Browsing the market to find the best 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?
Thanks to Clean Energy Reviews we’ve been able to source a list of the best reviewed and highest regarded solar panel brands available. Reviews were based on quality, performance, value and feedback by solar industry professionals.
Top 4 Panel 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 Re installation 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 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 Re-installation 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 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?
Approx. Cost Per Panel incl GST (AUD): $197
Country of Manufacture: Singapore
Average Warranty Length: 10 years
Warranty Inclusive of Removal and Re-installation of Panels: No
Warranty Inclusive of Removal and Re-installation of Panels: No
Highly Reviewed Inverter Brands
Inverters are an integral part to any solar PV system, and are responsible for converting the DC electricity generated by solar panels into AC electricity that can be utilised in your home or sent to the grid. While different inverter products may have distinct features and characteristics, they must perform the DC to AC conversion to be considered an inverter.
Based on reviews and feedback from industry professionals and customers, here are some highly regarded inverters available in Australia. These inverters have been reviewed favorably due to their quality, warranty, features, monitoring, reliability and value.
Fronius
5-10-year warranty for inverters with option to extend
Award winning service and support
Easy installation
Highly regarded by professionals and customers
Compatible with retrofit batteries
Australian presence with an office based in Melbourne
High price range
Fronius inverters average maximum efficiencies of 97 to 98%
All Fronius Inverters are WiFi enabled for easy monitoring, commissioning and warranty.
SolarEdge
Cost effective and reliable
12-year standard warranty which is extendable to 25 years
Unique use of power optimisers to maximise power generation at the individual panel level
Wide range available inclusive of residential, commercial and small utility-scale solar installations
Australian presence with an office is located in Victoria
SolarEdge inverters have a weighted max efficiency of greater than 97%, independent of string length and temperature
SolarEdge’s high quality results in a high price for their inverters
All SolarEdge inverters can be monitored by a web-based portal
SMA
Highly reliable technology requiring less service than competing models, saving time and money over the long-term
Australian presence with an office in Sydney, NSW
One of the most popular inverters in Australia
SMA Sunny Boy Inverters have average maximum efficiencies of 97%.
Renowned for their high quality
Premium cost for their superior technology
5-year warranty with option to extend up to 20 years (dependent on model).
Warranty includes all costs in the unlikely event of an issue/failure, including shipping and on-site replacement
Offer a number of different internet-based monitoring solutions
Reliability – these guys deliver unparalleled power output all year round
Easy installation
ABB
Australian presence with an office located in Sydney, NSW
Max efficiencies of up to 97%
All ABB inverters come with a 5-year warranty that can be extended to 10, 15 and 20 years for a fee.
ABB solar inverters offer remote monitoring via the Aurora Vision Plant Management Platform
Highly regarded customer service and reliability
Delta
Australian Presence with an Australian office located in Victoria
Average maximum efficiencies of 96-97%, depending on model
Manufactured exclusively in China, they are less expensive than the inverters
Delta inverters come with a 10-year product warranty as standard
Delta string inverters can be monitored wirelessly with the SOLIVIA Monitor 2.0. Also compatible with third party monitoring systems Web’log and Solar-lo.
Popular Battery Brands
Battery storage is becoming increasingly popular due to batteries becoming more affordable in recent years with more brands and options becoming available. Once you’ve determined what battery storage setup you require or want for your solar system (retrofit, hybrid/battery ready, plug in and play or standalone) you can then discuss with installers what may be the best brand and model to make the most out of your excess energy. Here are some popular brands you’ll see around the Australian market.
