INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING BLOG YOU SHOULD BE READING

How to Choose Solar Panels For Business?

21 Jul.,2025

Best Solar Panels: Which One Should You Choose? | EnergySage

Choosing the best solar panel can feel overwhelming, but it's easier than you think. A quality solar installer will typically install quality solar panels, so your main focus should be choosing the best solar installer for the job—your installer's experience and your solar system's size have a bigger impact on effectiveness. Still, every home is different, and most will benefit from having the most efficient panels on the market.

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from JM.

However, timing is critical: The 30% residential solar tax credit is currently set to expire at the end of this year, and equipment shortages are already affecting the availability of top-tier solar panels. While the panels ranked below represent the absolute best performance available, securing the 30% federal tax credit should be your top priority. If your preferred high-ranking panel isn't available or causes project delays, choosing a slightly lower-ranked but readily available panel is often the smarter financial move—the ITC savings will likely outweigh the small performance difference.

Based on our analysis, Maxeon offers the best solar panels, followed by VSUN, REC, Qcells, and Canadian Solar. Each scored well overall, but the best one for you depends on your home’s specific needs.

Maxeon’s 440-watt solar panel is our pick for best overall. It’s the most efficient panel at 22.8% and comes with the longest warranty (40-year performance and product warranties—15 years longer than the industry standard). Maxeon is the highest-rated solar panel on the EnergySage Marketplace.

The biggest downside to Maxeon solar panels is the price tag. At $2.84 per watt, it’s one of the most expensive brands available. Its specs are stellar, but if budget is your priority, you can likely find a cheaper panel that still meets your efficiency needs.

“My panels were installed in April . I paired them with Enphase IQ8A’s and they put out a TON of power. On a hot summer day, each panel is putting out almost 380 watts per panel, which I’m very happy with. I bought Maxeon panels because they are the most reliable panels with their unique cell design that is different than anyone else’s on the market. And surprisingly, the pricing I got was actually less expensive than some higher-end panels like REC AlphaPure and Panasonic Evervolt. Would highly recommend!” -mattjohnson, EnergySage (edited for grammatical clarity)

What sets VSUN apart is its larger-format panel that maximizes power density. Because its panels are larger, you may need fewer of them for your roof, which may lower the cost of your purchase and installation. It’s an attractive choice for homeowners who have big roofs and want fewer, more powerful panels.

That said, the size of the VSUN panel is also its downfall—they may be too big for some roofs with smaller spaces. Also, the panel’s temperature coefficient is higher than premium competitors—which means they don’t work as well in hotter temps—making these panels a less viable option for homeowners in hot climates.

REC is a longtime favorite among EnergySage shoppers, probably because of its relatively low price per watt and impressive specs. Out of our top brands, REC offers the best bang for your buck: The Alpha Pure 410-watt panel maintains efficiency above 22%, and it has solid 25-year performance and product warranties. These panels also have one of the lowest temperature coefficients on the market, which means they perform better in hotter temperatures compared to other panels.

REC does the best job of balancing top-tier specs and affordability, but it falls short of Maxeon in terms of efficiency. We’re also hearing from installers that REC is experiencing supply shortages, so it may be hard to get your hands on these panels if you’re planning to install your system in time to claim the tax credit.

“Really happy with the great technology from REC. They have the best panel on the market and their 25+year history in the solar industry is really important to me.” -gdavissolar

“Simply put, the Alpha series panel is the best in the market right now. Being a solar consultant for the past 8 years has afforded me the opportunity to learn about panels in a detailed way. The Alpha series matches or beats SunPower in every metric there is, and its costs don't come close to the astronomical price point SunPower demands. I have 38 of these bad boys cranking out power here in Vegas, and I couldn't be happier.” -Tgibs, EnergySage (edited for grammatical clarity)

Qcells is a quality solar panel brand, delivering solid performance comparable to industry leaders. Its 22.5% efficiency exceeds REC, while its robust 25-year performance and product warranty offer peace of mind. Qcells may be especially attractive to homeowners for its sleek all-black aesthetic, competitive pricing, and being made in America—the company has two large facilities in Georgia.

