Best Solar Panel Brands
Customer Ratings of Top BRANDS in the 2025 America's Most Trusted Study
In today’s environmentally conscious market, solar panels have emerged as a cornerstone of sustainable energy solutions for consumers. Solar panels offer an impressive array of benefits as homeowners and businesses seek to reduce their carbon footprints and lower energy costs. From significant long-term savings on electricity bills to the positive impact on property value and the environment, the allure of solar energy is undeniable. Advanced features such as higher efficiency ratings, innovative technologies like microinverters, and attractive financing options further enhance their appeal, making solar panels an increasingly attractive investment for the modern consumer.
However, the decision to invest in solar technology is not solely driven by the features and benefits of the product itself; brand trust plays a pivotal role in shaping consumer choices. In a market inundated with options, buyers often need help, turning to trusted brands that offer quality and reliability assurance. The stakes are high, as consumers seek reassurance that their investment will be backed by solid performance, customer service, and long-term support. As solar panel purchases are often substantial commitments, the reputation and credibility of the brand can significantly influence the purchasing decision, making brand trust a critical component of the consumer experience.
To unpack the intricate dynamics of brand trust in the solar panel market, we turn to America’s Most Trusted® study, a comprehensive survey designed to gauge consumer perceptions and preferences across various industries. This study not only highlights the brands that resonate most with consumers but also sheds light on the factors that contribute to brand loyalty in the renewable energy sector. By analyzing the ratings and insights gathered in this survey, we aim to better understand the significance of brand trust among solar panel shoppers and how it influences their choices in an ever-evolving marketplace.
The 2025 America’s Most Trusted Study
Launched over a decade ago, the America’s Most Trusted® study is an invaluable tool for brands aiming to grasp the essential role of trust in consumer buying habits. What companies do people see as trustworthy? What are the most trustworthy brands? What are the top companies and brands people trust the most? Brands that thrive understand how crucial consumer trust is to their success. With results published each January, this study has become the go-to benchmark for measuring brand trust.
Building trust with consumers in the solar system sector is vital for encouraging repeat business. Trust is rooted in a customer's confidence that a brand will deliver on its promises. When customers trust a solar system brand, they are more inclined to purchase or recommend it, which fosters long-term loyalty.
Lifestory Research publishes updated results from the America’s Most Trusted® study annually. The research involves conducting over 75 specialized product studies and collecting feedback from thousands of consumers about their experiences and perceptions of various brands. The study utilizes the Net Trust Quotient Score (NTQS), a validated metric that measures consumers’ trust in specific brands during their purchasing decisions.
The NTQS evaluates a brand’s trustworthiness within its product category and assesses whether a product meets customer expectations relative to its competitors. This trust metric provides valuable consumer insights that adhere to the highest research standards by employing rigorous social and opinion science research methods.
Are you curious about which solar panel brands are the most trusted? The America’s Most Trusted Study has the answers. It evaluates and ranks solar panel brands based on consumer trust levels, asking participants to rate each brand within the category.
2025 America’s Most Trusted Solar panel Brand
The Lifestory Research 2025 America’s Most Trusted® Solar Panel ranking is based on insights gathered from 5,054 individuals surveyed across the United States in the past year. The study identified Panasonic as the most trusted brand among consumers considering solar panel purchases.
With a Net Trust Quotient Score of 104.4, Panasonic achieved the highest trust rating among leading solar panel brands. The rankings were determined by how consumers actively shopping for solar systems rated each brand they recognized. The most recognized solar panel brands in the study included Panasonic, Silfab Solar, JA Solar, REC, Canadian Solar, Q CELLS, Maxeon, JinkoSolar, Tesla, and Longi. Below are the top solar panel brands from the 2025 America’s Most Trusted® solar panel study.
