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.
Subpar
Walmart is a household name - whether you are rushing to get a last-minute snack for soccer or remodeling your house, Walmart sells it. Walmart also sells solar panels and gives you an extremely robust selection of panels and kits, from better-known names to some lesser-known manufacturers, through its third-party seller marketplace online.
Large selection and low prices
With well over 200 different solar power products available, Walmart has one of the larger selections of solar panels for purchase. While most of their offerings fall into the portable category, there are some solar starter kits for off-grid living and other options if you need solar panels for a roof. Walmart's pricing is very low - you can get a 5-watt panel with a cooling fan for around $6 on clearance, all the way up to a $2,200 Renogy Bifacial 6-pack of 450-watt monocrystalline solar panels - without paying exorbitant shipping fees.
Local pickup and delivery
Pretty much anywhere in the United States, you can find a Walmart, which makes it a really convenient choice when purchasing solar panels. You can have Walmart deliver your panels to your door, or in some cases, you can go to the store and pick them up.
Customers concerned with quality
Customers have expressed concerns about the quality of the solar panels available on Walmart's website. This is mostly from third-party vendors - there are some good ones like Renogy. The vendors seem to be a mixed bag in terms of quality - many people complained that the advertised voltage did not match what they were able to get at home. Others were concerned about charging time being very slow.
Credit card holds and processing
Walmart delivery online will put a temporary hold on your credit card when you shop there. Be aware that it can take up to 10 days for the hold to be removed. We are concerned that customers consistently complained about delayed shipments - customers called to cancel the orders as they wouldn't arrive on time - and Walmart wouldn't refund the money or allow a cancellation or refund.
Not a great pick
Walmart has always been about low prices. However, low prices aren't that great of a choice if quality is compromised. While we like the robust selection of solar panels here, we're worried that there is a lack of quality control in the selections available. We are also concerned that customers have experienced extra-long money holds and refusals from customer service to give refunds. So, while we appreciate the low prices, we can't recommend Walmart as a good pick unless the lowest prices are your only priority.
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!
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