“I had my system installed in January . Here in Florida, my [panels] make around 100kwh on a full sun day in May through August. I haven't had 1 issue. My highest production day last year was 100 kWh, also, so just glancing at it, I feel degradation first year is less than 2%. It's June now, and the system has already made 10.2 mWh. I'm super happy with the panels. Hope this helps you make a panel decision. I can't rate [REC’s] services as I haven't needed them.” -timhugheseternal, EnergySage (edited for grammatical clarity)

“My system—17.32kWdc—has been running since May 30th, . It's high quality and zero issues thus far. Very happy with my system and the Home Team Energy Installer in my area.” -khanghulam, EnergySage(edited for grammatical clarity)

Canadian Solar’s TOPHiKu6 450-watt solar panel has the highest power output of the products on our list, which means it has the capacity to generate more electricity. While it’s the least efficient of our top brands, it boasts impressive performance specifications with a 22% efficiency rating and -0.29%/°C temperature coefficient. Plus, despite its name, Canadian Solar manufactures some of its panels in the U.S.

“I had the panels installed on the back of my house 2 years ago. They are doing everything they should do and nothing they shouldn't. Output has been a bit above expectations, and they have been completely reliable. I have 39 panels in place and have not had an issue with any of them. We have had some rough weather, and they have come through it just fine. I would absolutely buy them again.” - mcgrathdw, EnergySage (edited for grammatical clarity)

Jinko didn’t rank first in any category and is the second most expensive panel on this list. It’s a great option compared to most panels on the market, but it lands sixth place when up against the others mentioned here.

The average 11 kW solar panel system costs $20,552 after federal tax credits. That's a lot of money. It's important to choose solar panels that are high quality and affordable. The best way to evaluate if you're getting the best bang for your buck is to divide your solar panel's power per square foot (W/sq ft) by its cost per watt ($/W). The higher this value, the more power per penny you get.

Even the best solar panels may perform poorly in difficult conditions. Some panels are better suited for small spaces, while others excel in hot temperatures. That’s why it’s so important to consider your roof, household electricity use, and climate when choosing solar panels for your home.

An experienced, local solar installer knows how solar performs in your area and can properly inspect your roof to recommend the best panels. But if you want to start some of the research, here are some things to think about:

Have a small roof with a lot of shading? You'll probably want a very powerful solar panel (unless you use very little electricity). Even light shading can reduce your solar panels’ output by 50% or more. Look for solar panels with high power output and high efficiency.

It's no secret that solar panels are more prevalent in the Sun Belt than in other parts of the country, but they're also an excellent investment if you live in the Northeast or Midwest. You just need to choose the right panels. Your region and climate influence the performance of your panels— things like sun power, shading, panel orientation, temperature, precipitation, wind, dust, and dirt play a role.

If you live in a place that sees a lot of rain, snow, or other cloudy conditions, you’ll want high-output and high-efficiency panels. If you live in a hot and sunny region, you're in a prime spot for premium solar panel efficiency and will want to pay attention to temperature coefficient as a leading factor in your decision-making.

If your roof is small and you don't have a lot of space for your system, investing in the most efficient, highest-performing panels can get you the performance you need. If you have enough room for a larger system, installing slightly less efficient panels could provide ample output at a competitive price.

But at the end of the day, going solar now, while you can claim the residential tax credit, will lead to greater savings than waiting for the perfect solar panel. If federal clean energy tax credits are eliminated, the cost of solar and electricity will rise, which means even a few months could mean missing out on thousands of dollars in savings.

Commercial Solar 101: A Business' Guide To Investing In Solar Panels

If you're a business leader who's ready to control a fixed cost, pay fewer taxes, and be on your way to saving more of your hard-earned money, then you've come to the right place. That's exactly what you can accomplish by investing in commercial solar panels.

But solar isn't for every business, and the process of investigating commercial solar can be daunting. That's why we created this commercial solar panel investment guide. In it, you will find answers to many of the questions that will help you determine if solar is right for your business and if it is, help you be on your way to a successful solar investment.

Whether your business is a one-person show or a large corporation, this guide is for you.

The Basics of Commercial Solar

How Does A Commercial Solar Panel System Work?

A commercial solar energy system consists of solar panels strategically installed on the rooftop or grounds of your commercial property.

The solar panels comprise of photovoltaic (PV) cells, which convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. The generated electricity flows through the solar inverter, which converts DC into alternating current (AC) electricity needed to power your business.

Electricity flows from the inverters to a distribution panel, which allocates it to power your facility. If your system produces more than your facility needs, it will be sent to the utility grid, and you’ll be compensated through net metering. Your electric meter will track the electricity flowing to and from the utility grid.

