There is one long-debated question in the solar industry that has never truly been settled: What is the best solar panel brand?
REC? Q-CELL? TESLA? JINKO? CANADIAN SOLAR? HYUNDAI? (Yes, they actually make really good solar panels).
Here’s the truth: nearly all Tier 1 and Premium solar panels are built to the same high standards, with only minor differences that typically don’t impact your long-term savings. Unless there is a very specific reason for choosing one panel over another, most of the time panel selection comes down to personal preferences rather than large gaps in warranties or performance.
At Empire Solar, we don’t push a single brand. That’s because the most important aspects of your solar project are:
- Smart, efficient system design
- Skilled installation and quality of workmanship
- Strong, reliable warranties to protect your investment
When those are handled right, whether you choose one Tier 1 or Premium brand over another, your panels will perform reliably for decades.
In this article, we explain why panel brand isn’t the most important factor when considering solar options and why focusing on the bigger picture is what really drives results.
Tier 1 Panels Are More Similar Than Different
Most people are shocked when they actually line up the product specifications and compare all of today’s top solar panel brands side-by-side. It’s surprising how small the differences are from one to the next. All the top manufacturers have pushed the technology to a point where high efficiency, long warranties and durability are the standard rather than the exception.
Similar Technology
Most Premium and Tier 1 panels use monocrystalline cells, which are known for high efficiency and their sleek black appearance. In contrast, in the early to mid 2010s, polycrystalline cells were the most commonly used in residential installations but are now virtually obsolete in a residential solar because of their lack of efficiency and unsightly blue tint.
Small differences on spec sheets like one panel being 21.4% efficient versus another at 20.1% are generally not large enough to result in noticeable performance changes in real world applications. In real-world terms, that difference may add up to just a few extra kWh of production every year, but the higher price tag for a high efficiency panel usually cancels out the slight increase in production.
Proven Reliability
Whether you choose REC, QCells or Hyundai panels, you’re getting panels engineered to last for decades. All of these top manufacturers rigorously test their products against the harshest weather conditions like high winds, heavy snow loads and hail. This means all of these brands make sure their products are able to withstand the elements in all parts of the world.
Beyond the laboratory, the real world failure rate across all Tier 1 panels is exceptionally low, meaning reliability is basically guaranteed no matter what brand solar panel you install. These panels are built to generate power at peak performance for decades, with most brands guaranteeing that their panels will produce approximately 90% of their year 1 performance after 25 years.
Availability and Supply Chain
In today’s market, availability is often a bigger factor than technical specs. Panels can be placed on backorder as a result of supply chain delays or a surge in demand. In a time where homeowners are racing the clock to install solar panels before incentives disappear, product selection may reduce from several options down to only one or two per solar installer.
That’s why Empire Solar works with multiple manufacturers to source panels quickly, ensuring our customers aren’t forced to compromise or have access to quality panels without delays. If you have your heart set on a specific brand, we’ll do everything we can to get it for you. And if availability becomes an issue, we’ll recommend an equally high-quality alternative that delivers the same long-term performance and warranty protection.
Panel Warranties: More Similar Than You Think
A very common misconception is that product warranties will vary wildly from one manufacturer to the next. In reality, almost every Tier 1 manufacturer offers warranties that are similar and in most cases, identical to the warranties on premium panels.
25-Year Warranties Are Now Standard
Nearly every top manufacturer offers:
- A 25-year production guarantee
- A 25-year product warranty
While the manufacturer’s warranty covers defects that went unnoticed during production, the production guarantee provides consumers with peace of mind knowing the panels have a guaranteed output for 25 long years.
Warranties have come a long way in the past decade. It wasn’t long ago that manufacturer’s warranties were generally 10-12 years, with production guarantees well below the 88-92% output guarantees we see today.
But Workmanship Warranties Matter More
A panel’s warranty only protects the panel – not how it’s installed. But if something goes wrong as a result of poor installation methods, like a loose connection or incorrect mounting, it could completely void a manufacturer’s warranty.
This is where we truly stand out. As a NYSERDA Gold Status installer, we have had our installations randomly audited and have achieved perfect scores for 5 years in a row now. Out of nearly 100 installers in New York, we are one of a handful of installers to become a NYSERDA Gold Status installer.
In addition to being a Gold Status installer, we provide our own workmanship warranty which covers the entire installation for years after our work is completed. This means your equipment and the work itself are fully protected.
System Design Matters More Than Brand
When getting caught up in the debate over “which solar panel is best?” it shifts our attention away from design and proper installation techniques – the real factors that truly impact the efficiency and reliability of your system.
Why Design Matters
A perfectly installed and balanced Tier 1 panel will outperform a premium panel that’s improperly installed without proper calibration. Working with an installer that has an understanding of your roof orientation, angle and solar radiance can be the difference between a solar installation that maximizes your savings and one that works against you.
When you choose Empire Solar, we perform a detailed inspection of your property and your home to completely understand not only your energy habits, but your home’s unique features that could help or hinder your system’s overall performance.
This inspection and design process allows us to work easily and confidently on install day and get your system fully functional faster than the competition.
True Custom Solutions
We pride ourselves on the fact we don’t offer cookie-cutter solar systems. Every home is unique, which is why we build a true custom-designed solution to match your roof, your energy goals and your budget. Whether you need higher efficiency and wattage panels to accommodate for a lack of roof space or a large array to offset a high demand household, we tailor the design specific to each project.
Custom Panel Orders
While we carefully vet and select the brands that we think will provide the most value to our customers, we also understand that some people feel more comfortable with a particular brand. If you’re set on REC, Q-CELL, or any other brand, we can source them. Our relationships with our partners allow us to find nearly any Tier 1 or Premium panel on the market. If you have a certain brand in mind we will do our best to find it for you!
It is important to state once again that during times of increased demand on the supply chain, many brands are being placed on backorder. If you have a favorite brand, it’s wise to act quickly if they are still available.
Final Thoughts
Tier 1 and Premium solar panels have improved so much over the years to this point where they have become so similar in quality, warranty and performance that the differences are truly negligible. The real difference is who designs and installs your panels and how many projects they’ve completed.
Over the last 10 years, Empire Solar Solutions has grown to be New York’s premier solar installer. With over 6,000 installations and a decade of experience, New Yorkers trust Empire Solar Solutions to deliver a predictable and streamlined installation process from the initial design all the way to turning your panels on.
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