TOP 10 Ranked Solar Panel – 2025 Customer Ratings
| 1 | Panasonic | 104.4 | ★★★★★ |
| 2 | Silfab Solar | 101.6 | ☆☆ |
| 3 | Ja Solar | 101.2 | ☆☆ |
| 4 | REC | 101.0 | ☆☆ |
| 5 | Canadian Solar | 100.9 | ☆☆ |
| 6 | Q CELLS | 100.2 | ☆☆ |
| 7 | Maxeon | 99.3 | ☆☆ |
| 8 | JinkoSolar | 98.3 | ☆☆ |
| 9 | Tesla | 94.4 | ☆☆ |
| 10 | Longi | 93.0 | ☆☆ |
No promotional use or advertising can be made of America's Most Trusted® survey results without the express prior written consent of Lifestory Research. America's Most Trusted® is a registered trademark of Lifestory with all rights reserved. Study results are based on survey responses and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Your experiences may vary.
Looking for quality customer ratings of products to make informed and trusted purchasing decisions? Discover genuine customer reviews that focus on various products' quality, reliability, and trustworthiness. Our independent research offers detailed product ratings, insights into quality, performance, durability, and overall value for money based on customer trust ratings. Explore the latest customer reviews to ensure you're making a purchase based on trustworthy ratings and superior quality, so you can buy with confidence! See the results of 75 different product studies here.
Brands Ranked in Study
The Lifestory Research America’s Most Trusted® research study actively surveys solar panel shoppers throughout the year in the United States. The study is focused on measuring consumers' opinions of the most recognized solar system brands in the market. Here, we provide information on the brands in the 2025 America’s Most Trusted® study. The brands are presented in the order they ranked in the 2025 America’s Most Trusted® study.
Panasonic is a global electronics manufacturer headquartered in Osaka, Japan, with a rich history dating back to 1918. Panasonic has made significant advancements in solar technology, particularly with its HIT solar panels, which are celebrated for their exceptional efficiency and performance in various environmental conditions. Panasonic's dedication to sustainability drives its mission to provide innovative energy solutions that support a greener future.
Silfab Solar is a Canadian solar manufacturer located in Mississauga, Ontario, founded in 2010. Silfab Solar focuses on producing high-quality, efficient solar modules, emphasizing North American manufacturing to ensure quick delivery and quality control. Silfab Solar’s commitment to sustainability and innovation positions it as a trusted provider of solar solutions for residential and commercial applications.
JA Solar is one of the largest solar manufacturers in the world, established in 2005 and headquartered in Beijing, China. JA Solar is renowned for its wide range of solar products, including high-efficiency monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels designed to deliver reliable performance. JA Solar prioritizes innovation and sustainability, consistently investing in research and development to enhance its solar technology offerings.
REC is a prominent solar panel manufacturer based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 1996. REC is known for producing high-performance solar panels that are designed for durability and efficiency, suitable for a variety of applications. REC’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its manufacturing processes, which prioritize environmental responsibility and energy efficiency.
Canadian Solar is a leading global solar manufacturer headquartered in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, and was established in 2001. Canadian Solar offers a diverse range of high-quality solar products that cater to both residential and commercial markets, focusing on optimal performance and sustainability. Canadian Solar is dedicated to advancing solar technology and expanding access to renewable energy worldwide.
Q CELLS is a top-tier solar cell manufacturer based in Thalheim, Germany, with a foundation dating back to 1999. Q CELLS is recognized for its innovative solar technologies and high-efficiency products, which are engineered for reliability and performance. Q CELLS emphasizes sustainability and has substantially invested in environmentally friendly practices within its manufacturing processes.
Maxeon is a solar technology company headquartered in San Jose, California, USA, known for its premium solar panels. Founded as a spinoff from SunPower, Maxeon offers high-efficiency products like the Maxeon 6 series, which are designed to deliver exceptional performance. Maxeon is committed to sustainability and aims to make solar energy more accessible to consumers around the globe.
JinkoSolar is one of the largest solar manufacturers in the world, founded in 2006 and based in Shanghai, China. JinkoSolar produces a wide variety of high-performance solar panels suitable for residential, commercial, and utility-scale applications. JinkoSolar is focused on quality, sustainability, and innovation, making it a leading choice in the global solar market.
Tesla is an innovative company headquartered in Palo Alto, California, that has transformed the solar industry since its inception in 2003. Tesla offers a unique range of solar products, including the Solar Roof, which combines aesthetic appeal with energy efficiency. Tesla’s mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy drives its commitment to providing advanced solar solutions for homeowners and businesses.
