Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.
Thursday, March 27th
Renogy began as a project of now CEO Yi Li while she was working on her Ph.D. at Louisiana State University. Renogy started out on online marketplaces but eventually grew to being sold on Renogy's own website. It continues to grow today, and you can find everything you need in one place to get off the grid, including solar panels.
Solar panels at great prices for the quality
Renogy has been around since 2010, and customers have history with purchasing from this company. It's generally agreed that Renogy is a favorite brand of solar panels among solar power enthusiasts because they have shown to be reliable. Solar panels run from a 5-watt trickle charger at $24.99 to a 2500-watt kit for about $7,000; you'll find a good price at Renogy.
Website specials available
At the time of this review, we noticed that you can get a free mounting kit with the purchase of selected panels over 300 watts. There was also a special sale going on where many items were priced at 56% off.
Ambassador program for DIY enthusiasts
Renogy has two "extras” for people who really love their products: the Ambassador and Collaborator programs. Ambassadors are a specially chosen group of advanced, skilled, off-grid DIY enthusiasts. Benefits of being an ambassador include long-term sponsorship, first access to product reviews, and launched and brand-sponsored trips, events, and seminars. Collaborators help test solutions and inspire the off-grid community, and benefits include paid content collaboration, product reviews, and first access to the newest launches.
Special discounts available too
You don't have to be an influencer to get a discount at Renogy. Renogy also offers a 7% discount to students, graduates, healthcare workers, first responders, teachers, military personnel, parents, low-income households, people with disabilities, and charity workers. We were pretty impressed with this list as an example of how Renogy gives back to those who serve others while also offering a discount to the underserved.
Customer reviews are mostly positive
Most customers have been very happy with their purchases at Renogy. Many are also repeat customers, citing their track record with Renogy as being a 5-star experience every time. Customers state that Renogy delivers good customer service and even say that this solar panel company is an example of what customer service should be everywhere. Even when problems arise in shipping, Renogy works hard to find a positive resolution to these kinds of problems. They get an "A-” at the Better Business Bureau and are responsive to customer complaints.
A recommended pick
With a great website to navigate and good customer reviews, along with the great prices and a nice warranty, Renogy rates higher than average with us. We think you'll love your shopping experience with Renogy and recommend them as a very good choice when looking for 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.
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:
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!
Select any 2 Solar Panels to compare them head to head