JA Solar panels review 2023: Most efficient among cheapest

To see what makes JA Solar stand out of the crowd, let’s list the strong sides of their product.

• Cheaper panels. The prices of JA Solar are definitely lower than panels of most competitors. For example, we have a 405W 144 cell panel currently in stock for $237 – pretty good, considering how powerful it is.
• Good efficiency. The 20%-21% energy conversion rate that JA Solar brings to the table certainly isn’t bad, especially for the price range that their product is in. Most popular solar technologies, like PERC cells and busbars, are there, so it certainly improves the performance and quality of a panel.
• Resilience. JA Solar panels show good resistance to harsh weather and natural disasters, with most panels being capable to withstand 5400 Pa front load.

While there aren’t any immediate cons that come to mind, let’s just mention a few points of concern.

• Bleak design. Ja Solar wouldn’t be described as flashy. They look absolutely normal, but there is nothing special about their design.
• Standard warranties. Degradation rates aren’t too bad either, but again some other brands, like QCELLS, might have outdone them in that regard. 12 years is a long time for product warranty, but other manufacturers, like Panasonic, offer more. Again, panels of these manufacturers are much more expensive though.
• Shallow product line. Some JA Solar panels reviews mention the lack of diversity in the product line of JA Solar — the company is focused solely on monocrystalline PV modules. While they are fine by themselves and bifacial modules are certainly a nice addition, there are no polycrystalline and thin-film panels to speak of.

We have asked our engineer to share his opinion on three different JA models for different purposes: for residential, business and big-scale installations. This is how he feels about them.

First, we have a 120 half-cell 340W JA Solar panel – a good choice for a residential system. This monocrystalline module displays 20.2% efficiency. The model shows better performance in high temperatures and lower risk of hot spots due to implementation of busbars and half-cells. The module shows good wind and snow load resistance, withstanding 5400 Pa of frontal pressure which is equal to 210 mph wind. Half-cut cell design and three bypass diodes provide a solid shading tolerance. The design of the panel looks quite nice. These panels cost around $120–$140 which is a very low price.

Here’s another model by JA Solar – this time it’s a 144 cell 550W panel, great for commercity and utility-scale installations. It was one of the most powerful panels on the market in the first half of 2020. The module shows impressive 21.3% efficiency. Three bypass diodes decrease the impact of shading. The panel withstands 5400 PA of front load. Busbars and half-cut cells improve the longevity of a panel and flow of current flow inside a panel. The model generally received favorable reviews from customers on the Internet. You could find them at $230–$260 price.

Finally, let’s have a look at a bifacial solar module by JA Solar – a 144-cell 465W panel. Bifacial modules are generally used in installations of a bigger scale, but you can install them at home as well. Rear side captures sun just as the front side does, which results in 30-35% more production. This particular model reaches 20.9% efficiency. It also displays a better degradation rate: a panel loses only 0.45% of its output per year. JA Solar offers to extend their standard 25 year warranty to a 30-year linear performance warranty, claiming that by the end of year 30 you’ll end up with 85% of initial power output.

JA Solar has panels for the whole range of purposes. For example, if you want to buy a panel for your home, then 300W-350W modules are more than enough. When you are looking to build a huge system for your business, it makes sense to go for 400+ W panels.

The questions below should help you approach the task of choosing the panel more carefully:

Q.: What number of cells should I go for?

A.: The answer comes down to how much space you have. For home systems 60-cell panels are recommended – they are easier to fit on the roof. For flat roof or a ground installation where space is not an issue, 72 or 96-cell can be a better choice. Keep in mind that a 120-cell panel is usually the same size as a 60-cell one, because of half-cut cell technology.

Q.: Does design matter or do I just want the production?

A.: Not every panel is made to look flashy and the look might not be the overall strength of JA Solar panels. If you have to impress a passer-by with how your panels complement your house or office building, you might be better off looking for another brand.

Q.: What’s the weather like in my area? Do I want better wind endurance or it doesn’t really matter?

A.: Some models are sturdier than others and withstand harsh weather conditions and natural disasters better. Durability is the strong side of JA Solar production – usually they withstand 5400 Pa pressure which is equivalent to 210 mph wind.

Q.: What about the shading – how are they going to deal with it?

A.: Pick panels with at least 3 bypass diodes and half-cut cell design for good shading tolerance. Bypass diodes split panels into independent sectors. When cells in one sector are shaded, at least they don’t drag down the performance of cells in other sectors. Half-cut cell design makes two halves of a panel independent from one another.

Q.: For how long can I rely on these panels? What is their output going to look like in 25? 30 years?

A.: Solar panels last for over 25 years. JA Solar modules retain over 80% of their production after this time – there is a performance warranty to ensure that. For some models of JA Solar there is an extension available that prolongs the performance warranty from 25 years to 30.

Our JA solar panels complete review of 2022 comes to an end. Let’s summarize everything we’ve covered so far by listing several focal points. 

• JA Solar is a Chinese brand specializing in monocrystalline solar panels. 
• Their panels are relatively cheap. The prices are comparable to Trina Solar, LONGi Solar and Canadian Solar.
• The average efficiency is 20%-21% which puts JA panels among the most efficient in this price range.
• Panels are very durable and offer good shading tolerance.
• Warranties are standard, the design is average.
• JA Solar offers panels up to 550W in wattage and even has bifacial modules for sale. That makes this brand particularly appealing to customers that are looking to build solar installations of a larger scope.

JA solar panels are a fine, middle-of-the-road choice. While we aren’t ready to give the manufacturer a huge praise, there is nothing wrong with its product.