We often get asked, what are the best quality solar panels in Australia? It’s not a straightforward question to answer, however in the below table is our attempt to provide a justifiable review of the best solar panels you can buy in Australia.
Please read our methodology below – we have attempted to be as transparent as possible. Importantly, we do not sell any of these products and have not received any compensation from any product manufacturers. Please email us if you have any concerns about this article.
Important note: This ranking reflects the opinion of Solar Choice only and we encourage readers to do their own research and come to their own conclusions.
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Our Methodology: How we review the best solar panels in Australia
Primarily, this analysis is focused on residential, mono-facial solar panel options, specifically examining each brand’s best-performing 60-cell / 120-half-cell solar panel. However, to keep things simple, we have narrowed it down to four of the most important criteria when assessing a solar panel.
1. Solar Panel Performance and Product Warranty
One of the most important criteria to consider is the warranty that is provided by the manufacturer. As with most products, the length of the included warranty is a very good indicator of quality and durability.
Solar panels best come with a performance warranty and a product warranty. The performance warranty guarantees the solar panel will still produce a minimum percentage of its nameplate output at the end of its expected life (typically 25 years). Solar panels’ output always gradually degrades over time, but the rate at which they do so depends on the solar panel quality.
A solar panel product warranty covers defects in the manufacturing process. Thus, we typically we see a minimum of 12-15 years provided as a product warranty with the premium options offering 25 years.
All of the companies in our top 10 list have an office in Australia that you can contact to claim a warranty. Therefore, it is important to ensure you have some options if your installer goes out of business.
2. Max Efficiency
Manufacturers of solar panels compete to produce the highest possible output from a single solar panel. While 100-watt solar panels were the norm 10 years ago we are now looking at 300 to 400-watt solar panels for residential projects.
The max efficiency is a standardised measure that rates a solar panel’s efficiency in converting sunlight into DC electricity. As a result, the higher the efficiency the fewer solar panels you’ll need on the roof and the more advanced the technology is.
3. Bloomberg Tier 1
The infamous Bloomberg Tier 1 ranking is commonly referred to as a bellwether in the solar industry for identifying the better solar panel brands. It is important to note that this ranking only looks at each manufacturer’s bankability. This is important because the business will need to be around for 25-30 years if you expect them to honour their lengthy warranty terms.
While this ranking does not assess the quality of solar panels, it adds a lot of weight to the warranty they are providing.
4. Degradation Rate
As discussed in the warranty section the degradation rate is usually backed up by a performance warranty. As a result, advancements in the durability, strength of solar cells, solar panel components and solar manufacturers have been able to guarantee larger percentages of the output by the end of their lifetime.
In the short-run this won’t equate to a huge saving. However, over the life of a solar project this can amount to significant additional savings.
It’s essential to remember that the current ranking is exclusively grounded in Solar Choice’s independent opinion, as detailed by the criteria mentioned earlier. Solar Choice is not compensated by any product manufacturers.
Limitations of our Best Solar Panel Review
Ultimately there are many other factors that you could use to assess and rank solar panels – we’ve picked those that are most important. Some of the other factors are listed below.
Cost
As this article focuses on the best quality solar panels we’ve left cost to the side for now. When looking at best-value solar panels and factoring in the costs it would be a much more difficult task and a much longer list.
Specific solar panel technologies
If you have a specific desire for N-type silicon cells or PERC technology (developed in UNSW) then you may need to form a separate list of panels that include these technologies. We have also left out dual glass panels and bifacial panels in this assessment as they are not commonly used in residential projects.
Warranty specifics
As with all warranties, the devil can be in the detail. If you are looking for a warranty that will provide the most cover for a specific event like salt corrosion or extreme heat then you will need to look at the warranty documents individually.
Temperature coefficient
In regions experiencing extreme heat, like northern and central Australia, it’s wise to examine the temperature coefficient for each panel option closely. This coefficient indicates the extent of output reduction when temperatures deviate from the optimal range.
Country of manufacture
If this is important to you then you can usually identify the country of origin on the product datasheet or head over to our product reviews page to search for a particular brand. If you’re looking for an Australian-made solar panel the only option is Tindo Solar who are only producing in small quantities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What criteria are used to determine the best solar panels in Australia?
The assessment of the best solar panels in Australia is based on four key criteria: Warranty (both product and performance warranties), Efficiency, Bloomberg Tier 1 status, and Degradation Rate. These factors help gauge the quality, reliability, and performance of solar panels over their lifetime.
What are the best solar panels in Australia for 2024?
The top-rated solar panels in Australia for 2024 include brands like Sunpower Maxeon 6, REC Alpha Pure Series, and Longi Hi-MO 6, among others. These panels are recognized for their exceptional warranty periods, efficiency, and performance over time.
What is the newest solar panel technology 2023?
The optimal direction for solar panels in Adelaide is North tilting at 35 degrees. Panels face East will generate more power in the mornings and West-facing solar panels will favour energy production in the evenings. Generally solar panel installers will match the orientation of the solar panels to your roof unless your roof is flat or South-facing.
Which solar panels are the most efficient?
In 2024, brands like Sunpower and Longi are leading in efficiency, with some models boasting up to 23% efficiency. This high efficiency means that these panels can convert more sunlight into electricity, optimizing rooftop space.
How do I choose the best solar panel wattage for my home?
The best solar panel wattage for a house depends on your energy needs, roof space, and budget. Typically, residential solar panels range from 300 to 400 watts. It’s advisable to consult with a solar expert to determine the most suitable panel wattage for your specific situation.
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Jeff has consulted on over 20MW of commercial solar projects, ranging from SMEs to ASX top 100 companies. Jeff has also provided independent advice to 100s of residential solar, battery and EV charging customers across every state in Australia. He holds an MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management and is an expert in business strategy and financial analysis.
