Are the benefits of REC Solar panels worth the cost?

Bottom corner of an REC Alpha Pure R solar panel with an abstract green, blue and yellow graphic background.

One of the most awarded solar panel brands for innovation over the last decade, the 2023 range of REC Solar panels is, without doubt, some of the most evolved market-wide. With such heavy investment into research and development of highly developed technology, a cost premium is inevitable. However, given that many lower-priced substitutes exist, it’s always wise to consider whether the cost of REC Solar panels is worth the additional expense.

Contents

Pros & cons

REC Solar may not be a household name. However, this wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries is more than entrenched and respected amongst solar enthusiasts due to a successful decade of producing innovative technology. Since exceeding expectations with an Intersolar Award in 2015 for the REC TwinPeak range, more and more researched investors have begun demanding REC Solar panels.

Accolades continued when REC released the REC Alpha range in 2019 (Intersolar Award 2020), facilitating the widespread adoption of superior-performance Heterojunction (HJT) cell technology. In 2022, REC enhanced the Alpha range by developing it to be entirely lead-free, an issue that plagued all competing solar panels. A revolutionary development claiming the REC Alpha Pure range the esteemed Intersolar Award 2022.

Which to consider

From 2023, two world-class REC Solar panels will be available, each resonating with a distinct module purchaser, with one Alpha model phased out by the end of Quarter 1. Primarily differentiated by cell technology, REC solar panels come in three formats; Heterojunction (Alpha), N-Type (N-Peak) and P-Type (Twinpeak). However, the N-Peak series is no longer available on the Australian market due to limited market appeal.

Model
Power
Efficiency
Temp
COEF (°C)
Download
REC Alpha Pure R Solar Module
Alpha Pure R
410 W
21.2%
-0.26%
Datasheet
REC Alpha Pure Solar Module
Alpha Pure
400 W
21.6%
-0.26%
Datasheet
REC Alpha Pure Solar Module
Twinpeak 5
400 W
20.3%
-0.34%
Datasheet

Alpha Pure R (410 W): Lead-free 3rd generation Intersolar Award-winning (2020, 2022) Heterojunction cell technology for optimal energy generation potential. More than efficiency, Alpha Pure R’s leading temperature coefficient of -0.26%°C (lower the better) assists the most significant energy harvesting ability in temperatures above 25°C.

Alpha Pure (400 W): The 2nd generation REC Alpha solar panel that attracted worldwide recognition for the second time (Intersolar 2022), paving the way for lead-free solar and a better future.

Twinpeak 5 (400 W): Hard not to love a solar panel in its 5th Generation prime. The REC Twinpeak 5 is the Award-winning (2015) split-cell module technology now used by competing solar module manufacturers globally. We understand, nothing beats an original.

What is the warranty

The base product warranty of all REC Solar panels is 20 years. An additional 5 years is equipped upon installation and registration by an REC Certified Solar Professional bringing the total product warranty period to 25 years. Such a program assists end-user module purchasers in knowing the installer is brand aligned with greater product knowledge for successful implementation.

It’s important to note that even though the Performance warranty of all REC Solar panels is 25 years, the annual maximum power output degradation varies slightly (0.25%) within the Performance warranty period.

Model
Product warranty period
Performance warranty period
1st year degradation 1
Annual degradation 1,2
Download
REC Alpha Pure R Solar Module
Alpha Pure R
• 20 yr 3
• 25 yr 4
25 yr
2%
0.25%
Warranty
REC Solar Panel
Alpha Pure
• 20 yr 3
• 25 yr 4
25 yr
2%
0.25%
Warranty
REC Alpha Pure Solar Module
Twinpeak 5
• 20 yr 3
• 25 yr 4
25 yr
2%
0.5%
Warranty
  1. Warranted maximum power output degradation within a nominated period at Standard Test Conditions.
  2. Annual warranted maximum power output degradation at Standard Test Conditions, beyond year-1 for the remaining performance warranty period.
  3. Base warranty period.
  4. Protrust warranty applicable upon activation after installation (Perth Solar Warehouse is a certified REC Solar Professional for Protrust activation).

This information should be interpreted alongside the full REC Solar warranty document. 

