Top 6 – Highly Rated Solar Panels

Read reviews on Highly Rated Solar Panels available in Australia based on quality, reliability, efficiency and warranties.

The below ranking is based on panel efficiencies, quality, reliability, and warranties.

1. SunPower

• About SunPower: Founded in 1985, SunPower’s global headquarters are located in California, USA. As of 2022, SunPower’s installed solar systems have collectively generated over 18,000 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean energy. This substantial output is equivalent to powering approximately 1.5 million homes annually. As of 2023, the company holds approximately 5,534 patents globally; SunPower are at the forefront of the solar PV industry.
• Features of SunPower Panels: One of their many patents, SunPower’s Maxeon technology allows their panels to absorb more sunlight, and thick built-in connectors expand and contract effortlessly with intense temperature swings. With a return rate of only 27 panels per million sold, SunPower is one of the most reliable solar modules on the market. The Maxeon panels feature a solid metal foundation that prevents breakage and corrosion, ensuring long-term reliability. Performance in Real-World Conditions: SunPower panels are designed to perform well in various conditions, including low-light and high-temperature environments, maintaining high energy output. Aesthetics: The panels have a sleek, black design that blends seamlessly with various roof types, enhancing the visual appeal of installations.
• Efficiency of SunPower Panels: SunPower Maxeon 6 panels have an efficiency of 22.8%.
• Price of SunPower Panels: A premium solar panel, SunPower modules are on the expensive end of the scale. However, thanks to agreements with local Australian suppliers, prices have reduced significantly in the last year.
• SunPower Warranty: SunPower panels come with a 40-year performance warranty, in addition to an industry leading 40-year parts and labour warranty.
• SunPower Awards: SunPower supply the panels behind Solar Impulse 2.
  – SunPower was the first US renewable energy company to win a Cradle-to-Cradle (C2C) silver certificate (one of the strictest sustainability standards in existence) for their solar panels.
  – SunPower’s Helix System won The Architect’s Newspaper Best of Products Award.

2. WINAICO

• About WINAICO: Founded in 2008 in Taiwan, WINAICO is a premium solar panel manufacturer known for its exceptional quality and innovation. As a subsidiary of Win Win Precision Technology, WINAICO combines cutting-edge research and development with stringent manufacturing processes to deliver high-performance solar solutions. The company is globally recognised for producing durable, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing panels, tailored to perform in harsh climates. With a strong presence in Australia, WINAICO panels are a popular choice for homeowners and businesses seeking reliable and long-lasting solar energy systems.
• Features of WINAICO Panels: Thanks to stringent quality control including, visual, micro-optic, mechanical inspections, as well as examinations under electroluminescence equipment to check for micro-cracks, hot spots, uneven soldering and other defects, WINAICO solar panels are among some of the highest quality panels on the market. WINAICO panels undergo rigorous testing to withstand harsh weather conditions, including strong winds and heavy snow, ensuring long-term reliability. Also tested for resistance to salt mist and ammonia, these panels are suitable for coastal and agricultural installations.
• Efficiency of WINAICO Panels: WINAICO NGX-B modules have an efficiency of 23%.
• Price of WINAICO Panels: WINAICO panels are a highly cost-effective panel, delivering incredible bang for buck.
• WINAICO Warranty: All WINIACO panels come with a 25-year parts and labour warranty and a 30-year performance warranty.
• WINAICO Awards: – Top Brand PV Award: WINAICO has been recognised multiple times with the “Top Brand PV” award in the module category by EUPD Research – 2023 Taiwan Excellent PV Award: WINAICO was honored with the “Most Representative Taiwan Quality PV Products” award by the Taiwan Energy Authority. 

3.  REC

• About REC: Established in Norway in 1996, REC is one of the largest European solar brands in existence today. Directly involved in every aspect of their manufacturing processes and project development, REC is a completely automated and integrated solar company. While REC is headquartered in Europe, the manufacturing of panels found in Australia takes place in their state-of-the-art facility located in Singapore.
• Features of REC Panels: REC solar panels are one of the most sustainable in the market, with an energy payback time of just one year. This means after just 12 months on your roof, your REC panels would have produced the same amount of power it took to manufacture them. Thanks to their internal testing, which is twice as stringent as industry standards, only an average of 400 REC panels come back every year out of the 4 million that are manufactured. This is a return rate of just 0.0001%.
• Efficiency of REC Panels: REC’s premier panel series, Alpha Pure Series, has an efficiency of 22.2%.
• Price of REC Panels: REC solar panels are considered premium products, with prices typically ranging from AUD $0.40 to $0.50 per watt, reflecting their high efficiency, durability, and performance.
• REC Warranty: The Alpha Pure Series come with a 25-year parts and labour warranty and a 25-year performance warranty.
• REC Awards: – Intersolar Award 2020: The REC Alpha Series won the prestigious Intersolar Award in the “Photovoltaics” category, highlighting its advanced heterojunction cell technology and high-power output.

