When choosing a solar panel system for a domestic or a large commercial property, many Northern-Ireland based homeowners and businesses get caught up in the debate over which solar panel brands of monocrystalline panel is best. There are so many options out there – Jinko, JA Solar, Canadian Solar, Aiko and more, that choosing one can be confusing to navigate – surely one must be better than the rest? But the truth is, most Tier 1 modern monocrystalline solar panels are quite similar with regards to efficiency, warranties and overall performance. So, our advice is to consider panel aesthetics, system design, and installer reputation, instead of focusing on the solar panel brand.
Solar Panel Efficiency & Warranty: More Similar Than You Think
First Class Solar only install Tier 1 panels, which offer panels with efficiencies in the range of 15-24%. While higher efficiency may seem important, the difference between brands is often minimal and won’t drastically affect overall system performance. For example, a panel with 20% efficiency versus one with 21% efficiency will only generate slightly more power over time—something that is often outweighed by factors like roof space and orientation. It’s all good and well wanting to go for a higher-efficiency panel, but if you can only fit 10 of them on your roof compared to 12 slightly lower-efficiency panels with similar warranties, the overall system output might actually be higher with the latter. For example, if a premium 420W panel allows for a 4.2kW system (10 panels), but a 375W panel allows for a 4.5kW system (12 panels), you could end up with more total generation across the year despite the lower efficiency per panel.
Additionally, nearly all Tier 1 solar panel manufacturers provide product warranties of 12-25 years and performance warranties of 25-30 years. Whether you choose Jinko, JA Solar, Canadian Solar, or Aiko, you can expect a reliable product with a long lifespan. Since these brands are well-established multi-billion dollar companies with support bases in several countries around the world, warranty support is generally strong across the board.
All-Black vs. Silver Frame Panels: Aesthetic & Functional Differences
One of the main differences between solar panels isn’t necessarily the brand but the frame color. Residential solar installations commonly use all-black panels because they offer a sleek and modern look, and tend to blend into the roof more seamlessly. This makes them a popular choice for homeowners who value the aesthetics of their system and want the solar to blend into their home as much as possible.
On the other hand, silver-framed panels are more common for commercial installations. While they may not look as polished as all-black panels, they often perform slightly better in terms of heat dissipation. Because commercial properties often choose function over looks, silver frames make a practical choice for large-scale systems that maximise efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Focus on System Design & Installer Reputation
Rather than worrying too much about brand names, it’s more important to focus on your system’s overall design and the quality of the installation. A well-designed system using Jinko panels will likely perform just as well as another system using a different JA (another Tier 1 brand) panels. This is when factors like shading, panel orientation, and inverter selection then play a larger role in maximising the system performance.
With this in mind, choosing a reputable installer is key to ensuring your system operates efficiently for years to come. A good installer will help you select the right panels for your needs, advise on inverter options, and ensure the system is installed to a high standard. Even the best solar panels won’t perform well if they are poorly installed! Check recent, local reviews on Google to see who is best to speak to, and ensure you choose a company based in Northern Ireland.
At the end of the day, the differences between Tier 1 solar panel brands are minimal, as long as you choose a trustworthy, experienced, local company like First Class Solar, to install them. Jinko, JA Solar, Canadian Solar, and Aiko all produce high-quality panels with similar efficiencies and warranties. Important factors to consider instead of brand names include the system design, your preferred look of all-black vs silver frames, and the expertise of your installer. By prioritising these factors, you’ll ensure that your solar investment provides maximum benefits for years to come.
