- By: Sergey Fedorov
- Solar PV panels
- Updated: Dec 16, 2025
Solar Panels
ClearanceUP TO 50% OFF
By Items
By Pallets
By Truckload
- Overview
- Articles
Solar Panels for Home
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, allowing homeowners to reduce energy bills by 50-90% and achieve energy independence. In 2026, solar technology has never been more accessible: panel prices have dropped 70% over the past decade, efficiency has reached 22-24% for residential modules, and the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) still offers a 30% deduction on your total system cost.
At A1 SolarStore, we offer the largest selection of solar panels in the U.S. — over 26 premium brands, from budget-friendly options starting at $0.25 per watt to high-efficiency Tier 1 panels from LONGi, Canadian Solar, Q CELLS, and more.
Calculate Your Solar Needs
Not sure how many panels you need? Use our free calculator to get a personalized recommendation based on your address and energy bills.
Open Solar CalculatorTypes of Solar Panels: Which One Is Right for You?
Understanding solar panel types is the first step to making an informed purchase. Each technology has distinct advantages depending on your roof space, budget, and performance goals.
Made from single-crystal silicon with distinctive black appearance. Highest efficiency ratings (20-24%), better low-light performance, and longer lifespan (25-30 years).
Best for: Limited roof space, maximum power output
🔷 Polycrystalline Panels
Made from multiple silicon crystals with blue, speckled appearance. Lower efficiency (15-17%) but more affordable per watt.
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers with ample installation area
📄 Thin-Film Panels
Lightweight, flexible panels using photovoltaic material on glass or metal. Lowest efficiency (10-13%) but excellent high-temperature performance.
Best for: Commercial applications, curved surfaces, portable setups
Capture sunlight from both sides, increasing energy production by 10-30% depending on surface reflectivity below.
Best for: Ground-mounted systems, elevated installations
Solar Panel Types Comparison
How to Choose the Right Panel Wattage
Panel wattage determines how much electricity each module produces under standard test conditions. Higher wattage panels mean fewer panels needed for the same output.
📐 Quick Formula: Monthly kWh usage ÷ (Peak sun hours × 30 × 0.8) = kW system size needed
Example: A home using 1,000 kWh/month in a location with 5 peak sun hours needs approximately 8.3 kW system — that's about 21 panels at 400W or only 15 panels at 550W.
System Size by Home Size
What Are Tier 1 Solar Panels?
Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) created the Tier 1 classification to identify bankable solar manufacturers. This designation indicates financial stability and market presence, though it does not directly guarantee product quality.
✅ To qualify as Tier 1, a company must:
- Have provided panels to at least 5 different projects
- Be financed non-recourse by 5 different banks in the past 2 years
- Be vertically integrated (manufacture their own cells)
Top Tier 1 Brands We Carry
🏆 LONGi
World's largest solar manufacturer
Global leader since 2001
⚡ JA Solar
Top 5 global manufacturer
Innovation leader, up to 24.2% efficiency
🔬 Q CELLS
Made in USA option available
🇺🇸 Silfab
American manufacturing, 30-year warranty
Solar Panel Costs in 2026
Solar panel prices vary based on brand, efficiency, wattage, and order quantity. Remember that panel cost is typically 25-30% of total system cost — you'll also need inverters, mounting hardware, wiring, and installation labor.
💰 Save with the Federal Tax Credit: The 30% ITC can save you thousands. A $15,000 system becomes $10,500 after the credit. Many states offer additional incentives.
Top Solar Panel Brands Compared (2026)
We carry 26 solar panel brands. Here are the most popular choices among our customers:
Want more detail? Read our comprehensive Best Solar Panels 2026 guide with in-depth reviews.
When choosing between brands, don't focus solely on efficiency numbers. A panel with 21% efficiency from a reputable Tier 1 manufacturer with strong warranty support is often a better long-term investment than a 23% efficiency panel from an unknown brand. Look at the complete picture: warranty terms, company track record, and local support availability.
— A1 SolarStore Technical Team
Frequently Asked Questions
The number depends on your energy consumption, roof space, and panel wattage. A typical 2,500 sq ft home uses about 10,000-12,000 kWh annually and needs 20-25 standard 400W panels (or 15-18 higher-wattage 550W panels).