Read more: How a grid-tied commercial solar panel system works

What are the Different Types of Commercial Solar Installations?

There are three main types of commercial installations. The most common is a roof mount, but ground mounts and carports are also popular.

Roof mounts can be installed on many types of roofs, including shingle, corrugated metal, standing-seam metal, and flat rubber roofs where a weighted ballast mount is used. Special attachments are designed for attaching panels to metal roofs.

Ground mounts and carports are great options for businesses that don't have adequate roof space or simply don't want solar panels on their roof.

What is Net Metering and Aggregate Metering?

Net metering is, more or less, free energy storage via the utility grid. It's a billing mechanism that's invaluable for your system's payback.

When your solar panels are overproducing, that extra electricity is sent to the utility grid. You are given credit for that electricity that can be used to offset electricity pulled from the grid when your panels aren’t producing enough electricity to run your business.

Most states mandate that utility companies provide net metering, but states are trending away from the traditional method. For example, New York offers a value stack program, and many co-ops in Ohio use a net billing system.

You may be eligible for aggregate or virtual net metering if you have multiple electric meters. This lets you offset electricity usage on any meter or building with the power generated from a solar system connected to another meter. However, policies vary by utility and by state.

Commercial Solar Pricing & Payback

How Much Do Commercial Solar Panels Cost?

Solar is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Therefore it's difficult to provide an exact cost for a commercial solar system without first knowing how much electricity you use, where the panels will be installed, and other important data points. Your system will be custom-designed for your needs, goals, and budget.

These are the site-specific factors that will impact the system's cost:

The Installation Type - Roof, Ground or Carport
The Type of solar panels, inverters, and other equipment
Your energy consumption
Your Local Weather
Utility Connection Cost
The Distance from the solar to the interconnection point

The following chart provides an approximate estimate of the projected installation costs according to average monthly electric bill amounts.

How Does the Commercial Solar Tax Credit Work?

The commercial solar tax credit is an incredible incentive for businesses to take advantage of a solar investment.

For systems under 1 MW, the federal investment tax credit is 30%. These projects can also qualify for an additional 10% adders if certain conditions are met. These adders are:

10% for a system built in an energy community
10% for meeting the domestic content requirements
10% if installed in a low-income area or tribal land

The credit starts at 6% and can be increased to 70% if certain conditions are met for installs over 1 MW.

How Does Commercial Solar Deprecation Work?

Businesses can take advantage of accelerated depreciation for their solar investment. 60% of the cost basis can be depreciated in year one on your federal taxes. The remaining 40% follows the five-year MACRS schedule.

State depreciation follows the five-year MACRS schedule.

What Other Incentives Are Available For Commercial Solar?

Apart from the tax savings, two main benefits are the USDA REAP grant and Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs). Certain states and utility companies also provide additional incentives for solar investments.

The USDA REAP grant is a fantastic opportunity for eligible rural businesses and farmers. This competitive grant has the potential to cover up to 50% of your installation cost, with a maximum funding amount of $1 million.

Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) provide an additional opportunity to generate income from your solar system. Each 1,000 kWh of energy produced by your system earns you one credit, which can be sold. The market for SRECs is influenced by supply and demand, resulting in fluctuating credit prices. It's important to note that SRECs are not available in all states.

Read more: What Solar Panel Incentives Are Available In Your Area?

What is The Average ROI For Commercial Solar Panels?

A significant portion of the return on investment for a commercial solar project is front-loaded, with the tax credit, depreciation, and USDA grant being received during the first year or two of the system's energization. This immediately provides you with extra capital to invest in other areas of your business.

What does that mean for the ROI and payback period? We have gathered data from over 300 of our commercial installations to offer insights into the average return on investment (ROI) and payback period in .

The average ROI for commercial solar in is 16.2%.

The average payback for commercial solar in is 9.5 years.

What Financing Options Are Available For Commercial Solar?

There are several financing options available for commercial solar panels. The main options are cash, solar loans, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), and solar leases.

Solar loans function similarly to traditional business loans and are typically most easily obtained from your bank.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Solar Panels For Business. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

By entering into a PPA, you authorize another entity to cover the costs of installing and maintaining a solar system on your property. In return, you will enter into a contractual agreement to purchase the electricity generated by the system at a predetermined rate. These agreements typically span from 10 to 25 years and may offer options for extensions.

Solar leases are available as capital leases and operating leases.

