mSolar solar panels review 2024: Terra incognita

25 Sep 2024
7 min
Beginner

Julia ZaraevaAuthor

So we came across mSolar panels and decided to write a review on them. What we discovered was that mSolar is a dark horse of the solar market. Or rather, horses – there are at least three companies named mSolar. What’s the story behind them? Let’s find out – here comes our mSolar solar panels review 2024.

mSolar is three not-quite-alive solar companies

The panels that we got our hands on bear the name of the American company mSolar. The company is based in San Antonio and imports and sells Chinese solar panels. The company’s copyright suggests that it existed at least in 2021–2022. Its current status, though, is unknown.

Our quest did not end there. Apparently, there is another company called mSolar – mSolar Research – a collaboration of businessmen from Canada, USA, Hungary, Slovenia and Sweden. The company sells portable wind and solar energy stations, PV carports, solar batteries and panels. From the few published bits of news, we can tell that the company has been in business since at least 2013. The last update was posted in 2022, so it’s not clear if the company still exists.

mSolar solar panels: Efficiency, warranty, pricing

365W – 450W – power output

The company offers a limited range of panels, currently consisting of five solar modules between 365 and 450 watts. While it’s a reasonable output for residential systems, this will not be enough for commercial and utility-scale projects.

20% – 21% – efficiency

In terms of efficiency, mSolar panels sit at 20-21%. This is an okay level for solar panels today, even though top brands boast efficiencies of 22-23%. The higher this figure, the more sunlight the panel converts into usable electricity and the less space is needed to build a powerful solar system.

25 years – product and performance warranty

The warranty is not bad – 25 years for both product and performance guaranteeing 85% of the initial power output after 25 years. But given the weirdness surrounding the company, such a term still does not inspire confidence – it’s not clear whether the company exists at all and who to claim if anything happens.

$0.6 – $1 – price per watt

The cost of mSolar panels falls between $0.60 and $1.00 per watt. This pricing is in line with the general market — not too cheap but not too expensive either.

mSolar solar panels: Pros

Having explored the technical aspects, let’s shine a light on the positive sides of mSolar solar panels:

Competitive pricing: mSolar’s competitive pricing makes solar energy accessible to a wider range of homeowners, challenging the perception of solar as a luxury item.
Not bad warranties: The warranty terms are good, especially on the product. Still, with the fact that little is known about the company, they don’t inspire confidence.

mSolar solar panels: Cons

While mSolar boasts several advantages, there are quite a lot of shadows on the sunshine:

Limited product line-up: mSolar has a smaller selection of solar panels compared to many competitors, limiting your options based on specific needs or preferences.
The efficiency ratings of mSolar panels are lower than those offered by other brands, resulting in less energy production for the same panel size.
The company’s does not provide sufficient details about its own history and panel’s technologies, making it difficult for consumers to make informed decisions.

Overview of 3 mSolar solar panels: Home options

It’s time to move on to the panels themselves. What does mSolar offer to the market?

MSolar HC Series 365-375W – Good start

The mSolar HC Series 365-375W panel offers a solid entry point into solar power. With a power output ranging from 365 to 375 watts and an efficiency of 20-20.5%, it’s well-suited for smaller homes or those with lower energy consumption. Backed by a 25-year product and performance warranty, this panel provides reasonable protection.

MSolar HC Series 400-410W – Efficient

Stepping up in power, the mSolar HC Series 400-410W panel is a good choice for many homeowners. Delivering between 400 and 410 watts of energy with 20.5-21% efficiency rating as its smaller counterpart, this panel offers a good balance of performance and value. Like the 365-375W model, it comes with a 25-year product and performance warranty.

MSolar HC Series 440-450W – Powerful

The MSolar HC Series 440-450W boasts a stronger power output of 440-450 watts, coupled with an efficiency rating of 20-20.7%. This high-performance panel is ideal for residential solar systems with higher energy demands or limited roof space. The warranty is brand-standard – 25 years for product and performance.

A1 SolarStore recommends MSolar HC Series 435-445W

While slightly less powerful than its 440-450W counterpart, the MSolar HC Series 435-445W panel still delivers good performance of 440-450 watts and an efficiency rating of 20-20.5%. It offers a slightly more budget-friendly option for those who prioritize aesthetics. With the same 25-year warranty, this panel provides reliable energy production and protection.