Solar energy is quickly becoming one of the most viable sources of clean energy in the 21st century, driven by its potential to reduce costs while sustaining a green and environmentally-friendly lifestyle. Solar panels are more cost-effective than other traditional forms of electricity, such as gas or coal. They can save money over their lifetimes – providing a great investment for sustainable living.
Beyond being a smart long-term economic decision, investing in solar power can also immediately impact your energy bill in the short term and help contribute to reducing the global carbon footprint. Here are the best solar panels in Australia for 2023.
Key facts
- The Phono Twin Plus is the best overall solar panel on our list.
- Panels are judged on their price, warranty, degradation rate, efficiency, and certification.
- Always consider your budget and roof sizing before purchasing your solar panels.
- Solar panels are eco-friendly, effective, and can save you money in the long run.
10 Best Solar Panels in Australia
- Phono Twin Plus – Best Overall
- Q-Cells Q.Peak DUO G9+ – Great warranty
- Sunpower Maxeon 5 – Most Efficient
- Winaico Gemini – Most Reliable
- Canadian Solar HiKu-CS3L – Most Durable
- REC Alpha Pure Series – Best for Long-Term Investment
- Longi Hi-MO4 – Best Budget
- Solarwatt Vision Pure – Best Warranty
- Jinko Tiger N Type – Second Best Budget Choice
- Hyundai VG Series – Best Quality
Factors to consider when choosing solar panels
This certification means the manufacturers must have supplied their own branded products, made in-house, to at least six projects during the past two years. These projects must all be backed by six different commercial banks with non-recourse financing.
Advanced materials and design techniques are being applied to increase the lifespans of today’s panels. The yearly degradation rate shows the durability and longevity of the panels.
Measures the ability of the panel to absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. Higher efficiency panels will generate more free electricity, despite taking up the same amount of roof space.
Generally, companies guarantee that after 25 years, the solar power produced by the panel will still be at least 80% of its original output on average. More reliable brands offer even higher guarantees, with their performance warranties ranging from 90% or higher.
This warranty protects the initial owner from any manufacturing flaws in the panel and ensures that you will get maximum value from your purchase.
These high-performance solar panels have been independently tested to proudly be among the top 3% of all photovoltaic systems in Australia in terms of energy production and efficiency.
Compare the top solar panels
Sunpower Maxeon 5 – Most Efficient
SunPower solar panels are among the best in the Australian market. Superior energy efficiency and power output guarantees, along with excellent temperature characteristics and long-term warranty support, make it a smart choice. The only thing to remember while shopping around is that it might be a bit pricier than other options. Whether or not the quote you get will fit within your budget should be factored in as you compare your options.
- Average installation cost: 6kW=$7,907; 8kW=$10,195; 10kW=$12,574
- Max Efficiency: 22.6%
- Degradation rate: 0.25%
- Performance warranty: 40 years
- Product warranty: 40 years
- Bloomberg ranking: Yes
- PV Evolution Labs Top Performer: Yes
Phono Twin Plus – Best Overall
Phono Solar’s solar panels offer a mid-range option for those looking to make an affordable impact on their energy consumption. With a manufacturer warranty of 15 years, they hold a competitive advantage over other companies in the same price range.
Purchase discounts or special offers could make it an especially attractive option if you’re shopping in the mid-range range. The product is relatively well established, with a global reach, so it may also be worth looking into if you’re researching competitive models.
- Average installation cost: 10kW=$9,000; 8KW=$7,500; 6kW=$6,000
- Max Efficiency: 20.17%
- Degradation rate: 0.7%
- Performance warranty: 25 years
- Product warranty: 15 years
- Bloomberg ranking: Yes
- PV Evolution Labs Top Performer: Yes
Q-Cells Q.Peak DUO G9+ – Great warranty
The Q.PEAK series from Q Cells is a great choice for solar buyers seeking an attractive balance between cost and quality. The 25-year product warranty offered on the Q.PEAK series offers excellent coverage for a value-priced alternative to pricier top-of-the-line options, giving users access to superior reliability and peace of mind at a fraction of the price. Those looking for an economical solution that doesn’t sacrifice quality can rest assured that they are getting reliable technology and support through Q Cells.
