Best Solar Panels in 2025?
Choosing the right solar panels can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options on the market. That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you! At Sunrays Power, we’ve assessed the top solar panel brands of 2025, focusing on quality, performance, and value for money. Instead of ranking brands from 1 to 5, we’ve grouped them into three categories: Premium, Mid-Tier, and Entry-Level, so you can find the best fit for your needs and budget.
TL;DR: How to Choose the Right Panel for You
Don’t want to read the whole article but want to know which panel is right for you? Here’s a quick guide:
- Premium: Choose REC if you want maximum performance, sleek aesthetics, and long-term value.
- Mid-Range: Go for Jinko, Trina, or Canadian Solar for high-quality panels at a fair price.
- Entry-Level: Pick LONGi if you’re starting your solar journey and want solid performance on a budget.
At Sunrays Power, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Whether you’re installing solar for the first time or upgrading your system, we’ll make sure you get the perfect solution for your needs.
What Makes a Great Solar Panel?
Here are the key factors we considered when selecting the top solar brands:
- Efficiency: High-efficiency panels generate more electricity in less space, making them ideal for properties with limited roof space or for maximising energy output.
- Performance in Heat: Australian summers can be tough on solar panels. We looked for brands that handle extreme heat well, ensuring steady performance even on the hottest days. For this we check out their Temperature coefficients.
- Durability: How tough is the panel? Can it withstand our storms and hail? Is it corrosion resistant? We look for panels that can continue to work in the worst case scenarios.
- Warranty: A strong warranty is a sign of trust in the product. We prioritised brands offering long-term performance and product warranties – ideally with local support in Australia.
- Standout Features: Some panels just have a little bit of something else other panels do not have. We like to place these in a separate category as what makes panels special is how they stand out from the rest.
- Value for Money: While premium panels come at a higher price, we evaluated whether their extra cost was justified by better performance, longevity, and energy savings.
SUNRAYS POWER’S TOP PICKS FOR 2025
Premium Category
We really thought that picking the best out of all of the solar brands we sell and install would be hard, but actually, it was fairly easy! Which is why we only have one solar brand that deserves to sit in this category, and that brand is REC.
Cream of the Crop: REC
REC is the gold standard of solar panels, combining cutting-edge technology with exceptional performance. REC is one of the only solar companies that is willing to match their passion for renewable energy with equal passion for sustainable and ethical business practices. If you want to ensure you do the best for the world, REC is perfect for homeowners and businesses willing to invest in a better tomorrow.
- Our Top Choice: REC Alpha Pure-RX
- Efficiency: REC Alpha Pure-RX (HJT type panels) are among the most efficient on the market, with an incredible maximum of 470W output and a staggering power density of 226 W/m² with 22.6% efficiency. Their low degradation rate means you can expect that these panels continue to operate at 92% of their original output after 25 years.
- Performance in Heat: The REC Alpha Pure-RX has a Temperature Coefficient of -0.24%/°C which means that the Alpha Pure RX loses ≈ 4.56% of its production for every degree Celsius above an ambient temperature of 25°C, and a large operating temperature range of -40 °C ~ +70°C.
- Durability: The REC Alpha Pure-RX can withstand hail up to 35mm (about the size of a golf ball in diameter), is resistant to ammonia, and is resistant to salt mist corrosion (Compliant to the IEC 61701 standards with a rating of SM6).The Alpha Pure-RX comes with a fire safety rating of UL 61730 Fire Type 2, a E class ignitability rating (ISO 11925-2 Ignitability EN 13501-1 Class E). Additionally, the Alpha Pure-RX comes with a highly robust frame and can withstand a rear side load of 4000 – 6000 Pa (Depending on mounting).
- Warranty: Under their ProTrust warranty, REC offers a 25-year product warranty, performance and labour, giving you peace of mind for decades. You can only gain their extended warranty if you install through REC accredited installers, which we are!
- Standout Features: The Alpha Pure-RX uses advanced cell technology. With Heterojunction (HJT) cells, these panels are better able to start producing electricity in lower light conditions (start generating energy earlier on in the day, and continue to generate energy later on in the day), these cells are also manufactured in such a way that it is gapless, allowing it to capture more sunlight and achieve a power density of 226 watts/m². Last but not least, the Alpha Pure-RX is one of the only panels that is manufactured without lead, meaning you can rest assured you’re doing your best for your health and the environment.
