Higher-power solar panels (475W+) aren’t better, they’re bigger

Higher power solar panels installed on a factory roof with an orange sunset setting in the background

From 2023 with solar module efficiencies ranging from 21-22%, higher-power solar panels (greater than 415 – 440 W) are not better, they’re just bigger, a lot bigger. Oversized solar panels present a heavier, cumbersome build, designed for purposes other than Australian residential rooftops. Therefore, why do companies sell these modules? The answer, marketing hype to have you believe you are buying better—your first red flag.

Contents

Unlike other electrical purchases where a higher-power product for a similar price offers a potential advantage over that of lesser power (speakers, microwave, drill etc.), the same can not be said for higher-power solar panels. With equal efficiency, higher-power solar panels occupy the same rooftop surface area required to fulfil the system generation capacity (e.g. 6.6, 10 or 13 kW) as their lower-power counterparts.

Unfortunately, many consumers perceive high power output as a technology advantage, while deceptive vendors leverage knowledge gaps. There is a purpose for higher-power solar panels, and in most instances, it’s not your residential rooftop.

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The key differences

Manufacturers add additional rows of cells to make solar panels more appealing for specific project designs. Such a result alters electrical characteristics of the solar panel, affecting the system design. However, the more you stray away from popular residential electrical characteristics, the harder it is to incorporate future technology or maintenance (DC-coupled technology, inverter replacements etc.). Therefore, what may initially be appealing has the potential to become an ongoing hindrance in a residential-type scenario.

Power
Dimensions
Weight
Efficiency
Download
Jinko Tiger Pro Solar Module
415 W
1855 x 1029 mm
20.8 kg
21.74%
Datasheet
Jinko Tiger Neo Solar Module
440 W
1722 x 1134 mm
22 kg
22.02%
Datasheet
Jinko Tiger Neo - Perth Solar Warehouse
475 W
1955 x 1134 mm
24 kg
21.43%
Datasheet

Datasheet examples updated from JinkoSolar.com.au 16/01/2023.

In this instance, the technology is not unique. The higher-power solar panel of the same brand will occupy the most surface area per/m2 compared to its lower-power counterparts due to the lowest efficiency. However, the differences would be virtually unnoticeable at only a 0.59% efficiency difference. As the solar panel expands its cell capacity a significant weight increase occurs. Weight increase should be accounted for in the system design, but is often neglected, resulting in adverse downstream issues.

Ultra-high-power solar panels

From 2022/23, leading solar panel manufacturers are building 600 W+ solar modules. One must query, though, why are these ultra-high-powered solar panels not marketed to homeowners if the highest-power solar panels are the most advanced? Deceptive marketers would if they could. Although, the electrical characteristic mismatch and dimensions become too extreme to be a plausible solution.

Power
Dimensions
Weight
Efficiency
Download
Jinko Tiger Neo Solar Module
555 W
2278 x 1134 mm
28 kg
21.48%
Datasheet
Jinko Tiger Neo - Perth Solar Warehouse
625 W
2465 x 1134 mm
30.6 kg
22.36%
Datasheet

Datasheet examples updated from JinkoSolar.com.au 16/01/2023.

In the below video, LONGi Solar, the world’s largest manufacturer (BNEF Tier 1, Q4 2022) identify with the Hi-MO 4 range that different module outputs suit specific purposes, with the higher-power solar panels being achieved with an increased cell quantity and better suited towards C&I projects. Same panel, different dimensions with altered electrical characteristics.

Pros of larger solar panels

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Cons of larger solar panels

What is the cost difference?

Nil. Solar panels form part of a system and are priced on a per/watt basis. Therefore, there is often no cost difference at a wholesale level with a like-for-like increased vs reduced dimension solar panel format incorporated a system. It is a misconception that you are receiving better solar panels due to an increased power class.

Retailers will always buy solar panels wholesale at a per/watt purchase price. The cost is almost always identical, as the efficiency and technology define the solar panel, not the power output.

Interestingly, solar panel higher-power output deception is nothing new. Pre-2020, marketers would leverage the higher-power qualities of 72-cell solar panels. Even though a lot has changed since, so too have the associated components to adapt to the change. 72-cell solar panels were specifically designed for C&I installation types and high-power inverters, with 60-cell solar panels better suited to the residential market and residential-specific inverter technologies.

From 2023, with most new solar panels available in Australia ranging from 21-22% module efficiency, the ideal residential solar panel with mainstream electrical characteristics for your future flexibility currently ranges between 400 to 440 W. As REC Solar would suggest, seek “Better, not Bigger”.

Need assistance matching the ideal solar panel with your installation type, less the misleading spin? Perth Solar Warehouse Sales Support can assist with Perth’s most extensive online range of high-grade solar panel technology.

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