With Australia’s abundant sunshine hours, harnessing solar power is not just an environmentally friendly choice but a smart one for homeowners. However, selecting the right solar panel for the Australian brand can take time and effort, given the many options in the market. This article focuses on two leading brands, REC and Tindo, to provide the necessary information to make an informed decision.
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Brand background
Two prominent brands emerge when it comes to selecting solar panels: REC and Tindo. Let’s check their backgrounds.
REC
Founded in Norway in 1996, REC is a global leader in solar panel manufacturing with a strong presence in Europe and North America. They have recently expanded their operations in Australia, offering high-efficiency panels focusing on quality and performance.
REC boasts a well-established reputation as a Tier 1 manufacturer, a prestigious ranking by Bloomberg New Energy Finance that signifies strong financial stability and a commitment to quality. REC panels are manufactured in several locations worldwide, ensuring a reliable supply chain and a globally recognised brand. This international presence translates into extensive research and development capabilities, allowing REC to push the boundaries of solar panel technology consistently.
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Tindo
Born in 2010, Tindo is a proudly Australian-owned company with its heart in Adelaide. It manufactures its solar panels in Australia, using a blend of imported solar cells and locally sourced components, fostering a sense of community and support for the brand. While Tindo offers excellent quality, its production volume is currently smaller than REC’s, which may affect availability in some regions.
Some of the key features
Choosing the right solar panels is crucial for maximising your investment and energy generation. Here are some of the key features of REC and Tindo.
Panel efficiency and performance
Efficiency, a key factor in choosing solar panels, refers to how effectively a panel converts sunlight into electricity. Panels with higher efficiency generate more power per square meter of roof space, making them a crucial consideration, especially for homes with limited roof space.
- REC: REC panels boast some of the highest efficiency ratings in the market, often exceeding 21% to 22%, depending on the specific model. Their flagship Alpha series panels are known for their exceptional performance, particularly in low-light conditions.
- Tindo: Tindo panels generally fall into the mid-tier efficiency range, typically between 19% and 20%. While not the most efficient, they offer good value for money.
Warranty and reliability
A strong warranty is crucial, as solar panels are a long-term investment. It protects you against manufacturing defects and ensures your panels perform as expected.
- REC: REC offers a comprehensive warranty package, including a 20-year product warranty and a 25-year performance warranty. This extends to 25 years for product, performance AND labour with REC’s ProTrust Warranty program. REC guarantees at least 92% of the initial rated power output after 25 years, ensuring your panels continue generating significant electricity for a quarter-century.
- Tindo: Tindo provides a competitive warranty with other mid-tier brands, typically including a 25-year product warranty and a 25-year performance warranty.
Build quality and durability
The quality of materials and construction determines a solar panel’s longevity and resilience against harsh weather conditions.
- REC: REC panels are known for their robust build quality, using high-grade materials and rigorous testing procedures. They are well-suited to the Australian climate and withstand extreme temperatures, hail, and wind.
- Tindo: Tindo panels are assembled in Australia under strict quality control measures. While they might possess a different global brand recognition than REC regarding building quality, they are still a reliable option for Australian conditions.
Cost and value proposition
Solar panel costs vary depending on efficiency, brand reputation, and installer margins.
- REC: REC panels generally fall into the premium price segment due to their high efficiency and robust build quality.
- Tindo: As an Australian-made product, Tindo panels might be slightly more expensive than some Chinese imports. However, considering their mid-tier efficiency and strong warranty, they offer good value for money.
REC vs. Tindo: A side-by-side comparison
Here’s a table summarising the key points of comparison between REC and Tindo solar panels:
Feature | REC | Tindo |
Brand origin | Norway (Global) | Australia |
Manufacturing | Made in Singapore, Vertically integrated | Assembly in Australia |
Bloomberg Tier 1 ranking | Yes | No |
Panel efficiency | Up to 22.2% | Up to 20.6% |
Cell technology | Half-cut cell + PERC, HJT tech for some panels | Half-cut cell + PERC (May vary depending on model) |
Durability | Superior, double-glass frame | Designed for Australian conditions |
Product warranty | 20 years standard, 25 years with ProTust Warranty | 25 years |
Performance warranty | 25 years (Up to 92% output) | 25 years (80-85% output) |
Brand reputation | Strong, global leader | Reputable Australian brand |
Price point | Higher | Lower |
The advantage: REC's global strength and efficiency
While Tindo’s focus on Australian manufacturing and extended performance warranty are commendable, REC pulls slightly ahead in this comparison. REC’s global presence, Tier 1 bankability, and industry-leading efficiency translate to a potentially higher return on investment and a future-proof solution. Their extensive network of installers across Australia further strengthens their appeal.
Our Energy Matters CEO, Roshan Ramnarain, featured stunning homes installed with REC solar technology on Open Homes Australia Season 7 Episode 4 and Renovate or Rebuild Episode 6.
The final decision: It's all about your priorities
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities. If supporting a local manufacturer and a slightly longer performance warranty are paramount, Tindo Solar might be a good fit. However, if you prioritise global brand recognition, top-tier efficiency, and a wider network of installers for long-term support, REC might be the smarter choice.
- Prioritise global brand recognition, top efficiency, and leading warranties: Choose REC.
- Value Australian-made products and competitive pricing: Consider Tindo.
Beyond the brands: Additional considerations
Remember, the solar panel brand is just one piece of the puzzle. Here are some additional factors to consider when making your decision:
- System design and installation: A reputable solar installer can significantly impact your system’s performance and longevity.
- Financing options: Explore financing options to make your solar investment more manageable.
- Get multiple quotes: Obtain solar quotes from installers offering REC and Tindo panels to compare pricing and system designs.
By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the best solar panels for your Australian home.
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*Prices quoted are to be used as a guide only and do not factor in state and other rebates and incentives. Includes STC discount.
