Real data from our solar panel test in Brisbane
It has been almost seven months since I updated the data of my solar panel test results. Since we are about to add a new line-up of solar panels, it thought it was time to update the test results. We’ve had a fairly hot January and February in 2016, so the panels temperature co-efficient is put under pressure. Although QCells was the latest to be added to the line-up, all panels have had six to 12 months for their initial degradation period, and results should be close enough to make a fair comparison.
The screen shot below is updated regularly for transparency.
This screen shot was taken on the 18/6/16, from 1 weeks worth of data. The results below have not yet been updated. To get a comparisons to a 250W panel, divide the KWH of the panel by the watts of the panel (eg 265W for the Q cells). Then multiply the figure by the watts of the panel that you want to compare (EG 250 for the Jinko)
Panels – in order of cost
- LG 300W mono – tier 1 Q2 2015 Bloomberg
- QCells265w poly – tier 1 Q2 2015 Bloomberg
- Trina 250W poly – tier 1 Q2 2015 Bloomberg
- Rene 250W poly – tier 1 Q2 2015 Bloomberg
- Jinko 250W poly – tier 1 Q2 2015 Bloomberg, PQ panel
- Risen 250W poly – tier 1 Q2 2015 Bloomberg, PQ panel
- ZN Shine poly – tier 1 Q2 2015 Bloomberg
- BlueSun 250w poly
- APS (Eurosolar) poly
PQ panel refers to the Australian Solar Council’s Positive Quality programme.
Solar Panel Test Results – in order of performance
(results are as production PER WATT.)
- LG 300W – 102.7 percent
- Risen 250W – 100.2 percent
- Jinko 250W – 100 percent
- QCells 265W – 99.5 percent (slightly newer panel than the rest)
- Rene 250W – 99.4 percent
- ZNShine250W- 99.4 percent
- Trina 250W – 95.3 percent
- BlueSun250 – 92.9 percent
- APS 250W – 91.1 percent
This solar panel test was made on a single panel purchased with no information of the testing intent.
Parameters and previous results are set out here:
My take on the solar panel test results
LG perform a bit better on the solar panel test. You will pay a lot more for that, but if you have a limited roof space, it makes sense.
Risen, Jinko, QCells, Rene and ZN shine are equivalent. Half a percent here or there on my test is negligible. The fact that Risen and Jinko are both PQ panels and come second and third for performance was interesting.
Trina concerns me, as it does in Photon testing.
Blue Sun and APS speak for themselves.
If you have any comparison results that you would like to share or a panel that you would like us to include in our next test, leave a comment below.
Mark
4 Responses
Hi Jamie. Arize solar is a phoenix of EuroSolar. Sunboost is another. Arize just registered this year after Eurosolar went bust. Have a Google about Eurosolar and ACCC etc. My advice is don’t go anywhere near them. If you get a 6kW system for under $5000, alarm bells should be ringing.
Hi mate, Arise solar are offering a 6.05 kw system with ZN shine tier 1 panels and a 5kw solax inverter for $3590, do you think this would be a good purchase?
Hi Will, I have been, but It’s difficult to compile the data in a meaningful way. I’m realising the build of a panel and the company supporting it is much more important than short-term production comparison. I’m not getting significantly poorly performing panels like i did with BlueSun and APS panels in my last test. Longi is just another Chinese panel. It’s probably ok, But it’s not nearly as good as LG, Sunpower or Qcells. I’m not a fan of Trina at all because of build quality I have seen.
Hi Mark, Have you been continuing with this test? Interested to know how these panels have been performing and their reliability. Also, what do you think about the Longi panels? I understand they are very new to the Aus market but the product data sheets suggest they are competing toward the higher end of the market. Their performance warranty is one of the best. Just not sure if they are fair dinkum and the panels are as good as they want us consumers to believe. I am on the market for a 6.6 Kw system on 5kw on our new house. Been considering LG, SunPower, Q Cells and Trina. Just stumble upon the Longi. Cheers, Will