You want to know about tier 1 solar panels? Well let’s have a little bit of a look. Tier 1 solar Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth – location doesn’t matter – our opinion on tier 1 solar panels is the same. That’s right, it doesn’t mean much at all. But, having said that, people get pretty excited about numbers. I mean, surely a “tier 1 solar panel” is better than a “tier 2” right? Wrong. But here we go…
Not everything is about panel “tier”. Many good panels are not tier 1 – and “most” panels in Australia are pretty good in most regards now.
What people think “tier 1 solar panels” are:
If you’re like most people, you want the best panels at the lowest price. And naturally a “tier 1” solar panel sound like the perfect fit! Most people think tier 1 solar panels are:
- The best quality solar panels – WRONG
- The most efficient solar panels – WRONG
- Better in all respects than tier 2 solar panels – WRONG
Let me explain…
What are tier 1 solar panels?
Tier 1 solar panels are panels that meet a specific set of criteria. This was made up to help big companies decide on financing major solar power projects. It has almost no bearing on how good a solar panel is.
Tier 1 solar panels are panels that meet certain criteria according to Bloomberg Finance.
Tier 1 solar panels list
OK enough, show me the list of tier 1 solar panels! Here it is (in no particular order):
| Solar Panel Maker | BSPQ Review? |
|---|---|
| Phono Solar | Read Our Phono Review |
| Jinko Solar | Read Our Jinko Review |
| LG Solar | Read Our LG Review |
| Yingli | Read Our Yingli Review |
| First Solar | |
| WINAICO | Read Our WINAICO Review |
| Kyocera | |
| Renesola | Read Our RENESOLA Review |
| Trina | Read Our TRINA Review |
| Canadian Solar | Read Our Canadian Solar Review |
| JA Solar | |
| CNPV | |
| Risen Energy | Read Our Risen Solar Review |
| ET Solar | Read Our ET Solar Review |
| Solar Frontier | |
| Hanwha SolarOne | |
| Solarworld | |
| BYD | |
| SUNPOWER | Read Our SUNPOWER Review |
| Vikram Solar | |
| Hanwha Q-Cells | |
| REC Solar | |
| Seraphim Solar | Read Our Seraphim Solar Review |
So that’s it. If you want to know what we think as far as panel ranking goes then click here. Just keep in mind that a tier 1 panel could be the worst performing panel in the world. And what matters most to you? Probably the amount of savings you are going to get year after year from your solar panels. Not some made up tiering system that finance companies developed for their bankability protocols.
Why would you choose tier 1 solar panels?
When you get tier 1 solar panels put on your roof you are basically opting for the easy route. They are “tier 1”, therefore they must be better than some other panels. That’s the logic behind it anyway.
Tier 1 solar panels can equal “peace of mind” for buyers.
What does it really mean to be a tier 1 solar panel?
So there are lots of different takes floating around about what makes a “tier 1” solar panel. It seems to be that it’s a combination of some (or all) of these:
- Invests in R&D (research and development)
- Has been in business for at least 5 years
- Has minimal human element in manufacture process
The organisation which is often credited with the solar panel tier criteria is Navigant or Pike Research
Don’t forget to use our form to get solar quotes if you’re in the market. It’s quick & easy and you’ll get in touch with some awesome local installers to make sure you get the right product at the right price.
Tags: solar panels, tier 1
You forgot to mention tier one companies have control of the resources they use to produce their panels and try to make this as sustainable as possible. They also encourage recycling of panel. I imagine slit of people want solar to try and do their bit for the environment. Tier one is a step in that direction. Perfect, no.
Great point Todd, the industry should definitely move towards the most sustainable manufacturing processes available. That we can agree on!