REC, which stands for Renewable Energy Corporation, has been a solar industry pioneer since its founding in Norway in 1996. The company claims to have produced more than 43 million solar panels, generating over 12 gigawatts (GW) of solar energy and providing more than 18.5 million people with solar power. REC prides itself on sustainability, using lead-free soldering and other efficient manufacturing methods to reduce energy payback time and emissions during the production process. 

We took an in-depth look at REC’s products, warranties, policies, customer reviews, and how it compares to the best national solar installers. Read on to decide if it’s the right choice for your home.

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What Do We Think of REC Solar Panels?

REC provides multiple warranties covering both product and installation and adds five years to your warranty length if your panels are installed by a REC-certified professional.

REC is also known for being the first solar company to release panels using a split-module design with half-cut solar cells instead of standard full-size cells. Half-cut cells are smaller than standard cells, meaning more can fit on each solar panel. This increases your system’s energy output. The half-cell design is now an industry standard due to its high efficiency.

The provider got high marks for its wide availability, multiple financing options, and reputable installation services. However, it lost points for not offering the additional services some companies do, such as solar battery installation, energy audits, and energy monitoring. 

Pros

• Offers two warranty options of up to 25 years
• Uses rigorous testing standards
• Has an A- Better Business Bureau rating 

Cons

• Is slightly more expensive than competitors
• Doesn’t include detailed product information on its website

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What Are the REC Solar Panel Options?

REC has three solar panel models to choose from. 

• Alpha Pure: The REC Alpha series is the company’s star product, leading in power density, efficiency, warranty, temperature coefficient, appearance, durability, and environmental sustainability. The panels are made using heterojunction technology (HJT), which is a hybrid between crystalline silicon and amorphous solar technology that offers high power and efficiency at a competitive price point. REC claims the Alpha series delivers around 16% more power than conventional panels.
• N-Peak 2: This series is more affordable than the Alpha line without sacrificing much. The panels are made from premium n-type monocrystalline (mono) panels using half-cut cell technology, which REC is known for. They allow you to produce more power with fewer panels in limited spaces. N-type cells are more resistant to light-induced degradation because they use phosphorus instead of boron in the silicon. 
• Twinpeak 4: REC Twinpeak panels use a unique “twin” design that enables them to generate electricity even when partially shaded. They’re similar to the N-Peak 2 panels but instead use p-type technology. P-type technology means the cells are built on a positively charged silicon base. This technology is more affordable than n-type, but the panels have a higher degradation rate because the silicon includes boron. Twinpeak panels are still guaranteed by REC’s 25-year power output warranty.

Here’s how each model breaks down in terms of features:

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What Are the REC Warranty Options?

REC’s warranties vary slightly based on which model you choose. It offers 25-year warranties for solar panels installed by REC-certified companies, putting it in the top tier of solar warranties. REC also offers a 25-year labor warranty on its Alpha series, whereas some other solar companies offer as low as 10 years. 

The N-Peak 2 and Twinpeak 4 series come with the following warranties:

• 20-year product warranty that covers panel defects
• 25-year power output warranty that ensures panels will produce at least 92% of their nameplate power

The Alpha Pure series has a more extensive REC ProTrust warranty, which gives customers incentives for using a REC-certified professional for installation. It includes the following warranties:

• 25-year product warranty that covers panel defects (only 20 years if not installed by a REC-certified professional)
• 25-year performance warranty that ensures expected power output for the length of the warranty
• 25-year labor warranty if your solar panels need to be serviced, as long as they were installed by a REC-certified installer

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What Is the REC Installation Process?

REC strongly recommends using a REC-certified installer. The company has a rigorous training program to ensure best-in-class service. You can find a REC-certified installer by using the map and ZIP code features on the company’s website. Using a REC-certified installer qualifies you for the ProTrust extended warranty. There are REC-certified installers in most U.S. states. 

REC panels are installed by various solar installation companies across the country, so the installation process can vary. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect:

• Site assessment: A technician will measure your roof’s area and slope and determine project specifications.
• Permitting: The installation company will acquire all necessary permits before starting installation. 
• Installation: The solar company will arrive at your home on the scheduled day and complete installation.
• Inspection: The company should arrange an inspection with your local building department once the panels are installed. 
• Activation: Your installer will work with your utility company to receive Permission to Operate (PTO) for your system. Be aware that this can take up to six weeks.

