Highest Rated Solar Panel Brands of 2019

*See our updated blog on Top Rated Solar Panel Brands To Install In 2020

Browsing the market of solar panel brands and models can be an overwhelming experience when deciding to install or upgrade a solar system. To the naked eye, all solar panels look pretty much the same with slight variations of colours, sizes and makes. So how do you select a brand and model of quality that will be sufficient for your energy needs and be reliable throughout its lifetime?

Back in mid-2018, we brought you a blog on the Best 3 Solar Panel Brands available in Australia and it’s no surprise that those three brands are still in the lead for quality, value and reliability. However thanks to Clean Energy Reviews we’ve been able to source an updated list of the best reviewed and highest regarded solar panel brands available in 2019. Reviews were based on quality, performance, value and feedback by solar industry professionals.

Top 4 Brands Available In Australia

SunPower

SunPower is considered the world leader of solar panels but can generally cost around 30% more than their competition. World record holder for the most efficient rooftop solar panels, SunPower is at the forefront of the solar PV industry.

What to expect when investing in SunPower Panels?

More Power / Same Space – SunPower holds the record for the highest efficiency silicon solar panel, which means you can create more power, on smaller roof spaces, with fewer panels (or leave more roof space free for future expansion).

Industry Leading Warranty – SunPower pioneered the solar industry with the first 25-year combined Power and Product Warranty. Unlike most solar warranties that cover just the panels, SunPower’s warranty also covers transport and labour costs to uninstall and re-install the panels. This makes Sunpower one of the safest, long-term solar power investments.

Approx. Cost Per Panel incl GST (AUD): $512
Country of Manufacture: Malaysia/Philippines/Mexico
Average Warranty Length: 25 years
Warranty Inclusive of Removal and Reinstallation of Panels: Yes

SunPower also had two models rated as the most efficient solar panel models of 2018 with their SunPower X series (up to 21.5% efficiency) & SunPower E series (up to 20.4% efficiency).

LG

LG has a long history in solar photovoltaics beginning over 30 years ago when they first began research into silicon crystalline cells. LG panels can range from competitive pricing to premium pricing, covering a range of modules which are highly regarded and widely available, putting them at the top of the list when it comes to both quality and value for money. LG panels are highly rated by customers and professionals within the solar industry with their impressive black anodised aluminium frames, construction quality and detail.

What to expect when investing in LG Panels?

Similar to SunPower, LG also offers a 25-year warranty which covers transport and labour costs to uninstall and re-install the panels.

Approx. Cost Per Panel incl GST (AUD): $386
Country of Manufacture: South Korea
Average Warranty Length: 25 years
Warranty Inclusive of Removal and Reinstallation of Panels: Yes

LG also had one of their models rated as one of the most efficient solar panels of 2018 with their LG energy Neon R (up to 21.4% efficiency).

Winaico

>Winaico is a relatively small volume manufacturer offering a premium range of very high-quality panels which are reasonably priced. Winaico is highly regarded in the solar industry and trusted by installers due to their track record of reliability and performance in the harsh Australian conditions.

What to expect when investing in Winaico Panels?

Approx. Cost Per Panel incl GST (AUD): $231
Country of Manufacture: Taiwan
Average Warranty Length: 15 years

REC

REC manufacture quality, cost-effective panels which have proven to be very popular among solar professionals, in particular, the TwinPeak range of panels. Those in the solar industry rate REC for their reliability and good performance, especially in the harsh Australian climate. REC is now the largest European owned supplier of solar modules and growing rapidly with a total production volume increase of almost 40% in 2018.

What to expect when investing in REC Panels?