Most quality solar panels are warranted for 25-30 years and can produce electricity for 30-40 years. Performance degrades slowly — expect about 0.5% efficiency loss per year. After 25 years, panels typically still produce 80-85% of their original output.
For most homeowners, yes. With the 30% federal tax credit, dropping panel prices, and rising electricity rates, the average payback period is 6-10 years. After that, you enjoy 15-20 years of nearly free electricity. Solar also increases home value by an average of 4.1% according to Zillow research.
Monocrystalline panels are more efficient (20-24% vs 15-17%), perform better in low light, and take up less space. Polycrystalline panels cost less but require more roof area for equivalent output. For most residential installations, monocrystalline offers better long-term value due to higher energy production per square foot.
DIY installation is possible and can save $5,000-10,000 on labor costs. However, you'll need electrical knowledge, proper permits, and utility interconnection approval. Many of our customers are professional installers or experienced DIYers. We offer complete solar kits with everything you need including detailed installation guides.
Yes, but at reduced efficiency. Panels produce electricity from light, not heat, so they work year-round. On cloudy days, expect 10-25% of normal output. In winter, shorter days reduce production, but cold temperatures actually improve panel efficiency. Germany, with weather similar to Seattle, is one of the world's largest solar markets.
Net metering allows you to sell excess solar electricity back to the grid for credits on your utility bill. When your panels produce more than you use (daytime), you earn credits. At night or during high-usage periods, you use those credits. Policies vary by state and utility.
Solar panels require minimal maintenance. Rain usually keeps them clean, but you may want to rinse them 1-2 times per year in dusty areas. Inspect annually for damage, bird nests, or debris. Keep trees trimmed to prevent shading. Most modern panels include monitoring apps to track performance and alert you to any issues.
Why Buy Solar Panels from A1 SolarStore?
📦 Largest Selection
26 brands, 300 panel models, 340W to 715W options — more choices than any other retailer
💵 Best Prices
Wholesale pricing for all customers with bulk discounts available for larger projects
🎓 Expert Support
Our solar specialists help you design the perfect system for your specific needs
🚚 Fast Shipping
Most orders ship within 2-3 business days with nationwide delivery options
📍 Local Options
Pickup locations nationwide plus delivery directly to your door
🔧 Full Ecosystem
Panels, batteries, cables — everything in one place
"I compared prices from five different suppliers before finding A1 SolarStore. Not only were their prices 15% lower, but their customer service helped me design a system that perfectly matched my roof layout. The panels arrived in perfect condition and my installer said they were the easiest he'd worked with."
— Michael T., Texas
Need Help Choosing?
Our solar experts are ready to help you design the perfect system. Get personalized recommendations based on your energy needs, roof space, and budget.
Shop Solar PanelsBrowse solar panels
- AlabamaShow cities
- ArizonaShow cities
- ArkansasShow cities
- CaliforniaShow cities
- ColoradoShow cities
- ConnecticutShow cities
- DelawareShow cities
- FloridaShow cities
- GeorgiaShow cities
- HawaiiShow cities
- IdahoShow cities
- IllinoisShow cities
- IndianaShow cities
- IowaShow cities
- KansasShow cities
- KentuckyShow cities
- LouisianaShow cities
- MaineShow cities
- MarylandShow cities
- MassachusettsShow cities
- MichiganShow cities
- MinnesotaShow cities
- MississippiShow cities
- MissouriShow cities
- MontanaShow cities
- NebraskaShow cities
- NevadaShow cities
- New HampshireShow cities
- New JerseyShow cities
- New MexicoShow cities
- New YorkShow cities
- North CarolinaShow cities
- North DakotaShow cities
- OhioShow cities
- OklahomaShow cities
- OregonShow cities
- PennsylvaniaShow cities
- Rhode IslandShow cities
- South CarolinaShow cities
- South DakotaShow cities
- TennesseeShow cities
- TexasShow cities
- UtahShow cities
- VermontShow cities
- VirginiaShow cities
- WashingtonShow cities
- West VirginiaShow cities
- WisconsinShow cities
- WyomingShow cities
Stay tuned
Free and usefull digest on solar energy. No spam