Cheap inverters have failed in their thousands in Australia after as little as 1 or 2 years, while quality inverters, which may be considered an expensive inverter, like Enphase, Fronius or SolarEdge are expected to still operate after a decade-plus.
Are cheap solar panels better than premium solar panels?
Short lifespan: Cheap solar panels may degrade faster than premium panels and have shorter lifespans of around 10–25 years. Lower-quality materials: Cheapest solar panel solutions may have lower quality, less efficiency, and require more frequent replacement compared to higher-end options.
Why are cheap solar panels so expensive?
The overall construction of cheap solar panels is poor. This includes the use of low-grade ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) which degrades over time and results in lower energy production. Also, the back of the cheapest solar panels is often made from Tedlar (polyvinyl fluoride film trademark), which is prone to degradation and deterioration.
The best-priced solar panels may not be the cheapest solar panels. Instead, finding the best deal on solar panels for your home means considering several factors, including solar panel pricing, energy output, efficiency, lifespan and installation costs.
We look at whether cheaper solar panels can perform well, or if more expensive solar panels are always the best. With energy prices rising and many people wanting to make more sustainable choices, solar panels can be a great investment. CHOICE solar experts say that installing solar panels will almost always save you money over time.
Should I switch to a cheap solar panel?
Switching to solar will always save you money, but cheaper panels will typically save you less money than more expensive ones due to their lower efficiency and higher failure rates. If you have to choose between cheap solar panels and no solar panels, I strongly encourage you to go with the cheap panels.
Panels with higher efficiency ratings are usually more expensive. Warranty: One area where low-cost panels often fall short compared to premium options is the warranty. The industry standard is 25 years' worth of protection for both the panels themselves and their power output. I recommend looking for panels with 25-year warranties.