Longi is a major player in the solar industry, headquartered in Xi'an, China, and founded in 2000. Longi is recognized for its production of monocrystalline silicon solar products and is committed to achieving high efficiency and reliability in its offerings. Longi’s focus on innovation and sustainability has made it a leading manufacturer in the global solar market.
-
Foundational Principles
At Lifestory Research, we pride ourselves on being an independent research company committed to delivering unbiased and accurate insights into consumer behavior. Unlike many studies that lean on expert opinions or committees, our approach is rooted firmly in the voices of consumers themselves. This commitment ensures that our findings seek to reflect public sentiment.
By prioritizing consumer opinions, we effectively eliminate the biases that can come from personal agendas or industry affiliations. Our research methodology captures a wide array of perspectives, allowing our results to be representative of the broader population.
Core Principles of Quality Research
We uphold several foundational principles that define top-tier consumer research:
Reliability: We ensure our research consistently produces accurate results.
Validity: Our methods guarantee we measure what we intend to measure.
Objectivity: We take great care to avoid bias throughout the research process.
Generalizability: Our findings can be applied to the larger population.
Our Commitment to Excellence
Lifestory Research adheres to these principles through a series of rigorous practices:
Rigorous Sampling Methods: We carefully select representative samples to generalize our findings to the broader population.
Standardized Survey Instruments: These ensure consistency and reliability in data collection.
Quality Control Measures: Our team meticulously reviews and analyzes data to identify and rectify inconsistencies.
Ethical Standards: We prioritize the well-being of our participants and uphold their privacy throughout the research process.
When you explore our findings, you can trust that they are grounded in the authentic opinions of real people. This dedication to integrity makes our research a valuable resource for businesses and consumers.
-
Rating Methodology
What Is the America’s Most Trusted® Study?
The America’s Most Trusted® study focuses on evaluating brands that offer products or services to consumers in their homes, particularly in the residential new home industry. Instead of attempting to survey every brand, the study specifically targets the largest and most impactful brands in this sector.
How Does the Survey Work?
Conducted throughout the year, the America’s Most Trusted® survey aims to gather consumer opinions while minimizing biases that might arise from external events or trends. This year-long approach helps capture a more accurate snapshot of consumer sentiments.
Participants are surveyed based on specific criteria, such as whether they are actively considering a purchase in a relevant category—like buying a home, faucet, HVAC. Only those who express familiarity with a brand are invited to share their opinions on its trustworthiness, ensuring that the study reflects genuine consumer insights.
The Importance of Brand Awareness
An essential component of the study is brand awareness. Participants are first asked to identify brands they recognize. Only those who are familiar with a brand proceed to answer questions about it. This criterion ensures that only brands with sufficient public recognition are included in the final trust rankings.
Sampling Methodology
The study employs a non-probability sampling design, relying on online panels to recruit participants. Online panels are organizations that have an established relationship with consumers who agree to complete opinion surveys. Lifestory randomly ask consumers questions that identify consumers shopping for a specific product. Qualified consumers complete an online survey in which they are asked a set of questions about specific product brands.
The number of people completing a survey is referred to as the sample size. Each of the America’s Most Trusted studies seek to obtain a sample size that is large enough to be representative. The sample size is also designed to collect a large number of consumer opinions to minimize error and to assure the study results reflect the majority of consumers sentiment about a brand.
Calculating Trust Scores
At the heart of the America’s Most Trusted® study is the Net Trust Quotient Score. Participants evaluate brands based on their trustworthiness through a series of targeted questions. The responses are then categorized into three groups:
Advocates: Consumers who express strong trust in the brand.
Neutrals: Those who trust the brand but do not consider it superior to others.
Antagonists: Consumers with little to no trust in the brand.
These evaluations are quantified using a statistical method called a z-score, which standardizes the responses, allowing for easy comparison across brands. The results are ultimately transformed into T scores, which are more intuitive for understanding how each brand ranks relative to the mean score of all brands surveyed.
