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Jinko Solar Panels Review

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State-of-the-art technology makes Jinko solar panels among the highest quality and most efficient available. Some say they’re the best.

This review explores these solar panels in detail to find out whether they live up to their reputation. We’ll give you the facts you need to make an informed decision on how they measure up to other solar brands, and whether they’re right for you.

We’ll be looking at:

  • The company that makes Jinko solar panels.
  • Key features of Jinko solar panels.
  • The Jinko solar panel product range and technical specifications.
  • Jinko solar panel warranties.


You’ll also find answers to questions householders often ask about Jinko solar panels.

Who Is JinkoSolar?

Headquartered in Shanghai, China, Jinko Solar Co Ltd – styled as JinkoSolar or abbreviated to JKS – is a leading global manufacturer of innovative, high-efficiency photovoltaic (PV) solar panels for homes and businesses.

The company was founded in December 2006. It quickly became a prominent player in the solar industry, producing quality products through extensive research and development. 

A streamlined manufacturing process enables Jinko to produce solar panels that are cost effective for the customer. And by pushing the boundaries of solar technology, it’s consistently held its position as a major force in the industry despite stiff competition.

JinkoSolar is rated a Tier 1 solar manufacturer by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BloombergNEF), which provides overviews of the renewable energy industry. In other words, the company is a top solar panel manufacturer with strong financial stability. 

It’s won multiple awards, including a 2023 Solar Power World accolade for leadership in solar energy. This reflects the company’s brand profile as an innovative, disruptive influence in the solar sector and its emphasis on advanced technology.

China remains the main hub for the company’s operations, with seven factories across the country. But JKS has manufacturing locations all over the world, including:

  • USA.
  • Malaysia.
  • India.
  • Vietnam.
  • South Africa.
  • Middle East.

 

Jinko Solar Panels at a Glance

  • Most popular panel products: Tiger Neo and Tiger Pro.
  • Power rating: 325W to 635W.
  • Efficiency: very high – 20.6 percent to 24 percent and above.
  • Solar cell technology: P-type, N-type, TOPCon.
  • Price bracket: low-medium (although actual pricing is difficult to find online and varies according to different sources).
  • Product warranty: 12 to 25 years.
  • Service and support: very good.

 

Jinko Solar Panel Key Features

Distributed in nearly every country in the world, including the UK, Jinko solar panels are high-performance modules with up to 635W (watts) of power. Power degradation is notably low. Most solar panels maintain at least 98 percent of optimal power in the first 12 months.

Jinko solar panels consistently set efficiency benchmarks in the industry – the amount of daylight converted into electricity – hitting an outstanding 24.79 percent in 2020. A year later, JinkoSolar made a major breakthrough when it produced a solar panel with conversion efficiency of 32.33 percent.

Jinko solar panels use monocrystalline solar cells with advanced technologies including:

 

Monocrystalline Solar Cells

The type of solar cells in solar panels plays a key role in efficiency. Monocrystalline photovoltaic cells – high-grade single silicon crystals – achieve the highest energy efficiency of 15 to 24+ percent. This means solar panels with mono cells take up less roof space than other types of solar panels to achieve the same results.

PERC Technology

Passivated Emitter Rear Cell technology further enhances overall efficiency of solar panels. It enables the panels to capture more daylight while minimising power loss. It does this with an extra layer on the rear side of the cell. This reflects sunlight back onto the cell.

Half-Cell Solar Technology

Half-cell – or half-cut cell – solar modules have cells that are split in half by laser to improve performance. Half cells produce more power than traditional solar cells and are more reliable. If one half of the cell is shaded, for example, the other continues to generate power.

N-Type Solar Cells

N-type solar cells capture more daylight and produce more electricity than conventional P-type cells. They do this because N-type cells are negatively charged, as opposed to the positive charge of P-type cells.

TOPCon Technology

Cutting-edge TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) solar cell technology adds phosphorus chemicals to N-type silicon wafer solar cells. This results in greater efficiency even in low light. It also reduces power degradation due to light and oxygen.

