When it comes to choosing solar panels for your home, you need to make sure you are making an informed decision. This guide will help you compare two of the best and more affordable brands in the industry, Jinko and Canadian Solar. We’ll look at cost, efficiency and warranty options so that you know everything about Jinko and Canadian Solar before making a purchase.
Quick Guide
Overview: Both Jinko and Canadian Solar are Tier 1 solar companies. They have been supplying solar panels for around 15 years, are well-established in the Australian solar industry and have offices in Australia.
Efficiency: Jinko solar panels have higher max efficiency ratings (19.48%) than Canadian Solar (16.80%). Greater efficiency means that Jinko solar panels can generate more power per square metre of surface area than Canadian Solar panels.
Installation: The installation process is generally easier with Jinko panels than with Canadian Solar due to the lighter weight and flexible sizing options available. Canadian Solar’s more powerful panels are larger and heavier. As such, Jinko solar panels are often chosen by installers when there is limited roof access or space constraints for a solar installation.
Cost: Jinko panels are generally less expensive ($0.70/watt) than Canadian Solar ($1/watt). However, the cost difference depends on the type of panel chosen and its size and wattage rating. Also, prices can vary according to where you purchase them.
JINKO SOLAR
Jinko Solar Holding Co., Ltd. is a China-based solar company with manufacturing plants in the USA, Malaysia and Vietnam. Popular Jinko solar panels in Australia are the Cheetah 60M and Eagle 60 ranges.
KEY DATA – Cheetah 60M 305-325
- MONO PERC MODULE 305-325 Watt
- 5 Busbar Solar Cell
- Power: 305-325 watts
- Efficiency: 18.28%-19.48%
- Weight: 19kg
- Dimensions: 1665×1002×35mm
- Frame: Anodized Aluminium Alloy
- Warranty: Product warranty, 10 years; Linear Power Output Warranty, 25 years
KEY DATA – Eagle 60 260-280
- POLYCRYSTALLINE MODULE
- 4 Busbar Solar Cell
- Power: 260-280 watts
- Efficiency: 15.89%-17.11%
- Weight: 19kg
- Dimensions: 1650×922×40mm
- Frame: Anodized Aluminium Alloy
- Warranty: Product warranty, 10 years; Linear Power Output Warranty, 25 years
Pros:
- Max power efficiency
- Higher power output (325W)
- Lightweight, smaller design
- Excellent low-light performance
- Resistant to severe weather
- Good warranty
- Rated 4.58 out of 5 by customers.
CANADIAN SOLAR
Canadian Solar is based in Canada and manufactures its solar panels primarily in Ontario and China.
It also has manufacturing facilities in Indonesia, Vietnam and Brazil. Canadian Solar supplies its CS6K-260 | 265 | 270 | 275P and MAX POWER CS6X-305 | 310 | 315P solar panels in Australia.
KEY DATA – CS6K-260 | 265 | 270 | 275P
- Polycrystalline Cells
- Excellent module efficiency of up to 16.80 %
- Power: 260-275 watts
- Efficiency: 15.88%-16.80%
- Weight: 18.2kg
- Dimensions: 1650×992×40 mm
- Frame: Anodized Aluminium Alloy
- Warranty: Product warranty, 10 years; Linear Power Output Warranty, 25 years
KEY DATA – MAX POWER CS6X-305 | 310 | 315P
- Polycrystalline Cells
- Power: 305-315 watts
- Efficiency: 15.9%-16.42%
- Weight: 22kg
- Dimensions: 1954×982×40 mm
- Frame: Anodized Aluminium Alloy
- Warranty: Product warranty, 10 years; Linear Power Output Warranty, 25 years
Pros:
- Industry-leading low-light performance (>96%)
- 100% EL tested (zero defects)
- Exceptional extreme weather performance
- Good warranty
- Rated 5.00 by customers
Cons:
- Max power panels are heavier and larger than Jinko’s
- More expensive than Jinko, despite similar specs
