Canadian Solar vs. Jinko Solar: Which Brand Offers the Best Value for Your Money?
The push for renewable energy is increasing, and the growing energy prices in Australia make more homeowners install solar panels on their roofs. This way, homeowners can provide themselves with cheaper energy and increase their home value as well. However, in the sea of possibilities, choosing the best solar panel brand seems like a big headache. Let’s compare two of the most popular solar panel brands in Australia: Canadian Solar vs Jinko Solar.
To best compare the two brands, we will look at the:
- Efficiency and overall performance,
- Warranties the companies issue,
- Value for money,
- Return on investment.
Efficiency Ratings and Performance
A solar panel’s efficiency rating shows how much of the light that falls onto it is actually converted into electricity. The higher the rating, the better the panel. With most panels today, the efficiency falls in the ~20% range.
Canadian Solar offers panels with 22.5% peak performance, while Jinko Solar has panels with an efficiency rating of around 22.24%. As their panels have 440W rated output, the difference in performance means that Canadian Solar panels will be a bit smaller, which is perfect for homes with limited roof space. This way, you can get the same energy output in a smaller space.
Warranties
Canadian Solar offers a 25-year product warranty and a 30-year power warranty. Jinko Solar offers the same warranty on their products. Both companies have doubled their product warranties from 2020. A 25-year product warranty is more than enough to meet the expectations of even the most demanding household, as it matches the expected lifespan of these products.
Value for Money
Jinko Solar generally offers solar panels for a lower price than Canadian Solar. Jinko Solar panels come down to around $0.7 per Watt, while Canadian Solar generally costs around $1 per Watt of installed power. Pay attention that these prices do not include installation and maintenance costs. When it comes to their reliability, both companies have a proven track record of high-quality products that will last you for years to come.
Here is a rough comparison of the energy produced by a single panel during its lifetime and the price per obtained kWh of green energy:
| Solar Panel | Realistic Power Output (W) | Expected Annual Energy Production (kWh) | 10-year Energy Production (kWh) | 30 Year Energy Production (kWh) | Final Price of Energy (cents/kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jinko Solar 440W | 352 | 514 | 5140 | 15420 | 2.00 |
| Canadian Solar 440W | 352 | 514 | 5140 | 15420 | 2.85 |
ROI – Return On Investment
The average ROI period is also important. While we could see that the price of energy per kWh is lower with Jinko Solar, it is safe to assume that the ROI period is lower as well. Let’s compare and see what ROI Jinko Solar and Canadian Solar have in different states in Australia:
| State | Energy Price (cents/kWh) | Jinko Solar Payback Period (Years) | Canadian Solar Payback Period (Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT | 27.58 | 2.34 | 3.46 |
| NSW | 27.56 | 2.34 | 3.46 |
| SA | 34.15 | 1.86 | 2.74 |
| SEQ | 19.44 | 3.44 | 5.16 |
| TAS | 25 | 2.61 | 3.87 |
| VIC | 25.19 | 2.58 | 3.83 |
Canadian Solar vs Jinko Solar: Final Considerations
Both Canadian Solar and Jinko Solar are reputable brands known for their high-quality solar panels, making either a solid choice.Canadian Solar offers slightly smaller solar panels, while Jinko Solar has a lower price and shorter payback periods. Ultimately, the best option comes down to your budget and energy needs.
Contact us today to get a quote on both products. Our experts can always help you get the best possible deal and work out which panel is the best for your home solar project.
