Tier 1 Solar Panels: All You Need To Know

If you're considering purchasing solar panels in Australia, you've probably come across the term "Tier 1" when researching different brands. However, it's essential to understand what this label means and whether it's a reliable quality indicator.

What is a Tier 1 Solar Panel?

Contrary to popular belief, being classified as Tier 1 doesn't necessarily mean that a solar panel manufacturer produces high-quality products. The Tier 1 ranking system is primarily a measure of industry acceptance rather than an indicator of panel quality, production standards, or components.

To be classified as Tier 1, a manufacturer must have produced their own-brand solar panels and supplied them to five different projects financed non-recourse by five different banks in the past two years. While this may suggest that the manufacturer is well-established and financially stable, it doesn't guarantee the quality of its panels.

The Tier System Myth

You may have come across a Tier Triangle circulating online, which claims to provide a more detailed breakdown of Tier 1 panel criteria. However, this is not an official document produced by Bloomberg New Energy Finance, the creators of the Tier system. In fact, Bloomberg advises against using its Tier list as a quality measure.

Solar Panel Tier Triangles found on Google Images
- Image Source: Google Images

What to Look for in Solar Panels

Instead of relying solely on the Tier 1 classification, here are some other factors to consider when selecting solar panels for your home or business:

Warranties: Look for a manufacturer that offers comprehensive warranties, including both product and performance warranties. Be sure to read the fine print to understand what is covered and for how long.

Product Quality: While a Tier 1 manufacturer may be a good starting point, it doesn't guarantee quality. Look for panels manufactured using highly automated techniques and with top-quality components, such as EVA, back-film, framing, connectors, and junction boxes.

R and D Investment: Choose a manufacturer that invests in research and development to improve its products and processes. However, remember that there is no set definition of "heavy investment."

Read Solar Panel Reviews: There are plenty of websites and other sources like social media groups with un-bias reviews of solar panels from both customers and solar panel installers.

Conclusion

While Tier 1 is a helpful starting point when choosing solar panels, it should not be the only factor you consider. Look for a manufacturer that offers comprehensive warranties, uses high-quality components, invests in research and development, and provides a quality inverter. Considering these factors, you can be confident you're investing in a reliable and efficient solar system for your Australian property.

In a recent article published on the SolarQuotes Blog titled - The Best Solar Panels In 2023 According To Aussie Installers, the list of panel brands chosen by a voting system was:

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