- Average installation cost: 6kW=$7,907; 8kW=$10,195; 10kW=$12,574
- Max Efficiency: 22.6%
- Degradation rate: 0.25%
- Performance warranty: 40 years
- Product warranty: 40 years
- Bloomberg ranking: Yes
- PV Evolution Labs Top Performer: Yes
Winaico Gemini – Most Reliable
Winaico may not be as widely known or well-recognized as other major brands on the market, but those in the know can attest to its excellent quality and dependability. The real-world performance of their products has consistently exceeded expectations, with very few (if any) reports of failure or reliability issues. Winaico is a company you can count on to provide reliable solar modules and technology that will continue performing efficiently and consistently.
- Average installation cost: 6kW=$7,000; 8KW=$9,500; 10kW=$11,000
- Max Efficiency: 19.4%
- Degradation rate: 0.7%
- Performance warranty: 15 years
- Product warranty: 15 years
- Bloomberg ranking: No
- PV Evolution Labs Top Performer: No
Canadian Solar HiKu-CS3L – Most Durable
Canadian Solar is a name that has been around for many years, and its panels offer customers reliable performance at an affordable mid-range price point. Furthermore, the company has established a strong presence in Australia, so should you encounter any issues, their warranty policy and process should not be too difficult to navigate. Given this attractive blend of quality products and customer service, it is easy to understand why they are a popular choice amongst solar home buyers.
- Average installation cost: 6kW=$6,293; 8kW=$8,185; 10kW=$9,413
- Max Efficiency: 18.8%
- Degradation rate: 0.45%
- Performance warranty: 30 years
- Product warranty: 12 years
- Bloomberg ranking: Yes
- PV Evolution Labs Top Performer: No
REC Alpha Pure Series – Best for Long-Term Investment
REC Solar Panels offer superior quality and performance in Australian solar set-ups and are a great choice for homeowners planning to stay in their property for a while. Not only do REC Solar Panels have quicker installation times than other brands, but they also offer excellent value for money – representing one of the best investments you can make concerning long-term energy saving. On top of that, these products come with extra features like panel-level monitoring and warranty packages to complement the fantastic quality of the product. In sum, if you’re in the market for solar panels, then REC Solar could be the right solution.
- Average installation cost: 6kW=$7,659; 8kW=$10,556; 10kW=$13,896
- Max Efficiency: 22.2%
- Degradation rate: 0.25%
- Performance warranty: 20-25 Years
- Product warranty: 20-25 Years
- Bloomberg ranking: Yes
- PV Evolution Labs Top Performer: Yes
Longi Hi-MO4 – Best Budget
LONGi Solar Panels are a great choice for customers looking for reliable, affordable options from a reputable company. The panels boast impressive performance with higher output and lifetime energy production than standard solutions. Additionally, LONGi has strong financial backing from multiple sources and a solid reputation won through years of experience in the global solar market. However, their warranty is much shorter than other companies at a slightly higher degradation rate.
- Average installation cost: 10kW=$9,170; 8KW=$8,604; 6kW=$5,493
- Max Efficiency: 19.9%
- Degradation rate: 0.55%
- Performance warranty:
- Product warranty: 10 years
- Bloomberg ranking: Yes
- PV Evolution Labs Top Performer: Yes
Solarwatt Vision Pure – Best Warranty
Solarwatt is a leader in the Australian solar panel market, offering some of the highest quality and highest performing panels available. Their 30-year product and performance warranty stands unmatched among its peers; compared to other tier 1 panels, Solarwatt’s commitment to ensuring that their products last for three decades without fail is unprecedented. With Solarwatt, customers have greater peace of mind that their investment in solar panels will remain secure for years to come.
- Average installation cost: 10kW=$12,950; 8KW=$10,480; 6kW =$7,602
- Max Efficiency: 20.5%
- Degradation rate:
- Performance warranty: 30 Years
- Product warranty: 30 Years
- Bloomberg ranking: No
- PV Evolution Labs Top Performer: No
Jinko Tiger N Type – Second Best Budget Choice
Jinko Solar Panels are an excellent choice for those looking for a great balance of trustworthiness and reliability, along with cost efficiency. The company provides industry-leading technology and warranty coverage, so you can be sure your investment will be safe. Along with the top-tier quality and comprehensive warranties, you can experience their cutting-edge engineering that uses innovative materials designed to withstand the toughest environments. If you’re in the market for solar panels and on a budget, Jinko should be on your shortlist, as you won’t sacrifice quality when choosing this option.
