REC vs Panasonic solar panels

18 Mar 2023
6 min
Beginner

Andrey GorichenskiAuthor

REC and Panasonic both specialize in premium-class solar panels for home systems. Which company offers a better product? We’ll figure it out in our REC solar panels vs Panasonic comparison.

What we know about the REC solar panel brand

REC is a leading solar module brand founded in Norway in 1996. The company initially started as a wafer producer, supplying wafers to the semiconductor industry. In 2002, REC shifted its focus to the solar industry and began manufacturing solar cells. In 2005, REC began manufacturing solar modules, which became the company's main line of business.

REC's solar modules quickly gained a reputation for their high efficiency and reliability. The company continued to expand its production facilities and opened its first solar module manufacturing plant in Singapore in 2010. In 2014, REC opened a second manufacturing facility in Singapore and another facility in Norway.

What we know about the Panasonic Solar panel brand

Panasonic is a well-known brand that has been around for over a century. The company's involvement in the solar industry began in the 1970s, when it developed solar cells for satellites. In the 1990s, the company expanded its solar business to include solar panels for residential and commercial use. Over the years, Panasonic has continued to innovate and improve its solar technology, becoming one of the most respected and trusted names in the industry.

Today, Panasonic is one of the largest manufacturers of solar panels in the world, with a wide range of products for residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects. The company's solar panels are known for their high efficiency, durability, and reliability, and are backed by strong warranties and excellent customer support. With a long history of innovation and a commitment to sustainability, Panasonic is we

REC solar panels vs Panasonic Solar panels: Pros and Cons

We have decided to list the pros and cons of the products of the two brands in a table. This will help you find out which product you like better and make it easier to compare REC vs Panasonic solar panels.

REC solar panels	Panasonic solar panels
Pros: 1. High efficiency. The energy conversion rate of REC panels is higher than average. Alpha Solar panels can reach 21.9% efficiency. 2. High quality. REC Panels are tested by a third party, they are backed by strong warranties, and their failure rate is 1 in 10,000. 3. Great warranties. The 20-year product warranty that REC offers on every panel is already above average. The triple 25-year ProTrust warranty on certain models is amazing, covering product, performance and labor. 4. Low degradation rate. Alpha REC panels lose only about 0.25% of their performance annually, and after 25 years they still have 92%. 5. Diverse product range. REC offers panels for all types of applications, affordable and expensive models, all-black modules and standard design panels.	Pros: 1. High quality: Panasonic solar panels are made with high-quality materials and are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including high winds and heavy snow loads. 2. Aesthetics: Panasonic solar panels are designed to be visually appealing, with a sleek, black design that blends well with most rooftops. 3. Strong Warranties: Panasonic offers one of the best warranties in the solar industry, with a 25-year product warranty and a 25-year performance guarantee. 4. High Reliability: Panasonic solar panels are known for their high reliability and low failure rate, which means they are less likely to require maintenance or replacement over their lifespan.
Cons: 1. REC prices for solar panels can be high. REC is alongside LG and Panasonic on the list of brands with the most expensive modules 2. There are no high-output panels for solar farms and large industrial systems. If you are building a project of a large scope, you might be better off with another brand.	Cons: 1. High Cost: Panasonic solar panels are generally more expensive than some other brands, which can be a barrier for some homeowners or businesses on a tight budget. 2. Limited Availability: Panasonic solar panels may not be available in all regions, which can make them difficult to purchase or install for some customers. 3. Complex Installation: Some installers have noted that Panasonic solar panels can be more difficult to install than other brands, which can increase installation costs. 4. Average Performance in Low-Light Conditions: While Panasonic solar panels are known for their high efficiency, their performance in low-light conditions is not as strong as some other brands. This means that they may produce less power on cloudy days or in areas with low levels of sunlight.

REC solar panels

Panasonic solar panels

Pros:
1. High efficiency. The energy conversion rate of REC panels is higher than average. Alpha Solar panels can reach 21.9% efficiency.
2. High quality. REC Panels are tested by a third party, they are backed by strong warranties, and their failure rate is 1 in 10,000.
3. Great warranties. The 20-year product warranty that REC offers on every panel is already above average. The triple 25-year ProTrust warranty on certain models is amazing, covering product, performance and labor.
4. Low degradation rate. Alpha REC panels lose only about 0.25% of their performance annually, and after 25 years they still have 92%.
5. Diverse product range. REC offers panels for all types of applications, affordable and expensive models, all-black modules and standard design panels.

Pros:
1. High quality: Panasonic solar panels are made with high-quality materials and are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including high winds and heavy snow loads.
2. Aesthetics: Panasonic solar panels are designed to be visually appealing, with a sleek, black design that blends well with most rooftops.
3. Strong Warranties: Panasonic offers one of the best warranties in the solar industry, with a 25-year product warranty and a 25-year performance guarantee.
4. High Reliability: Panasonic solar panels are known for their high reliability and low failure rate, which means they are less likely to require maintenance or replacement over their lifespan.

Cons:
1. REC prices for solar panels can be high. REC is alongside LG and Panasonic on the list of brands with the most expensive modules
2. There are no high-output panels for solar farms and large industrial systems. If you are building a project of a large scope, you might be better off with another brand.

Cons:
1. High Cost: Panasonic solar panels are generally more expensive than some other brands, which can be a barrier for some homeowners or businesses on a tight budget.
2. Limited Availability: Panasonic solar panels may not be available in all regions, which can make them difficult to purchase or install for some customers.
3. Complex Installation: Some installers have noted that Panasonic solar panels can be more difficult to install than other brands, which can increase installation costs.
4. Average Performance in Low-Light Conditions: While Panasonic solar panels are known for their high efficiency, their performance in low-light conditions is not as strong as some other brands. This means that they may produce less power on cloudy days or in areas with low levels of sunlight.

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

Let's look at the Panasonic and REC panels. Here are two panels that you can use for your home.

Panasonic 370W EverVolt Black Series

Panasonic's 120-cell Evervolt module is suitable for both commercial and home installations, with an output of 370W. It's part of the Black Series - note the amazing design of this model. It features an excellent efficiency of 21.2%. With an annual power loss of 0.25%, you'll still have at least 92% of the rated power available in year 25. Half-cut cells combined with HIT technology reduce power losses and keep power high even at high temperatures. The model comes with a 25-year warranty on performance, product, parts and labor.

REC Alpha HJT

Here is a 120-cell panel with 360-380 W output, suitable for both home and commercial installations of medium size. The efficiency reaches up to 21.7%. Heterojunction technology makes the panel a good choice for hot areas. The degradation rate is amazingly low - only 0.25% power loss per year. The manufacturer claims that with Alpha you get up to 20% more energy overall than with conventional panels. The frame is reinforced so it can withstand 146 lbs/sq ft of pressure. That's equivalent to a wind speed of 250 mph: basically, the module is ready for any kind of tornado or hurricane that comes its way.