Solar energy has become increasingly popular in Australia as more and more homeowners and businesses look for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on expensive electricity bills.
A high-performing solar energy system starts with a good quality solar panel but selecting PV modules can be a daunting task with so many brands and models on the market.
As one of Queensland’s most experienced and longest-serving solar installers, we have a pretty good grip on what sets apart a high-quality solar panel from the not-so-great. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve determined which solar panels you should consider for Australian homes and businesses in 2023.
Read more: Solar Bill Savings - How Much Will You Save On Your Power Bill With Solar?
Pay Attention to the Following Criteria When Selecting Your Solar Panel
The three key things that determine the quality of a solar panel and its manufacturer are:
- Solar panel warranty periods
- Longevity in the market
- Ongoing service and support within Australia
Selecting a solar panel that meets these criteria isn’t difficult once you’ve been led in the right direction. Springers Solar offers a large range of solar panels to suit any budget, but we choose those components carefully. Even our entry-level system is a high-quality component with a good warranty from a company that offers service and support within Australia.
Why Are Australians Choosing Solar?
The adoption of solar energy is rising in Australia as homeowners and businesses look for cost-effective and environmentally friendly ways to power their properties. One main reason people choose solar is the cost savings it offers. Solar panels enable homeowners to generate their own electricity, reducing or eliminating their dependence on the grid.
Read More: Pros and Cons of Solar Energy in 2023
Additionally, the Australian government offers rebates and incentives for those who choose to go solar, making it even more cost-effective.
Environmental concerns are also a driving factor for many people and solar energy is a clean and renewable energy source. Utilising solar energy reduces your carbon footprint and helps to decrease your dependence on fossil fuels. With increasing attention to climate change, solar energy is becoming an increasingly attractive alternative for homeowners and businesses.
Read more: The Benefits of Installing a Solar System on Your Home
But how can you ensure that if you make the switch to renewable energy, your investment in a solar system will reduce your electricity bills, lower your carbon footprint, and operate optimally for years to come? The answer is in the quality of the components you select.
This is where we’ve come in to help - with over 21 years of solar industry experience and over 15,000 residential and commercial solar installations, we’ve narrowed down the best solar panels Australians should be paying attention to in 2023.
What Australians Need to Consider First Before Purchasing Solar
Before you select a solar panel for your home or business, there are a few things you should consider first to make sure that you’re selecting a panel that will meet your needs.
Your Personal Energy Goals
Ask yourself the following question to help you consider your personal energy goals for either your home or business: How much electricity do you want to generate, and what are your long-term plans for your home or business’s energy consumption? Do you want to eventually install a battery system? Are you interested in creating a smart eco home? These types of questions will help you determine how many panels you need, and what size system will best suit your needs.
Your Energy Consumption
It’s important to take into account your home or business’s energy consumption. How much electricity do you currently use, and what are your peak energy usage times? You can find this information on your electricity bill. This will help you determine the size of the system you need and how much solar energy you need to produce to reduce your draw on the electricity grid.
Location and Shading
The location of your home or business and the amount of shading it receives will impact the efficiency of your solar panels. Some panels perform better than others in shaded conditions, so it’s important to have a professional assess your property to determine not only the best location for your solar panels but also whether you require solar panels with a microinverter or DC power optimiser system.
Warranty Periods
Anyone considering a solar system should have warranty periods at the front of their mind. Installing a solar system is an investment, so it is always recommended to do your research on warranty periods for all the components you are considering. Look for manufacturers that offer a longer warranty period (20+ years) - this will give you peace of mind and ensure that your solar panels will continue to perform efficiently over time.
Premium Solar Panels VS. Cost-Effective Solar Panels
There are high-quality solar panels to suit most budgets. Premium panels are top-of-the-line solar panels by manufacturers who offer extensive warranties and proven performance. These solar panels are typically the choice for those who can afford to spend more upfront and value high panel performance over a long period of time. Premium panels also look good - an all-black, gapless cell design looks excellent on any roof but comes with a pricier tag.
If a premium panel is out of budget or you’re just chasing an entry-level solar system that performs well with a good rate of return, then we can suggest some excellent cost-effective options. These panels offer great value for money with proven performance, high efficiency, and a good warranty to protect your system for years to come.
The Two Best Solar Panels in Australia 2023
Read further to see which two solar panel brands we recommend for Australians in 2023.
TRINA SOLAR
A Leading Global Provider of Photovoltaic Modules
Trina Solar is a leading global provider of PV modules and energy solutions. With over 20 years of experience in the solar industry, the brand is known for producing high-quality and efficient solar panels. The Trina Solar Vertex series is their flagship product known for its high performance, reliability, and durability.
Trina manufactures smaller-than-typical solar panels that are designed to fit all roof spaces without compromising on power. This is achieved through their high-density cell technology, which eliminates the vertical inter-cell gap. This results in more surface area to produce power.
