Best Solar Panels | Nominated by Aussie solar engineers | 2023
Let’s get started with the best solar panels you can buy in Australia in 2022 and 2023. I’m actually going to be updating this article every time a panel gets improved or a new module is released.
This way, we can all very much stay up to date with the best solar panels in Australia. By the way, I have chosen these solar panels along with the help of some of my best CEC accredited solar installers and engineers based on years of industry knowledge.
I’ll go into some more details on how we actually ranked these solar panels as the best and why they were chosen. Overall, I recommend that you should be considering at least 1 solar panel from this list if not 2 and request a proposal for both.
Right now, these are the best solar panels narrowed down by the actual module and not just the general brand. This will make it easier for you guys to decide which panel is going to suit you.
Ok, so let’s find out how me and my solar engineers ranked these solar panels as the best in the industry right now.
How Do We Rank The Best Solar Panels?
Me and my solar engineers chose the solar panels that provided the best price for what you get. Some solar panels may be more expensive than others but will still be ranked higher. This is because the value for money is much higher due to advanced technology and higher return on investments.
Warranty is always a huge factor in deciding the best solar panels. We forecasted the actual warranty vs predicted warranty which is how long the solar panel will keep performing even after the warranty has expired. This gives an idea of the estimated solar panel lifetime.
We wanted to include efficiency as this helps with quicker payback periods and allows for better utilisation of your roof space if you can generate more energy using the same number of solar panels. Over a long period of time this will also mean degradation is slower (compared to less efficient panels) and return on investment is higher.
Me and my engineers wanted the solar panels that give the best return on investment. This means homeowners will only be choosing solar panels that are going to give them higher returns both short and long term. We worked this out based on the cost of the panel and the predicted energy generation and savings for as long as the warranty is active for.
This is very similar to performance. We wanted the best solar panels with the least degradation to highlight their long term performance. This also shows how well they are made and features any advanced technology that will perform better than other solar panels on the market.
An important factor in understanding why these solar panels are the best and what technology attributes to this. Cell type is notoriously known to increase the performance, efficiency and warranties of the solar panels depending on p type or n type.
Quick Look At The Best Solar Panels Chart:
10.
Why did I choose the Jinko 370w N type solar panel?
This solar panel was actually nominated ‘the experts choice’ by Jinko and others because of its combination of performance and excellent pricing point. To be honest, it has really smashed it with the 0.4% degradation which is keeping up with the best solar panels below.
I’m pleasantly surprised by the high efficiency of this solar panel and question why Jinko has given it only a 20 years product warranty, not 25. Either way, this has always been a very popular panel for us to sell across Australia.
Similar to all Jinko products, they maximise on N type cells and multi busbar technology to maintain a high level of performance and push up the solar panel efficiency. One feature I really like is the small, lightweight size of this panel.
Even though it packs a high efficiency, it’s still small in size and is lightweight, being easy to design with. This allows for maximum freedom with your roof space and can allow homeowners to get a flexible design compared to other panels.
Overall it’s only fitting that we start the best solar panels off with a bang and what other to begin than Jinko solar panels.
Key Features
- N type monocrystalline cells
- 20 year product warranty
- 30 year performance warranty
- 0.4% annual degradation
- 21.24% panel efficiency
- Multi busbar technology
- 60 cell design
- Anti reflective strengthened glass
Pros & Cons
- TR technology
- Small and lightweight panels
- Good efficiency
- Low product warranty
Awards
9.
Why did I choose the Canadian HiHero solar panel?
I’m actually really impressed by this new module from Canadian solar. I love the use of the heterojunction cell technology which helps increase the efficiency and power output in solar panels. This has been around for a decade or two.
It’s excellent to see that Canadian solar are backing their HiHero modules up with a 25 year product warranty and 30 year performance warranty as well which is a massive leap from their previous 12 year warranty.
To be honest the technology and performance on this solar panel truly makes it one of the best. The 0.35% annual degradation is outstanding to see and one of the lowest in the industry close to what Sunpower offers.
Not only this but 22.5% panel efficiency is coming in at some of the highest available on the market, certainly increasing your return on investment and maximising the space you have available on your roof.
Overall, I’d say the HiHero is easily one of the best solar panels. I’d also like to bring up that Canadian solar has an awesome Australia presence and team which makes it easier for anyone to get in touch or claim warranties as well.
Key Features
- Heterojunction cell technology
- 25 year product warranty
- 30 year performance warranty
- 0.35% annual degradation
- 22.5% panel efficiency
- Minimised micro crack impact
- Heat strengthened anti reflective glass
Pros & Cons
- HJT cells used for max performance
- Low degradation
- Very high 22.5% panel efficiency
- Requires larger investment
Awards
8.
