JinkoSolar Inc.

• Variety of Model Types
• Impressive Power Range
• Affordability
• Panel Efficiency Records

Variety of Model Types

Jinko has produced a number of solar panels over the years, but currently its Eagle series is the most popular among homeowners. There are three current panels in production available for purchase and installation:

Eagle G5

• 545W
• Half cut solar cells
• Bifacial cell architecture

Eagle G4

• 475W
• Fire Type 1 rated module
• Twin array design

Eagle Continental

• 400W
• High-performance 5 busbar mono PERC cells

Depending on what a homeowner is looking for and what the budget is for solar panels, there is likely a JinkoSolar panel solution that will meet all desired thresholds. 

Impressive Power Range

One of the most impressive performance metrics of JinkoSolar panels is its power range. The average power range for most comparable panels produced and installed on residential properties in the United States hovers around 250–400W. That is the floor for JinkoSolar panels, with the Eagle Continental producing about 400W. That makes the power range for Jinko Solar panels one of the best in the industry and worthy to note. 

Affordability

What truly sets apart Jinko Solar panels is its accessibility due to its affordability. Solar panels through Jinko start at $13,500 for relatively good efficiency and high power range metrics. In comparison, the “higher” quality solar panels that offer 2 percent to 3 percent more efficient panels can expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 to $7,000 more per panel. With JinkoSolar panels, homeowners can install as many panels as needed to produce at a reliable rate for anywhere from two to three decades. 

Panel Efficiency Records

While the actual efficiency metrics for current solar panels manufactured and sold through Jinko are average or below average, the company itself is known for its efficient technology which has been globally recognized by independent renewable energy organizations.

In fact, Jinko has broken the word record with its N-type cells that reportedly scored a 24.97 percent efficiency rating. This is the second efficiency rating JinkoSolar has broken. Its first was back in 2019 when Jinko beat out Longis for the most efficient solar panel technology in the same space. 

• Performance Degradation
• Standard Warranty

Performance Degradation

Solar panels are expected to perform for anywhere from 25 to 35 years. That being said, solar panels will not perform at the same level of efficiency in the first year of installation as the panels will in the 25th year of energy production. That is why the performance degradation metric of solar panels is so important. 

A number of factors go into the productive life of solar panels and their subsequent electricity production. Environmental climate, type of panel, racking installation, and others will have an impact. The overall reduction in solar panel energy output over time is what is known as performance degradation. The average performance degradation of most solar panels sold to residential clients hovers around 0.5 percent to 0.55 percent. The average performance degradation of JinkoSolar panels in just the first five years is 0.769 percent meaning Jinko panels will lose their efficiency and output faster than competitors.

Standard Warranty

Warranties are expected components when purchasing solar equipment. Due to the high cost of the products themselves in addition to the associated installation fees, some form of protection for production is in the best interest of the buyer. This is why solar warranties are scrutinized by solar equipment customers. 

The industry standard for panel performance warranties lasts an average of 25 years. While that is the case for JinkoSolar, the warranty also points out performance degradation specifications. Since the performance degradation of JinkoSolar panels is greater than the company's competitors, this exception within the standard warranty is a bit concerning.