How to Choose the Right Solar Panel and Inverter for Your Home

Mono vs Poly, half-cut cells, Tier-1 brands, string vs hybrid inverters, efficiencies and warranties—an easy selection guide.

Panels: What Matters

  • Cell Type: Mono PERC/Topcon generally higher efficiency than Poly
  • Half-Cut & Bifacial: Better performance and lower losses
  • Brand & Warranty: Tier-1 brands, 25-year performance, 10–12 year product warranty
  • Temperature Coefficient: Lower is better for hot climates

Inverters: Match Your Use

  • String Inverters: Cost-effective and reliable for most rooftops
  • Hybrid Inverters: Enable battery integration for backup and peak shaving
  • MPPT Count: More MPPTs help when panels face different directions
  • Monitoring: App-based monitoring to track generation and alerts

For most homes, a mono PERC array with a quality string inverter offers great value. If outages are frequent or backup is needed, a hybrid inverter with Li-ion battery is a smart upgrade.