Why did I choose the Hyundai UF 390w solar panel?
First of all, Hyundai solar panels are blue chip. Essentially this means that Hyundai as a company is extremely low in risk and therefore has high bankability and low risk investments.
When you buy Hyundai, you can be confident that even if their solar panel company went bust, they can still pay out on warranties because of their automotive industry if that makes sense. This is perfect for anyone who is super cautious about warranties being honoured years later.
That’s not all that Hyundai offers though, the UF series makes it one of the best solar panels in the industry. By the use of its incredible M3+ shingled cells Hyundai can get a very high performance for an affordable cost.
The UF module is very affordable which is how it made the top 10 list. It’s excellent for a risk free investment but also because of the value for money that it provides. For the price, you will struggle to find a solar panel that offers the same features.
Overall, Hyundai has a great reputation across the industry in Australia and has been a very popular solar panel since it was released a few years back.
Key Features
- M3+ PERC shingled cells
- 25 year product warranty
- 25 year performance warranty
- 0.55% annual degradation
- 20.8% panel efficiency
- Blue chip solar panels
- 158.75x158.75 PERC solar cells
Pros & Cons
- Hyundai company is blue chip & reliable
- Singled cell technology
- Good Australian presence
- Lower performance compared to panels below
- High degradation
Awards
7.
Why did I choose the QCell QMaxx G4+ solar panel?
Let’s be honest, QCell was always going to make the list 😅. I really love the G4+ solar panel and I’ve been a big fan of QCells since they were so readily available across Australia.
Designed in Germany and manufactured across South Korea and Asia, QCell QMaxx has always been at the top end of the solar industry. What makes these solar panels the best is their Q.UANTUM technology maximising both performance and efficiency.
Ofcourse, being backed by their 25 year product and performance warranties also helps and shows their confidence in their product. I love the German design which is always innovative and forward thinking.
QCells is also ranked very highly across USA, Australia and Europe branded as one of the best solar panel brands you can buy from. The QMaxx G4+ is a highly efficient model offering 21.4% conversion efficiency. This is up there with some of the best solar panels.
The Q.UANTUM Duo Z cells offer a no gap experience meaning no sunlight that hits the cells are missed or wasted. It’s estimated to get approx. 7.5% more output from QCells solar panel compared to conventional solar panels.
In my eyes, QCells QMaxx G4+ deserve this place as one of the best solar panels in Australia. Well done QCells!
Key Features
- Q.UANTUM solar half cells
- 25 year product warranty
- 25 year performance warranty
- 0.5% annual degradation
- 21.4% panel efficiency
- Q.UANTUM DUO Z technology
- 108 cells half cut
Pros & Cons
- High 21.4% efficiency
- Designed in Germany
- Q.UANTUM technology
- 0.5% degradation is high
- Not the best value for money
Awards
6.
Why did I choose Sunpower Performance 6?
Brand new and fresh off the boat. It’s easy to see how the Performance 6 panel by Sunpower managed to make our top 10 best solar panels. The P6 has now replaced the P3 in Q4 of 2022 meaning this will be the mid range Sunpower panel from now on.
This panel has always been a favourite of mine for a few years now. It’s such an excellent all-rounded panel for homeowners who are simply looking for mind-range systems. Admittedly, you’re not getting the performance as the Maxeon 3 or 6 but it certainly packs a huge value for money status.
Put it this way, if I only had a budget for some high quality panels these would be the ones I choose. The efficiency is high, the warranty is extremely sturdy (backed by Maxeon and Sunpower) and of course it just looks sleek on your roof.
The Performance 6 is an excellent solution for homeowners all round. Being 410w in size also has its benefits by allowing a more flexible design on your roof and maximising the space this is available.
Overall, this is easily one of the best solar panels available on the market right now, and it’s only becoming available from 2022 onwards. What an excellent start by the Performance 6.
Key Features
- Monocrystalline PERC cells
- 25 year product warranty
- 25 year performance warranty
- 0.45% annual degradation
- 410w power output
- 20.9% panel efficiency
- All black solar panel
- Replaced Performance 3 in Q4 of 2022
Pros & Cons
- Incredible value for money
- Useful size with high power output
- Sunpower bankability
- Lower efficiency for Sunpower
Awards
5.
Why did I choose the Jinko Tiger Neo N type solar panel?
The Tiger Neo N Type 470w solar panel comes with some incredible features and performance. Truly, the reason why this solar panel is ranked one of the best is because of its value for money.
