Mission Solar: The complete review

Mission Solar is a U.S.-based solar panel manufacturer headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. While newer to the market than other panel manufacturers, Mission Solar panels are becoming an increasingly popular option with shoppers on the EnergySage Marketplace.

Whether you're shopping solely for American-made panels or, more broadly, looking to evaluate your solar PV options, an in-depth review of solar panel specifications is the best way to feel confident with your equipment choice. Our Mission Solar review breaks down the details to evaluate how Mission Solar panels compare to other panel brands on the market.

There are some important metrics to consider when comparing your solar panel options. The most valuable metrics to evaluate are efficiency, performance, warranties, and price. EnergySage has reviewed the specifications of Mission Solar panels to help make your solar research process as easy as possible. As the leading online marketplace for homeowners considering solar, EnergySage is uniquely positioned to evaluate the technical specifications of Mission Solar panels and help you compare them to other manufacturers on the market.

Based on EnergySage's analysis, Mission Solar panels are a good investment for homeowners and businesses seeking reasonably priced panels for their solar installation. For solar shoppers with plenty of space to install, standard-wattage Mission Solar products can be a good option, but the company also has some panels that offer above-average efficiency (which would come at a higher price). Mission Solar also offers industry-standard panel warranties.

Take a look at how Mission Solar panels compare against other leading panel manufacturers frequently featured in offers to homeowners and businesses shopping for solar on the EnergySage Marketplace. You can learn more about each of these criteria in the breakdown below.

Efficiency

"Solar panel efficiency" refers to how well a solar panel captures sunlight and converts it into useful electricity. In the same conditions, a high-efficiency solar panel will produce more electricity than a lower-efficiency panel of the same size. For this reason, a higher efficiency rating is generally preferable.

The efficiency of your Mission Solar panels will vary depending on the specific model that you choose for your system. Across Mission Solar's product line, panels have an efficiency rating of 17.90% to 19.35%.

Performance (temperature coefficient)

Temperature coefficient indicates how well your solar panel can handle less-than-ideal conditions. Solar panels, like other electronic equipment, perform better when kept cool (ideally around 25° C/77° F). The temperature coefficient tells you how much your panel's performance will change during hot sunny summer days.

For every degree above 25° C (77° F), your solar panel's electricity production will decrease by its temperature coefficient. For example, Mission Solar's 310-watt MSE PERC 60 panel has a temperature coefficient of -0.377%/°C. This means that if the panel's temperature increases by one degree from 25° C (77° F) to 26° C (79° F), its electricity production will decrease by 0.377%. If its temperature increases to 35° C (95° F), electricity production will reduce by 3.77%.

Your solar panels will likely see more than a few hot and sunny days each year, so ideally, they will have the lowest temperature coefficient possible. Mission Solar panel temperature coefficients are between -0.38%/°C and -0.35%/°C.

Warranties

Whether you're buying a TV, a car, or solar panels, the manufacturer should stand behind their product with a strong warranty. A solar panel's material warranty (sometimes referred to as the product or equipment warranty) is a guarantee from the manufacturer that they will replace your panel if it fails due to manufacturing defects or environmental issues.

Mission Solar offers up to a 25-year warranty against any defects for some of their solar panels, which aligns with the industry standard offered by most panel manufacturers.

For many homeowners, the final decision around the solar equipment they choose rests on cost. The total price you pay for a solar energy system with Mission Solar panels will vary depending on the other equipment (such as inverters and mounts) used in the installation and the characteristics of your roof.

To identify the range of prices for Mission Solar PV systems, we analyzed quotes, including the panels that homeowners received from installers on the EnergySage Marketplace. Most Mission Solar PV systems are typically priced between $2.25 and $2.69 per watt. This affordable price aligns with what you can expect to pay for panels of similar quality. See how Mission Solar panels compare in cost to the rest of the industry.

This means that, for a 6 kW system, your gross cost (before you subtract any tax credits or other incentives) would be anywhere from $13,500 to $16,140. Additionally, most homeowners pay much less than the total gross cost. With the 30% federal tax credit for solar, a 6 kW system with Mission Solar panels would cost anywhere from $9,450 to $11,298. Plenty of state-level solar incentives and rebates can help you reduce upfront costs even further.

The best way to determine whether Mission Solar panels are the best for your home is to review multiple quotes with different solar equipment options before deciding. When you compare your options on the EnergySage Marketplace, you'll find the right combination of price and quality that meets your needs.

Many of our qualified, vetted solar installers offer Mission Solar panels in their quotes to EnergySage users. When registering, note in your profile that you're interested in receiving quotes that include Mission Solar for your home.