will want to pay attention to temperature coefficient as a leading factor in your decision-making.

If your roof is small and you don't have a lot of space for your system, investing in the most efficient, highest-performing panels can get you the performance you need. If you have enough room for a larger system, installing slightly less efficient panels could provide ample output at a competitive price. 

The best approach is to compare equipment brands from multiple reliable installers. Look at factors like equipment quality, installer reputation, and total cost. Getting several quotes lets you see the full range of options available and make a well-informed decision that fits your home's specific needs.