JA Solar has over 12 years of experience manufacturing residential and commercial solar panels. This article takes a closer look at JA Solar’s products, reputation and pricing across its various product ranges. Our researchers compared the leading solar manufacturer with its competitors, focusing on performance and solar panel costs.
JA Solar overview
JA Solar is a Shanghai, China-based solar panel manufacturer. Founded in 2005, the company specialises in manufacturing solar panels and solar batteries, as well as related parts such as frames and junction boxes. JA Solar produces some of the most efficient solar panels on the market, but what makes the company stand out is its affordability.
JA Solar has been listed on the Fortune China 500 and Global Top 500 New Energy Enterprises for several consecutive years. It’s also classed as a Tier 1 manufacturer by BloombergNEF. Tier 1 solar panels are manufactured using high-quality silicon, owing to the panel’s high efficiency rating. The manufacturing process is robust and thoroughly checked for errors.
The company has expanded globally over the years and is now well-established within the solar market. It has numerous manufacturing facilities based in China and its products are distributed to over 135 countries.
It offers a diverse range of products for both residential and commercial installations. JA Solar’s panels come with a standard 12-year warranty, which isn’t the longest compared to its competition. However, most of its panels tend to be good value for money in terms of power output and efficiency ratings.
How much do JA Solar panels cost?
JA Solar’s pricing is on the less expensive side of things when compared with its competitors. Our research found that JA Solar’s 555W Mono PERC Half-Cell panel was less expensive than some other panels with a similar efficiency rating. Jinko Solar’s Tiger Neo 420W N-Type 54 Cell is marketed at nearly £20 more and has a lower power output.
JA Solar’s reputation
JA Solar has a good reputation and has consistently been in the top performer category for the DNV GL/PVEL PV Module Reliability Scorecard Report, which is an annual report focusing solely on 20 industry leaders of solar panel manufacturers.
What are JA Solar’s best solar panels?
Our experts have carefully considered each of JA Solar’s products to determine the best panels for specific use cases.
Best for smaller households: 365W JA Solar Mono MBB Percium Half-Cell All Black MC4
Highlights
✓ Efficiency of up to 19.6%
✓ Reliable power, even in shady conditions
✓ Produces 6 to 12% more power than conventional panels
Essential features
- Power output: 365W
- Efficiency: 19.6%
- Warranty: 12 years
- Cost per panel: £108
JA Solar’s Half-Cell All-Black MC4 is reliable and powerful even when faced with shady conditions. Its PERC-cell configuration contributes to the panel’s power generation, and it notably produces more than conventional solar panels.
Prices
Our researchers compared JA Solar’s MC4 365W panel with other similar models on the market and found its pricing to be lower than average. Compared to competitors, JA Solar’s panel was priced lower than its competitors with the same or lower power output. However, its efficiency was slightly lower.
| Panel name | Efficiency | Power output | Cost per panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| JA Solar MC4 365W | 19.6% | 365W | £108 |
| Qcells 350W Mono Q Peak Duo G9 Plus | 20.3% | 350W | £160.80 |
| REC 365W TwinPeak 4 Series | 20% | 365W | £188.40 |
Efficiency
The MC4 solar panel has an efficiency rating of 19.6%, which is slightly lower than the average 20%. However, with a maximum power output of 365W and PERC cells with an additional layer on the back that produces 6 to 12% more power than conventional panels – this should suffice for small-sized homes.
Consider this panel if…
JA Solar’s MC4 365W has a maximum power output of 365W and this would be well-suited for smaller homes or homes with a relatively low energy consumption.
Avoid this panel if…
Homes looking to install larger than a 4kW system should choose a solar panel with a higher output rating to maximise the overall power of their solar array. There’s very little point in installing a larger solar array with a lower power output.
Our score
| Efficiency | ★★★ |
| Power output | ★★★ |
| Value for money | ★★★ |
| Overall | ★★★ |
Best for budget: 405W JA Solar Mono PERC Half-Cell MBB Silver Frame Solar Panel
Highlights
✓ Efficiency of up to 20.7%
✓ High power output, minimally affected by shady conditions
✓ 0.55% annual degradation over 25 years
Essential features
- Power output: 405W
- Efficiency: 20.7%
- Warranty: 12 years
- Cost per panel: £103.20
Though the Mono PERC Half-Cell MBB Silver Frame 405W Solar panel is one of JA Solar’s older models, it still has a lot to offer. The panel has a 20.7% efficiency rating and a low degradation rate at just 0.55% annually over its 25-year lifespan. It’s also one of JA Solar’s most affordable solar panels, making it an excellent budget-friendly option.