- Value for Money: As one of the most exxy panels on the market, the fact that we are still recommending REC’s panels as a financially viable choice just goes to show that REC is a very good investment choice. For those clients that are after the best performance with the highest long-term savings (but don’t mind a higher upfront cost), REC is the brand you should choose.
Mid-Tier Category
There was a bit of jostling and nit-picking that we had to do to write about our Mid-tired solar brands. They are all very good for different reasons, so we decided to rank them from one to three, placing more emphasis on price, how they preformed with heat, their durability, and the length of their warranty periods. In this category, we chose products from Jinko Solar, Trina Solar and Canadian Solar.
First in Mid-Tier: Jinko Tiger
Starting off with Jinko Solar, one of the largest solar panel manufacturers in the world, their large portfolio and economies-of-scale production capabilities allows them to meet the increasing demand for solar energy solutions while still offering competitive prices for high performance panels.
- Tiger Neo Satin All Black Dual Glass
- Efficiency: Jinko’s Tiger Neo All Black panels are very efficient! The Tiger Neo All Black panels use N-Type modules with JinkoSolar’s HOT 3.0 technology to offer better reliability. These panels boast an impressive 22% efficiency rate, and several different module types that can output a range between 430W and 455W. The Tiger Neo All Black panels have a low linear power degradation rate, you can expect that these panels continue to operate at 87.4% of their original output after 30 years.
- Performance in Heat: The Jinko Tiger Neo Satin All Black has a Temperature Coefficient of -0.29 %/°C, which means that it loses ≈ 4.35% of its production for every degree Celsius above an ambient temperature of 25°C. Additionally these panels have a large operating temperature range of -40 °C ~ +70°C, which is guaranteed peace of mind for those living in hotter areas.
- Durability: These panels are very sturdy. Firstly the Tiger Neo Satin All Black Dual Glass comes with an IEC61730 Fire Type Class C, and is made with anodised aluminium alloy frames which can withstand a rear side load of up to 4000 Pa of static load. These panels are compliant to Australian standards, which means that it can withstand hail up to 35mm. The Jinko Tiger Neo Satin All Black panels are also high salt mist and ammonia resistant (IEC 61701 and IEC 62716 certified). Great for those that live near busy roads, train tracks, beaches, or even farms.
- Warranty: Known for reliability, Jinko’s Tiger Neo series offers excellent performance and a 30-year linear warranty and a 25-year product warranty.
- Standout Features: We love these panels because its “All Black” design is not just visually appealing; it also blends seamlessly with various architectural styles, enhancing the overall look of your property. With the use of advanced technology, like half-cut cells, Jinko ensures high performance even in shaded conditions. Lastly, the best thing about Jinko’s Tiger Neo All Black panels is not the panels themselves, but the fact that you’d be buying a Jinko product. Jinko’s company’s commitment to customer satisfaction is something we’ve seen first hand. Jinko stands by its warranties and will honour them painlessly and quickly. What’s not to love?
- Value for Money: Not only are the Jinko Tiger Neo Satin All Black panels highly efficient and reliable, but they are great value for money. We’ve been installing Jinko panels since we started our business in 2015, and trust these panels to last as long as their warranty period, we can back up this claim, as the older models we have installed work extremely well, even through various hail storms and floods, with very low warrant claim rates.
Second in Mid-Range: Trina Solar
Trina Solar is another Tier 1 solar panel manufacturer that has large-scale global production to keep solar energy affordable. Additionally, Trina solar is a company focused on innovation, to date, Trina has broken 26 world records on solar cell efficiency, all while keeping their production processes environmentally sound. Trina is a solid choice for budget minded customers that also want to ensure good and efficient production.
- Trina Solar Vertex S+ (NEG9R.28 )
- Efficiency: Trina Solar Vertex S+ panels are slightly more efficient than our top choice in our mid-range category, so you won’t be missing out on any solar production during peak sunlight by choosing Trina. The Trina Solar Vertex S+ panels use N-Type TOPCon Dual-Glass Monocrystalline technology, which allows them to deliver a maximum efficiency rate of 23%, and provide flexibility with different module types that can output a range between 425W and 460W. The Trina Solar Vertex S+ panels also have a low linear power degradation rate, similar to Jinko’s Tiger Neo; you can expect these panels to continue to operate at 87.4% of their original output after 30 years.