4.  Trina Solar

• About Trina: Founded in China in 1997, Trina Solar has grown into one of the world’s leading solar panel manufacturers. Trina Solar is renowned for its innovation and commitment to sustainability, being directly involved in research, development, and the production of their high-quality solar products. While the company is headquartered in China, the solar panels available in Australia are manufactured in their cutting-edge facilities across Asia, ensuring consistent quality and advanced technology for Australian conditions.
• Features of Trina Panels: Trina Solar panels are known for their excellent performance, durability, and focus on sustainability. With an energy payback time of just 1.2 years, Trina panels quickly offset the energy used in their production, making them an environmentally friendly choice. Designed to withstand harsh conditions, Trina panels are an ideal choice for Australian households looking for efficient and dependable solar solutions.
• Efficiency of Trina Panels: Trina’s Vertex S+ panel has an efficiency of 23%.
• Price of Trina Panels: Trina Solar panels are recognised for their balance of quality and affordability, making them a popular choice in the Australian market. The cost per watt for Trina panels typically ranges from AUD $0.30 to $0.34, depending on the model and specifications.
• Trina Warranty: The Trina Vertex S+ panel comes with a 25-year parts and labour warranty and a 30-year performance warranty.
• Trina Awards: – 2024 Overall Highest Achiever: The Renewable Energy Test Center.
  –  2024 Design Excellence: The Vertex S+ series received the 2024 German Design Award in the Excellent Product Design.
  – Energy Innovation: Trina Solar’s Waterloo Terrace project earned the “Top Energy Innovation of the Year Award” in 2024, showcasing its leadership in advancing sustainable energy solutions.

5. Canadian Solar

• About Canadian: Founded in 2001, Canadian Solar is one of the world’s largest and most trusted solar panel manufacturers. Known for its innovation and sustainability, the company is directly involved in the design, development, and production of its high-quality solar products. Headquartered in Ontario, Canada, Canadian Solar operates state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities across Asia, including China and Vietnam. Panels available in Australia are crafted to meet the country’s unique environmental conditions, combining efficiency and durability to deliver reliable energy solutions for homes and businesses.
• Features of Canadian Panels: Canadian Solar panels are recognised for their high efficiency, durability, and advanced technology. The HiKu series utilize PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) technology, enhancing energy capture and performance. Canadian Solar’s rigorous quality control and testing procedures ensure long-term reliability.
• Efficiency of Canadian Panels:  Canadian’s HiHero panel has an efficiency of 22.5%.
• Price of Canadian Panels: Canadian Solar panels are known for their affordability, with prices typically ranging from AUD $0.30 to $0.40 per watt, offering a balance between cost-effectiveness and reliable performance.
• Canadian Warranty: Canadian’s HiHero panel comes with a 25-year parts and labour warranty and a 30-year performance warranty.
• Canadian Awards: -Top Brand PV Award USA 2024: Awarded by EUPD Research, this accolade recognises Canadian Solar’s strong brand reputation and quality in the U.S. photovoltaic market.       – 2024 Overall Highest Achiever: The Renewable Energy Test Center
  –  Sustainability Reporting of the Year – Global 2023: Environmental Finance recognised Canadian Solar’s transparent and comprehensive sustainability reporting, reflecting the company’s dedication to environmental and social governance.

6. Aiko Solar

• About Aiko: Founded in 2009, Aiko Solar has rapidly grown into a leading global manufacturer of solar cells and modules. Known for its advanced technology and commitment to innovation, Aiko Solar focuses on delivering high-efficiency, reliable products for residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects. Headquartered in Foshan, China, the company operates state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and exports its premium solar solutions to markets worldwide. Panels available in Australia are designed with cutting-edge technology to maximise energy output and ensure durability in diverse environmental conditions.
• Features of Aiko Panels:  All Back Contact (ABC) Technology eliminates front-side grid lines, reducing shading and enhancing efficiency. This design also improves the panels’ aesthetic appeal, offering a sleek, all-black appearance. The panels have enhanced Temperature Coefficient: With a temperature coefficient of -0.26%/°C, Aiko panels maintain higher efficiency even in elevated temperatures. Low Degradation Rates: Aiko panels exhibit low degradation rates, with only 1% in the first year and 0.35% per year thereafter, ensuring sustained performance over time.
• Efficiency of Aiko Panels: The Aiko Neostar 2P panel has an efficiency of 23.8%.
• Price of Aiko Panels: Aiko Solar panels are competitively priced; up to $0.35 per watt, making them an affordable choice for high-efficiency solar solutions.
• Aiko Warranty: Aiko’s Neostar 2P panel comes with a 25-year parts and labour warranty and a 30-year performance warranty.
• Aiko Awards: – CISOLAR 2023 AWARD: Aiko was acknowledged for the outstanding performance, durability, and efficiency of its solar panels, underscoring its commitment to quality.
  –  Intersolar AWARD 2023: Aiko’s high-efficiency ABC (All Back Contact) modules were recognised for their innovative technology and superior performance.