SolarEdge Solar Panels: An Independent Review by Solar Choice

Note: Solar Choice is not a solar installer and has no financial or other incentives to promote any product brand over another. 

Overview of SolarEdge – Company History

Established in 2006, SolarEdge started as an inverter manufacturer, developing a DC optimized inverter solution that offers clear benefits in photovoltaic (PV) systems when compared to the more traditional string inverter approach. In March 2015, SolarEdge had an initial public offering on the NASDAQ with 7,000,000 shares of its common stock at a price to the public of $18.00 per share, raising $126 million.

In 2010, the company shipped an estimated 250,000 power optimizers and 12,000 inverters – amounting to a total generation of 50 megawatts and 70% of the power optimizers market.

In 2019, SolarEdge launched their solar panel range, named ‘Smart Modules’, which have their SolarEdge optimisers integrated to the module. The built in optimisers attempt to improve the speed of installation removing the need to install an device on each panel. SolarEdge has partnered with a tier 1 manufacturer to produce the panels – on their website is states they work with JA Solar, Axitec, Axsun, Luxor, Kyoto Solar and DMEGC.

SolarEdge now has over 2,400 employees globally with a monitored site in over 130 countries. The headquarters are located in Israel with offices all over the world including the USA, Germany, France, Japan, China, India, and Australia.

Key Indicators

What is a Bloomberg Tier 1 Solar Panel?

Bloomberg’s infamous tier 1 ranking is NOT a measure of Solar Panel quality in any way. It is simply an indication of the bankability of the manufacturer based on publicly released information on the financial health of the company. This should give you an idea if the company is a large, well-known manufacturer.

Likely due to their smaller size, SolarEdge Solar is not on the current Bloomberg Tier 1 list

See full list of Bloomberg Tier 1 Solar Panels

What is PV Evolution Labs Top Performer?

PV Evolution Labs with support from DNV GL independently test solar panel reliability. The tests are voluntary, with solar panel manufacturers paying to participate in the testing. This testing process is internationally renowned and is an accurate reflection of the solar panel’s performance.

SolarEdge Solar Panels have not featured in PV Evolution Labs Top Performers lists.

See full list of PV Evolution Labs Top Performing Solar Panels

Why is office location in Australia Important?

Most solar panel manufacturers entering the Australian market first set up their distribution channels and worry about customer service later. This has led to many unhappy customers who are left trying to contact Chinese head offices to claim on their 10-year product warranty.

Relying on your solar installer is not always an option as since 2011 we’ve seen over 700 residential solar installers (including the large ones) go out of business well within the lifetime of the systems they are installing. 

SolarEdge has an office in East Melbourne under the name of SolarEdge Technologies (Australia) PTY LTD.

How Much Do SolarEdge Panels Cost?

Based on Solar Choice’s database we have provided the below-average costs as an indicative guide of the wholesale costs of SolarEdge solar panels. These prices are typically only available to solar installation companies who are buying at volume, not to end customers. Note the pricing below puts SolarEdge panels at the premium end of the market.

SolarEdge Solar Panels – Points of Difference

The main point of difference for SolarEdge’s solar panels is that they have integrated their power optimisers into the panel. Most of the benefits of this are received by the installer who should be able to reduce the time required to install and should in turn be able to pass through some savings to the client.

Some of the benefits of power optimisation vs string inverter solution

• Resilience to roof shading through optimised energy output of each individual panel
• Quicker site mapping to the monitoring platform and easier maintenance
• Automatic panel-level voltage shutdown protecting people and property

SolarEdge Solar Panel Technologies

All the panels they currently sell in Australia are salt mist corrosion-resistant and suitable for installation in any location.

Currently, Solaredge offers the SPV series of panels on the Australian market for residential solutions. There are 18 SolarEdge solar panels approved by the Clean Energy Council (listed under the name of SolarEdge Technologies Ltd) for the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme – Australia’s home solar rebate program.

SPV Series

The SPV series utilises high-performance monocrystalline PERC half-cut cells with a power output of 370W/375W and 410W/415W options for Australian customers only. 

One of the key features of the SPV series is its smart module technology, which integrates Solaredge’s power optimizers directly (pre-assembled) into the solar panel. Power optimisers help increase production by enabling each panel to operate individually which is especially beneficial for partially shaded roofspaces. It can improve the overall performance and safety of the solar system. 

These built-in power optimisers enable installers to rapidly deploy the solar system and are purpose designed for SolarEdge’s inverters.

SolarEdge’s Warranty Offer for Australian Customers

Solar panels come with a product and performance warranty. The product warranty covers manufacturing faults and defects while the performance warranty covers the rate at which the panel will degrade in performance over time. 

The product warranty is considered the most important and is what we recommend you use in your decision-making criteria. SolarEdge offers a 25-year manufacturer’s or product warranty, which matches the premium options on the Australian market.

The 25-year linear performance warranty for most of their panels is on par with most other manufacturers and ensures an output of at least 97% of rated performance in the first year and an annual power degradation of no more than 0.7% in the following 24 years. However, the SPV series features 97.5% in the first year and 0.576% p.a. for the subsequent 24 years offering some benefits towards the back end of the panel’s lifetime.

From their claim documents, there is a documented and detailed process to claim a warranty when the product is at fault. Given SolarEdge has an Australian office to assist with the warranty claim process, this appears to be a well-supported warranty offer for Australian customers.

Read more about SolaEdge’s warranty terms and conditions.

Pros and Cons of SolarEdge Solar Panels

Comparison of SolarEdge Solar Panel Specifications (common modules)

So, Should I Buy SolarEdge Solar Panels?

The SolarEdge Smart Panels tick a lot of boxes when comparing features against another tier 1 solar panels. Based on the average pricing we’ve seen this looks to be an expensive option and as they can only be paired with a SolarEdge inverter it is suitable for customers who are looking to pay a bit more for a premium product.

The one downside of the Smart Panels is that at a similar price point, you could get a REC, Sunpower or Solarwatt solution with comes with an attractive 30-year product warranty. If the installers can pass on some savings from the reduced time it takes to install the panel (with the optimisers already built in) then this may become a more attractive option.

Read more product reviews from Solar Choice