Residential Solar System Ratings, We Rank The Brands...With our residential solar system ratings, you can cut through all of the sales hype and find value. You could spend hour upon hour sorting through the brands and the claims of the various manufacturers but we have already done the work. We constantly search the world for the latest technology. We search the manufacturer's technical data and compare the brands. We give each brand a rating of from 1 to 5 stars with 5 stars being our highest rating. (If we were shopping for our own home, the 5* rated systems would be our top choice.) For your convenience, we have also included the manufacturer's web address and our comments concerning their products. BRAND---------------------WEB ADDRESS-----------------RATING BP SOLAR------------------bp.com------------------------4* Their SOLAR HOME SOLUTIONS systems are grid tied and can be roof or ground mounted. They offer an optional system monitor and they are available for installation through selected HOME DEPOT stores.(When you purchase them through HOME DEPOT, the warranty is very good.) DAWN SOLAR----------------dawnsolar.com------------------1* These systems combine solar water heating (solar thermal) with electric (PV) to form a solar CHP system. The system produces 2 kw of heat for hot water and 1.5 to 2 kw of electricity att the same time. GE------------------------gepower.com--------------------1* Their BRILLIANCE systems have plug and play wiring which makes installation easy. They can be roof or ground mounted and roof integrated (BIPV) options are available. The systems must be installed by dealers and the manufacturer's website is not much help. KYOCERA-------------------kyocerasolar.com---------------4* The MYGEN system is available worldwide and is a grid tie system that is modular and fully expandable. They offer five different packages from 1440 watts to 5040 watts. The manufacturer has a dealer locator on their website and the systems are backed by a very good warranty. NAPS----------------------napssystems.com----------------1* This brand offers off-grid and building integrated systems as well as grid tied systems. The NAPS POWER PACK systems are a standard compact system that is very good for rural situations where there is no grid system. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. OKSOLAR-------------------oksolar.com--------------------2* This brand offers both grid tied and off grid systems. They offer three sizes of systems and they can be purchased online. SHARP---------------------sharponenergy.com--------------4* Their OnENERGY system features customized packages and low profile racks to make the panels less noticeable. They also offer building integrated (BIPV) and ground mounted options. The systems use integrated grounding which makes the modules easier and less expensive to install. The warranty on the systems is very good. SILICON SOLAR-------------siliconsolar.com---------------2* This brand offers both grid tied and off grid solutions. They have five sizes of packages available and can be purchased through the manufacturer's online store. The warranty is not as good as many brands. SOLARCENTURY--------------solarcentury.com---------------3* This brand is made in the U.K. and is available throughout Europe. The C21 solar tiles are easy to install and are backed by a good guarantee. SOLAR WORLD------------- solar-world.com --------------5* This brand is from COLORADO INSTRUMENTS INC. and features a grid tied do it yourself system. The SGT-160 features modular design for expansion and each module has a micro inverter which makes installation easy and quick. They have an optional energy management unit (EMU) available for monitoring the system as well as a tilting kit. You can purchase the systems online. SUNTECH----------------- suntech-power.com ------------3* This brand offers a variety of products. They are backed by a good warranty but they are not sold in kits. Their "JUST ROOF" building integrated systems entirely replace the roof and the panels become the roof. This can help to lower the cost of the system. UNI-SOLAR ------------- uni-solar.com ----------------3* These stystems are from UNITED SOLAR OVONIC and feature building integrated solutions. The systems are sold through dealers and the warranty is not as good many other brands. The manufacturer's website is not much help.
If you have average DIY skills, you can purchase and install some of these systems yourself. In most states, the connection to the grid requires an electrician but the remainder of the work can be an easy weekend project.
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