Bifacial Solar Panels

Based on PERC technology, bifacial solar modules are double-sided panels with reflective backsheets. These absorb light at the back of the panel as well as at the front. Bifacial solar panels aren’t generally used on sloping roofs but they’re ideal for flat roofs or in ground-mount solar energy systems.

Jinko Tiger Neo Solar Panels

Jinko’s flagship solar panel range is the Tiger Neo line.

Tiger Neo solar panels, introduced in 2021, have high efficiency rates because they use technologies that maximise light absorption and minimise power degradation.  They’re among the most powerful and efficient solar panels available and feature TOPCon solar cell technology. 

The Tiger Neo range includes both monofacial and bifacial solar panels. Monofacial panels are less powerful but still significantly reduce energy costs. With smaller dimensions, they’re ideal for households with limited roof space.

Here are some of the main models in the Tiger Neo monofacial and bifacial range.

Tiger Neo Mono 54 HC

As the name suggests, the Tiger Neo Mono 54 HC is a monofacial panel with 54 half-cut cells.

Max Power Output 430-450 W
Max Efficiency 21.52-22.52%
Weight 21.0 kg
Dimensions 1762 x 1134 x 30 mm
Number of Cells 108 (54 x 2)


Tiger Neo Mono 54 HC All Black

Full-black versions of the Tiger Neo Mono 54 HC are sleeker in appearance than their standard counterparts but have slightly less power output and lower efficiency levels. The design makes the busbar grid practically invisible so it blends in seamlessly with darker-coloured rooftops.

Max Power Output 425 – 445 W
Max Efficiency 21.27-22.27%
Weight 21.0 kg
Dimensions 1762 x 1134 x 30 mm
Number of Cells 108 (54 x 2)

 

Tiger Neo Mono 60/66/72/78 HC

Tiger Neo monofacial panels also come with 60 to 78 half-cut cells. 

60 HC 66 HC 72 HC  78 HC 
Max Power Output 470-490 W 605-630 W 570-590 W 615-635 W
Max Efficiency 21.75-22.67% 22.40-23.32% 22.07-22.84% 22.00-22.72%
Weight 22.5 kg  28.2 kg 27.0 kg 29.5 kg
Dimensions 1906 x 1134 x 30 mm 2382 x 1134 x 35 mm 2278 x 1134 x 30 mm 2465 x 1134 x 35 mm
Number of Cells 120 (60 x 2) 132 (66 x 2) 144 (72 x 2) 156 (78 x 2)

 

Tiger Neo Bifacial Solar Panels 

The Jinko Tiger Neo Bifacial HC series of dual-glass solar panels comes with 66, 72 or 78 half-cut cells. 

66 HC 72 HC  78 HC 
Max Power Output 600-625 W 570-590 W 615-635 W
Max Efficiency 22.21-23.14% 22.07-22.84% 22.00-22.72%
Weight 32.4 kg 31.0 kg  34.0 kg
Dimensions 2382 x 1134 x 30 mm 2278 x 1134 x 30 mm 2465 x 1134 x 30 mm
Number of Cells 132 (66 x 2) 144 (72 x 2) 156 (78 x 2)

 

Second-Generation Tiger Neo Solar Panels

In 2023 Jinko launched its upgraded, second-generation N-type Tiger Neo series with half-cut cell and multi-busbar (MBB) technology.

The new Tiger Neo family includes three series, with varying power and efficiency ratings:

  • 54-cell series: Up to 445Wp (watt peak power) and efficiency up to 22.27 percent.
  • 72-cell series: Up to 615Wp and efficiency up to 23.23 percent.
  • 78-cell series: Up to 635Wp and efficiency up to 22.72 percent.

 

Jinko Tiger Pro

Jinko Tiger Pro, forerunner of the Tiger Neo range, relies on more conventional solar technology. It uses P-type, PERC solar cells with added boron. The result is high-performance solar panels but with limited efficiency compared with the TOPCon technology. 

