Canadian Solar has the best selection of cheap solar panels of any manufacturer on this list. Here's a quick look at some of its more attractive low-cost panels. TOPHiKu6: The TOPHiKu6 panels have the second-highest efficiency rating of Canadian Solar's panel options.
The best-priced solar panels may not be the cheapest solar panels. Instead, finding the best deal on solar panels for your home means considering several factors, including solar panel pricing, energy output, efficiency, lifespan and installation costs.
Which solar panels should I buy?
Ideally, you want to use the highest efficiency panels you can afford. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), most solar panels have efficiency ratings between 16% and 22%. The top-quality, high-efficiency panels cost the most. If you need cheap solar panels, look for high-quality panels that fall within the 17% to 19% range.
Should you buy low-cost solar panels?
Purchasing low-cost solar panels requires a bit more attention to detail than buying high-quality panels since there are more low-quality options you need to avoid if you want a good system. Here are the four main things to look for when shopping for cheap solar panels:
What are the best low-cost solar panels?
Canadian Solar has the best selection of cheap solar panels of any manufacturer on this list. Here's a quick look at some of its more attractive low-cost panels. TOPHiKu6: The TOPHiKu6 panels have the second-highest efficiency rating of Canadian Solar's panel options. These are all black, but they do have visible grid lines.
Should I switch to a cheap solar panel?
Switching to solar will always save you money, but cheaper panels will typically save you less money than more expensive ones due to their lower efficiency and higher failure rates. If you have to choose between cheap solar panels and no solar panels, I strongly encourage you to go with the cheap panels.
Where can I buy solar panels?
You can get discounts and benefits by going with a big-box or home improvement store you have an existing relationship with. Purchasing solar equipment through online retailers like Amazon is best left to the highly informed DIYers. Broadly speaking, there are four different types of retailers where you can shop for solar panels.