For homeowners looking to save money while helping the environment, going solar is a great solution. Better yet, with new advancements in solar panel technology, homeowners now have access to systems that are more efficient and reliable than ever before.
A brand-by-brand comparison of home solar arrays by CNET found that Maxeon 7 445-watt panels from Singapore are leading the charge with an impressive 24.1% efficiency in real-world conditions. While these panels won't be available in the U.S. until later this year, they represent the future of solar technology.
Other brands, including Chinese offerings JinkoSolar and Longi Green Energy, are also raising the bar, with panels achieving efficiencies of 24.8% and 25.4%, respectively, in the lab.
In real-world conditions, according to CNET, Canadian Solar's 470-watt panels show an efficiency of 23%, with the Maxeon 6 440-watt panel close behind at 22.8%, the Maxeon 3 430-watt at 22.7%, and the REC Alpha Pure 470-watt panels at 22.6%.
Their latest innovations add up to more power generated from the same amount of sunlight, helping to cut reliance on traditional, polluting energy sources while slashing monthly utility bills. At the same time, homeowners can still find great savings even with less advanced solar arrays.
"It's just one part of the equation," Daniel Ciolkosz, an engineering professor at Penn State University, told CNET. "The bigger question for the end user is the economics and how it's paying off."
Homes with solar panels typically save between $100 and $250 on electricity each month, adding up to nearly $3,000 annually. What's more, installing solar panels can increase a home's value by 4% on average, according to Zillow. Solar panels make homes stand out in competitive housing markets, offering potential buyers the added benefit of reduced or eliminated electric bills, plus the fact that most solar loans are paid off within five years.
For those looking to save up to thousands of dollars upfront, the Inflation Reduction Act offers a 30% tax credit for solar installations. However, these incentives could soon hit the federal chopping block, so homeowners should act fast to claim their credit.
Meanwhile, free tools such as EnergySage make it easy to find the most planet- and wallet-friendly solution by generating quick estimates of installation quotes and savings potential.
All of this highlights why next-gen solar panels are part of a growing trend of pushing toward climate-resilient, net-zero homes. By taking advantage of rapidly evolving technology, homeowners aren't just saving money — they're also helping reduce the impact of climate change for future generations.
|
What's the biggest factor stopping you from investing in solar panels? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
The cost 💰 
Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
!["It really is worth getting somebody … [who] build(s) that 20 years of service into their pricing."](https://www.thecooldown.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SolarReviews-1.jpg?w=350)