Prices
When our researchers compared JA Solar’s Mono Perc Half-Cell MBB panel to other models, they found it to be reasonably priced. REC’s TwinPeak 5 Series panel of the same power output with a lower efficiency rating was more expensive by more than £70. Similarly, Qcell’s M-G11 added £60 per panel and came with a similar power output and efficiency rating.
| Panel name | Efficiency | Power output | Cost per panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| JA Solar 405W Mono PERC Half-Cell MBB | 20.7% | 405W | £103.20 |
| REC 405W TwinPeak 5 Series Panel | 20.5% | 405W | £180 |
| 400W Qcells Q Peak Duo Plus M-G11 All Black Solar Panel | 20.8% | 400W | £164.40 |
Efficiency
JA Solar’s Silver Frame 405W panel has an above-average efficiency of 20.7% and a maximum power output of 405W. Its efficiency is amplified by its half-cell configuration and multi-busbar technology. It also offers better temperature-dependence performance (efficiency is minimally affected by temperature) and a reduced shading effect.
Consider this panel if…
The panel’s low pricing when compared to similar models on the market makes it a good choice for those on a budget.
Avoid this panel if…
Homes concerned with aesthetics. The panel’s silver frame could bother homeowners or neighbours.
Our score
| Efficiency | ★★★★ |
| Power output | ★★★½ |
| Value for money | ★★★★ |
| Overall | ★★★★½ |
Best for high-consumption households: 555W JA Solar Mono PERC Half-Cell GR MC4
Highlights
✓ Efficiency of up to 21.5%
✓ Less impacted by partial shading than conventional panels
✓ Mono-PERC half-cell panel
Essential features
- Power output: 550W
- Efficiency: 21.5%
- Warranty: 12 years
- Cost per panel: £156
JA Solar’s Mono PERC solar panel is an 11-busbar half-cell module that can reach an outstandingly high power output. The split cell design provides a high efficiency and was developed to perform at maximum capacity even in shady conditions.
Prices
Our researchers compared JA Solar’s GR MC4 solar panel to other similar panels on the market and found its pricing to be fair and good value for money. Its high efficiency was matched by other leading solar brands such as Longi and Trina Solar – but JA Solar’s slightly higher power output makes it better value.
| Panel name | Efficiency | Power output | Cost per panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| JA Solar GR MC4 | 21.5% | 550W | £156 |
| Longi Solar 500W Hi-Mo 5M | 21.5% | 500W | £145.20 |
| Trina Solar 505W Trina Vertex-S Triple Cut PERC Mono | 21.1% | 505W | £162 |
Efficiency
JA Solar’s GR MC4 has a maximum power output of 550W and an efficiency rating of 21.51% – both of which surpass the average outputs on the market. What makes this panel really stand out is its half-cell design. Its 11-busbar half-cell configuration reduces the impact of shading, meaning it can continue to perform well, even in low-light conditions.. In short, it’s reliable and has a high power generation.
Consider this panel if…
The JA Solar GR MC4 is good for large families or homes with high energy consumption. Its half-cell modules have a maximum power output of 550W; paired with 21.51% efficiency, they should provide enough energy to power larger homes.
Avoid this panel if…
This panel does most things well, and while it would suit large and even medium-sized homes, but for smaller homes without a solar battery, its large power output could go to waste.
Our score
| Efficiency | ★★★★ |
| Power output | ★★★★★ |
| Value for money | ★★★★ |
| Overall | ★★★★ |
Best for small roofs: 400W JA Solar Mono MBB Percium Half-Cell All Black Short Frame QC4
Highlights
✓ Efficiency of up to 20.5%
✓ Short frame design
✓ High reliability and power output
Essential features
- Power output: 400W
- Efficiency: 20.5%
- Warranty: 12 years
- Cost per panel: £114
JA Solar’s Half-Cell Short Frame QC4 panel comes with an above-average efficiency and is designed with a short frame. Its compact design is ideal for homes with limited roof space. The model might be smaller than most panels, but its PERC technology still ensures a 20.5% efficiency.
