The Best Solar Panels In Australia In 2024
What are the best solar panels in Australia in 2024 according to Aussie solar panel installers polled by Solar Quotes? For the fourth year running, they’ve asked their network of over 500 solar installers three questions:
- What panel brand would you buy for your home if money was no object?
- What panel brand would you buy if every dollar counted?
- Which panel brand has the best warranty support in Australia?
Around 100 installers found the time to respond. These guys are busy! So, here are the results of the 2024 SolarQuotes Solar Panel Installers’ Choice Awards. We have also listed the best Solar inverters in Australia for 2024.
Every Dollar Counts Category
Let’s start with the Every Dollar Counts category:
Bronze: Canadian Solar
- Votes: 8%
- Top Panel Model: HiHero
- Efficiency: Up to 22.8%
- Average Customer Review: 4.8/5 from 2,000 reviews
After dropping off the board last year, Canadian Solar has made it back into third place. Despite the name, Canadian Solar panels are mostly made in China. They offer a great combination of performance and affordability. Their HiHero panels are top-performing residential panels with an efficiency of up to 22.8%.
Silver: Jinko Solar
- Votes: 24%
- Top Panel Model: Tiger Neo
- Efficiency: Up to 22.6%
- Average Customer Review: 4.8/5 from almost 3,000 reviews
For the fourth year in a row, Jinko Solar secured the silver medal. Poor Jinko just can’t seem to break into first place, but as Buzz Aldrin says, “Second comes right after first.” Jinko panels are considered one of the best budget-end panels with excellent performance, reliability, and warranty support in Australia. The current flagship, Tiger Neo, offers an efficiency of up to 22.6%.
Gold: Trina Solar
- Votes: 27%
- Top Panel Model: Vertex S+
- Efficiency: Up to 22.5%
- Average Customer Review: 4.8/5 from 2,000 reviews
For the fourth year in a row, Trina Solar takes the gold medal in the Every Dollar Counts category. Trina’s flagship panel is the Vertex S+ with an efficiency of up to 22.5%. Jinko and Trina have consistently been neck and neck for first place, but Trina continues to maintain a slight lead. On the SolarQuotes website, Trina panels have an average customer review score of 4.8 out of 5 based on 2,000 reviews.
Money’s No Object Category
Now, let’s talk about the best solar panels money can buy:
Bronze: Trina Solar
- Votes: 14%
- Top Panel Model: Vertex S+
- Efficiency: Up to 22.5%
- Average Customer Review: 4.8/5 from 2,000 reviews
Last year, Trina and Qcells jointly won bronze for this category. This year, Qcells was left in the dust with only 2% of the vote. It might be surprising to see Trina, as a more budget-friendly option, also winning bronze in the Money’s No Object category, but their proven track record of great pricing, performance, and reliability make them a solid contender.
Silver: SunPower
- Votes: 21%
- Top Panel Model: Maxeon
- Efficiency: Up to 22.8%
- Average Customer Review: 4.9/5 from almost 1,000 reviews
SunPower is considered the Rolls-Royce of solar with their flagship Maxeon series. Maxeon panels are up to 22.8% efficient and have a remarkable 40-year product warranty. Despite the superior panels, installers and homeowners find it hard to justify their high cost, given that brands like Trina offer comparable performance and warranties. Nevertheless, SunPower maintains its silver position for the second year running.
Gold: REC
- Votes: 45%
- Top Panel Model: Alpha Pure-RX
- Efficiency: Up to 22.6%
- Average Customer Review: 4.8/5 from almost 1,000 reviews
The gold medal for the Money’s No Object category goes to REC for the second year in a row, with 45% of the vote. REC panels, made in Singapore, combine superior quality and performance while being cheaper than SunPower. Their Alpha Pure panel range is certified lead-free, and the flagship Pure-RX panels have an efficiency of up to 22.6%. The unique frame design with two extra struts makes them sturdier and less likely to be damaged from flexing. Installers love them, and so do I with 14kW of REC panels on my roof.
Best Support Category
With more brands offering long 25-year warranties, support quality is crucial. Decades-long warranties mean nothing if not backed by the manufacturer. If you ever face issues, you want your installer to have no trouble sorting replacements.
Bronze: SunPower
- Votes: 11%
- Average Customer Review: 4.9/5 from almost 1,000 reviews
SunPower won bronze with 11% of the votes. They have a strong reputation for excellent warranty support and a 40-year product warranty. Their Maxeon series is considered top-tier, offering peace of mind and reliable performance.
Silver: Trina Solar
- Votes: 18%
- Average Customer Review: 4.8/5 from 2,000 reviews
Trina Solar secured silver in the Best Support category with 18% of the vote. Their reliable service and strong track record make them a favorite among installers. The 25-year product warranty combined with consistent performance make Trina a trustworthy brand.
Gold: REC
- Votes: 37%
- Average Customer Review: 4.8/5 from almost 1,000 reviews
REC wins the gold medal with 37% of the vote. They are known for superior quality and excellent warranty support. Their Alpha Pure-RX panels are backed by a 25-year warranty, and REC provides fast and efficient support for any issues.
Summary
To summarize, here’s the final medal tally for the top solar panels in Australia in 2024:
- Best Value Panels:
- Gold: Trina Solar
- Silver: Jinko Solar
- Bronze: Canadian Solar
- Best Solar Panels (Money’s No Object):
- Gold: REC
- Silver: SunPower
- Bronze: Trina Solar
- Best Support:
- Gold: REC
- Silver: Trina Solar
- Bronze: SunPower
REC wins both the Money’s No Object and Best Support categories, while Trina takes the Best Value Panels category.
If you want to dive into the nitty-gritty details of solar panels on the Aussie market, check out my solar panel comparison table. It lets you easily compare all the important specs of every major solar panel brand, including the winners from this post.
Looking for quotes on solar, batteries, or EV chargers from trusted installers? Visit SolarQuotes.com.au. Enter your postcode in the top-right box, fill in the form, and I’ll take it from there.