What Are The Best Solar Panels on the Market?

In a world driven by the pressing need for more sustainable energy solutions, solar power is now a pivotal player in the race to mitigate climate change and diminish society’s reliance on fossil fuels.

As both individuals and businesses increasingly recognise the substantial environmental and financial advantages of solar energy over other non-renewable sources, the demand for top-tier solar panels has surged – and particularly so in Australia where solar energy is in ample supply.

In this article, we’ll unravel the question over which solar panels are the best available, including a discussion of the several factors key to understanding what “best” is, as well as the things you should keep in mind when choosing a solar brand and retailer/installer.

Ready? Let’s get going.

When choosing solar panels, what does “best” really mean?

Our customers’ quest to discover the “best” solar panels in Victoria necessitates the analysis of the array of factors that determine a fundamental question: what is the best solar panel for your needs, interests and budget?

Firstly, Victoria experiences a temperate climate characterised by fluctuations in weather conditions throughout the year, ranging from sunny days to sporadic rainfall and even intermittent heatwaves.

As a result, the ideal solar panels for both residential and commercial Victorian applications should boast exceptional efficiency in capturing sunlight, a robust structure to withstand dynamic weather patterns, and unshakable reliability to ensure a consistent stream of energy production.

What’s more, the “best” solar panels for your particular needs will consider factors such as efficiency, durability, warranty, upfront cost (taking into account the available government solar rebates and incentives), and more.

Let’s take a look at some of these factors now.

How to choose the right solar panels and solar retailer in Victoria

Here are the factors we consider to be critical when choosing a solar panel and retailer best suited to your needs:

• Elevated efficiency: Efficiency reigns supreme. Opting for solar panels with superior efficiency means harnessing a higher percentage of sunlight for electricity conversion—an attribute of paramount significance in regions like Victoria, where squeezing the maximum energy yield from limited sunlight is crucial.
• Enduring durability: The chosen solar panels must not only endure but thrive amid harsh climatic conditions such as storms and temperature fluctuations. Opting for panels renowned for their durability is pivotal in guaranteeing a prolonged lifespan.
• Reliability: A reputable solar retailer and manufacturer are prerequisites to ensure the dependability of the panels. Researching customer reviews and validating third-party certifications can furnish valuable insights into both product and retailer reliability.
• Warranty assurance: A comprehensive warranty is emblematic of a manufacturer’s unwavering confidence in their product’s longevity. Solar panels with extended warranties offer peace of mind, serving as a financial safeguard and ensuring lasting returns on investment.
• Low-light performance: Opting for solar panels with exceptional performance under low-light conditions—such as overcast days—proves invaluable in regions susceptible to meteorological fluctuations.
• Aesthetic integration and design: For those for whom aesthetics are paramount, selecting solar panels that seamlessly blend with the roof’s design is an option worth considering.

What solar panels do G Store sell, install and maintain?

At G Store, our SunPower solar panels and REC solar panels rate incredibly highly in all categories above, and come equipped with each retailer’s assurance regarding the quality of their product.

For example, all SunPower Maxeon solar panels boast an industry-best 40-year warranty (yes, that’s four decades of quality assurance!). Get your high-quality panels with the array of government rebates for which you may be eligible and a wonderful, life-long investment could be much more achievable than you actually thought.

Which brings us to:

The issue of upfront cost vs. long-term savings

While the allure of budget-friendly solar panels is undeniable, particularly given the increased cost of living across the country, embracing quality solar panels proffers a myriad of enduring benefits, particularly in the context of Victoria:

• Better efficiency: High-quality panels typically sport elevated efficiency ratings. This translates to a heightened capacity to generate energy from the same rooftop area, culminating in augmented savings over time.
• Extended lifespan: Quality panels are engineered for the long haul, often boasting longer lifespans compared to their budget counterparts. This translates to sustained returns on investment for decades to come.
• Easy maintenance and ongoing customer support: Cheaper panels are prone to premature wear and tear, necessitating recurrent maintenance and, potentially, replacements. Quality panels demand fewer repairs and replacements, reducing maintenance expenses.
• Longevity and assurance: Quality panels come accompanied by comprehensive warranties that span not only the product but its performance as well. This supplementary protection is invaluable in mitigating unforeseen setbacks and related costs.