 

Where are they made

In 2010 after considering 200 possible global locations, REC nominated Tuas, Singapore, as its new centralised global manufacturing hub. Renowned as one of Asia’s most evolved commercial centres, Singapore provides a strategic base to ensure ease of international distribution while emersed in a society that understands the importance of maintaining high-quality standards. Continuing to ensure the REC name is synonymous with its tagline of Solar’s most Trusted a decade later.

What do they cost

Award-winning technology will always cost more than the market average, positioning the Alpha range of REC solar panels within the higher calibre of capital investment requirements. As a gauge, an approximate 20% price difference exists between Twinpeak 5 and Alpha Pure R series REC Solar panels when combined as a package after the current zone 3 STC subsidy (Perth & Bunbury region).

Defining overall economic viability, leading technology is always the most desirable. However, a trusted brand’s most economical option may be more appealing for project feasibility. The good news is that REC Solar panels are superior to most competing solar panels by technical specifications, justifying an increased investment potential.

Model
Sample System Size
Average
Cost per kW 1
PSW Price
REC Alpha Pure R Solar Module
Alpha Pure R
6.6 kW
$1165
Shop
REC Alpha Pure Solar Module
Alpha Pure
6.6 kW
$1165
n/a
REC Alpha Pure Solar Module
Twinpeak 5
6.6 kW
$938
Shop ›

1. Average cost per kW installed (after STC value deducted as a point-of-sale discount), considering average inverter cost compatible with the sample system size.

Ensure these REC Solar panels and their nominated prices are our best. Get your copy of the latest Perth Solar Warehouse catalogue.

As the most common small-scale system size (residential), a 6.6 kW system is used as an example. Considering all inverter types, the average cost has been divided to provide an Average Cost per kW. To assist with research and for comparative purposes, the average cost can be multiplied by any nominated system size for a general price. This content is not a substitute for a quoted price.

Quick links: The PSW Price on alternative system sizes 3 kW, 10 kW or 13 kW.

Final chance. Your copy of the latest Perth Solar Warehouse catalogue. 

Pairing options

When considering REC Solar panels, your making a considered investment into your future energy security. Therefore and considered investment surrounds your solar inverter as your centralised point of interaction. The following inverters have some of the most evolved energy ecosystems.

Huawei SUN2000L1 comparison Inverters by Perth Solar Warehouse

Hybrid Inverter: Huawei SUN2000-L1 or M1. A proven hybrid inverter within Australia with a consistently evolving product suite. Maximise the oversizing capabilities of your preferred REC solar panels, if limitations exist, by adding a Huawei LUNA battery. For a one-energy ecosystem solution, the Huawei EV FusionCharger AC arrives mid 2023. Huawei →

SMA Sunny Boy Inverter comparison by Perth Solar Warehouse

Standard Inverter: SMA Sunny Boy or Sunny Tripower. German dependability has never been so distinctive as it is in solar power and SMA has been at the forefront of energy conversion technology since 1981. Perhaps most interesting is the SMA energy ecosystem now powered by Intersolar Award-winning (2018) ennexOS capabilities. SMA →

Fronius Symo Inverters by Perth Solar Warehouse

Hybrid Inverter: Fronius GEN24 models. The new generation of Fronius inverters is the solar and battery (DC HV) compatible Fronius GEN24 range with European-built appeal. Fronius continues to remain Australia’s favourite inverter by enhancing the Fronius sustainable energy technology ecosystem with a modern hybrid appeal. Fronius →

Which is ideal for you

Since claiming the prestigious Intersolar Award in 2020 and 2022 with its next-generation HJT (Heterojunction Technology) cell design, the REC Alpha series has been on the lips of many. As with any superior technology, an increased capital investment requirement will render these particular REC Solar panels out of reach for many.

Should investment criteria exist more around the REC brand than the latest Heterojunction photovoltaic technology, selecting a previous Intersolar award-winning cell formation, the Twinpeak series, provides outstanding value where budget limitations exist.

No matter the preferred selection criteria, the overall long-term benefits, due to manufacturer strength, and as a company consistently at the forefront of innovation, REC Solar panels are without-a-doubt a class above. Overall justified by many industry experts as worth the additional cost for long-term energy harvesting yeild and improved property value potential from superior aesthetic appeal. The ability to improve energy investment satisfaction awaits through REC.

Seeking a more specific REC product? As a trusted REC Solar Professional, Perth Solar Warehouse sales support can assist.

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