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What Are the REC Payment Options?

REC offers four payment options, though choices vary by location. 

• Cash purchase: An up-front cash payment is the most straightforward option. It allows you to own your solar system right away and qualifies you for cost-saving solar tax incentives.
• Solar loan: If you can’t afford such a large initial investment or prefer to pay over time, you can opt for a solar loan. This allows you to pay for the system in installments but offers the same benefits as a cash purchase, including system ownership and access to tax incentives. The downside is that you’ll pay more for your system in total due to interest rates.
• Solar leases: A solar lease allows you to pay a fixed monthly rate to use the system. However, your solar company will retain ownership, so you won’t be able to access solar tax incentives.
• Power purchase agreements: Power purchase agreements, or PPAs, let you pay a fixed price for the power you generate each month, similar to an electric bill. As with solar leases, you won’t be your system’s legal owner and are disqualified from tax incentives.

REC allows for solar leases and PPAs in some states, such as Arizona, Colorado, and New Jersey.

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What Do Customers Think of REC Solar Panels?

REC is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and holds an A+ rating on the site.* Customer reviews consistently praise the customer service team and their system’s impressive power output, even on cloudy days. We only found one negative review on the BBB site, which the company has not responded to. Keep in mind that installation will depend on the installer, since REC doesn’t offer in-house services.

See a sample of customer reviews below.

“Renewable Energy was very professional with the installation of solar at my residence. The solar itself has required no maintenance and continues to save me between 50 and 65% of my electric bill every month. I would recommend Renewable Energy to anyone that is thinking about converting to solar.” —Steve B.

“This company provides all that it advertises! They are quick, prompt, forthcoming, and totally competent! Would recommend to anyone and everyone. Refreshingly honest and knowledgeable.” —Dorenda J. 

“They made me a lot of promises on savings. That was a lie. They tricked me. I’m now paying money to the bank and have a solar system on my roof without producing energy.” —Parmenio U.

*BBB rating is current as of April 2024.

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Compare REC to Other Solar Providers

See how REC stacks up to other leading solar companies in the table below. 

Our Conclusion

Both our research and online customer reviews point to REC being a reliable solar panel provider with high-quality products and attractive warranties. Customers speak highly of each of REC’s three solar panel options, and its widespread availability and multiple financing options make it easily accessible.

Homeowners can find a REC-certified solar professional on the company’s website.

We also recommend using our tool below to request solar quotes. Compare quotes from at least three solar companies to find the best solar panels and services.

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FAQ About REC

Are REC solar panels made in China?

REC solar panels are not made in China. They are manufactured in Singapore. ChemChina previously owned REC, but Reliance New Energy Solar acquired the company in 2021.

How much does a REC solar panel cost?

REC’s website is vague about pricing. We estimate most REC solar systems to be priced at $2.32–$3.10 per watt, in line with the industry average. This totals $13,920–$18,600 for a typical 6 kilowatt (kW) system before applying any tax credits or incentives.

What are the benefits of REC solar panels?

REC solar panels have several benefits. The company’s Alpha series is award-winning, with around 20% more power than conventional 320-watt peak (Wp) solar panels and an impressive power density of 217 watts per square meter. REC’s Alpha warranty promises 92% of nameplate power after 25 years. This gives customers both immediate and long-term financial gains.

How long do REC panels last?

REC’s N-Peak and Twinpeak panels have a 20-year product warranty and a 25-year power output warranty. Panels in the REC Alpha Pure series have 25-year warranties if installed by a REC-certified professional. It’s not uncommon for panels to last and perform beyond their warranty periods. 

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Our Rating Methodology

We are committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. After over a thousand hours of research on solar companies, interviews with experts, and common customer needs, we’ve created a detailed rating system for solar providers based on six factors:

• Solar equipment, installation, and services (25%)
• Warranty and performance guarantees (25%)
• Brand reputation and certifications (15%)
• Financing options (15%)
• Experience (10%)
• Availability (10%)

Total scores are divided by 20 for a final 5-point rating scale.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.