With a capital lease, the solar system will be listed as an asset on your balance sheet, and you will assume ownership responsibilities. This type of lease also allows you to take advantage of tax incentives.

Operating leases are similar to rental agreements. In this arrangement, the solar system will still be listed as an asset on your balance sheet. However, the lessor will retain ownership of the system, receive the tax credit, and be responsible for maintenance duties.

Do Solar Panels Require Maintenance? The Impact on Your ROI.

Unless you receive bad parts, your system was installed incorrectly, or outside factors damage the system, you can expect solar to be a low-maintenance investment that requires minimal upkeep. However, it's important to note that, like any piece of machinery or electronic device, your solar system could occasionally encounter issues that require a professional service provider.

If there is an issue, it will usually be with the solar inverters, which are the most complex component of a solar energy system.

Inverters are complex electronic devices that convert DC electricity into AC electricity needed to power your business. Some potential challenges that may occur include communication problems between the inverters and the monitoring portal, faults related to wire damage or loose connections, and damage caused by rodents.

The good news is that solar panels and inverters come with lengthy warranties. Leading inverter brands have warranties that cover the first 10 - 25 years, and solar panels from leading brands are guaranteed for 25 or 30 years.

Furthermore, it is important to partner with a solar installer who offers a comprehensive workmanship warranty and guarantees the production of your solar system. Paradise Energy is proud to offer a Triple Ten Guarantee, providing a ten-year workmanship warranty and ensuring the production of your system for the first ten years. In the unlikely event that there is a difference, we will write you a check for the difference.

Commercial Solar Equipment: Picking The Best Panels and Inverters

You've decided to invest in solar energy. Now comes an important step: selecting the best solar panels and inverters. Don't sweat too much. A reputable installation company will recommend equipment for your system. However, it's still important to be aware of what's available.

Is There a Difference Between Residential and Commercial Solar Panels?

Solar panels are generally the same. However, there are a few key differences in size and aesthetics between residential and commercial solar panels.

Commercial solar panels tend to be larger than residential panels. Measuring around 45" x 90", a commercial panel is designed to produce more energy than its residential counterpart, which measures around 45" x 70".

The panel aesthetics also vary greatly. Commercial panels tend to have silver frames that don't blend with the roof as nicely as the typically residential all-black panels.

Another key difference is that some commercial installations use a bifacial solar panel. This type of panel produces energy from both sides of the panel, from direct sunlight on the top to the sun's reflection on the backside. These panels are ideal for flat roofs where the panels are tilted up and even some ground mounts.

Read more: Is There A Difference Between Commercial and Residential Solar Panels?

What Are The Best Commercial Solar Panels?

When selecting solar panels, there are several key factors to consider. Those factors are the cost, the panel's efficiency, the panel's specs, durability and warranties, and the manufacturer's reputation & financial stability.

There are many great panel brands to choose from, but several stand out to our product selection team. The three main brands we offer our commercial customers are Axitec, SEG, and Qcells.

Read more: What are the Best Commercial Solar Panels?

What Are The Best Commercial Solar Inverters?

The solar inverter is a crucial component of a commercial solar panel system. Therefore, it is essential to dedicate time to researching the various types of inverters and the brands available.

The choice of inverter can have a significant impact on your return on investment (ROI) as it affects the cost, production, and efficiency of the solar system. Use this breakdown to assist you in selecting the best commercial inverter for your solar panel system.

There are three main types of inverters: string inverters, microinverters, and string inverters with power optimizers. Each type of inverter has its own set of benefits and drawbacks that should be carefully considered in relation to your specific goals and objectives for installing solar energy.

String inverters are the most commonly used inverters for commercial ground mounts. A string converts energy for several solar panels. The downside - if the production drops on just one solar panel in the string, the entire string of panels is impacted.

Whereas with a Microinverter, production drops are limited to the impacted solar panel since they are installed on each panel for module-level optimization. This comes at a much higher cost.

String inverters with power optimizers offer the best of both worlds between string and microinverters. This is the most common inverter combination that we install on commercial rooftops.

We recommend SolarEdge, SMA, and Chint Power Systems (CPS) to our commercial clients. All three brands have established a reputation for providing top-quality products with lengthy warranties at an affordable cost.

The Installation Process for Commercial Solar

Now that you have a clear picture of the installation cost, incentives, and equipment involved in your solar investment, the next crucial step is to carefully choose your solar installation company. It's also important to fully comprehend the installation process and how it will impact your day-to-day business operations.

