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.
Very Good
Bob and Minnie Lawrence started out refurbishing and repairing electronic items for resale. In 2018, they noticed a demand for used solar panels. They were hoping to recycle them, but they realized as they examined the solar panels that they still worked. They began to refurbish these used solar panels, and now they have two locations: the home location in Arizona and a second location in Savannah, Georgia.
Innovation and hard work equal substantial savings for you
Santan Solar's innovative approach of offering not just new solar panels but also giving new life to old solar panels by refurbishing them means really great savings for you. Sure, they might not be the prettiest panels in the bunch - but most of them have 20 or more years left on them. With panels starting as low as around $40 for a 250-watt cracked vinyl panel that is still operational to full pallets, you can purchase for under $5,000 - it could help a DIYer save a lot of money on their solar storage project.
Shipping or pickup
Shipping is available, but it runs pretty high. This is because the majority of solar panels are about the size of a door and must be shipped on pallets. Santan has a whole page on the website dedicated to offering ways you can save money on this shipping. One obvious way to save is to go pick up the solar panels if you live near their locations. Other ways are to meet the truck at a terminal rather than at your residence, order a whole truckload (maybe go in on a big buy with your neighbors), or have the order sent to a business rather than a residential address. While we are uncertain if these options would be feasible for most customers, this approach demonstrates Santan Solar's willingness to think creatively and their dedication to finding cost-saving solutions.
Transparency is awesome
Santan not only opens for scheduled pickups, but they keep hours for walk-ins as well. It's great that not only can locals save money by going to the warehouse, but that any prospective customer can come by and check it out.
Everything in one place
These used solar panels are not the only ones you can grab online from Santan. They also sell kits and accessories so you can shop for the things you need all in one place. From racking and mounting to inverters and so much more, you can find what you need. Santan will also help you size your project if you need help.
One-year warranty
When you are buying refurbished equipment, a warranty helps to engender trust. Santan offers a one-year warranty, part of which states: "Santan Solar has a one-year replacement/repair warranty on the solar equipment we sell. Santan Solar warranties products against manufacturer defects in materials and workmanship. Products damaged due to faulty installation, improper procedures, or electrical surges will not be eligible for warranty coverage." They also state that the customer must provide adequate packaging with an RMA in order to be valid for refunds. It is at the discretion of Santan whether they will refund or replace your defective item. Any non-branded solar panels will be covered by the original manufacturer's warranty, which will be determined at the time of purchase. Customers pay for return shipping fees.
Overwhelmingly positive reviews
We scoured the web and found a few customer complaints, but it is clear that Santan Solar responds and resolves challenges and issues. Santan Solar gets an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau and high praise from DIY solar forum members. Many complaints stemmed from the customer not understanding the sales process for refurbished solar panels. For example, one customer was upset because used solar panels cannot be interconnected with public utility companies. Our reading suggests that Santan is eager to address issues and find solutions that prioritize the customer's needs. At the price these panels are offered, most people can't believe how well they've been refurbished, and still others are surprised at how much wattage they can produce.
A great pick for DIYers interested in truly off-grid projects
We think Santan Solar is a great pick for the DIYer with projects that don't need to be tied into the grid. We love the innovation here and the great customer service. We are happy to recommend Santan Solar as a good alternative for DIYers. Due to the high price of shipping and the fact that they can't be tied to the grid, these solar panels didn't achieve a perfect rating, but they came really close. Santan Solar is a company that is definitely worth looking at, especially if you find that you have a tight budget.
Continued from above...
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!
Compare Any 2 Products
Top Products.
Top Reviews.
Top Consumer Reviews.
Reviews
Browse through thousands of reviews.
Social Media
Like us? Follow us! We'd love to have you join our community.
Newsletter
Stay up to date with the latest reviews. We'll keep you informed, and we'll never sell your information to anyone.