The performance, the efficiency and the warranty for such an affordable investment makes it one of the best solar panels on the Australian market right now. Most impressively is the warranty that backs up this affordable price.
25 years product warranty and 30 year performance warranty with 0.4% annual degradation is extremely high in quality for the investment cost. Let’s not forget the 21.78% solar panel efficiency rating as well.
This technology and features push the Tiger Neo 470w N type to be up there with the best solar panels like Sunpower and Trina. It’s perfect for homeowners who are looking for very fast returns due to the affordability of this panel.
Let’s also not forget that this is a lifetime solution as well meaning the performance of this panel will maintain for a long period of time so not only do you see fast returns, you’ll also see much longer returns as well.
Key Features
- N type monocrystalline cells
- 25 year product warranty
- 30 year performance warranty
- 0.4% annual degradation
- 470w power output
- 21.78% panel efficiency
- SMBB technology
- 120 cells
Pros & Cons
- Extremely affordable
- Excellent 0.4% annual degradation
- High efficiency module
- Larger solar panel size
Awards
4.
Why did I choose the Sunpower Maxeon 3 solar panel?
Honestly, there is a lot to say about this solar panel. Not just coming from me, the performance of this module is recognised world wide as being one of the best solar panels.
Before the Maxeon 6, this was dubbed the king of solar panels. It’s certainly going to be one of the best DC solar panels you can buy for your money in this day and age. The performance is forecast by Sunpower to generate up to 60% more lifetime energy than conventional solar panels.
Let’s not forget how low the performance degradation is compared to others, which supposedly generated 12% more power at year 25 compared to other solar panels. This advanced technology is built for those looking for a lifetime solution.
This was also the first ever solar panel to be awarded the silver Cradle to Cradle certification ensuring Sunpower is manufacturing ethically, sustainably and of course high quality as well.
Take note of the outstanding 22.6% efficiency rating from the solar panels which allows homeowners to get more from their roof space and generate more energy compared to another system of the same size.
It was a close call, but the Maxeon 3 almost made it into the top 3 best solar panels but just slipped out at number 4. Still, it shows just how good some of the solar panels in Australia are right now.
Key Features
- 104 Maxeon monocrystalline gen III cells
- 40 year product warranty
- 40 year performance warranty
- 88.3% power output in year 40
- 0.25% annual degradation
- 410w power output
- 22.6% panel efficiency
- Tempered anti glass protection
Pros & Cons
- First solar panel to win Cradle To Cradle award
- Advanced Maxeon gen III cells
- Outstanding 40 year warranty
- Most efficient panel
- Exceptionally low degradation
- Requires larger investment
Awards
3.
Why did I choose the Jinko Tiger 415w N Type?
Easily one of the most popular solar panels that we sell for so many different reasons. In fact, it has got to be one of the most popular solar panels across Australia and I’d bet that over the past 2-3 years it would be one of the most installed on Australian households.
Ok, so I think the reason why this panel is one of the best is because of the value for money that you can get. Jinko is a top recognised brand with heaps of awards to their name and modules of solar panels.
With their 25 year product warranty and 30 years performance warranty you can be sure you’re getting a high quality product that’s going to last. I also want to dive into a little about the N type technology they use.
This N type technology is the same as what Sunpower uses and offers a competitive edge over other solar panels. It’s more efficient and in short lasts longer and performs higher.
Combined with multi busbar technology which helps increase performance and efficiency, you’re left with one of the best solar panels in Australia.
The 415w Tiger N Type is also backed by very low 0.4% degradation and a whopping 21.74% panel efficiency. Now you can see why this panel has come in ranking #3 best solar panels.
And all of this for an affordable cost… What more can you want?
Key Features
- N Type monocrystalline cells
- 25 year product warranty
- 30 year performance warranty
- 0.4% annual degradation over 30 years
- 415w power output
- 21.74% panel efficiency
- Multi busbar technology
- HOT 2.0 technology
Pros & Cons
- Outstanding affordability
- Australia most popular panel
- N type technology
- High efficiency
- Degradation could be better
Awards
2.
Why did I choose the Trina Vertex S+ solar panel?
We all dubbed this the ‘solar panel of the summer’ because of its extremely high performing features, outstanding value for money and long term warranty to back all of this up. It’s a very close one between Jinko and Trina for the spot at being the second best solar panel.
I love the dual glass feature because it suits our weather conditions across Australia. We frequently see hail storms, heavy rain and winds so the dual glass can really be suited for those in areas that see strong weather conditions. It also has a better resistance to salt and sand for anyone who lives near beaches.
