REC solar panels vs Jinko Solar

20 Mar 2023
5 min
Beginner

Andrey GorichenskiAuthor

Jinko Solar is the world’s largest solar manufacturer. Are its panels good though? Are they better or worse than what REC, the famous European brand, offers? We’ll take a look at these two companies in our REC solar panels vs Jinko Solar comparison.

What we know about the REC solar panel brand

REC Solar is a company that specializes in solar energy solutions, from the design and installation of solar panels to ongoing system maintenance. The company was founded in Norway in 1996. In 2010, REC Solar launched its first solar panel factory in Singapore, which was the largest integrated solar panel production facility in the world at the time. REC Solar has offices and facilities in Asia, Europe, and the United States, and it has installed solar energy systems in more than 80 countries around the world.

What we know about the Jinko Solar panel brand

Jinko Solar is a Chinese solar panel manufacturer that was founded in 2006. Since its founding, Jinko Solar has become one of the largest solar companies in the world, with operations in Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. The company controls every aspect of the solar panel manufacturing process, from sourcing raw materials to final product assembly. In 2016, the company was recognized as the world's largest solar module manufacturer.

REC solar panels vs Jinko Solar panels: Pros and Cons

Here’s a table of advantages and disadvantages of REC and Jinko Solar panels. This will help to decide the winner in our REC solar panels vs Jinko Solar comparison.

REC solar panels	Jinko Solar panels
Pros: 1. High efficiency. REC solar panels are known for their high efficiency ratings, which means they can produce more electricity from the same amount of sunlight than some other types of solar panels. This can help to increase the overall output of a solar energy system and provide greater energy savings over time. 2. Durability and high quality. REC solar panels are built to last and can withstand a wide range of weather conditions, including heavy rain, snow, and wind. They are also tested to ensure they can withstand extreme temperatures, which makes them a reliable choice for solar energy systems in different climates. Some panels are eligible for triple 25-year warranties for product, performance and labor.	Pros: 1. Low cost. Jinko Solar panels cost less than average. 2. High efficiency. Jinko Solar's most advanced modules achieve an energy conversion rate of 22% and above through implementation of the most modern technologies. 3. Good performance in low-light conditions. Jinko Solar modules produce 5% more power on cloudy days compared to conventional modules, thanks to tiling ribbon technology.
Cons: 1. REC solar panels can be expensive though there are budget-friendly panels in the brand’s product line. 2. REC doesn’t offer high-output PV modules so it is better to look for something else when planning an industrial-size system.	Cons: 1. Generic guarantees for products. A typical model's guarantee lasts between 12 and 15 years, which is acceptable but not fantastic. Nonetheless, some panels are now offered with a reliable 25-year product warranty, according to the company's warranty guide. 2. Reputational problems. U.S. Customs and Border Protection started preventing the import of Jinko Solar products in 2021 because the business was alleged to have used forced Uyghur labor. As a result, Jinko solar modules are currently challenging to find in the United States.

REC solar panels

Jinko Solar panels

Pros:
1. High efficiency. REC solar panels are known for their high efficiency ratings, which means they can produce more electricity from the same amount of sunlight than some other types of solar panels. This can help to increase the overall output of a solar energy system and provide greater energy savings over time.
2. Durability and high quality. REC solar panels are built to last and can withstand a wide range of weather conditions, including heavy rain, snow, and wind. They are also tested to ensure they can withstand extreme temperatures, which makes them a reliable choice for solar energy systems in different climates. Some panels are eligible for triple 25-year warranties for product, performance and labor.

Pros:
1. Low cost. Jinko Solar panels cost less than average.
2. High efficiency. Jinko Solar's most advanced modules achieve an energy conversion rate of 22% and above through implementation of the most modern technologies.
3. Good performance in low-light conditions. Jinko Solar modules produce 5% more power on cloudy days compared to conventional modules, thanks to tiling ribbon technology.

Cons:
1. REC solar panels can be expensive though there are budget-friendly panels in the brand’s product line.
2. REC doesn’t offer high-output PV modules so it is better to look for something else when planning an industrial-size system.

Cons:
1. Generic guarantees for products. A typical model's guarantee lasts between 12 and 15 years, which is acceptable but not fantastic. Nonetheless, some panels are now offered with a reliable 25-year product warranty, according to the company's warranty guide.
2. Reputational problems. U.S. Customs and Border Protection started preventing the import of Jinko Solar products in 2021 because the business was alleged to have used forced Uyghur labor. As a result, Jinko solar modules are currently challenging to find in the United States.

Best solar panel REC vs Best solar panel Jinko: By A1SolarStore

What kind of panels do these companies make? We’ll finish our REC solar panels vs Jinko Solar comparison with a presentation of two panels for your home.

Jinko Solar Eagle G2

Jinko Solar Eagle G2 is a 144-cell monocrystalline module that offers 385 watts of power at 19.42% efficiency, making it a perfect panel for both home and business systems. To enhance production, Chinese engineers use PERC technology and a half-cut cell design. A 10-year product guarantee and a 25-year performance warranty are included with the module.

REC Alpha HJT

This is a 380 W 120-cell panel for home systems. It reaches 21.7% efficiency. HJT technology improves production at high temperatures. The panel loses only 0.25% of its output per year and retains over 92% after 25 years. Reinforced frame can withstand the pressure of 146 lbs/sq ft which is equivalent to 250 mph wind.