| Price per panel | Efficiency | Weight | Warranty | Good for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rich Solar MEGA 100 Watt | $89.99 | Up to 22.6% | 13.2 pounds | 25 years | Off-grid set ups |
| EcoFlow 110 Watt | $169 | 20% to 21% | 10 pounds | 1 year | RVs |
| Jackery SolarSaga 100 Watt | $209 | 24.3% | 10.33 pounds | Up to 3 years | Outdoor activities and emergency power outages |
What’s the best cheap type of solar panel?
It may be tempting to go with thin-film panels because they are the most affordable, but monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels are typically better for residential solar energy systems.
According to Andrew Meyer, a climate tech entrepreneur, CEO of Arbor and co-founder of Swell Energy, “[Monocrystalline and polycrystalline] are more conventional and can yield up to 25% efficiency, whereas thin-film panels yield between 7% and 18% efficiency.”
If you do want to proceed with thin-film panels, Meyer said, be sure to save them for small projects like solar-powered sheds or pool houses, rather than a large roof on your house. You could also use them on an RV, bus or boat rooftop.
Pro tip
The most affordable way to transition your home to solar energy is to purchase a solar DIY kit and install it yourself.
Our top 3 cheap solar panel picks
Rich Solar MEGA 100 Watt
EcoFlow 110 Watt
Jackery SolarSaga 100 Watt
How to choose affordable solar panels
Choosing affordable solar panels comes down to efficiency, wattage, warranties, guarantees and the material of the panels. Be sure to check out solar company reviews and ask family and friends who’ve gone solar for recommendations to make the most informed decision.
1. Consider efficiency
One of the most common terms you’ll see when shopping for solar panels is efficiency. An efficiency rating is how well the panel can turn sunlight into usable energy (listed as a percentage). The higher the percentage, the better the panel at converting sunlight into electricity. Most of the top solar brands have an efficiency of 20% to 25%.
2. Look at the wattage
Most solar panels on the market range in wattage from 250 to 400 watts. The higher the wattage, the higher the energy output. If you get a solar panel with high wattage but a low efficiency rating, it won’t produce the same output as another panel with the same wattage and higher efficiency.
Another thing to remember is that higher-wattage panels are often bigger and pricier, so try to find a panel with the highest wattage that fits your price range and space needs.
3. Compare warranties and guarantees
Because solar panels should last for decades, it’s important to purchase only from companies that back their products with warranties that cover the full lifespan. Many top companies cover their panels for 20 to 25 years.
Solar panels can become less efficient over time, so be sure to look for warranties and guarantees that cover the panel's performance and the equipment.
Pro tip
Look at hail, snow (often listed as snow load), temperature and wind (often listed as wind load) ratings. These will tell you the durability of the materials in the panel.
FAQ
What are the types of solar panels?
The three main types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film.
- Monocrystalline panels consist of a single silicon source. The purity of the silicon makes these panels more efficient. Monocrystalline panels work better than other panel types in high heat and shade, but they’re also more expensive because they’re harder to make.
- Polycrystalline panels are made of different kinds of silicon mixed together, so they’re a bit less efficient. Polycrystalline panels are easier to make, though, so they’re more affordable than monocrystalline panels. Out of the three types, polycrystalline is the most balanced in terms of affordability and efficiency.
- Thin-film panels are the cheapest because they consist of thin pieces of conductive material on a backing plate of plastic or glass. With the lower prices comes lower efficiency, however.
What rebates and tax credits are available for solar panel installations?
The federal solar tax credit expired at the end of 2025, but there are still lots of state solar incentives that you might be eligible for. Some electric companies also offer rebates and payments to customers with solar energy systems.
How can I pay for solar panels?
Many solar companies have payment plans for solar panel systems. You can also use government loan programs to pay for your solar panels.
If solar company financing or government loans aren’t an option, you may consider a solar power purchase agreement (PPA). In this agreement, the system is free, but you don’t own the solar panels. Instead, you get low-cost electricity while the owner receives a tax credit or other profits from the solar energy system.
Can I install solar panels myself?
You can install solar panels yourself. Look for DIY kits to make the process easier.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- U.S. Department of Energy, “Homeowner’s Guide to Solar.” Accessed Feb. 26, 2026.