What’s not to love about the 25 year product and 30 year performance warranty meaning you are fully backed for a long period of time. Due to our calculations we suspect that this solar panel will continue to perform until around 32 years after the installation date.
I really love the affordability of this solar panel as well considering how much comes with it. For most panels offering this technology, efficiency and warranty you could expect to be paying the premium. However, the Vertex S+ is still holding a very reasonable price.
For all of these reasons, we’ve ranked the Trina Vertex S+ in the top 2 best solar panels in Australia. I think it’s fair to see why.
Key Features
- Dual glass monocrystalline cells
- 25 year product warranty
- 30 year performance warranty
- 0.4% annual degradation (1% at first year)
- 415w power output
- 21.4% panel efficiency
- Multi busbar technology
Pros & Cons
- Quick payback period
- High return on investment
- Outstanding value for money
- Could be more efficient
Awards
1.
Why did I choose the Sunpower Maxeon 6 solar panel?
Well it’s certainly safe to say that Sunpower Maxeon 6 is the best solar panel in the industry right now. Coupled with Enphase’s fantastic micro inverter technology you are getting the best performing solar panel money can buy.
Not only this, but the whopping 40 year performance and product warranty completely towers over any other solar panel in the industry. There is no other solar panel that matches a 40 year warranty or even close.
Over the course of 40 years the Maxeon 6 solar panel will provide the best return on investment for homeowners when compared to all of the other panels above. You will be generating more savings over a longer period of time with this panel.
Advanced cell technology such as Maxeon N type cells put Sunpower in another league and is the same technology used by Nasa for their projects. Finally, the value for money in this panel is exceptional as well.
You are getting the best solar panel technology for the cost of a residential solar panel. Packed into this little beast is years and years of research and advancements to create the perfect panel.
Key Features
- AC solar panel (Enphase tech)
- 40 year product warranty
- 40 year performance warranty
- 0.25% annual degradation over 30 years
- 425w power output
- 22% panel efficiency
- N type Maxeon cell technology
Pros & Cons
- Outstanding efficiency
- Very low annual degradation
- Best solar panel warranty
- Designed in USA
- Flexible design (micro inverter tech)
- Large investment
Awards
Conclusion
So, that is our version of the best solar panels in 2022 and 2023. Of course I will keep this update but you can see that Sunpower seems to be dominating the industry with several of their panels.
The same applies to Jinko, they are getting better and better every year keeping up with the leaders of the industry. It’s excellent to see some of their new technology advancing as quickly as it does.
If you are interested in solar, I’d strongly suggest you request a proposal for at least 2 of these solar panels if they are going to be the best you can buy in Australia.
It might be worth choosing high end and mid range for example 1-4 on the list. Keep your eye out for Canadian Solar as well for that is an up and coming solar panel that could take the market by storm.
We hope you enjoyed this created by a bunch of solar engineers to help you get the best solar panels on the market 😁.
How Do We Rank The Best Solar Panels?
Me and my solar engineers chose the solar panels that provided the best price for what you get. Some solar panels may be more expensive than others but will still be ranked higher. This is because the value for money is much higher due to advanced technology and higher return on investments.
Warranty is always a huge factor in deciding the best solar panels. We forecasted the actual warranty vs predicted warranty which is how long the solar panel will keep performing even after the warranty has expired. This gives an idea of the estimated solar panel lifetime.
We wanted to include efficiency as this helps with quicker payback periods and allows for better utilisation of your roof space if you can generate more energy using the same number of solar panels. Over a long period of time this will also mean degradation is slower (compared to less efficient panels) and return on investment is higher.
Me and my engineers wanted the solar panels that give the best return on investment. This means homeowners will only be choosing solar panels that are going to give them higher returns both short and long term. We worked this out based on the cost of the panel and the predicted energy generation and savings for as long as the warranty is active for.
This is very similar to performance. We wanted the best solar panels with the least degradation to highlight their long term performance. This also shows how well they are made and features any advanced technology that will perform better than other solar panels on the market.
An important factor in understanding why these solar panels are the best and what technology attributes to this. Cell type is notoriously known to increase the performance, efficiency and warranties of the solar panels depending on p type or n type.
2 thoughts on “Best Solar Panels”
WOW this is such a helpful guide. Thanks luke, you really know your stuff. I saw there’s no Hauwei, is that because of the security risk?
These seem like good panels, especially the Jinko ones. (sure not junko lol) however your system is only as strong as the weakest link. I wouldn’t trust the hauwei inverters, the Government even listed them as a critical infrastructure risk!!!