Which Solar Panels Are Best?
Your Complete Solar Brand Guide
Author
William Dexter | Managing Director
Table of Contents
Author
William Dexter | Managing Director
Table of Contents
Introduction
Often it’s easy to assume that you’ll want the very best but it’s good to balance quality with your specific requirements. Assessing your energy consumption, budget and preferences the most expensive panels may not be the best fit for your needs.
In this blog, we are going to deep dive into 5 leading brands and explore their benefits and drawbacks. Our overall conclusions are just below, so if you’re just interested in a quick answer then read below!
Which Solar Panels Are Best?
When evaluating solar panels, its important to look at both quality, cost and efficiency.
Budget Solar Panels
For a good, affordable option, Linhai Panels are an excellent choice. Linhai offers a cost effective option for panels, but naturally you will compromise on efficiency and quality at this price point.
Mid-Tier Solar Panels
Jinko Panels and Aiko Panels are a well-established and trusted brands that both offer a great balance of efficiency, reliability and price. They sit firmly as the leading brands in the mid-tier range. They both offer offer high performance at a reasonable cost.
Top-Tier Solar Panels
For those looking to invest more for the best performance, SunPower and Panasonix are excellent options. SunPower is leading the market in efficiency which makes it the perfect choice for homeowners with limited roof space who still want to maximise energy production.
Panasonic on the other hand combines efficient technology with durability and comes with an industry leading manufactures warranty. This makes it a great choice for homeowners looking for a premium solar solution with long term value.
Key Considerations
Before we look at the individual brands, it important to understand what factors we’ll be looking at to determine what makes a good solar panel.
We’ll be looking at:
- Efficiency: Higher efficiency panels will generate more energy through solar. This is incredibly important for homes with limited roof space.
- Durability: Solar panels are a long-term investment, so choosing a brand that offers strong warranties and can withstand harsh weather conditions is vital to protecting your investment long term.
- Price: While upfront cost is an important, and sometimes deciding, factor, you must also consider the long-term savings on energy bills and the payback period to see the value of your investment.
- Warranty and Support: A strong warranty and customer support from the manufacturer can save you money down the line should issues occur.
Linhai
Linhai Solar is a brand that offers solar panels at an extremely low price point, making it one of the cheapest options on the market. However, whilst the low cost may be appealing if you are on a budget, it’s important to understand the compromises this price has in quality and performance.
- Efficiency: Linhai panels have lower efficiency ratings compared to most alternative brands. Their efficiency can fall below 16%, meaning they generate less power per square meter. This can require installing more panels to meet your energy needs, which ultimately cancels out any savings from the lower initial cost.
- Durability: There is durability concerns with Linhai panels. They are designed to withstand basic weather conditions and don’t perform as well in harsher weather conditions which can lead to a shorter lifespan.
- Warranty: Linhai solar panels warranties only last around 10 years, which is considerably less than other manufacturers.
- Price: The lower price point of Linhai panels is certainly appealing to homeowners who need a budget-friendly option. However, the initial savings can be offset by lower efficiency and higher maintenance costs over time.
If you’re looking for the cheapest solar panels and are willing to accept a trade-off in terms of performance and longevity, Linhai panels may be an option.
Aiko
Aiko Solar is one of the leading brands in solar technology, offering high-performance panels that maximise energy generation.
- Efficiency: Aiko panels are known for their high efficiency, making them an ideal choice if you’re looking to maximise energy generation for your roof space.
- Durability: Aiko has a big focus on quality control, because of this Aiko solar panels are reliably built and stand up well to challenging environmental conditions.
- Warranty: Aiko offers a 15 year product warranty and a 30 year linear power warranty, ensuring long-term performance and support for their panels.
- Price: While Aiko panels can be on the higher end of the price spectrum, the efficiency and performance and extended warranty justify the investment.
If you’re after what solar panels you should buy for maximum efficiency? Aiko is a top contender.
Jinko
Jinko is one of the most well-known solar panel brands globally, providing reliable and high-efficiency products that are used in both residential and commercial solar installations.
- Efficiency: Jinko panels offer competitive efficiency, with some models reaching over 20% efficiency.
- Durability: Jinko is recognised for manufacturing durable panels that withstand all types of climates and conditions.
- Warranty: Jinko provides strong warranties, typically ranging from 10 to 25 years.
- Price: Jinko offers a great balance between quality and price, making them a popular choice for both cost-conscious homeowners and those seeking reliability.
Jinko solar panels are a solid option if you want a trusted brand that combines high performance with reasonable pricing.
SunPower
When asking “Which solar panels are best?”, SunPower is often a top contender. Known for producing premium panels with some of the highest efficiency ratings on the market, SunPower offers a solution for those looking for the best in solar technology.
- Efficiency: SunPower panels are among the most efficient available, with some models reaching efficiencies above 22%.
- Durability: SunPower panels are designed to last, in extreme weather conditions and climates.
- Warranty: SunPower offers some of the longest warranties in the industry, providing up to 25 years warranty.
- Price: SunPower panels do come with a premium price tag, however their performance and longevity make them a great long term investment.
If you’re asking “What solar panels should I buy” and budget isn’t a major concern, SunPower panels offer exceptional performance and long-term value.
Panasonic
Panasonic is a globally recognized brand known for its commitment to quality and sustainability. Their solar panels are engineered to deliver high performance and durability.
- Efficiency: Panasonic is a highly efficient solution, often exceeding 20%, making them ideal for residential solar installations with space limitations.
- Durability: Known for their robust construction, Panasonic panels are built to handle tough conditions, including high temperatures and heavy snow.
- Warranty: Panasonic offers a 25-year warranty, ensuring that your investment is protected for the long term.
- Price: Panasonic solar panels tend to be priced on the higher side, but the superior efficiency and durability make them worth the investment.
If you’re looking for an option that combines high efficiency with long-lasting reliability, Panasonic is a top choice.
Which Solar Panels Should I Pick?
Choosing the best solar panels depends on several factors, including your budget, available roof space, energy needs, and the specific climate conditions in your area. While brands like Linhai, Aiko, Jinko, SunPower, and Panasonic offer a range of options, here’s a quick recap of who each brand is best suited for:
- Linhai: Ideal for homeowners seeking affordable, reliable option.
- Aiko: Best for those prioritizing high efficiency and long-term performance.
- Jinko: A great all-around option with a reputation for reliability and competitive pricing.
- SunPower: Perfect for those willing to invest in the highest efficiency and top-quality solar technology.
- Panasonic: Best for homeowners looking for durable, efficient panels from a trusted global brand.
Remember, when deciding “what solar panels should I buy”, it’s crucial to consider your unique needs and consult with a professional to ensure you’re making the best decision for your home or business.
You can read more about deciding on the right panels for your home in our blog – Choose the right solar panels for you home