- Performance in Heat: The Trina Solar Vertex S+ has a Temperature Coefficient of -0.29 %/°C, but due to its higher operating temperature it will lose ≈ 5.22% of its total production for every degree Celsius above an ambient temperature of 25°C. However, these panels have a slightly more robust operating temperature range of -43 °C ~ +85°C, which means that they can tolerate slightly hotter temperatures.
- Durability: Trina’s Vertex S+ is also quite durable, and less prone to micro-cracks and scratches on the back side due to the heat strengthened glass and black coloured anodised aluminium alloy frame, which can withstand a rear side load of up to 4000 Pa. Just like the Jinko panels, Trina’s Vertex S+ are compliant to Australian standards, which means that it can withstand hail up to 35mm, is high salt mist and ammonia resistant, and has an IEC61730 fire type rating of Class C.
- Warranty: As Trina’s Vertex S+ does come with an extremely low degradation rate, Trina is offering a 25-year Product & 30-year Power Warranty on their solar panels. Trina also has a great Warranty claims process. We hold a soft spot for Trina’s solar panels warranty claim process, where in the case that your installers go out of business, you are still able to easily claim your solar warranty.
- Standout Features: Trina’s focus on large-format panels means fewer panels are needed for a high-output system.Which means that if you have a slightly smaller roof, you can install less panels and still get a larger system size. This is also helped by their lower current rating, which means that we can play around with the solar design – especially, for those of you that have intricately designed roofs.
- Value for money: For those of you that have a tighter budget, but still want their solar panels to produce energy efficiently and consistently, Trina is an excellent choice. While you might be giving up some durability, the price and the energy efficiency makes up for the losses. Trina is also a brand name that carries a lot of weight in the Australian solar market.
Third in Mid-Tier: Canadian Solar
Canadian Solar is a Tier 1, global solar manufacturer that structures their business around large scale production as well as running and installing utility-scale solar and energy storage plants all throughout the world. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Ontario, Canada, Canadian solar has grown to encompass many production facilities worldwide. They also have a strong Australian presence, which looks after both commercial and residential solar projects here at home.
- Canadian CS6R N-type TOPcon 108half-cell Black 30mm MC4 (TOPHiKu6)
- Efficiency: Out of all their panels, we specifically recommend the 440W TOPHiKu6 panels for residential solar installations, while the power output for the TOPHiKu6 panels ranges from 420W to 445W, the 440W is the most popular in Australia, which means that in the case of a warranty claim, there would be more stock to quickly replace like-for-like. Regardless, 440W TOPHiKu6 delivers efficiency rates of up to 22.5%, which is much less than the other panels in the Mid-Range, but compared to other panels in the market, efficiency rates that are above 21% are panels which are considered to be “high efficiency” panels. This is possible due to the use of TOPCon technology in the panel itself. Additionally, the TOPHiKu6 panels have a low linear power degradation rate, similar to all other panels in our Mid-Range category. This means that, you can expect any panel in the TOPHiKu6 range to operate at 87.4% of their original output after 30 years.
- Performance in Heat:The TOPHiKu6 solar panel range has a Temperature Coefficient of -0.29 %/°C, same as the Vertex S+, however, the TOPHiKu6 has a lower nominal module operating temperature at 41°C, and that means it actually performs better that the Vertex S+ in hotter temperatures. Because of this, you will only lose ≈ 4.64% of your total production for every degree Celsius above an ambient temperature of 25°C. These panels also have an operating temperature range that is just slightly better than the Vertex S+ with a minimum of -40°C and a maximum of 85°C.
- Durability: Canadian Solar’s TOPHiKu6 range is less durable compared to the other solar panels in the mid-tier range and can withstand a rear side load of up to 2400 Pa. But comes with great safety ratings for both fire (Class C), hail, and ammonia damage, as the TOPHiKu6 is compliant to Australian standards.
- Warranty: The TOPHiKu6 comes with an excellent 25-years product warranty, as well as a 30-year linear power performance warranty. Canadian Solar is very good at responding to warranty claims, and the length of their warranty stands up to all other warranties in our Mid-tier category.
