Searched the forums but couldn't see anyone asking this - also didn't see in the settings either. Is there any way to turn off the blank panels by default?
-- Pilkafa

New feature: Show Blank Panels setting is stored in the DB

If you check/uncheck Show Blank Panels in the modules search form the change is saved in the database. Next time you log in this will be used as default value.
Edge Case: if someone messages you a link to a search result with blank panels that will override your setting, else you would not see the panels.