The Clean Energy Council underscores that Australian households with solar panels stand to save up to a staggering $890 per annum on electricity bills. On the other hand, Solar Victoria claim that households could save up to $1000 or more each year with a solar system tailored to its specific needs and context.

It’s important to understand that the decision to invest in high-quality solar panels over their budget counterparts can lead to additional savings attributable to augmented energy generation and diminished maintenance expenses.

That brings us to a discussion of both SunPower solar panels and REC solar panels – two of the brands we recommend, sell and install at G Store. With over 15 years of award-winning solar expertise, we’ve hand-selected the very best panels for your home so that you don’t have to.

Benefits of SunPower Maxeon solar panels:

• Exceptional efficiency: SunPower Maxeon panels are renowned for their high efficiency, enabling maximum energy production from limited roof space.
• Unmatched durability: The patented metal foundation of Maxeon cells ensures their ability to withstand tough weather conditions and resist corrosion, leading to a longer lifespan.
• Reliability redefined: With the industry’s lowest degradation rates, SunPower Maxeon panels offer consistent energy production year after year, backed by a 40-year warranty.
• Higher energy generation: SunPower Maxeon panels generate more power from the same roof area, resulting in increased energy savings and return on investment.
• Innovative design: Back-contact conductivity and solid metal backing contribute to the panels’ superior performance and aesthetic appeal.

Benefits of REC Solar Panels:

• Scandinavian innovation: REC solar panels leverage cutting-edge Scandinavian technology, ensuring high quality and reliability.
• Proven track record: REC Group, with over 15 years of expertise, offers solar panels trusted by Victorian homeowners and businesses.
• Wide range of options: REC offers a range of solar panels, including the REC Alpha Pure and Twin Peak 5, catering to different energy needs and preferences.
• Energy efficiency: REC panels are designed for energy efficiency, contributing to reduced electricity bills and environmental impact.
• Aesthetic appeal: With an emphasis on design and quality assurance, REC solar panels seamlessly integrate with various roof styles while delivering optimal performance.

Comparing SunPower Maxeon and REC solar panels

• Efficiency and energy production: Both SunPower Maxeon and REC panels are known for their high efficiency, but SunPower panels tend to have a slight edge in efficiency (known for an efficiency rating of above 22%), leading to potentially higher energy generation.
• Durability and reliability: SunPower Maxeon panels emphasise their patented metal foundation for durability, while REC panels boast proven reliability backed by a long history in the solar industry.
• Warranty coverage: SunPower Maxeon panels offer an industry-leading 40-year warranty, providing extended peace of mind. REC panels also offer competitive warranties, ensuring quality assurance.
• Aesthetic integration: REC panels prioritise design and aesthetic integration, making them an excellent choice for those who value both performance and visual appeal. SunPower panels also have an elegant design with back-contact conductivity.
• Product range: REC offers a variety of panel options, allowing customers to choose based on their specific energy requirements. SunPower focuses on its Maxeon series, known for their top-tier performance.

Wrapping up – so, what are the best solar panels on the market?

Identifying the best solar panels for your specific needs hinges upon a comprehensive assessment of factors such as efficiency, durability, reliability, and warranty coverage.

While the upfront expense of superior panels might be marginally higher, the long-term dividends—in terms of escalated savings, energy efficiency, and diminished maintenance—render them a judicious investment.

What’s more, understanding the government solar rebate and incentives for which you are eligible is likely to make the upfront cost of your chosen, high-quality system vastly more affordable.

To learn more about the solar panels we recommend, sell, install and service/maintain as well as the rebates for which you may be eligible, visit our Learning Centre or give our friendly G Store team a call today on 1300 137 567.

We can’t wait to chat with you.