Solar panels for sale: Ultimate purchasing guide

We’ve said it before: there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to finding the best place to buy solar panels. Where you buy your solar panels from or who you decide to contract with for installation will depend on your personal preferences, how you want to finance the system, and the type of system you want to install. In this article, we’ll evaluate several options for buying solar panel systems, including:

• Wholesale resellers

• Large national installation companies

• Amazon solar kits

• EnergySage Marketplace

There are many options available for purchasing a solar panel system, including but not limited to the choices below:

How do the details of these different options compare? Read on to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of these options to help determine which is best suited for your own installation.

Wholesale resellers sell equipment online to consumers looking to go solar. While labeled as “wholesale,” these items will still typically include a markup so that the company selling the product will make a profit. It’s currently not possible for consumers to purchase wholesale solar panels directly from panel manufacturers.

One of the biggest benefits of buying from wholesale resellers or other websites is that the equipment is relatively affordable compared to other options when searching for where to buy solar panels. If you’re working on a DIY solar project, purchasing your solar panels and inverter through a reseller will be a quick and easy way to get your equipment. However, attempting a DIY solar panel system is not advisable if you don’t have the proper expertise. Anyone looking to install their own solar panel system should thoroughly understand electrical systems before tackling the project.

If you buy solar panel equipment from a reseller but are not planning on installing it yourself, finding an installer can be difficult. This is because many solar installation companies only provide turnkey solutions and will not install equipment they didn’t purchase themselves.

Like wholesale resellers, Amazon is another way to purchase solar equipment directly. Many people commonly purchase solar panel kits from Amazon that include the majority of equipment necessary for getting a solar panel system up and running (i.e., wiring, solar panels, the inverter, etc.). Most solar panel kits are best suited for smaller applications, such as an RV or boat instead of a home.

Solar panel kits are often used for off-grid solar panel systems, though grid-tied options are available. It’s important to know exactly what equipment you’ll receive as part of the kit, as not all solar kits have every component you need. For example, the ECO-WORTHY’s 200 Watt solar panel kit includes two separate panels and a lead acid battery. In contrast, WindyNation’s standard 200 Watt solar panel kit doesn’t include a battery (though you can add it on for an additional price).

One popular option for installing a residential solar panel system today is contracting through a large solar company, such as SunRun.

There are certain advantages to buying a solar panel system from a large solar company. For one, they often have proven track records and plenty of experience when it comes to installing residential solar panel systems. Additionally, they offer turnkey solar system solutions, meaning they provide equipment, labor, and a financing option as a part of your solar package, albeit sometimes at a higher cost. As a part of their total price, large solar companies also handle any permitting and interconnection processes necessary to get your solar panel system up and running. There are also many third-party ownership options like leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs).

Last but not least, EnergySage: we don't actually sell solar panel systems directly. Our online Solar Marketplace allows you to receive and compare up to seven custom solar quotes from installers near you. All of our installer partners undergo a stringent screening and vetting process before quoting on the Marketplace; we ensure they're an experienced, reputable company with proper insurance and licensing.

The installers that provide you quotes through the Marketplace are likely smaller in size than the SunRuns and Vivints of the world. However, there are benefits to choosing a local installer on EnergySage over larger national companies. For one, they're more likely to offer better pricing and higher quality equipment from a top manufacturer. Smaller installation companies often have lower overhead costs and, therefore, can charge less for similarly-sized installations.

Additionally, by shopping on the EnergySage Marketplace, you can ensure you're getting the right system for the right price. Installation companies, large and small, charge different amounts based on the quality of the equipment, the manufacturer, the size of the system, their own installation services, and more. Your solar panel system is an investment, and by looking at multiple offers, you can better understand average market prices for the level of service and equipment you're looking for.

Our quote comparison tool also standardizes assumptions for cost and savings calculations. Offline, you'll likely receive quotes directly from installers that assume different utility inflation rates, degradations, or incentives that can misrepresent one company's offering over another. Standardizing these factors ensures that every quote is on a level playing field.

That said, our Marketplace isn't the best solution for every type of installation. Like the national companies, installers on EnergySage provide turnkey quotes that include equipment, financing, and installation. If you want to purchase equipment for a DIY project or install a small, portable off-grid system, wholesale resellers or Amazon may be the most suitable option.

Every solar project has its own unique characteristics. For some, buying equipment directly from Amazon or wholesale resellers is the best place to buy solar panels and the most affordable option. For others, a large, national company may be able to provide you with a better deal than you can find on the EnergySage Marketplace.

Using the EnergySage marketplace, buying solar panels is easy.

Step 1: Add your property

Using our site, create your property profile by simply entering your address and creating an account.

Step 2: Receive quotes from qualified installers.

Once you’ve entered your property information, multiple pre-screened installers can send you comprehensive solar quotes tailored to your address and needs.

Step 3: Compare your solar quotes.

After receiving multiple quotes, you can review your savings summary and read product and installer profiles and reviews to find what is best for you. Want help comparing? Set up a free appointment with our Energy Advisors to look through your options.

Step 4: Select an installer

Once you’ve compared your solar quotes and found the best price and package for you, pick the best quote easily using EnergySage and have peace of mind that you’re getting a great deal from a reputable company.

Step 5: Wait and save

Once you have a quote, you just have to wait and keep in contact with your installer until your panels are installed. Many factors can affect how long it takes to install a solar panel system - on average, it can take about three months from contract signing to actual installation.

Whether you decide that the best place to buy solar panels is Amazon or our own Marketplace, it’s still important to consider all factors, including efficiency, installation costs, and how many panels you’ll need. Check out a few frequently asked questions we’ve come across:

Regardless of your choice, it’s important to shop around before writing a check or signing a contract. If you want to compare turnkey installation options, registering on the EnergySage Marketplace is a great way to start. If you’re just starting your solar research and want to see some ballpark numbers of what it would cost to install solar panels on your home or business, try our Solar Calculator.