Tesla Powerwall
Lithium-ion battery
Global leader in technology innovation
Life expectancy of 15 years and comes with a 10-year performance warranty
Doesn’t include a solar inverter or an in-built energy management system
Simple installation and low maintenance
Modern design
Enphase Energy
Modular lithium-ion phosphate battery
Expected life expectancy of 10 years
Built in monitoring option
One of the lowest costing systems ($1,900-$3000)
Compatible with most solar systems meaning no need to upgrade to a hybrid inverter
Magellanpower
WA company
Hybrid Energy Storage System
Output efficiency of 97%
All in one unit
Easy installation
Compatible with most solar systems due to inbuilt hybrid inverter
10-year performance warranty
Mobile app monitoring option
LG Chem
15 to 20-year life expectancy
10-year warranty
Large range of sizes
Low-voltage and high-voltage options
Lithium-ion battery technology
Last updated February 2019
For a complete list of brands available in Australia see reviews on Canstar Blue
Ready to start comparing quotes on panels, inverters or battery storage? Receive Obligation Free Quotes!
Download Your FREE Beginner’s Guide To Solar Power!
If you’re considering solar for your property or just looking to maximise the savings for your solar system, download a FREE copy of our "Beginner’s Guide To Solar Power".
Become an expert and better understand the ins and outs of solar power and solar PV systems for your property.
Includes detailed explanations and diagrams of the various types of solar systems and their parts, solar battery storage systems, Government incentives, expected ROI periods, finance, energy saving tips and more!
Received Quotes Tailored Quotes Suited To My Circumstances
I was able to get some good quotes and actually discuss the system I needed for my circumstances. I was informed on the quality of the parts used as well as the warranties provided. Tradesman were prompt and very professional.
Henry
Website Provided The Information I Needed
The information on the Solar Market’s website was great and assisted me in understanding what I needed for my home and what rebates I could claim. I received 3 Quotes within a few days from solar companies near my residence. Cheers for the quick service!
Colin
Took The Stress Out Of Searching For Solar Companies
Solar Market were so helpful with giving me 3 different quotes to compare. It removed the stress out of going solo and chasing companies to get quotes from. I would highly recommend the team at solar market.
Julie
Prompt Service and Home Visit From Providers
As a home owner looking to upgrade to solar we received prompt and excellent service from Solar Market. We received calls from 3 solar energy companies that arranged home visits with obligation free quotes. Within a week we had all the information and quotes we needed to enable us to make an informed decision. Thank you, Solar Market, for making the process comfortable and easy.
Desiree
Competitive Quotes
Very prompt response to my enquiry providing several competitive quotes. Also made me aware of what questions I needed to ask when speaking to solar installers. Now I have what I need to make a decision on what installer and system to choose.
Yusef
Helped Me Understand the Process
I wasn’t sure how to go about adding a solar system. I was pleased after getting quotes and talking with contractors that I could understand what could be done and how much it’d cost. The contractors weren’t pushy and were very helpful.
Neil
Thanks, Solar Market
Once I sent my request for Solar Market to have solar companies contact me with quotes for solar panels on my house, everything was very quick and efficient. The companies that solar market had contact me were professional and very experienced in the industry. Very impressed with the overall experience and professional way things were handled. It did not take long for me to chose a company that suited my needs to supply solar for the house. Thanks, Solar Market.
Bill
Using Solar Market made the process easy
Received 3 quotes from companies all with good reviews. Using Solar Market made the process easy. Thank you
Phil
With all honesty I recommend Solar Market
I made a request for solar panel installation, and Solar Market organised for companies to contact me with quotes. For me it was stress free without the ordeal to do it all myself, very happy with Solar Market service. Managed to find a company within a week to do the solar installation. With all honesty I recommend Solar Market. Thank you, Solar Market.
George
Solar Market sent out 3 very good companies to give me quotes
Solar Market sent out 3 very good companies to give me quotes
Michelle
Contact Solar Market Today. I did!
Solar Market is a great platform to start with when you are looking to install Solar energy to your house. Contact them today, I did and I am very happy that I did. Cheers Solar Market!
Terry
Solar Market is reliable and genuine
Solar Market is reliable and genuine. This is an excellent service. Keep up the good work.
Sra
Solar Market got in touch with a few companies at no expense to us
As a pensioner, funds are limited and we need help finding companies that will supply what we want. Solar Market got in touch with a few companies at no expense to us. It has given us a good start to find what we can afford.