- Standout Features: One of the best features about Canadian solar panels is their lower system cost, many of our clients that choose to purchase Canadian Solar products end up paying off their systems in less than 4 years, with most of them paying off their system within 3 years. Additionally, the Canadian Solar panels that we have installed also have low warranty claims rates. Which tells us that Canadian Solar panels are extremely reliable panels.
- Value for money: Canadian Solar panels are a great choice for those that want a reliable system that simply works. If you’re on a tighter budget, but want something in our mid-tier, or simply, if you live in Queensland, and know your area gets hot, the TOPHiKu6 panels might be the better choice for you.
Entry-Level Category
There are many solar cowboys that sell and produce solar in this category that operate in the Australian market. For entry-level solar, we only really recommend one brand, and that is LONGi solar.
Last, but not least: LONGi Solar
LONGi is our go-to brand for those entering the solar world. Known for affordability and dependable performance, LONGi solar panels are an excellent option for our most budget-conscious buyers. LONGi solar is a Tier 1, AAA rated, solar manufacturer that you can bank on.
- LONGi LR5-54HTH 440W (Hi-MO6)
- Efficiency: There are a few LONGi panels that are currently available in the market, but we recommend the Hi-MO6 440W panels. The Hi-MO6 actually produces energy at a higher efficiency rate than the TOPHiKu6 at a maximum of 23% efficiency, but comes with a 88.9% linear power degradation rate after 25-years. Which is just slightly less impressive than our lowest mid-tier solar panels. This is incredible energy output when compared to other similar solar panels made by other brands, which is why the LONGi Hi-MO6 is being recommended in our “Top 5 Best Solar Panel List of 2025”.
- Performance in Heat: The Hi-MO6 has an operational temperature between -40°C ~ +85°C, which is comparable to our higher ranked solar panels. This is great news for those that live in extremely cold, or extremely hot temperatures. For those of us here in Southeast Queensland who want to know more about how this panel will operate in heat, the Hi-MO6 has a slightly higher nominal operating cell temperature similar to the Vertex S+, and that does affect the production. For every degree Celsius above an ambient temperature of 25°C, these panels would lose ≈ 5.80% of its total production. While this might seem a lot, remember these panels will still continue to produce energy until the panels themselves reach 85°C – Very impressive!
- Durability: LONGi panels hold their own in the budget category, they are robustly built and can withstand a rear side load of up to 2400 Pa. Just like every other panel in our top 5, the LONGi Hi-MO6 is fully compliant to Australian standards. It comes with a fire rating Class C, can withstand hailstones of up to 25mm, and is salt mist and ammonia resistant.
- Warranty: LONGi solar is one of the best budget brands in terms of the warranty they offer. LONGi is offering a 25-years Product warranty and a 25-years linear power output warranty for their Hi-MO6 panels, which is much more than other budget brands. Honestly, what’s not to love here?
- Standout Features: LONGi can offer lower cost solar panels because they are specialists at producing monocrystalline panels. They’ve truly made it their own, with their proprietary HPBC type solar panels which can and has beaten the newer TOPCon cell type in efficiency (if it’s not broken, why should they fix what works?). While they may be using older technology, you can’t say that the products they create are not efficient, or even, record breaking for this technology type.
- Value for money: Many of our clients that install LONGi, are looking to cut back on their bills first and foremost. With power bills on the rise, and cost of living soaring, installing reliable, cost effective, and durable panels such as the Hi-MO6 is literally a game changer for them. These panels are amazing value for money and are a great no-fuss choice.
Find the Perfect Solar Solution with Sunrays Power
Investing in solar power is one of the smartest decisions you can make, but with so many options available, choosing the right system can feel overwhelming. At Sunrays Power, we take the guesswork out of the process by offering expert guidance and tailored solutions to match your energy needs, budget, and long-term goals.
We’re more than just solar retailers, we’re your partners in sustainable energy. We help you navigate rebates, ensure compliance with energy regulations, and offer ongoing support to optimise your system’s performance. Whether you’re looking to lower your electricity bills, increase your property’s value with solar, or take a step towards a greener future, Sunrays Power has the expertise to make it happen.
Are you looking to install a residential or commercial solar system? Ready to take the plunge? Contact us on 1800 720 719 for a free consultation and take the first step towards a better energy future.
