Solar Power
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Here you will find everything solar AKA “Photovoltaic”.! Installation tips, the how’s and whys as well as the best and latest and greatest for all of your solar needs. There is also new technology that will excite your inner geek!
With major advancements in solar technology, 2025 comes with a load of efficient solar panels, inverters, and batteries—more than ever before.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll list the top-rated products, help you choose between different mounting methods, and educate you on the different types of batteries and their best uses.
Top 10 Efficient Solar Panels 2025
Before we delve into the technical details of mounting solar panels and choosing batteries for them, here are the top-rated solar panels of 2015 in terms of power and efficiency:
| Product | Power and Efficiency | Cell Technology |
| Sunpower Maxeon 7-Series | 445 W 24.1% | N-Type IBC |
| Aiko Solar Neostar 2P | 485 W 24.3% | N-Type ABC |
| Recom Tech Black Tiger Series | 700 W 24.5% | N-Type TOPcon |
| Canadian Solar TOPHiKu6 | 625 W 23.2% | N-Type TOPcon |
| Longi Solar Hi-Mo 6 Scientist | 590 W 22.8% | N-Type HPBC |
| Panasonic Evervolt EVPV410HK | 410 W 22.2% | N-Type HJT |
| Huasun Himalaya G12R | 720 W 23.18% | N-Type HJT |
| Rec Solar Alpha Pure RX | 470 W 22.6% | N-Type HJT |
| Trina Solar Vertex S+ | 460 W 23% | N-Type TOPcon |
| Jinko Tiger NEO 54HL4R | 445 W 22.3% | N-Type Mono-crystalline |
Solar Grid Setup for a Home
Here’s a rundown of what you need to set up a solar grid at home:
- Solar panels
- Inverter
- Disconnect switch
- Solar batteries (Optional)
- Charge controller for battery systems
- Mounting system
- Electrical wiring and breakers
- Net meter (for grid-tied systems)
Ground Mount Brackets vs Rooftop Mount Brackets
Now, let’s discuss mounting methods, types of batteries, and inverters.
Ground-mounted panels are easier to access for maintenance and repair, and they often give a higher energy output. However, rooftop mounts require a lower upfront cost and don’t take up property space, giving them a competitive edge.
Neither is better than the other—it depends on the size of your house and how much you’re willing to pay.
Here’s a full breakdown:
| Pros | Cons | |
| Ground Mount Brackets | Easy to access for cleaning and maintenance Stronger racking Higher energy outputs because of cooler panel temperatures More control over the alignment of the panels More convenient for living off the grid | High installation costs Labor-intensive installation Hassling permitting process Requires space on the property Requires suitable soil for installation |
| Roof Mount Brackets | Easier and more affordable to install Easier to get permission for No property space is needed | Accessibility issues Lower panel output because of higher temperature Space constraints according to your roof Leak risk Harder to align if your roof doesn’t face the sun |
Top Rated Brackets for Ground and Rooftop Panels
Our top choice for ground mounts is the IronRidge XR system, which is cost-effective and built to handle all terrains. The system doesn’t need any welding or drilling to install, lowering the labor costs of installation. On top of that, it comes with a 25-year warranty.
As for rooftop mounts, we’d go for the Unirac RM5 steel system. It features a 5-degree tilt and 7.5” or 11” row spacing, making it easier and faster to install your panels on a flat roof.
Batteries for Better Storage
Types of Batteries
Lithium batteries can hold more energy in a small space, so they’re the best option for home solar installation. However, they’re expensive, which is why the second best option is lead-acid batteries—less efficient but more affordable.
Types of Solar Batteries
Then, there are flow batteries, which are more common for large-scale installations because they’re too expensive for residential use.
Lead Acid Batteries
Lead acid batteries are among the oldest forms of batteries, and they’re a common choice because they’re affordable and reliable. Their drawback is that they have a shorter lifespan than most other types and require regular maintenance.
Lithium Ion Batteries
More expensive than other types, lithium-ion batteries aren’t as common as lead-acid batteries, but they’re growing in popularity thanks to the rise of the EV industry. They have a longer lifespan and require little maintenance, but their high upfront cost can be limiting.
Less Common Types
- Flow batteries: Advanced batteries that haven’t made a breakthrough in the market yet. They can be discharged 100% without risking battery health and last up to three decades. The catch? They require a lot of space and are very expensive.
- Saltwater batteries: Longer-lasting and more environmentally friendly, saltwater batteries use saltwater as an electrolyte. They’re currently too bulky and expensive for home applications, but they’re expected to advance through the limitations.
- Nickel-cadmium: Because cadmium is highly toxic, these batteries are mostly used in the aircraft industry and rarely for home solar panels. They’re listed as an option because of their longevity and performance in extreme temperatures.
THE MOST EFFICIENT BATTERIES
| Product | Highlights |
| Bluetti EP900 | 10–20 kWh storage capacity 9 kW continuous output IP65 water-resistant 10-year warranty |
| Tesla Powerwall 3 | 13.5 kWh storage capacity 11.04 kW continuous output IP67 water-resistant 10-year warranty |
| SolarEdge Home Battery | 9.7 kWh storage capacity 5 kW continuous output IP65 water-resistant 10-year warranty |
String Inverters vs Microinverters
Inverters are a core part of solar panels, responsible for converting the direct current into an alternating current—they’re either string inverters or microinverters.
| String Inverters | Microinverters | |
| Function | A single inverter that converts electricity from a string of panels at once. | Small inverters that get attached individually to each solar panel. |
| Pros | Simple design Affordable to install Easy to troubleshoot | Better performance in partial shade Easier to expand the system Easier to control each panel’s performance Compliant with the National Electrical Code safety standards |
| Cons | Relatively short lifespan Difficult to expand later on Any related issue will compromise the entire system | More expensive than their counterparts More difficult to troubleshoot and repair |
In string inverters, the electricity production is capped at the panel with the lowest production in the string. Meanwhile, microinverters allow you to make full use of the production of each panel, making them better for complex installations.
TOP PICKS FOR INVERTERS
| Product | Highlights |
| SolarEdge Home Wave Inverter | Record-breaking 99% weighted efficiency Built-in module-level monitoring Indoor and outdoor installation 12–25-year warranty (varies with each model) |
| Enphase IQ8 Microinverter | Peak output power: 245 VA Simple two-write cabling for easy installation Class II double-insulated enclosure 25-year warranty |
| Tesla Solar Inverter | Powerwall technology Indoor and outdoor installation 12.5-year warranty |
Choosing the right components is key to making the best use of your solar grid. Thanks to the latest technological advancements, solar panels now offer better reliability and performance than ever before. You only need to choose the right parts for your house’s configuration, and you can enjoy renewable energy for years to come.