Bart
Solar Market delivered
I asked for 3 CEC accredited installers and Solar Market delivered. Cheers!
Brett
Solar Market makes sure that I was satisfied with the companies
Contact from the three Solar Companies was received within two days and the follow up from those contacts was very good over the period of time it took to examine the quotes and make a decision. Contact from Solar Market during this process continued during this time to make sure that I was satisfied with the companies who had made contact to provide quotes.
Alan
Great site, I recommend it to everybody looking for solar panels
Solar market helped me to choose and understand solar. Great site, I recommend it to everybody looking for solar panels.
Allen
Solar Market made it easy to get quotes from reputable companies.
Solar Market made it easy to get quotes from reputable companies.
Peta
Could not ask for better service
Solar Market put me in touch with three solar installers almost immediately. Two were local supplier/installers and one was a high profile one located in Sydney but using local installers. Solar Market has also followed through with emails asking if I need additional quotes and to kindly rate their service. Could not ask for better service.
John
I found the Solar Market staff pleasant and helpful
I found the Solar Market staff pleasant and helpful. The quotes they sent were very quick and I was more than happy to choose the one which was a standout with their experience and proposal presentation.
Janice
Their service was very prompt and very professional
Solar Market were great, I had three companies contact me and I have gone with one of them. Their service was very prompt and very professional.
Ray
I would highly recommend the team at Solar Market
I just found solar market so helpful with giving me the option of 3 different quotes. It certainly took a lot of the stress out of going solar and choosing the companies to get quotes from. I would highly recommend the team at Solar Market.
Penny
Really Happy
Solar Market cuts the crap out of what the industry is all about and gives a fair and honest opinion on the products that are best suited for your application. I looked at Solar Market after going to a seminar about what we might get on our house and the products that were recommended at the seminar were on Solar Market’s website. Really Happy
Rob
The info on the Solar Market website was fantastic
The info on the Solar Market website with Q&A’s and ratings on the different panels and inverters was fantastic. It then allowed me to talk to the solar companies and know what I was talking about. Every aspect of solar is explained to help you make an informed decision. Thanks for your help, cheers!
For some households a battery system can be of great benefit and minimise a home’s reliance on the grid. However, it’s important to understand for a battery to be useful your solar system needs to be generating excess energy for the battery to store, which you can then use at night or when the sun is not out.
When selecting a battery, you’ll want to invest in a system that is most suited to your home and can drive the best return on investment (ROI). Despite a larger upfront cost, a higher quality battery may significantly increase your ROI.
Battery systems start from $6,000 and costs can vary greatly based on the following factors:
Cycle Life-Time
The number of times a battery can fully charge and discharge.
Battery Power (kW)
How fast it can be charged or discharged.
Storage Capacity (kWh)
The maximum amount of energy a battery system can store.
Battery Management System (BMS)
An electronic ‘smart’ system that gathers data and manages the battery ensuring it does not overload or operate outside of its safe functioning zone..
Inverter
Battery systems require their own inverter if your solar system does not have a hybrid inverter.
'All-In-One Unit’
A system which includes the battery, BMS and an inverter all in one unit.
Warranty
Length of time or cycles the battery system is under guarantee.
Blackout Protection/Backup
It’s important to note this is not a common feature of a battery system and could cost thousands of dollars to include. Blackout protection not only requires additional components but also a specialised installation and rewiring. For grid-connected homes, the cost for blackout protection can outweigh the benefit.
Additionally, if your purpose for adding battery is to go Off-Grid and become completely independent from the grid you will need to ensure your solar system can generate enough energy to power your home and your battery system is large enough to store this energy. For homes in metro areas going Off-grid is not cost effective and is only recommended for those in remote areas with limited access to the grid. Off-grid solar systems with battery start at approximately $30,000.
LEARN The Basics
GO In Depth
DIVE INTO Solar Savings
