What Are the Best Solar Panels on the Market (2020)?
Read our picks for the best solar panels on the market in 2020. Includes recommendations for budget, premium, American-made and mobile/industrial panels.
How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
Going solar is a long-term investment. This article evaluates the average lifespan of solar panels (and other components) to help you calculate the lifetime value of your system.
60-Cell vs. 72-Cell Solar Panels: Which One’s the Best?
Most solar panels come in two standard sizes: 60 and 72 cells. Learn the difference between both options to see which makes sense for your project.
What Are the Steps for a DIY Solar Panel Installation?
Looking to install solar yourself? This DIY Solar Timeline walks you through the entire process, with educational resources and videos to help every step of the way.
Solar Panel Guide
This Solar Panel Buyer’s Guide will teach you the key factors that influence solar panel pricing and help you pick the best panels for your system.
What Are the Best Portable Solar Panels for RVs and Boats (2020)?
Living life on the road? We break down the best solar panels for RVs, boats and other remote/industrial applications.
Need help picking the right solar panels for your photovoltaic system? Here’s what to look for.
Most solar panels for sale today are made of either 60 or 72 PV cells. 60-cell solar panels measure close to 40” x 66”, while 72-cell solar panels are approximately 40” x 78” (give or take an inch based on the manufacturer).
You may care about panel size if you have limited space to build your system. For example, the dimensions of your roof may require you to use one option over the other, based on how the array is laid out on your roof.
This applies to full-sized solar panels for home or business use. We also carry smaller 12V solar panels for RV, marine and remote industrial applications. 12-volt solar panels are available in sizes from 5-160 watts, and select 24-volt panels are available up to 190 watts.
Solar panel efficiency ratings measure how much sunlight the panel can convert into usable energy. If you compare two panels that are the same size, the higher efficiency panel will produce more power.
High-efficiency panels help you fit more solar into a smaller space. Check the spec sheet to compare solar panel efficiency ratings.
This applies to full-sized solar panels for home or business use. We also carry smaller 12V solar panels for RV, marine and remote industrial applications. 12-volt solar panels are available in sizes from 5-160 watts, and select 24-volt panels are available up to 190 watts.
Solar panels come in a broad range of sizes, with most falling between 275W-400W. Smaller panels cost less, but they might not necessarily give you the best deal in terms of energy generated per dollar spent.
To compare solar panels on a level playing field, divide the panel price by its wattage to find the cost per watt. This will help you figure out which panel represents the best deal, regardless of factors like size and efficiency rating.
Use our calculator for a solar panel cost estimate based on your usage. We also maintain a pricing guide to give a side-by-side comparison of the cost of solar panels we currently have in stock.
As the name implies, monocrystalline solar panels are made from a single crystal structure. They are the oldest of the technologies and the solar cells have a uniform flat color. Monocrystalline solar panels are a little more efficient and more expensive. You can install fewer high-efficiency mono panels, but the cost per watt is more expensive.
Residential and Commercial Solar Projects, especially if there is limited installation space.
Making polycrystalline panels is cheaper and it’s a newer technology. The silicon cools unevenly and creates many different crystals giving it a less uniform appearance. Polycrystalline solar panels tend to be the most affordable, but they also put out a little less power. Even so, poly panels are gaining in efficiency and will usually have the lowest price per watt.
