Thursday, March 27th
2025 Solar Panel Reviews
Home Depot
- Free ship-to-store option
- Military discount
- Good prices
- In-home consultations available
- Sales and coupons available
Home Depot was founded in 1978 by Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank. Today, it's the world's largest home improvement retailer. With more than 2,300 stores across North America, there is probably a store not too far from you. Home Depot launched their online shopping experience in 2000, back when floppy disks were still a thing. They've been online for a long time, and their website is very user-friendly.
Good choices available, though limited
Though choices are limited, Home Depot has done a good job of curating a nice collection of higher-rated solar panels. So, although the solar panel selection is mostly relegated to portable or RV-type panels, at least they are from some of the better-known brands.
Free ship-to-store option
One reason to like purchasing from Home Depot online is that you get to order your solar panels at home and pick them up, all ready to go, at your local Home Depot or get them delivered straight to your door - in some cases for free. Solar panels are notoriously expensive to ship, so this will save you some money.
Competitive prices
Overall, Home Depot offers some pretty competitive pricing; that, plus the free shipping, starts to make this choice look quite good. From $15 for a 5-watt trickle charge solar panel to a Renogy eight-piece 320-watt panel set for an RV, house, or shed priced at around $2,400, Home Depot offers a good value.
Discounts available
Home Depot offers a 10% military discount on online purchases of many products. This discount is available to all US veterans, active-duty service members, and spouses.
Sales and coupons
Many people who've purchased solar panels from Home Depot also waited for sales, which are offered frequently here. For example, at the time of this review, Home Depot was offering around 15% off some of its solar panels with no coupon needed. Always be on the lookout for a sale or coupon - you'll probably find one.
Consultations for installation available
While you are browsing the solar panel selection, you can also schedule an in-home consultation regarding solar panel installation. This is great if you want to get a real-life estimate of how much it will cost to put solar in your home or another place (like an RV).
Low in-store inventory
Home Depot usually lists a little less than 100 choices in solar panels available for purchase, but when you click on "In Store Availability,” it comes up, at least in our area, with only one EcoFlow solar panel. If you order from Home Depot online, you are likely to have to wait a little while before the panels get there. We wish Home Depot would manage expectations better for their customers, as many complain of delayed deliveries, but if you are purchasing solar panels that are not in the store, be prepared for it to take a few weeks.
Average choice
In terms of solar panels, Home Depot is a moderately priced option. Lots of positives are leveled by the lack of selection and some of the customer reviews regarding shipping. If you can find the panels you want on the website, along with a coupon or a discount that can be applied, this choice will save you money on shipping - just remember shipping may take a very long time.
More Solar Panel Reviews
The 10 Best Solar Panels
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.
Solar Panel FAQ
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!
Compare Solar Panels
Select any 2 Solar Panels to compare them head to head
Trending Solar Panel News
Related Solar Panel Reviews
Since you're interested in Solar Panels, here are some other reviews you might find interesting.
Newest Reviews
