Cost Per Watt Comparison of Popular Solar Panel Brands
| Brand | Average Cost Per Watt (Installed) | Performance Warranty | Materials/Product Warranty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AXITEC | $2.36 | 25 years, 85% output | 25 years | Cheapest option, average warranties and performance, good budget option |
| Jinko Solar | $2.55 – $0.81 (module price) | 25 years, 83.1% output | 12 years | Reliable and resilient, good price/performance ratio, slightly lower warranty length |
| LONGi Solar | $2.40 – $2.67 | 25 years, 84.8% output | 12 years | Highly efficient PERC tech, great balance of cost and efficiency |
| REC Group | $2.82 | 25 years, 92% output (very high) | 20 years | Higher efficiency approaching premium brands, below average price compared to premium panels |
| QCELLS | $2.63 – $2.89 | 25 years, 86% output | 25 years | Pricier among budget brands, but excellent performance and warranty |
| Canadian Solar | $2.60 | 25 years | 12 years | Reputable global brand, good warranties, slightly higher degradation than competitors |
| Trina Solar | $2.80 | 25 years, 84.8% output | 25 years | Good warranty, slightly higher cost, solid mid-tier choice |
| SunPower | Above $3.00 (premium) | 25 years, up to 92%+ output | 25 years | Highest efficiency, premium pricing |
| Sharp | Around $0.72 (module price) | Not specified | Not specified | Low module price but usually part of full system costs higher |
Additional Insights:
- The cheapest panels by price per watt are AXITEC ($2.36) and LONGi ($2.40) offering good value, especially for budget-conscious buyers.
- Jinko Solar offers a strong balance of cost and quality, often regarded as “best performance per penny” with warranties that support longevity.
- REC Group, although not the cheapest, produces high-efficiency panels comparable to premium brands but at roughly 19% lower cost.
- QCELLS panels tend to be the priciest among affordable options but provide very good performance and long warranties, making them a good long-term investment.
- Canadian Solar and Trina Solar sit in the mid-range price category ($2.60-$2.80 per watt installed), both with solid warranties but slightly slower degradation rates or higher costs compared to the cheapest brands.
- Premium brands like SunPower command prices above $3.00 per watt but offer superior efficiency and performance warranties.
- Module prices from some sources (e.g., LetsGoSolar) show very low costs per watt (as low as $0.68/module for ReneSola), but these likely exclude installation and may reflect older or less efficient models.
Summary
Choosing the best solar panel brand depends on balancing the upfront cost per watt with efficiency, warranty, and long-term output. Budget brands like AXITEC and LONGi offer the lowest costs per watt but with moderate warranties. Mid-tier brands like Jinko, REC, and QCELLS provide better performance warranties and efficiency at slightly higher costs. Premium brands such as SunPower deliver the highest efficiency and longest warranties but at a significantly higher price per watt.
This table summarizes the 2024-2025 cost per watt and key features to help compare solar panel brands effectively. For most residential installations, LONGi, Jinko, and REC offer the best combination of cost, warranty, and performance for value-conscious consumers.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-the-cost-per-watt-of-different-solar-panel-brands-compare/