That said, the technology is tried and tested and the manufacturing process has been refined over the years. This means Jinko Tiger Pro solar panels cost less than the Tiger Neo range and are still highly efficient with impressive power output that can meet the energy needs of UK households. This is why they remain popular despite the newer models introduced by Jinko.

 

Tiger Pro Mono 72 HC

Max Power Output 550-570 W
Max Efficiency 21.29-22.07%
Weight 27.0 kg
Dimensions 2278 x 1134 x 30 mm
Number of Cells 144 (6 x 24)

 

Jinko Cheetah

Jinko Cheetah solar panels were the first to be named after big cats. These simple, compact units with budget prices were released in 2018, following the now obsolete Eagle series. 

Cheetah panels are available in a range of power outputs from 325W to 410W, with 60 (or 120 half-cut) cells. Jinko expanded the range in 2020 with larger 66-cell (132 half-cut) cells with increased efficiency.

Jinko Solar Panel Warranties

Jinko solar panels are robust and durable and designed to withstand harsh weather. So, as you’d expect, they come with impressive warranties that provide peace of mind in the event something should go wrong. In fact, these warranties are among the best in the solar industry.

  • Product warranty. The average product warranty on solar panels is 10 to 12 years. JinkoSolar provides 12- to 25-year product replacement warranties covering manufacturing defects.
  • Performance warranty. The standard power warranty for solar panels is 25 years, yet Jinko solar panels carry a 30-year performance warranty. This guarantees panel output will be more than 87 percent after 30 years.


To make sure you get the full benefit of your Jinko solar panel warranties, it’s important to:

  • Hire a reputable solar panel installer.
  • Inspect your panels regularly for signs of damage.
  • File a warranty claim promptly if you see a problem.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines.

 

Jinko Solar Panel Maintenance Requirements

Jinko solar panels are sturdy products with an anti-corrosive coating that protects them from severe weather such as heavy rain. This means they need little maintenance.

Like all solar panels, Jinko solar panels benefit from periodic cleanings. Avoid abrasive cleaning products. Use a mild soap solution and a soft-bristled brush instead.

 

Jinko Solar Panels FAQs

Does JinkoSolar have a good reputation?

JinkoSolar has an impressive track record. The company is consistently recognised for its high standards in the solar panel manufacturing process.

Customer feedback on Jinko solar panels is generally positive, especially when it comes to affordability, efficiency, and quality. Within the industry itself, Jinko enjoys a reputation as a world-leading solar panel manufacturer, and the company’s influence is continuing to expand.

How good are Jinko solar panels?

JinkoSolar uses high-quality materials and its solar panels undergo rigorous tests to ensure high performance. This results in multiple benefits such as high efficiency and reliable durability across a wide range of solar panels that meet different requirements.

How long do Jinko solar panels last?

Regardless of the series or model, Jinko solar panels are designed to last for at least 25 years, even in harsh weather. With proper care, they might well last longer, albeit with reduced power output over time.  

Does Jinko make solar batteries?

JKS may be best known for its solar panels but the company has also ventured into residential, commercial, and industrial-scale solar battery storage systems. These are gaining momentum in the industry.

Like Jinko solar panels, its solar batteries are highly efficient and reliable, with consistent performance. Its flagship residential solar battery is the Suntank, launched in 2022, with a 10-year warranty.

Final Thoughts on Jinko Solar Panels

Highly respected in the industry, Jinko solar panels, and the Tiger range in particular, are a good option for householders looking for a reliable, cost-effective solar energy system.

Jinko makes a diverse range of solar panels with various power outputs and efficiency levels. So there should be a solar panel model to suit the energy requirements of most, if not all, UK households. And the manufacturer offers good warranties. 

The company’s emphasis on research and development and innovative manufacturing techniques keeps costs down and produces solar panels with impressive efficiencies and power outputs. In fact, JKS boasts a rich history of world-record achievements in efficiency levels.

With each new Jinko solar panel line outperforming its predecessor, chances are you’ll find a system that meets your household energy needs, at a price within your budget.

Contact our team today if you need help finding the best solar panels for you.

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October 3, 2024