How to choose a solar panel

This guide will help you to choose the best solar panel for your project. Use this handy reference table to compare the facts. Quickly see the difference in features, performance, warranty, and more. Make an informed decision so you know what you are buying. However, these products are ever-changing, with new models or capabilities being added all the time. We'll do our best to keep you up to date with the industry.

TYPE	XXL-SIZE	XL-SIZE	STANDARD SIZE
DESCRIPTION	Highest power and best value for larger roofs or ground mount, commercial-grade or residential	High power and excellent value for larger roofs or ground mount, commercial-grade or residential	More power per inch for smaller space residential or commercial

POWER RANGE, WATTS	More than 500	400 - 500	350 - 430
COMMON DIMENSIONS	90 inches x 45 inches	72 inches x 40 to 45 inches	65 to 70 inches x 40 to 47 inches
FRAME	silver	silver or black	silver or black
SOLAR CELLS	144 half-cells	72, 144	60, 96, 120, 132
BI-FACIAL	Varies by model	Varies by model	N/A
EFFICIENCY	18% to 21% or more	18% to 21% or more	19% to 22% or more
UL TEST CERTIFICATION	Yes	Yes	Yes
WARRANTY	up to 30 years	up to 30 years	up to 30 years
PRICE RANGE as of Sept. 2023	$300 to $450	$240 to $450	$200 to $460

What to know about solar panels

To keep things simple, there are THREE basic types of solar panel: XXL-size, XL-size, and Standard.

XXL-size solar panels are the most powerful because they have physically larger dimensions, generally 90 inches by 45 inches. XXL-panels usually offer the best value in terms of price and performance. These panels are considered commercial-grade, designed for larger roofs and ground mounts. They typically provide the highest power and are a better value with a lower price. They have similar manufacture, testing, and warranty as other panels. If you have the space to fit XXL-panels, they usually offer the best deal.

XL-size solar panels are powerful due to their physically larger dimensions, generally 80 inches by 40 inches. That adds about one foot to the size. XL-panels usually offer the excellent value in terms of price and performance. Similar to the XXL-size, these panels are considered commercial-grade, designed for larger roofs and ground mounts. They typically provide more power and are a better value with a lower price. They have similar manufacture, testing, and warranty as other panels. If you have the space to fit XL-panels, they usually offer an excellent deal.

Standard panels are generally standard-sized, but they can vary a few inches in height or width. Some standard panels are considered Premium. This simply means they are more efficient because they generate more power per square inch. However, the premium panels can cost 30% to 50% more for the greater efficiency. If the roof space is limited, then a standard-size or premium panel may be the way to go.

Keep in mind that your fridge does not care about the solar panel. Solar Panels all make the same electricity. They all have similar manufacturing, testing, and WARRANTY. They all have the similar UL TEST CERTIFICATION. They all qualify for same incentives and tax credits. They all have a long lifespan to work for a long time.

Understand Solar Panel Ratings

It may be important to understand the various performance output ratings (STC, PTC, NOCT) for solar panels. See this article to learn more about solar panel ratings.

On any given day, SunWatts has around 60 different models of solar panel in stock. We can build a solar kit to meet your needs.