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Buyer's guide · updated June 2026

How to choose solar panels in New Zealand

The panel brand matters less than most people think — efficiency, warranty, the right system size and a quality installer matter more. Here's how to weigh it all up.

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What actually matters

1. Efficiency (20–22%)

Higher efficiency means more output per square metre — important on small or partly shaded roofs. On a large clear roof, value can beat raw efficiency.

2. Warranty (product + performance)

Tier-1 panels commonly carry 25-year product and 25–30-year performance warranties. Check the manufacturer datasheet, not just the brochure.

3. Tier-1 brand reliability

Stick to established manufacturers with local support, so warranty claims are actually honoured years down the track.

4. The installer

A great panel poorly installed underperforms. The installer's design, workmanship warranty and track record matter as much as the panel.

N-type vs P-type panels

N-type is the newer cell technology — slightly more efficient, a little slower to degrade, and marginally better in heat and low light, for a small price premium. P-type remains excellent value and very common. For most NZ homes, either is a sound choice; prioritise a quality tier-1 brand and a good installer over the cell type.

Panel brands NZ installers fit

LONGi Solar 21-22%

World's largest solar manufacturer, excellent efficiency, strong warranty support in NZ.

25-year warranty · China
Trina Solar 20-21%

Tier 1 manufacturer, great value for money, widely available in NZ.

25-year warranty · China
JinkoSolar 20.5-21.5%

One of world's top manufacturers, excellent performance in varied conditions.

25-year warranty · China
Canadian Solar 19.5-21%

Established brand, strong quality control, good low-light performance.

25-year warranty · Canada/China
REC Solar 21-22%

Premium panels, excellent in low light, strong European engineering.

25-year warranty · Norway/Singapore
See our best solar panels comparison → Next: choosing an inverter →

Frequently asked questions

Which brand of solar panels is best in NZ?+
There is no single "best" panel — the right choice balances efficiency, warranty and price for your roof and budget. Tier-1 brands commonly used in New Zealand (such as LONGi, Trina, JinkoSolar, Canadian Solar and REC) all offer 25-year product warranties and proven reliability. The installer's workmanship and the system design matter as much as the panel brand.
Is N-type or P-type better?+
N-type panels are the newer technology: they're slightly more efficient, degrade a little slower, and perform marginally better in heat and low light, but cost a bit more. P-type panels are still excellent value and very widely used. For most NZ homes either is a sound choice — focus on a quality tier-1 brand and a good installer rather than the cell type alone.
How efficient are modern solar panels?+
Most quality residential panels sold in NZ are around 20–22% efficient. Higher efficiency packs more output into less roof space, which matters if your roof is small or partly shaded — but on a large, unshaded roof a slightly less efficient panel can be better value.
What warranty should solar panels have?+
Look for a product (materials) warranty of at least 12–25 years and a performance warranty of 25–30 years guaranteeing a minimum output (often around 80–87% at year 25). Always check the actual manufacturer datasheet, and confirm the installer offers a workmanship warranty too.

Sources

Figures on this page are indicative guidance, not a quote. Verified as at June 2026 — always confirm current pricing and rates with your installer or retailer.

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