Additional information about the study can be found on the survey methodology page of this website.
Additional insights and questions about the America’s Most Trusted® study can be found in the frequently asked questions section of this website.
Types of Solar Panels
When selecting solar panels for your home, it’s essential to understand the different types available and their respective features. There are three primary types of solar panels on the market: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film. Here’s an overview of each and the best brands offering these types of panels.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient and durable type, made from a single continuous crystal structure. They offer the highest energy output and are typically the most expensive option. Monocrystalline panels are known for their sleek, black appearance and can perform better in limited space since they convert sunlight into electricity more efficiently than other types. They also tend to have a longer lifespan, often with a 25+ year warranty.
Top Brands for Monocrystalline Panels:
Panasonic: Known for their high efficiency and exceptional performance, Panasonic’s EverVolt monocrystalline panels offer outstanding durability and are backed by a 25-year warranty. Their HIT (Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin-layer) technology improves efficiency and heat tolerance.
Silfab Solar: Silfab offers high-efficiency monocrystalline panels that boast excellent performance, with some models reaching efficiency ratings of over 20%. They are also known for their superior quality control.
JA Solar: JA Solar’s DeepBlue series of monocrystalline panels offer high efficiency at a competitive price, making them a popular choice for residential solar installations.
Maxeon: Known for its premium SunPower brand, Maxeon’s monocrystalline panels are designed for high efficiency and long-lasting performance. Their Maxeon 6 panels, for example, have some of the highest efficiency ratings available.
Q CELLS: Q Cells’ Q.PEAK DUO series offers excellent monocrystalline panels with impressive efficiency ratings and advanced features, like an anti-reflective coating that helps improve performance under low-light conditions.
JinkoSolar: JinkoSolar’s Tiger Pro series provides high-performance monocrystalline panels with excellent efficiency and long-term reliability. They are well-suited for residential and commercial installations alike.
Longi: Longi’s Hi-MO series is widely regarded for its affordability while maintaining strong efficiency. Their monocrystalline panels are reliable and come with competitive warranties.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Polycrystalline panels are made from silicon crystals melted together. While slightly less efficient than monocrystalline panels, they are more affordable. Polycrystalline panels generally have a shorter lifespan and lower power output compared to their monocrystalline counterparts, but they are a good option for homeowners with larger roof spaces who want to reduce costs.
Top Brands for Polycrystalline Panels:
Canadian Solar: Canadian Solar offers KuPower polycrystalline panels that provide solid performance at a more affordable price. Their polycrystalline options deliver good efficiency and are popular with budget-conscious homeowners.
REC: REC’s Alpha series primarily focuses on monocrystalline technology, but they also offer polycrystalline options that are efficient, cost-effective, and designed for long-term reliability.
JinkoSolar: While Jinko is best known for its monocrystalline panels, it also offers polycrystalline panels that maintain strong performance and efficiency for a more budget-friendly option.
Thin-Film Solar Panels
Thin-film solar panels are made by depositing photovoltaic materials onto a thin layer of substrate, making them lightweight and flexible. While they are less efficient than crystalline panels, they are cheaper to produce and install. Thin-film panels are typically used in large-scale commercial installations but may not be the best choice for residential homes due to their lower efficiency and larger space requirements.
Top Brands for Thin-Film Panels:
Tesla: Tesla’s Solar Roof system combines thin-film technology with the aesthetic appeal of traditional roofing tiles, allowing homeowners to generate solar power without traditional solar panels. While not as efficient as crystalline panels, Tesla’s Solar Roof integrates seamlessly into your home and can serve as your roofing and energy-generating solution.
Conclusion
Choosing the right type of solar panel depends largely on your home’s space, energy needs, and budget. Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient and ideal for homeowners with limited roof space, offering high energy production over time. Leading brands like Panasonic, Maxeon, and Q CELLS offer top-of-the-line options. Polycrystalline panels are a more budget-friendly choice, with brands like Canadian Solar and JinkoSolar providing reliable, cost-effective solutions. For a unique and innovative option, Tesla’s Solar Roof offers thin-film panels that blend seamlessly with your home’s aesthetic while still providing solar power.