REC Solar Panels 2023 Review: Cost, Specs & Performance

REC Solar Panels Pros & Cons

No two solar panel brands are the same, so it’s important to understand what makes each unique relative to the industry. Looking at pros and cons can help you assess which solar panel brands are ideal for your circumstances.  

Pros

• Power and efficiency ratings among the best in the industry
• Highly durable
• Panels available in black to seamlessly blend into your roof
• Company is transparent about environmental and social impact 

Cons

• Can be more expensive than average

What Products Does REC Offer?

REC currently offers three models of solar panel, each with slightly different characteristics. 

REC Alpha Pure 

The Alpha series leads REC’s portfolio in just about every category: power, efficiency, warranty, temperature coefficient, aesthetics and environmental sustainability, not to mention price. The panels are manufactured with heterojunction technology (HJT) – essentially a hybrid between crystalline silicon and amorphous solar technology – providing unrivaled power and efficiency at a feasible price point. 

REC N-Peak 2

The N-Peak 2 series offers a more affordable alternative to the Alpha Pure panel without sacrificing too much power or efficiency. The aptly named N-Peak series panels are premium n-type monocrystalline panels made using REC’s half-cut cell technology. 

REC Twinpeak 4

The Twinpeak 4 series has very similar specifications to the N-Peak 2 but uses p-type technology rather than n-type. P-type technology is slightly more affordable than n-type, but is more prone to light-induced degradation (LID). This is another way of saying that the Twinpeak 4 will age a little more quickly than the N-Peak 2. However, its production is nevertheless guaranteed by REC’s 25-year power output warranty. 

Rating:

Most Reliable

4/5

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Rec Solar Panels:  Efficiency

Solar panel efficiency measures the percentage of sunlight reaching its surface that a solar panel can convert into usable electricity. The industry average sits between 15% and 20%, with the industry’s best reaching levels north of 20%.

REC solar cells range between 19.1% and 22.2% efficiency, a strong figure placing them at the higher end of the spectrum. For more information on how REC panels compare to other high-efficiency solar solutions, check out our page on the most efficient solar panels. 

Rec Panels: Power Rating

A solar panel’s power rating refers to watts (W) of energy that a solar module can generate. You might also hear this referred to as wattage. The higher the power rating, the more electricity the module is capable of generating. Currently, the industry average sits between 300 and 400 watts, with the best solar panels reaching levels above 400 W. 

REC Group’s premier panel, the REC Alpha, has a power rating reaching 410 watts, rivaling some of the best solar panels on the market. 

The N-Peak 2 and Twinpeak 4 have power ratings of 365-375 W and 360-375 W, respectively. Although these figures may not look impressive when compared to the Alpha series, any power rating above 350 W should be considered top-tier. 

REC Panels: Temperature Coefficient

Although solar panels are designed to withstand intense heat, they can overheat in extreme conditions. Temperature coefficient refers to the amount a solar module’s performance suffers when faced with extreme heat. Solar panels that perform the best will have smaller temperature coefficients, reflecting a minimal impact on the module’s performance when faced with high temperatures. 

The average temperature for a solar panel lands between -.3%/℃ and -.5%/℃. A solar panel with a temperature coefficient of -.3%/℃ would lose .3% of its power output for each degree of temperature rise above 25℃.

Remember, the smaller the coefficient the better, so REC’s temperature coefficients ranging between -.26%/℃ and -.34%/℃ places them near the best in the solar industry. 

Rec Panel’s Warranty + Coverage 

Warranties can be confusing with solar installations, as most consumers figure the warranty comes through the installation company. While most do provide workmanship warranties, the manufacturer warranty (or product warranty) will come through the brand of solar panel, inverter or battery you purchase. 

The strength of REC’s manufacturer’s warranties is just one reason that REC is considered a top solar panel manufacturer. Here’s a more in-depth look at the warranty each product will come with. 

REC Alpha Series

• 25-year product warranty: Covers panel defects.*
• 25-year performance warranty: Ensures panels produce as expected every year for 25 years. By year 25, REC panels should still be producing at least 92% of nameplate power.
• 25-year labor warranty: Additional protection in case a solar panel needs to be serviced.*

*Only available when installed by a REC Certified Solar Professional; part of the REC ProTrust Warranty

REC N-Peak 2

• 20-year product warranty (also known as manufacturer’s warranty): Covers panel defects 
• 25-year power output warranties: Ensures panels produce as expected every year for 25 years. By year 25, REC panels should still be producing at least 92% of nameplate power

REC Twinpeak 4

• 20-year product warranty (also known as manufacturer’s warranty): Covers panel defects 
• 25-year power output warranties: Ensures panels produce as expected every year for 25 years. By year 25, REC panels should still be producing at least 92% of nameplate power.

Rating:

Most Reliable

4/5

Get Free Quotes

How Much Do REC Solar Panels Cost?

As is the case with any brand of solar panel, the cost of REC solar panels will vary depending on your location, the point in time at which you order them and even the solar company you choose. The solar panel market is a complex global chain with large swings in supply and demand that can cause frequent price fluctuations. 

However, you can expect REC solar panel prices to be at or slightly above the industry average. In general, the REC Alpha Series will cost more than the N-Peak 2 or Twinpeak 4 modules. 

Keep in mind that the more efficient and powerful your panels (REC earns high marks in both categories), the more solar power you’ll be able to generate with your roof space, bringing home significant savings over time that can equal or even exceed the difference between REC’s costs and a more affordable brand. 

Our Honest Take on REC Solar Panels

REC solar panels are an outstanding choice for any homeowner looking to invest in a solar energy system. REC products are durable, high-quality photovoltaic panels with an outstanding warranty and track record.

The reliability of REC’s product quality may be what best sets it apart from its competitors. Since REC has been in the business for over 25 years, you can count on them to deliver the results they advertise, as well as provide any service that your panels may require down the line. A record of few problems paired with an industry-leading warranty helped REC’s solar panels earn the EcoWatch “most reliable” award. 

REC solar panels are intended for residential and commercial use and aren’t suitable for DIY application. If you’re interested in getting a quote for solar panels on your home, you can connect with a top installer in your area by clicking below.

Our Methodology: Rating Rec Solar Panels

We compared Rec Solar panels to comparable solar panels on the market today. We looked at the solar panels efficiency scoring, power rating, temperature coefficient, warranty and coverage, price and product offering that the brand has vs other competitors. We have highlighted our thoughts on each of those sections above.

Rating:

Most Reliable

4/5

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