As energy costs rise and climate concerns grow, investing in solar panels has become a smart move for homeowners.
Residential energy use accounts for roughly 20% of total U.S. energy consumption, according to the Energy Information Administration. Not only can solar energy significantly reduce your electricity bills, but it also helps decrease the emissions generated by fossil fuels to power grid electricity.
Solar industry experts at EnergySage ranked the top-performing panels for homeowners in 2025, selecting Maxeon Solar Technologies 440 W panels as No. 1 with a perfect score of 100/100. Choosing high-efficiency panels can maximize energy production, especially for homes with limited roof space, and Maxeon's lead the pack on the market with 22.8% efficiency, albeit at a higher upfront investment cost per watt.
EnergySage said efficiency is improving, adding that the average solar panel on its marketplace has increased by 10% in efficiency in the last five years. "Highly efficient solar panels can generate greater electric bill savings than their less efficient counterparts, but they cost more upfront," the article states.
EnergySage's free tools make it easier to get estimates and compare quotes. While it is expensive, the cost might be lower than you think in relation to the annual savings. Additionally, federal and state tax incentives can reduce installation costs and bring you savings on electric bills a lot quicker.
The Inflation Reduction Act restored the 30% federal solar Investment Tax Credit in the U.S., allowing homeowners to deduct nearly a third of their installation costs from federal taxes, but the recently passed "Big Beautiful Bill" upended the credit and set it to end after Dec. 31, 2025. Since projects take about three months to complete from starting the process, it's important to jump on a site like EnergySage's to start getting quotes soon if you want to make sure you can take advantage of the thousands in savings within the 2025 tax year.
Also in the top five for efficiency were Qcells Q.TRON BLK M-G2+ 440W at 22.5%, Canadian Solar TOPHiKu6 455 W at 22.3%, and REC Alpha Pure 410 W Protrust Warranty and Panasonic Evervolt 430HK2 tying for fourth place at 22.2% efficiency. Of those five selections, the REC Alpha brand's 410-watt panels offered the best bang for the buck, at $2.49 per watt.
As EnergySage puts it, "it's most helpful to think about solar panels as an investment." All in all, the company deems solar panels to be worth it both for your wallet and the environment. Nevertheless, it is helpful that it indicates when going solar might not be right for everyone, such as renters or those with extremely low-cost electric bills.
Save $10,000 on solar panels without even sharing your phone number Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers that can help you save as much as $10k on installation. To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best local options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner. |
Bottom line: Picking the right solar panels and cashing in on current federal tax incentives could mean big savings — plus a cleaner, healthier planet.
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Which of these factors would be your main motivation for installing solar panels? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
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