The Trina Solar Vertex S and Vertex S+ ranges are both high-performance solar panels offered by Trina Solar. However, there are some key differences between the two ranges that set them apart.
The Vertex S range (pictured above) is known for its compact form factor and high power output. The panels in this range have a cell design that provides high performance and are easy to install and maintain.
The Vertex S+ range (pictured below) is an upgrade of the Vertex S range, offering higher power output and improved energy production. This is achieved through a larger cell size and an innovative interconnect system that reduces resistance and increases energy production. The panels in the Vertex S+ range offer higher power output than the Vertex S range, making them a better choice for large-scale installations.
We recommend the Vertex S range for those who are looking for an affordable entry-level system that is still backed by a decent warranty and will maintain performance long-term.
The Vertex S+ range is great for home or business owners who want to see their solar energy system produce excellent results with Trina’s newest technology. The warranties are also more extensive to credit that the range is guaranteed to perform long-term.
Trina Solar has an excellent Australian-based support team and has been a leader in the industry for over two decades. We are confident in Trina Solar’s ability to not only produce excellent solar panels but also deliver support to protect your solar energy system down the line.
Read More: Trina Solar Panels Review: Does Trina Solar Perform For Australian Homes?
The Trina Solar PV modules we stand by are:
- Trina Solar 415W Vertex S
25-year product and performance warranty - Trina Solar 430W Vertex S
25-year product and performance warranty - Trina Solar 430W Vertex S+
25-year product and 30-year power warranty
SUNPOWER
Proprietary Maxeon Solar Cell Technology for High-Performance Solar Panels
SunPower is one of the world’s most regarded and reputable premium solar panel manufacturers. With class-leading efficiency, their panels are top-of-the-range in terms of high-performing cells, maximum efficiency, and superior design. Their technology significantly reduces cell degradation and is supported with an industry-leading 40-year warranty, with efficiency reported to still reach 88.3% even in its 40th year.
SunPower offers premium panels for a higher price point, but it is a great selection for those who are looking to meet specific performance requirements and warranty protection.
We recommend SunPower Performance solar panels and SunPower Maxeon solar panels. They have the following key differences.
The SunPower Performance range (pictured right) of solar panels utilises SunPower’s proprietary solar cell technology to provide high efficiency and performance. These panels are designed to offer a balance between power output and cost-effectiveness, making them a popular choice for homeowners and businesses alike.
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The Sunpower Maxeon range of solar panels utilises the latest and most advanced solar cell technology from SunPower. These panels are known for their high efficiency and performance and are considered to be some of the best solar panels on the market. The Maxeon range is also covered by an industry-leading 40-year warranty, so if you have concerns about cell degradation, don’t. The Maxeon panels are a popular choice for high-end residential installations and large commercial projects.
SunPower is a global company with a strong presence in Australia, and they have local teams to support their customers and partners here. This includes a local customer support team that is available to assist SunPower customers with any questions or concerns.
The SunPower PV modules we stand by are:
- SunPower 410W Performance 6
25-year warranty - SunPower 425W Maxeon 6
40-year warranty
Solar Will Only Save You Money and Perform as Promised When Installed by a Reputable and Long-Standing Installer
It is critical to choose your solar installer carefully if you decide to proceed with solar. Unfortunately, the solar industry is fraught with companies whose aim is to make a quick buck with a cheap install with cheap components. If you think the price is too good to be true, then it probably is.
Always choose a solar installer that has been trading for at least 10-15 years. A long-standing installer will be able to honour their warranties and service guarantees. A ‘solar orphan’ is someone whose installer has fallen out of business and thus has no points of contact for warranty claims or system support (unfortunately, this happens a lot more than you may think!).
Your solar installer should also complete a site inspection and analysis of your personal energy needs, to design a system that is most suited to your energy goals. On-site inspections are preferable, as this will help to avoid any hidden fees or additional costs that may be incurred come the day of installation (as pricing is always subject to inspection).
In summary, the most important things to look for when selecting an installer are evidence of customer testimonials focused on reliability and honesty, a high standard of workmanship, warranty periods, and quality components.
Springers Solar | Queensland's Most Experienced Solar Installer
Springers Solar provides quality components with proven performance, backed by industry-leading warranties, and dedicated after-sales support. Thousands of satisfied customers over more than 21 years of operation make Springers Solar one of the most established and experienced solar companies in Australia.
Springers Solar has received multiple awards for design and installation and is a certified/preferred installer for a large range of solar panel, inverter, and solar battery manufacturers, including Tesla, REC, and SolarEdge.
Our dedicated in-house team of electrical engineers, project managers, solar PV designers, solar installers and electricians work closely with you before, during, and long after your project is completed. Springers Solar offers an industry-leading 10-year workmanship warranty which is a testament to our qualified staff and offers you outstanding value and peace of mind.
The Two Best Solar Panels on Offer in Australia 2023