At Electrical Sensations, our Clean Energy Council accredited designers have done the hard yards of researching and comparing the multitude of solar products available. We are totally confident in the performance, reliability and longevity of every product we choose to install.

When you're investing in a solar power or battery system, you need the system to perform well for you, for as long as possible, without giving you any headaches. There are literally hundreds of different solar products on the market and it can be really hard to distinguish between them all. With solar power systems, the old adage “You get what you pay for” rings very true. We apply the following criteria when choosing which products to recommend to our customers:

How long has the manufacturer been in existence and producing that particular product?
How financially stable is the manufacturer (looking at factors including their Altmann Z Score)?
What is the general ‘reputation’ of the product from industry and consumer reports?
Do they have an Australian office to handle any potential future warranty issues?
What is the warranty claim/failure rate?
Not only, what is the length of the warranty, but also how difficult and onerous is the warranty process? The devil can be in the detail of the warranty Terms and Conditions particularly for batteries.
Would I be confident and happy to have this product installed on my home?

Solar Panels

With hundreds brands of panels, multiple ranges within each brand and different wattages within each range, there are literally thousands of different options to chose from.

At the most basic level, there are three main types of cells that make up solar panels: P-type, N-type, and HJT. P-type cells are the entry-level trusty workhorses known for their reliability and adaptability. N-type cells are efficient and long-lasting players, thanks to their resilience against deterioration caused by light (Light Induced Degradation). HJT cells are a bit of a hybrid, harnessing the strengths from both N-type and P-type. They use a smart layering technique to supercharge efficiency and cut energy loss.

1

P-TYPE CELLS

P-type solar cells are tried-and-true components of typically lower-priced solar panels. These cells efficiently convert sunlight to electricity. Their proven track record, versatility and reliability have made them a staple in the solar industry for many years.

2

N-TYPE CELLS

Higher-end panels compromise N-type cells due to their enhanced efficiency and durability. N-type cells are typically more efficient and less sensitive to light-induced degradation (LID) than P-type cells, ensuring a longer lifespan for your solar panels.

3

HJT-TYPE CELLS

Heterojunction (HJT) type cells combine the benefits of both P-type and N-type cells. HJT cells use a layering technique that reduces energy loss and increases overall efficiency. Premium panels utilise HJT cells for ultimate performance and longevity.

Solar Panel Brands

Our preference is to install REC's lead-free Alpha Pure R solar panels. The Alpha Pure R is a multi award-winning, premium panel with a 25-year manufacturer’s product warranty (when installed by an REC Solar Professional such as Electrical Sensations). In terms of efficiency, performance and longevity, the Alpha Pure R is undeniably one of the best.

REC ALPHA PURE R

The new Sumec Phono Helios offers an industry-leading 30 year product and performance warranty. Their high efficiency, outstanding temperature coefficient and dual glass design make them one of the top-performing solar panels on the market. The Phono Helios is similar to the REC Alpha Pure R range in terms of performance statistics and cell technology.

SUMEC PHONO HELIOS

The Vertex S+ is one of Trina’s new premium solar panels. Like all of the solar panels we install, they carry an impressive 25 manufacturer’s product warranty. The Vertex S+ is the highest residential panel in the Trina range and features a dual glass structure to increase durability and lifespan. They're our most affordable option and a good-quality, high-performing panel.

TRINA VERTEX S+

SolarEdge has its own brand of solar panels with integrated Power Optimisers, called Smart Panels. SolarEdge Smart Panels are an attractive solution for customers who want all the benefits of Power Optimisers, without having to deal with multiple different brands and manufacturers. The Smart Panels have a 25-year manufacturer's product warranty for peace of mind.

SUNPOWER P6, P7 & MAXEON

Things to Consider.

About the Manufacturer

How long has the manufacturer been in existence and producing that particular product?
How financially stable is the manufacturer?
Do they have an Australian office to handle any potential future warranty issues?
What is the manufacturer’s product warranty? This is very different to, and much more important than the output performance warranty.
What is the warranty claim/failure rate?
Is the factory automated? Panels produced in fully automated factories are typically higher quality and more reliable.

About the Panel Itself

What is the physical size and wattage of the panel? With roof space rapidly becoming a valuable commodity, lower wattage panels are an inefficient use of space and can make upgrading or expanding the system in the future difficult. Most quality solar panels are now at least 400W.
What is the temperature coefficient of the panel? This is an indicator of how it performs in hot weather. The lower the percentage the better - e.g: a panel with a temperature co-efficient of -0.24% will handle hot weather better (deteriorate less as the temperature increases) than a panel with a co-efficient of -0.35%.
What type of cells does it have? Most panels contain P–Type, N–Type or HJT cells. HJT is the exciting new technology that combines the benefits of both P and N-type cells - the best of both worlds.