You’re thinking about installing solar. So, you search for “Best solar panels”
Just like when you were shopping for an air fryer. Or a child car seat. Or a rice cooker.
But here’s the catch: focusing only on finding the “best” solar panel brand could be a costly mistake.
Let us show you why.
Of course you want the quietest cooker hood, the safest car seat, and the oh so delish rice – and you might even be willing to spend a few hundred pounds extra to get the very best.
But when it comes to solar panels, the ones that are “best in test” aren’t necessarily the best for you.
You shouldn’t aim for the best solar panels – you should instead focus on finding the best solar SYSTEM for your specific situation.
In this article, we’ll guide you through how to do just that – getting a system that will give you the lowest electricity bills and the highest returns.
Best Installer Matters More Than Best Panels
Even the highest-rated solar panels won’t perform if they’re poorly installed.
It’s like having a premium kitchen installed by an amateur – it simply won’t work as intended.
A professional installation is crucial because:
- Your system needs to work flawlessly for 25+ years
- Poor installation can damage your roof
- Incorrect wiring creates safety hazards
- Improper positioning reduces energy production
- Amateur work could void your home insurance
A Ferrari engine installed backwards won’t get you very far – the same goes for premium solar panels fitted poorly.
What Does “Best in Test” Really Mean for Solar Panels?
What are you looking for in a solar panel? What solar panel is best for you?
Is it the panel with the highest output?
The most sustainable panel?
The sleekest looking?
Or the one with the longest warranty?
“Best solar panels” mean different things to different homeowners. It depends on your priorities – climate impact, finances, or design.
Your roof type also matters. Have a small roof with high energy usage?
You’ll need highly efficient panels.
Got a large roof with low usage? Panel efficiency becomes less important
“Best in Test” can mean many different things.
You’ll find several pages with “tests” showing pros and cons of different panels.
Few truly independent solar panel tests exist.
One respected source is PVEL(LINK), which tests panels for:
- How well the panel handles temperature changes (e.g., cold nights)
- How well the panel performs under different temperature and solar radiation conditions
- How well the panel handles high levels of heat and moisture
- How well the panel withstands external pressure (e.g., snow) without cracking
As mentioned, we don’t recommend choosing panels before choosing an installer.
However, it’s worth using these tests to verify the quality of panels you’ve been quoted!
The misconception of Tier 1
You might also come across the term “Tier 1 in your search for the best solar panels.
Tier 1 is an American term that some salespeople incorrectly use as a measure of solar panel quality.
Tier 1 doesn’t measure quality.
In reality it’s a measure of how large and financially stable a solar panel manufacturer is.
Best or Best Value?
As we wrote, “best in test” for solar panels can mean several things. On many sites, best in test refers to which panels have the highest output and efficiency.
But we advise you not to fixate on these “tests”.
The most efficient panels usually cost more than they’re worth.
You’re (probably) getting solar panels to save money.
Therefore, you need to compare the return on investment for the system as a whole. Rather than the efficiency of individual panels.
Think of it like choosing a bank account.
The account with the highest interest rate doesn’t make it the best deal if high monthly fees eat up all your extra earnings…
Not so “best” anymore, right?
To summarize – aim to find a solar panel that combines the following:
- A reasonable price per watt
- Good efficiency (20-21%)
- Long warranties
- Good performance in independent tests
- from a well-established manufacturer
And last but not least – Professional installation by a qualified installer. Find the right installer, and you’ll get a good system with high profitability.
