Top Solar Panel Brands for US Installers: Your Complete 2025 Guide After Panasonic’s Exit

Panasonic’s April 2025 exit from residential solar left US solar installers searching for reliable alternatives. Consequently, professional installers and EPCs must now evaluate which solar panel brands can deliver the quality, warranty coverage, and performance their clients demand. Fortunately, today’s leading solar panel brands offer advanced technologies like TOPCon and HJT that surpass traditional options in both efficiency and value. This guide explores the top 10 solar panel brands revolutionizing installations across America, helping solar installers make confident equipment decisions for residential solar and commercial solar projects.

Why Leading Solar Panel Brands Are Outperforming Legacy Manufacturers

The departure of Panasonic, LG, and SunPower hasn’t weakened the market—instead, it’s accelerated the shift toward vertically integrated solar panel brands with cutting-edge cell technologies. Moreover, today’s top manufacturers combine 23%+ efficiency ratings with competitive pricing that traditional electronics companies couldn’t match.

For solar installers, this evolution means access to superior technology at better price points. Furthermore, the best solar panel brands now meet stringent domestic content requirements while delivering the performance commercial solar and residential solar clients expect.

Three Technologies Defining Top Solar Panel Brands in 2025

Before selecting specific manufacturers, installers should understand the technologies separating leading solar panel brands from the rest. Currently, three innovations dominate professional installations:

TOPCon technology has become the industry standard among premium solar panel brands, offering 24-26% efficiency with minimal degradation. Indeed, this tunnel oxide passivated contact approach delivers the sweet spot between performance and cost for most projects.

Heterojunction (HJT) cells represent the premium tier, with leading solar panel brands achieving 25%+ efficiency and exceptional temperature coefficients. Specifically, HJT panels maintain output in hot climates where conventional technology struggles.

Bifacial designs are now standard across quality solar panel brands, capturing reflected light to boost production by 10-30%. Therefore, installers gain more energy from the same roof space.

The 10 Best Solar Panel Brands for Professional Installers

1. Canadian Solar – Nationwide Reliability

Canadian Solar leads our solar panels ranking with TOPCon panels delivering 23%+ efficiency at competitive prices. Additionally, their US manufacturing facilities and 30-year warranty make them ideal for solar installers seeking dependable suppliers. Their nationwide distribution network ensures project timelines stay on track.

2. Qcells – American Manufacturing Excellence

Among domestic solar panels, Qcells stands out with Georgia-based production and innovative Q.TRON AC modules. Moreover, their integrated microinverter design streamlines installation for residential solar projects. Consequently, solar installers focused on domestic content requirements consistently choose Qcells.

3. JA Solar – High-Efficiency Volume Leader

JA Solar’s DeepBlue 4.0 series exemplifies how global solar panels balance cutting-edge technology with production scale. Furthermore, their 23%+ efficiency and reliable supply chain make them trusted partners for commercial solar installations. Their technical support infrastructure serves installers nationwide.

4. REC Solar – Premium Performance Partner

REC’s Alpha Pure-RX series demonstrates why premium solar panels command installer loyalty. Indeed, their 25-year comprehensive warranty and excellent low-light performance deliver value beyond initial cost. Thus, installers working with quality-focused clients rely on REC’s proven track record.

5. Silfab Solar – Made in America

Silfab’s Washington state manufacturing has established them among trusted American solar panel brands. In particular, their Prime NTC series combines high quality with domestic production credentials that resonate with commercial solar clients. Therefore, solar installers prioritizing local manufacturing turn to Silfab first.

6. Jinko Solar – Global Scale, Local Support

As the world’s largest manufacturer, Jinko represents the reliability solar installers need. Moreover, their Tiger NEO series showcases N-type TOPCon technology achieving 23.8% efficiency with 515W output. Ultimately, when projects demand supply chain certainty, Jinko delivers consistency across residential solar and commercial solar applications.

7. LONGi Solar – Efficiency Innovation

LONGi’s Hi-MO 6 series utilizing HPBC technology has set multiple efficiency records among solar panel brands. Specifically, these high-output panels maximize production per square foot—critical for space-constrained commercial rooftops. As a result, solar installers facing layout challenges choose LONGi for superior power density.

8. Trina Solar – Proven Durability

Trina’s Vertex S+ series brings decades of reliability to today’s demanding projects. Furthermore, their comprehensive testing protocols and financial stability ensure warranty coverage remains solid. Therefore, risk-averse commercial solar contractors trust Trina’s proven performance record.

9. First Solar – Thin-Film Advantage

First Solar’s unique thin-film technology offers distinct benefits for utility-scale installations. While different from crystalline solar panel brands, their panels excel in high-temperature environments. Consequently, solar installers tackling large ground-mount projects benefit from First Solar’s specialized approach.

10. Maxeon – Premium Residential Choice

Maxeon’s IBC cell design delivers up to 24.3% efficiency with an industry-leading 40-year warranty. Notably, for solar installers serving high-end residential markets, Maxeon provides unmatched performance and aesthetics. Their premium positioning attracts clients seeking the absolute best.

Selecting the Right Solar Panel for Your Business

Choosing among these top solar panels depends on your specific market focus. For example, residential solar installers find Qcells, REC, and Silfab offer ideal performance-to-value ratios. Meanwhile, commercial solar EPCs often prefer Canadian Solar, JA Solar, and Trina for competitive pricing and reliability. In contrast, premium residential projects benefit from Maxeon or LONGi’s advanced offerings.

The key is matching solar panels to your typical project requirements. Additionally, evaluate warranty coverage, distributor proximity, and technology alignment with your installation expertise. Every brand listed delivers quality exceeding what Panasonic offered—frequently at better price points.

Future-Proofing Your Installation Business

Smart solar installers build relationships with multiple solar panels rather than depending on single suppliers. Moreover, this strategy protects against supply chain disruptions while providing flexibility in competitive bidding. In fact, the most successful installers maintain deep technical knowledge across several manufacturers.

Leading solar panel brands are actively developing next-generation technologies including perovskite tandem cells. Therefore, partnering with innovation-focused manufacturers positions your business for long-term success in both residential solar and commercial solar markets.

Partner with Experienced Solar Professionals

At Energyscape Renewables, we’ve worked extensively with all major solar panel brands across commercial and utility-scale projects. Indeed, our hands-on experience gives us unique insights into real-world performance and reliability that benefit solar installers planning complex installations.

Furthermore, we maintain connections with industry resources like Sunscape Solar to ensure our partners access the latest developments among solar panel brands and emerging technologies. While Panasonic’s exit changed the landscape, opportunities for professional solar installers have never been stronger.

These 10 solar panel brands represent the industry’s best in 2025—proven technology, comprehensive warranties, and the performance your clients deserve.