Prices
JA Solar’s QC4 is competitively priced. When our researchers compared it to similar models on the market, they found it costs less than other leading manufacturers such as Longi Solar and Qcells. Although both of them have a slightly higher panel efficiency, their power outputs are similar.
| Panel name | Efficiency | Power output | Cost per panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| JA Solar 400W Mono MBB Percium Half-Cell QC4 | 20.5% | 400W | £114 |
| Longi Solar 405W Hi-Mo | 21% | 405W | £128.40 |
| Qcells 400W Q Peak Duo Plus M-G11 | 20.8% | 400W | £146.40 |
Efficiency
The model’s PERC cells in a half-cell layout produce a high panel efficiency of 20.5%. The QC4 has 12 or 16 busbars, providing reliability, durability and a high power output of 400W.
Consider this panel if…
Homes with limited roof space. Short-frame panels will still generate a high power output but will take up less space.
Avoid this panel if…
Flat roofs, or roofs not at optimal angles for solar panels. If you require roof mounts to be fitted, this panel isn’t a good choice for your home.
Our score
| Efficiency | ★★★★ |
| Power output | ★★★★ |
| Value for money | ★★★½ |
| Overall | ★★★½ |
Best for rural and coastal properties: 495W Mono PERC Half-Cell MBB Silver Frame MC4 Connectors Solar Panel
Highlights
✓ Efficiency of up to 21.3%
✓ Textured glass surface that enhances durability
✓ High power output
Essential features
- Power output: 495W
- Efficiency: 21.3%
- Warranty: 12 years
- Cost per panel: £135.30
JA Solar’s 495W MC4 Connectors Solar panel has an advanced textured glass surface, which enhances durability against dust, sand and sea salt. It also produces a decent amount of solar power even when faced with low-light conditions.
Prices
When our researchers compared JA Solar’s 495W mono panel its pricing was quite impressive. It costs over £60 less than Perlight’s 415W solar panel with the same efficiency rating and a lower power output.
| Panel name | Efficiency | Power output | Cost per panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| JA Solar 495W Mono PERC Half-Cell MBB MC4 Connectors | 21.3% | 495W | £135.60 |
| Longi Solar 500W Hi-Mo 5M | 21.5% | 500W | £145.20 |
| Perlight Delta 415W Total Black Mono | 21.3% | 415W | £203 |
Efficiency
With a maximum power output of 495W and an efficiency rating of 21.3%, the model is well-suited for most house sizes.
Consider this panel if…
The model’s advanced and durable textured glass surface makes it resistant to dust, sea salt and sand. This panel would work well for exposed or coastal homes.
Avoid this panel if…
Small homes that don’t require such a large power output.
Our score
| Efficiency | ★★★★ |
| Power output | ★★★★ |
| Value for money (ExP/C) | ★★★★ |
| Overall | ★★★★ |
JA Solar FAQs
JA Solar has nearly 20 years of experience and is a leading global solar manufacturer. The company produces solar panels for both domestic and commercial use. Its products include some of the highest efficiency ratings on the market and are manufactured with the latest technology that can resist low light, shading, and adverse weather conditions.
When looking for solar panels, it’s best to shop around. You should compare JA Solar to other products on the market and read customer reviews.
The JAM60S20 has an efficiency rating of 21%, which is higher than the market average of 20%. Though the panel has a high power output, its short product warranty of 12 years could be seen as a downside.
Like most of JA Solar’s products, the JAM60S20 comes with a 12-year product warranty and 25-year performance warranty. Though its warranties are average compared to the market, other leading solar brands such as Project Solar offer a lifetime guarantee on all of its products.
Rachel Sadler is a seasoned journalist and content creator with a multi-year track record in both print and digital media.
Rachel is an expert in renewable energy, particularly solar panel solutions for UK households. She investigates the most effective solar panels for domestic use, emphasising cost savings and the potential for households to produce their own electricity. Her interests extend to home insulation, specifically the role of windows in enhancing energy efficiency, aesthetic appeal, and cost reduction. She delves into the best materials for durability, maintenance, and affordability, crafting informative guides and articles.
