Efficiency Showdown: LONGi vs Aiko Solar Panels Compared

There is a rising demand for clean, renewable energy in Australia, even more so in Queensland where sunshine is abundant, paving the way for solar power to enter homes and businesses. As such, choosing the right solar panel brand is more crucial than ever. Speaking of brands, two names that consistently come up when looking for high-quality but reliable solar PV systems are LONGi and Aiko solar panels.  Both are top players in the solar market, delivering innovative photovoltaic technology and panels with soaring efficiency. In this LONGi vs Aiko comparison guide, we’ll compare these two brands in order to find out which one is better suited for you based on your preferences, needs, expectations, and budget. 

Brand Overview: LONGi vs Aiko 

LONGi Solar is a China-based company founded in 2000. Since its inception, it has become one of the global leaders in the solar technology industry. LONGi is widely established worldwide, gaining a reputation for innovation and reliability. Its strong presence in Australia is one of the reasons why LONGi solar panels are highly favoured among installers. 

Aiko, on the other hand, only started operating in Australia last year. However, the company has been operating as a solar cell manufacturer since 2009. Just like LONGi, Aiko also hails from China. Despite being newer in the industry compared with LONGi, its solar panels are noteworthy for their use of All Back Contact (ABC) cell technology, increasing the aesthetic value and efficiency of their panels. 

LONGi Solar Panels Series

LONGi offers a wider range of products that cater to every residential or commercial need. Some of its well-known solar panels are as follows: 

• Hi-MO X10: Using HPBC 2.0 cells technology, the Hi-MO X10 is one of LONGi’s most popular for large-scale installations, favoured for its higher efficiency and power generation performance. It offers two series—Scientist and Guardian. 

• Hi-MO 9: Designed for utility-scale solar projects, the Hi-Mo 9 panels also use HPBC 2.0 cell technology and offer up to 24.80% efficiency. Its soft breakdown design results in its anti-shading feature for greater energy yield. 

• Hi-MO X6: A popular choice for residential usage, the Hi-Mo X6 model has an efficiency of up to 25.5% with its HPBC cells. It is equipped with the Anti-Dust feature to enhance energy output and reduce cleaning cost. It comes in four series: Explorer, Scientist, Guardian and Artist. 

• Hi-MO X6 Max: An upgrade of the Hi-Mo 6 model with better HPBC cells technology and the new LONGi TaiRay Inside. The latter tech provides an upgrade in module efficiency, degradation parameters, and mechanical performance.

• Hi-MO 5: Ideal for large-scale, ground-mounted solar power plants (particularly the 72-cell modules), as well as for industrial, commercial, and residential rooftops.

Aiko Solar Panels Series

• Neostar: Aiko’s flagship solar panel offering with an efficiency of up to 24.3% and optimised for partial shading scenarios. 

• Comet: Aiko’s lineup for commercial and industrial applications, built to generate high energy yield. Lauded for being a cost-effective solution for large-scale projects.  

• Stellar: For utility-scale installations, Aiko has the Stellar Series, offering up to 24.4% efficiency. 

LONGi vs Aiko: Efficiency and Performance

Both Aiko and LONGi are considered top choices in terms of quality and reliability. The former, however, is easily becoming a rising star in the industry due to its growing reputation of being the more advanced technology when compared with LONGi. 

Aiko Key Specifications: 

• Efficiency: This advancement is reflected in the high efficiency of Aiko’s solar panels, which can go up to 24.5%. 

• Degradation Rate: The degradation rate is also notably low—only 0.35% per year 

• Temperature Coefficient: With a temperature coefficient of -0.26% per degree Celsius, this ensures that Aiko solar panels can withstand high-temperature environments like Brisbane without compromising their efficiency and performance. 

LONGi Key Specifications: 

• Efficiency: LONGi solar panels also offer high efficiency, but this doesn’t apply to all models. Older releases like the LONGi LR4-72HBD have the maximum efficiency of 20.2%, while those utlising crystalline silicon Heterojunction Back Contact (HBC) solar cells offer up to 27.3% efficiency. 

The Hi-MO 6 series, popular for residential use, has an efficiency rate of 25.5% due to their use of Hybrid Passivated Back Contact (HPBC) cells, modules designed to maximise energy generation while maintaining utmost durability.

• Degradation Rate: LONGi’s models for large-scale projects, such as the LONGi Hi-MO X10 solar panel, also has a low degradation rate—only a 1% degradation in the first year and linearly decays by 0.35% for the remaining 29 years (based on its 30-year product power warranty). 

Older LONGi models have a degradation rate of 0.45% per year. The entire product lineup has a temperature coefficient that ranges from -0.26% to -0.35% per degree Celsius. 

• Temperature Coefficient: The LONGi model like the Hi-MO X6 panels have a temperature coefficient of -0.28%/°C, maintaining efficiency even in high temperatures for consistent energy output. 

LONGi vs Aiko: Features and Benefits

LONGi modules are known for their high efficiency, particularly the more advanced Hi-MO models. For residential usage, their Hi-Mo X6 panels are touted as some of the best in the market. This model series utilises the Hybrid Passivated Back Contact (HPBC) Technology, increasing absorption of light and mitigating shading losses. 

With this tech, there’s a 10% increase in energy yield compared to the typical PERC modules. Other features include enhanced photoelectric conversion capacity and anti-dust, humidity, and heat design. The adoption of the full back welding technology also helps to further improve the resistance to micro cracking of modules.

Aiko, meanwhile, offers excellent features as well. Oftentimes, it’s also considered to be more advanced in terms of features, performance, and efficiency. The All-Back-Contact (ABC) cell technology really makes Aiko solar panels shine, not just aesthetically, but in the efficiency of their modules. 

The Aiko Neostar Series, for instance, achieves a maximum efficiency of 24.3% while being suited for residential applications. It is designed to produce impressive energy output. Durability-wise, it is resistant to hail and harsh conditions. It is optimised for partial shade scenarios, reducing energy loss, plus it has a low performance degradation over time. 

LONGi vs Aiko: Price and Warranty

LONGi solar panels are the more affordable option between the two, but only because Aiko is considered to be the more advanced and sleeker choice in terms of appearance. For example, the approximate price of a single AIKO 470 Watt Neostar 2P solar panel is around $200-$300, while a LONGi Hi-Mo 6 430W costs around $170 per panel. 

In terms of warranty, Aiko offers a stronger one with a 15-year product warranty (extendable to 25 years) and 30-year performance warranty. LONGi, meanwhile, offers a 12-year warranty for most of its panels, plus a 30-year linear year warranty. 

Pros and Cons Summary

To better compare these two solar panels brands, check out the table below: 

Pros and Cons	LONGi Solar	Aiko Solar
Pros	Lower upfront costsEstablished brandGood efficiencyWidely available	Industry-leading efficiencySleek, all-black designStrong warrantyCutting-edge ABC technology
Cons	Slightly lower efficiency for older modelsShorter product warranty on some models	Higher upfront costsNot as widely available as LONGi Just began operations in Australia in 2024

LONGi vs Aiko: Which One Is Right For You? 

LONGi and Aiko are excellent choices for residential and commercial applications. LONGi solar panels offer a cost-effective solution with lower upfront costs while providing your home or business a reliable solar PV system. LONGi is also a well-known brand with a longer presence in Australia, which makes installations and customer support easier. 

Aiko only began its Australian operations in 2024, but its advanced technology—particularly its use of N-type ABC solar cells—makes its solar panels more cutting-edge and more efficient than industry standards. That’s why Aiko solar panels are also the more expensive option, which may not be ideal for those with budget constraints.