The Most Popular Solar Panels On EnergySage | EnergySage
The most popular solar panels on EnergySage
Before going solar, one of the biggest decisions you'll need to make is which equipment to install. But there are hundreds and thousands of solar panel products – so where's the best place to start? In this article, we'll explore the most popular solar panels on the EnergySage Marketplace.
This is an unbiased review: EnergySage is not paid to review brands or products, nor do we earn money from affiliate advertising in this article. The content of this blog is based on research and information available at the time of writing.
Key takeaways
- On the EnergySage Marketplace, the most popular solar panel brands include Panasonic, LG Solar, REC, Silfab Solar, Q CELLS, and SunPower.
- In 2021, the most commonly quoted and selected solar panel on the Marketplace nationwide was Panasonic’s EVPV370 WBS (EverVolt series).
- Many factors impact a specific solar panel’s popularity, including availability, distribution channels, preference, and cost.
Most popular solar panels on EnergySage
Overall, the most popular solar panel brands on the EnergySage Marketplace include Panasonic, LG Solar, REC, Silfab Solar, Q CELLS, and SunPower. However, there are a few different ways to assess the popularity of solar panels; below, we do so in two separate ways:
- The solar panels installers most frequently quote
- The solar panels solar shoppers most frequently select and ultimately install
Most quoted panels
First, we'll take a look at the top 10 quoted panels on the EnergySage Marketplace:
| Rank | Product | Manufacturer | Power output (W) | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | EVPV370 WBS | Panasonic | 370 W | Excellent |
| 2 | EVPV360 WBS | Panasonic | 360 W | Excellent |
| 3 | VBHN340SA17 | Panasonic | 340 W | Excellent |
| 4 | SIL-360NX | Silfab Solar | 360 W | Excellent |
| 5 | DUO BLK-G6+ | Q CELLS | 340 W | Excellent |
| 5 | SIL-370 | Silfab Solar | 370 W | Excellent |
| 7 | REC360AA Black | REC | 360 W | Excellent |
| 8 | REC365AA Black | REC | 365 W | Excellent |
| 9 | LG370N1K-A6 | LG Solar | 370 W | Excellent |
| 10 | REC365AA | REC | 365 W | Excellent |
Most selected panels
Panasonic's EverVolt EVPV370 WBS was not only the most commonly quoted but also the most commonly selected solar panel on the Marketplace in 2021. The top 10 selected panels are:
| Rank | Product | Manufacturer | Power output (W) | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | EVPV370 WBS | Panasonic | 370 W | Excellent |
| 2 | DUO BLK-G6+ | Q CELLS | 340 W | Excellent |
| 3 | REC365AA Black | REC | 365 W | Excellent |
| 4 | EVPV360 WBS | Panasonic | 360 W | Excellent |
| 5 | VBHN340SA17 | Panasonic | 340 W | Excellent |
| 6 | REC370AA | REC | 370 W | Excellent |
| 7 | REC375AA | REC | 375 W | Excellent |
| 8 | SIL-370 | Silfab Solar | 370 W | Excellent |
| 9 | LG370N1K-A6 | LG Solar | 370 W | Excellent |
| 10 | VBHN330SA17E | Panasonic | 330 W | Excellent |
Most popular solar panels by state
As with almost every data point in the solar industry, the results vary depending on the state. Here are the most popularly selected solar panels by state:
| State | Product | Manufacturer | Power output (W) | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | REC370AA | REC | 370 W | Excellent |
| California | EVPV370 WBS | Panasonic | 370 W | Excellent |
| Florida | DUO BLK-G6+ | Q CELLS | 340 W | Excellent |
| Illinois | SIL-330 BL | Silfab Solar | 330 W | Excellent |
| Massachusetts | DUO BLK ML-G9+ | Q CELLS | 380 W | Excellent |
| New Jersey | LG370N1K-A6 | LG Solar | 370 W | Excellent |
| New York | SPR-E20-327 | SunPower | 327 W | Excellent |
| Texas | VBHN340SA17 | Panasonic | 340 W | Excellent |
Why are some panels more popular than others?
Multiple factors impact the demand for particular solar panels:
Distribution networks
Distributors serve as liaisons between manufacturers and installers. Certain solar panel brands may be more popular in your area due to a distributor's strong presence in your market.
Availability
The solar industry can be affected by supply constraints, impacting panel availability.
Installer preference
Installers often have preferences based on ease of installation, quality, and cost, which can influence the panels they recommend.
Consumer preference
Consumer demand drives the popularity of solar panel manufacturers, which can vary based on region.
Cost
Cost affects the popularity as consumers balance price with quality. The top five quoted and selected panels from the EnergySage Marketplace include:
| Manufacturer | Median $/W |
|---|---|
| Panasonic | $2.77 |
| REC | $2.71 |
| Q CELLS | $2.74 |
| Silfab | $2.77 |
| LG Solar | $2.92 |
| SunPower | $3.43 |
Key factors to consider when choosing solar panels
When choosing a solar panel, consider:
- Power output: How much electricity will the solar panels generate?
- Warranty: Does the manufacturer offer a comprehensive warranty?
- Quality rating: How does the quality and durability compare?
- Manufacturer reputation: Does the company provide good customer service?
- Aesthetics: Are the solar panels visually appealing?
- Country of manufacture: Are you willing to pay more for American-made panels?
- Cost: Is a more expensive panel worth the investment?
- Active rebates: Is the manufacturer offering any incentives?
How to find the right solar panel for you
The most popular solar panels aren't always the best for your specific needs. Comparing options will help you make an informed decision.