The clean energy movement is gaining momentum, and homeowners are increasingly turning to solar power. While Chinese manufacturers dominate the market, some homeowners seek alternative options. This guide explores leading solar equipment brands outside China, offering various products and features to meet your needs.
Understanding manufacturing locations
Your rooftop solar panels and other solar equipment might culminate in a global journey. Solar equipment relies on global supply chains, unlike some products made entirely in one place. This means raw materials are extracted and processed in various locations, then shipped to factories for component production and final assembly.
Currently, China dominates the manufacturing landscape. In 2022, China produced 78 per cent of the world’s solar panels and has the world’s largest solar panel manufacturers. However, this doesn’t mean there are no other options.
Several reputable manufacturers and assembly plants exist outside of China. These companies might source components globally but manage the final assembly process in other countries.
Top brands to consider
So, if you’re in the market for solar equipment outside of China, there are plenty to choose from. We selected the top brands that ensure quality and standards suitable for different types of homes and businesses:
Fronius
Founded in 1945 in Austria, Fronius boasts a well-established reputation for quality and innovation. While its solar inverters are widely recognised, Fronius also offers a comprehensive range of solar equipment, including Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers and regulators.
Fronius prioritises sustainability by utilising recycled and recyclable materials and powering their production with 100% green energy. This commitment to eco-friendliness goes hand-in-hand with their rigorous quality standards, ensuring top-notch products are built to last.
Fronius understands the unique demands of the Australian climate. Their solar inverters feature active cooling technology to perform optimally in hot weather. Additionally, Fronius offers a monitoring tool that helps maximise energy yield and consumption, ultimately increasing your energy savings and return on investment.
Leading the way in innovation, Fronius offers a complete solar energy solution with the Gen24 inverter and Wattpilot EV charger. Their Gen24 inverter is particularly popular, offering features like smart energy management and backup power capabilities. When paired with the Wattpilot EV charger, Fronius provides a complete solar energy solution for your home, maximising self-consumption and powering your electric vehicle.
Fronius has over 100 trained and certified solar partners across the country that can help homeowners and business owners transition to solar energy.
FIMER
FIMER, an Italian company founded in 1967, entered the Australian market in 2005. In 2020, it acquired the ABB solar business and became the fourth-largest solar inverter manufacturer globally. The company plays an active role in shaping the renewable energy space.
FIMER establishes a solid local presence in Australia with its headquarters in Melbourne, while a dedicated team in Sydney handles warehousing, customer service, repair, and testing needs. This commitment extends beyond borders, with manufacturing plants strategically located in Italy and India.
Notably, FIMER is one of the few companies manufacturing solar equipment outside China. Further solidifying its global reach, Fimer boasts a network of six repair centres across the US, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, India, and Australia.
FIMER caters to a wide range of customers, offering a comprehensive portfolio of inverters, solar batteries, and EV chargers for residential, commercial, and utility-scale applications.
Their products along with the latest technology and inclusions are 100% designed and manufactured in Italy. They also work with organisations for large-scale solar or EV solutions.
FIMER’s success in Australia hinges on its popular inverter lines: UNO for single-phase and PVS for three-phase applications. These string inverters cater to both residential and commercial solar PV systems. For a complete solar solution, FIMER offers the React 2 battery storage system, which seamlessly integrates with its inverters. FIMER goes beyond hardware, providing comprehensive monitoring and control systems and AC charging solutions that integrate with various monitoring platforms.
REC
REC was founded in 1996 in Norway. It has grown significantly since then and has produced around 38 million panels. The company has built a solid foundation in the renewable energy sector, which makes it one of the top brands today.
REC sets itself apart with an unwavering commitment to quality. Their internal testing procedures are up to 3 times more rigorous than industry standards, resulting in meagre failure rates. This dedication to excellence translates into industry-leading warranties, giving you complete peace of mind about your investment.
REC is committed to sustainability and has garnered awards and accreditations for its efforts in sustainable production with policies in place. Its solar panels have a low carbon footprint that enables Short Energy Payback Time (EPBT).
REC is a trusted choice for reliable solar panels. Their product portfolio boasts several high-performing options, including the Alpha Pure-RX, Pure, and Alpha series.
Tindo
For solar panel manufacturers in Australia, Tindo is a highly recommended brand. An Australian solar pioneer, Tindo is known for its top-tier solar panels designed to withstand the Australian climate. It was founded in 2010, motivated by the desire to create a high-quality solar solution that would help preserve Australian manufacturing and cultivate a sustainable future.
Tindo combines Australian ingenuity with cutting-edge technology to deliver top-notch solar solutions. While they source high-quality components globally, their commitment to quality shines through their meticulous assembly process right here in Australia. This approach ensures rigorous quality control and potentially faster delivery times for you. The result? Tindo solar equipment is renowned for its superior performance, enduring durability, and innovative design.
One of its most popular products is the Karra G2 series, designed for residential use. The Karra G2 series offers a powerful and reliable solar solution for your home. These high-efficiency panels leverage half-cut cell technology, maximising power output even in limited space.
Backed by a lengthy warranty and built with enduring materials, the Karra G2 series is engineered to withstand harsh Australian conditions, ensuring long-lasting performance and peace of mind.
The world of solar energy is vast, offering Australians a chance to embrace clean power beyond Chinese manufacturers. Fronius, Fimer, REC, and Tindo represent a few reputable brands committed to quality and innovation. These companies cater to diverse needs, from high-efficiency panels to comprehensive home energy solutions.
Whether you prioritise rigorous testing standards, local manufacturing, or cutting-edge technology, a perfect solar equipment match is waiting for you. Embrace the future of sustainable energy and unlock the sun’s power for your Australian home or business!
