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EcoDirect vs Renogy

Monday, February 10th

2025 Solar Panel Reviews

EcoDirect Review 5 Star Rating

EcoDirect

5 Star Rating
  • Family-owned
  • Panels start at $36
  • Locals can pick up solar panels to save on shipping
  • Custom kits available
  • Technical support available
  • Financing options available
Top Consumer Reviews Best-In-Class Blue Ribbon Award

EcoDirect has a very friendly, transparent website - and we love it. When your solar panel company invites you to stop by and say "hello” if you're ever in the neighborhood, you know you're in the right place. We were thrilled to see so many positive reviews of EcoDirect's supportive and knowledgeable customer service representatives. We're happy to give EcoDirect our highest rating.

Renogy Review 4 Star Rating

Renogy

4 Star Rating
  • Prices begin at around $60
  • Easy installation
  • Offers discounts
  • Great for DIYers
  • 25-year warranty for most solar panels
  • Tedlar Polyester Tedlar (TPT) back sheets for extra endurance

Renogy has been in business since 2010 and is highly praised by repeat customers as their go-to place to pick up solar panels. If you're a DIYer and love solar, this is probably a good fit for you. Renogy offers solar panels for portable use and for setting up an off-grid system. If you love their products and spend time outdoors, you could even become a brand ambassador too. Renogy offers great products at great prices, especially for the do-it-yourselfer.

Where Can You Find the Best Solar Panels?

Solar power is still a relatively new innovation, and it can be overwhelming trying to understand which solar panels are the best. It's important to recognize your priorities: if you're not overly concerned with maximum output and you want to stay on budget, you could choose something less efficient and still be happy with your solar storage system.

If you've decided to do it yourself, you may want to consider a company that also sells the compatible parts you will need when setting up your solar storage system. This way, you can know that all parts will work together. Another thing to consider as a DIYer is whether the company offers tech or permitting support. You may also want a company that can work with you to design a plan that would include helping you with the necessary permits and interconnection if you want to be hooked up to the electrical grid to receive rebates.

The Best Solar Panels Compare Solar Panels Compare Solar Panel Reviews What are the best Solar Panels Best Solar Panel Reviews

Solar Panel FAQ

A solar panel is designed to convert sunlight into electricity. It's made up of silicone, glass, and a set of wires.
Sunshine releases tiny particles of energy called photons. Your solar panel collects these photons, and an inverter changes the current so it can be used to power your home.
Solar panels are low maintenance, increase your property value, save you money on your electric bills, and can provide you with energy independence.
There are monocrystalline ones, which are the most efficient and take up the least space. There are also polycrystalline and thin-film solar panels.
How many you need depends on where you live, how large your home is, and how much electricity you use. This would also depend on how many watts each panel can collect.
Before you install, you will need to get permitted and have an engineer approve the design. Then you can install using a contractor or DIY with ties and mounting accessories.
Solar panels don't require a lot of maintenance, especially if they are on a tilt, since rain and snow can wash away any debris that collects on the panel.
Yes. Solar panels are pretty reliable and have a failure rate of only 0.05% annually, which means only 5 out of 10,000 solar panels fail each year. Solar panels can last up to 30 years.
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Continued from above...

There are four common types of solar panels: monocrystalline, which are made from a single source of silicon; polycrystalline, which are made up of silicon pieces all melted together; thin-film solar panels, which are somewhat flexible and lightweight; and PERC panels, which use silicon backing to make them more efficient. Monocrystalline PERC panels will be your most efficient choice, but also your most expensive.

The majority of solar panels available in the United States come from China. This is important to remember when shopping for solar panels, especially if you are doing your solar project on your own and not through an installation service. Most solar panel companies often run low on stock, and it takes a bit of time for shipping, as the panels come from the other side of the globe.

There are some solar panel companies that offer panels made in the United States; however, they are generally going to be more expensive than their Chinese-made and -assembled counterparts.

At this point, things may seem pretty daunting to the uninitiated, but we're here to help. Here are some questions to ask yourself as you consider which solar panel company you should choose:

  • Installation. Are you pretty well-versed in setting up solar storage systems, or are you an overly confident Clark Griswold type? Maybe you admit that you know nothing but want to be more environmentally conscious? Depending on your level of expertise, you may want to go with a company that takes care of the installation of the system. If you are confident but still desire some support, there are companies that also provide that service.
  • Power needed. If you are only looking for a few portable solar panels to take with you on a camping trip or to set up for an RV, you don't need to worry about installation, but you might want to stick with a company that also offers batteries or solar generators.
  • Price. What is your price range? If you have a tight budget, you may want to look at a company that sells refurbished solar panels at a steep discount. You can also look at bargain-priced companies, but beware of location. If the company is located overseas, it means that in the event of a defective panel, you will be spending a lot of money on shipping fees so they can replace or repair it.

To assist you in finding the best solar panels for your needs, Top Consumer Reviews has curated and ranked a list of companies for you to shop from. We're confident that this list will make your solar panel shopping experience brighter!

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