How To Choose A Good Solar Installer?

Solar energy is a long-term investment, so it's essential to choose a solar installer who will be your reliable partner for the long run.

Carefully select a local company with in-house expertise that can handle your project from design to installation and provide prompt maintenance support when needed.

Additionally, it's important to choose an installer that stands behind their work with added warranties and guarantees beyond the standard ones offered by equipment manufacturers.

Here are six tips for finding the perfect solar company:

1. Look at their online review and speak to their customers - You will learn a ton about a company by engaging with their past customers. Ask for references. Look at their online reviews on Google and SolarReviews.com

2. Look at their experience and longevity - ensure they have a strong history of doing business the right way. Look for industry training certifications from organizations like NABCEP and Solar Energy International. Also, ask about their financial standing to ensure they are managing the business to be around for the long haul.

3. Examine their warranties - Make sure they offer warranties beyond the standard manufacturer warranties.

4. Interact with their team - Ask about the team that will be involved with your project. See if their website highlights these folks and ask them to meet key team members.

5. Review their mission statement and company values - By reviewing their mission and values, you'll get a quick look at the company's DNA.

6. Find consultants, not salespeople - There is a lot to a solar investment, and it's not for everyone. Find a company that will consult you on the process. Oftentimes, you can quickly root out consultants vs salespeople by examining their websites. Make sure they offer honest, insightful blogs, videos, and other resources.

Read more: Is Paradise Energy The Right Solar Company For You?

How To Evaluate Your Solar Proposals?

Each solar company approaches its proposals differently. However, several key items should appear consistently in all the proposals you receive.

These are the nine essential items that you should review and comprehend to ensure a fair, apples-to-apples comparison of your solar proposal.

1. The size and placement of the system - The overall system size is determined by your energy usage and the number of panels needed to meet your energy needs. Typically, your solar proposal will indicate the size of the system in kilowatts or kW.

2. The system components - The proposal should include a detailed list of components, including the quantity and brand of the solar panels and inverters.

3. The full cost and available incentives -Your proposal should include a detailed breakdown of costs, incentives, potential tax savings, and state or local grants.

4. A full financial analysis -The proposal should include a cash flow analysis with ROI and payback.

5. The energy offset - This information should show you how much energy your system will produce and how much of your usage will be offset by that production.

6. The warranties and guarantees - Solar proposals typically include two types of warranties: manufacturer warranties and warranties from the solar installation company.

7. The project scope - The solar project scope should be clearly defined in the proposal, including what is included, what is not included, and any provisions for unforeseen costs or additions.

8. The installation schedule - The timeline for installing a solar system varies depending on the size of the project. On average, it takes 8 to 10 weeks to design and permit the project and then a couple of weeks to several months for larger commercial installations.

9. The payment terms - Payment terms should be clearly stated in the proposal to avoid any surprises for both the client and the solar company.

What Is The Process For Installing A Commercial Solar Panel System?

No business owner or facility manager needs another complex task added to their day-to-day schedule. Thankfully, installing a solar system is relatively hands-off and can be completed in six simple steps.

These are the six steps to the solar installation process:

1. Custom Evaluation: You'll meet with a solar consultant to discuss your questions and energy goals. A solar consultant will examine your recent electric bills and assess your property to determine the optimal size and location for the solar system.

2. Quote Delivery: After 2-3 days, you'll receive a quote detailing costs, ROI, & payback.

3. Contract Signing: If you decide to move forward, you'll sign a contract & discuss the nuts & bolts, preparing for construction.

4. Paperwork and Permitting: We'll finalize the details & take care of all the paperwork, permits, & materials.

5. Construction Begins: The project will proceed with little to no disruptions to your business, & we'll keep you updated on everything. Construction can take a few weeks to several months, depending on the system size.

6. Free Electricity: Once your project is completed, you'll Save With Every Sunrise!

How To Get Started With Your Commercial Solar Installation

The first step to investing in solar panels for your business is to request your free custom solar quote. A custom quote from Paradise Energy will provide you with all the important details and data you need to make an informed investment decision.

After completing a site visit with your local solar consultant, they will provide you with a custom quote that includes:

Want more information on Solar Panels For Commercial Buildings? Feel free to contact us.

Previous: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing container semi trailers

Next: Key Questions to Ask When Ordering 304 Stainless Steel Wire Mesh

Guest Posts