- Average installation cost: 10kW=$9,692; 8KW=$7,960; 6kW=$5,982
- Max Efficiency: 19.56%
- Degradation rate: 0.7%
- Performance warranty:
- Product warranty: 12 years
- Bloomberg ranking: Yes
- PV Evolution Labs Top Performer: Yes
Hyundai VG Series – Best Quality
Hyundai has been actively making strides to reposition itself towards the premium end of the market by offering an extended product warranty to 25 years, aligning themselves with industry leaders such as LG, Sunpower and REC. This longer-term commitment indicates the quality and reliability that Hyundai customers are sure to appreciate across various industries. Customers looking for quality and performance in their products need not look further than Hyundai, as all signs pointed towards high standards in both areas. With price points slightly higher than the competition, Hyundai’s commitment to delivering consistency demonstrates that peace of mind comes at an incrementally higher cost.
- Average installation cost: 10kW=$12,000; 8KW=$9,300; 6kW=$7,500
- Max Efficiency: 20.4%
- Degradation rate: 0.55%
- Performance warranty:
- Product warranty: 25 years
- Bloomberg ranking: Yes
- PV Evolution Labs Top Performer: Yes
How to choose the best solar panels
When selecting solar panels, it is important to consider both quality and efficiency. Higher quality panels will generally be more expensive but ultimately ensure that your system runs at optimal levels for maximum efficiency. You should always check the manufacturer’s warranty before selecting a panel, as some longer warranties may make up for higher price tags.
It is also wise to research the watt output of each panel and ask questions about the level of quality control used in their production. Finally, you should determine whether or not the size and location of your property are conducive to properly affixing solar panels safely; larger properties require extra attention when calculating panel loads on frames and other structures. Considering all these factors will help you make an educated decision when choosing the best option for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
What are the benefits of solar panels?
Solar power offers several advantages over other energy sources. It does not rely on finite resources, is renewable, and produces no pollution or greenhouse gases. Solar power can be installed quickly and yield long-term savings on energy bills due to its low maintenance requirements and free source of energy, the sun. Solar power offers sustainable solutions; they are modular, scalable, and can be installed anywhere that receives sufficient sunlight. Moreover, as technology advances, solar energy becomes increasingly more efficient, cost-effective, and easier to install.
What are the 3 types of solar panels?
Monocrystalline panels are made from a single crystal of silicon. They have higher efficiency levels, but they also tend to be more expensive. Polycrystalline solar panels are made from silicon that has been broken down into smaller chunks. They’re not as efficient at converting sunlight energy, but they cost less than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are lightweight and flexible. These qualities make them perfect for portable devices that need to be taken with you on the go, like electronic gadgets or camping supplies.
What is a good solar panel?
Finding the best solar panel for your home or business depends entirely on how much energy you use, your budget, the size of your roof, and what you will be using your produced electricity on. For example, if you just want solar panels for your home and have a fairly flexible budget, we recommend the LG solar panels since they are highly effective, durable, and compact, perfect for homes. They are expensive, but they come with a 25-year warranty. Answering the question of which is the best solar panel can only be done knowing your requirements.
Which solar inverter is best?
A solar inverter is a case of electronics that process and filter through the solar power produced by your solar panels. There are numerous brands to choose from, so it’s important to consider your needs for an inverter instead of a generalised answer. You can get a basic string inverter, which most small to medium-sized residential homes utilise, or a large central inverter that can process megawatts of power. These are used only for commercial buildings. There are also microinverters, which are the smallest kinds for tiny solar panel production. Remember to review and compare prices. A 5kW inverter usually costs around $1000.00. This is the best price and size you can look for when on the market for an inverter.
How do I install solar panels?
First, you’ll need to assess your roof’s size and condition and its exposure to direct sunlight. Once you know the measurements and specifications of your rooftop, you can start considering the best type of panel for your situation. Regarding sizing, most professional installers recommend aiming for at least one kilowatt per 100 square feet of surface area or more if available space is an issue. With that in mind, you can begin selecting a certified installer for your project; many manufacturers will provide their installation teams if needed. From there, it’s just a matter of picking out the necessary electrical supplies and materials used to secure the panels themselves, such as wiring and anchors.