Jinko Solar is a global brand and a leader in the solar panel market. Renowned worldwide for their high-quality products, Jinko Solar offers a range of panels catering to residential, commercial, and utility-scale applications. At a glance, their panels boast the highest efficiency ratings in the industry. However, they tend to lose efficiency quicker than competitors, and most of their panels come with below-average manufacturer warranties.
Here are some key facts about the company. Jinko Solar was established in December 2006 in Shangrao, Jiangxi, China, and was listed on the New York Stock Exchange in early 2010. The company claims to be the global leader in solar panel production and sales as of early 2024, according to their website. Their product range includes solar panels and batteries, but not inverters, as they rely on third-party options.
Jinko Solar currently holds a Better Business Bureau rating of A+, with no customer reviews. Their most efficient panel, the Eagle G6, has a maximum efficiency of 23.23%, higher than any residential module CNN has reviewed.
Jinko Solar panels excel in efficiency, with some of the highest ratings in the market. According to CNN, their panels reach a maximum efficiency of 23.23%, with an average of 21.34% across their offerings—impressive compared to the industry average of 20.96%. This positions Jinko as a gold standard for electricity savings, as higher efficiency translates to more power at lower costs. However, it’s worth noting that Jinko panels have below-average temperature coefficients.
What does “temperature coefficient” mean?
The temperature coefficient measures how a solar panel’s performance is affected by temperature changes. It’s expressed as a percentage loss in efficiency per degree Celsius rise above 25°C. The lower the number, the better the panel performs under heat. Jinko panels score as low as -0.29%, compared to the industry average of -0.33%. This means they perform better in hot climates, losing less efficiency than competitors.
However, Jinko’s offerings are not without flaws. One significant drawback is their below-average warranty coverage. According to CNN, most Tier 1 panel manufacturers offer 25-year warranties, whereas Jinko panels generally come with only 12-year product warranties. This finding was based on a portion of their panels. Furthermore, while Jinko is known for energy efficiency, their panels lose efficiency more quickly than some competitors.
CNN reports that Jinko panels degrade at a rate of 0.35% to 0.60% annually after the first year, which aligns with the industry average. However, competing panels, such as Panasonic models with a 0.25% degradation rate, last longer. Higher degradation rates result in faster production loss and reduced savings over time, which can be a concern.
Considering these points, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons before making a significant purchase. CNN notes that Jinko Solar panels have below-average costs per watt, meaning initial savings compared to other leading brands. However, shorter warranties and higher degradation rates could lead to higher electricity bills and potential repair costs in the long term.
Another consideration is the panels’ durability under extreme weather conditions. Jinko panels are less than ideal for severe weather. Their wind resistance is rated at 2,400 Pascals (Pa), below the industry average of just under 3,200 Pa. This rating measures the pressure a panel can withstand before damage occurs, making Jinko panels less suitable for areas prone to hurricanes, tropical storms, or tornadoes. Their snow resistance is 5,400 Pa, which is also lower than the 7,000 Pa ratings of some Panasonic panels.
Pricing considerations
Discussing Jinko Solar panel pricing can be challenging. These panels cost less than those of many leading providers, but companies rarely disclose per-watt pricing. Pricing depends on several factors, such as system size, panel quantity, specific models, roof complexity, and property configuration. The most accurate way to determine costs is by getting estimates from local solar installation companies. Like many manufacturers, Jinko relies on installers to pair their panels with third-party inverters. While this isn’t inherently a drawback, it is worth considering. Despite lower upfront costs, degradation rates and limited warranty coverage could lead to higher maintenance expenses.
Jinko’s product line
Jinko Solar exclusively manufactures monocrystalline panels, available in three sub-types: PERC, Bifacial, and TopCon.
- PERC Panels: These panels reduce sunlight reflection for better energy production. Jinko’s Eagle Continental panel incorporates this technology.
- Bifacial Panels: These absorb energy from both sides of the panel. Jinko’s Eagle G4 and G5 models feature this design.
- TopCon Panels: Known for better performance under most conditions, these panels lose more efficiency in high heat. Jinko’s Eagle G6 is their only TopCon offering.
The Bottom Line
Jinko Solar panels offer a mix of advantages and drawbacks. Their combination of competitive pricing and high efficiency makes them appealing for customers with smaller budgets, but the trade-off includes higher degradation rates and shorter warranties. Their durability is also limited, with lower wind and snow load ratings compared to other top brands.
If you live in a region with severe weather, heavy snowfall, or high winds, alternative brands may provide better performance and reliability. However, for those in mild climates seeking cost-effective solutions, Jinko Solar could be a suitable option—with the understanding that repairs or replacements might be necessary over time.