SolarReviews scoring system to rank solar panel brands

SolarReviews Methodology for Evaluating Solar Panel Brands

SolarReviews takes great pride in introducing its newly crafted Solar Panel Manufacturer Evaluation Methodology. After thorough consultations with leaders in the solar industry, this scoring system has been developed to provide a transparent and impartial framework for assessing solar brands.

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The rankings aim to inform homeowners about the expected quality and performance of solar panels throughout their lifespan. The phrase "lifespan" is crucial, emphasizing that solar panels are an investment designed to last between 25 and 30 years, supported by warranties.

A dedicated team of experts meticulously evaluated 30 different solar panel brands, ultimately identifying the top 10 brands based on various criteria.

Top 10 Solar Panel Brands

Need for a Professional Rating System

Years of operating a solar industry review platform revealed to SolarReviews experts that relying solely on consumer reviews is insufficient.

While helpful, consumer reviews often reflect experiences only during the first year of a panel’s operation, failing to address long-term performance. Furthermore, these reviews might overlook intricate details about solar technologies. Thus, an expert rating system became essential for evaluating criteria that are not readily visible to consumers.

Our scoring methodology extends beyond assessing the current solar product offerings of a brand. We adopt a comprehensive approach that encompasses aspects such as the overall financial status of the company, brand reliability, and product availability.

Factors Influencing Rankings

Here we outline the criteria used to assess solar panel manufacturers along with the assigned weights.

• Value (25%): Solar panels represent a significant financial investment. Thus, their cost must be a key consideration in evaluations.
• Module Quality (20%): This evaluates the performance specifications of a manufacturer’s top residential solar panel, particularly efficiency ratings and temperature coefficients.
• Financial Performance (20%): This factor gauges the fiscal health of the solar panel manufacturers to predict their longevity and warranty support capabilities.
• U.S. Investment (15%): We assess how dedicated each brand is to the U.S. market.
• Warranty (10%): Both product and performance warranties are evaluated to understand their reliability.
• Dealer Network (10%): We consider the presence of the brand in the solar installer market.

1. Value - 25%

Points assigned for: Cost per watt

To evaluate the value proposition of each solar panel brand, we attributed points based on the cost per watt for available solar modules as of December. A lower cost per watt correlates with a higher score, reflecting its significance to homeowners.

Our analysis indicated that some brands offered panels at nearly half the cost of others.

Brands with Highest Value Scores: JA Solar, Waaree, Heliene

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Brands with Lowest Value Scores: CertainTeed, Panasonic, Maxeon

2. Module Quality - 20%

Points assigned for: Panel efficiency; Temperature coefficient; PVEL Scorecard

When assessing module quality, we emphasized the efficiency of the panels and their temperature coefficients. We also checked for the presence of brands on the PVEL Scorecard.

Panel efficiency reflects the sunlight-to-energy conversion rate, while temperature coefficients indicate performance in real-world conditions.

Brands with advanced, automated manufacturing processes tend to achieve higher efficiency ratings as well as better temperature coefficients.

Brands with Highest Scores for Module Quality: Maxeon, Panasonic, REC Group

Brands with Lowest Scores for Module Quality: Mission Solar, Solaria, Aptos Solar

3. Financial Visibility and Strength - 20%

Points assigned for: Public listing; Availability of financial statements; Revenue and profitability

The longevity of solar panels necessitates a thorough analysis of a manufacturer’s financial strength. Companies that provide clear financial statements or are publicly listed receive higher points.

Revenue size also influences points, with larger companies seen as more resilient.

Additionally, companies demonstrating profitability in recent years are rewarded further points.

Brands lacking financial transparency were evaluated based on available insights from their parent companies.

Brands with Highest Financial Performance Scores: Jinko Solar, Panasonic, Canadian Solar

Brands with Lowest Financial Performance Scores: Aptos, Freedom Forever, SolarEver

4. U.S. Investment - 15%

Points assigned for: U.S. headquarters or offices; American manufacturing; Participation in U.S.-based trade events

Reflecting consumer preferences for local purchasing, we awarded more points to manufacturers headquartered in the U.S. and those with production facilities here.

Higher scores went to brands that have made substantial investments in establishing their U.S. presence. This indicates a longer-term commitment to fulfilling warranty promises.

Brands with Highest U.S. Investment Scores: Qcells, Solar4America, Silfab

Brands with Lowest U.S. Investment Scores: United Renewable Energy Co., Phono Solar, ZNShine

5. Warranty - 10%

Points assigned for: Length of product warranty; 25-year performance warranty

Warranty terms play a crucial role in solar panel purchases, reflecting the durability expected of these products. Brands offering longer warranty periods receive higher scores.

Additionally, we assessed performance warranties based on projected output retention over 25 years.

Brands with Highest Warranty Scores: Maxeon, Panasonic, REC Group

Brands with Lowest Warranty Scores: Freedom Forever, Sunspark, Phono Solar

6. Dealer Network - 10%

Points assigned for: Market share of residential installations

A manufacturers' solar panel offerings are only as effective as their accessibility through local dealers. Thus, the dealer network earned 10% of our overall score.

Brands with Highest Dealer Network Scores: Qcells, Maxeon, Canadian Solar

Conclusion

As interest in solar energy continues to rise, understanding the competitive landscape of solar panel brands is essential. By applying rigorous evaluation criteria, SolarReviews aims to provide valuable insights for consumers navigating this essential investment.

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