Jinko Solar is one of the largest solar panel manufacturers in the world. The company may still be relatively young compared to its competitors, but it has built up a positive reputation in just a few short years. Our researchers have taken a deep dive into Jinko Solar’s products and focused on performance, warranties and pricing.
Jinko Solar overview
Jinko Solar is one of the largest solar manufacturers in the world. Having only been founded in 2006, the company is a relative newcomer but has already established itself as a leading solar manufacturer.
The company is well-known for its high-performance solar panels and affordable price range. Jinko Solar has been named a Tier 1 solar manufacturer by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF).
Headquartered in Shanghai, China, Jinko Solar’s products are distributed to more than 160 countries and it typically completes around 8,000 orders a year. To keep pace with growing demand for solar products, Jinko Solar has 14 manufacturing bases situated in China, Malaysia, the United States and Vietnam.
Jinko Solar offers four product ranges – Tiger, Tiger Neo, Tiger Pro and Cheetah. Its warranties are varied, ranging from 12 to 30 years, which is in line with the rest of the solar market. Notably, Jinko Solar’s newer models are N-Type solar panels that are designed to enhance performance – its Tiger N-Type panel has an efficiency of up to 22%. Its products also have a low degradation rate, with the majority of Jinko Solar’s panels retaining at least 98% of their optimal power in the first year.
How much do Jinko Solar panels cost?
Jinko Solar has a diverse range of products, and its pricing also reflects this. Its solar panels cover a wider range of power outputs and efficiency ratings.
Our researchers found that not all of Jinko Solar’s product range prices are easy to find online, though we were able to source the prices for its popular Tiger Neo range. When compared to its competitors, such as Qcells and JA Solar, its pricing is reasonable. However, it should be highlighted that Jinko Solar’s average product warranty is low compared to the 25-year product warranty offered by JA Solar.
Other leading brands SunPower and REC are more costly than Jinko Solar. Again, it should be noted their warranties are considerably longer, and this will have an impact on the cost of solar panels.
Jinko Solar’s reputation
Jinko Solar has been recognised as a top performer by DNV GL/PVEL PV Module Reliability Scorecard Report consecutively since 2016. The report is published annually and establishes 20 solar industry leaders. As well as this, Jinko Solar has been named a Tier 1 solar manufacturer by BNEF.
What are Jinko Solar’s best solar panels?
Our expert reviewers have examined each of Jinko Solar’s products to determine the best panels for specific use cases.
Best for any home: Jinko Solar Tiger N-Type 66TR 420W
Highlights
✓ Up to 22% efficiency
✓ 0.4% annual degradation
✓ N-type solar panel
Essential features
- Power output: 22%
- Efficiency: 420W
- Warranty: 15 years’ product warranty and 30 years’ performance warranty
- Cost per panel: Price on application (POA)
There are two types of solar cells: P-Type and N-Type – with the latter resulting in higher efficiency and less light-induced degradation. Jinko Solar’s Tiger N-Type 66TR 420W has a negative charge and uses phosphorus, which has one extra molecule than the traditionally used silicon – this results in a higher performance level.
Pricing
Our researchers were unable to compare the cost of the Tiger N-Type panel. However, we were able to compare its efficiency and power output. Compared to REC’s Alpha Pure-R Series, Jinko Solar has a higher efficiency, yet both have the same power output.
| Panel name | Efficiency | Power output | Cost per panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jinko Solar Tiger N-Type 66TR 420W | 22% | 420W | POA |
| SunPower Maxeon 6 AC 425W | 22% | 425W | POA |
| 420W REC Alpha Pure-R Series All Black Solar Panel | 21.70% | 420W | £262.80 |
Efficiency
The Jinko Solar Tiger 420W panel has an efficiency rating of 22%, making it Jinko Solar’s best-performing solar panel. It has a maximum power output of 420W, which makes it suitable for most house sizes.
Consider this panel if…
High performance and longevity. The Tiger N-Type model uses the latest technology, which enhances panel performance. N-Type modules also tend to last longer than P-Type modules, making this panel a good long-term investment.
Avoid this panel if…
Small budgets. N-Type solar panels usually cost more than P-Type panels.
Our score
| Efficiency | ★★★★★ |
| Power output | ★★★★ |
| Value for money | ★★1/2 |
| Overall | ★★★★ |
Best for budget: Jinko Tiger Neo TOPCon N-Type Solar Panel 470W
Highlights
✓ N-Type solar panel
✓ Annual degradation of 0.40% over 30 years
✓ 30 years’ performance warranty
Essential features
- Power output: 470W
- Efficiency: 21.8%
- Warranty: 12 years’ product warranty and 30 years’ performance warranty
- Cost per panel: £151.20
The Tiger Neo series is one of Jinko Solar’s newest ranges, featuring N-Type panels, as opposed to the less efficient P-Type panels. The Tiger Neo TopCon N-Type mono 470W is designed to enhance performance thanks to innovative cell technology.
Pricing
Our researchers compared the Tiger Neo TopCon N-Type mono 470W and found it to be good value for money. It is slightly more expensive than JA Solar’s 455W Mono MBB QC4 panel, but has a higher power output and efficiency. The Longi 410W has an efficiency of 21% and a power output of 410W – the Tiger Neo is less than £20 more than the Longi and has an overall higher performance.
| Panel name | Efficiency | Power output | Cost per panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jinko Solar Tiger Neo TopCon N-Type mono 470W | 21.8% | 470W | £151.20 |
| 455W JA Solar Mono MBB Percium Half-Cell Silver Frame Short Frame QC4 Solar Panel | 20.5% | 455W | £128.40 |
| 410W Longi 54c HiMo5 Black Frame Mono solar panel | 21% | 410W | £133.20 |
Efficiency
The Tiger Neo TopCon N-Type mono 470W has a high performance. Its efficiency rating is 21.8%, enhanced by its N-Type cells. It also comes with a maximum power output of 470W – meaning both its efficiency and power output are above average.
Consider this panel if…
Homes with a high energy consumption that also want to stick to a reasonable budget. The Tiger Neo TopCon has outstanding performance and is wallet-friendly compared to its competitors.
Avoid this panel if…
Those looking for a long-term product guarantee, as Jinko Solar only offers a 12-year warranty on the Tiger Neo.
Our score
| Efficiency | ★★★★ |
| Power output | ★★★★ |
| Value for money | ★★★★ |
| Overall | ★★★★ |
Best for homes with a low energy consumption: Jinko Solar Cheetah Mono PERC Half Cell module 345W
Highlights
✓ Able to withstand high wind and heavy snow loads
✓ Five busbar solar cells offer a less noticeable look and higher efficiency
✓ Low-light performance
Essential features
- Power output: 345W
- Efficiency: 20.45%
- Warranty: 12 years’ product warranty and 25 years’ performance warranty
- Cost per panel: POA
If your home doesn’t have a large number of bedrooms and your energy consumption is relatively low, Jinko Solar’s Cheetah model is a good choice of solar panel for your home. It’s Jinko Solar’s oldest product range, but don’t let that put you off – it still has an above-average efficiency rating of up to 20.45%. It features five busbars (wires that connect the solar cells), which contributes to the panel’s high performance. As well as this, its advanced cell and glass texture allows for good performance in low-light conditions.
Pricing
Our researchers found that Jinko Solar’s Cheetah 345W pricing was not available, so we were unable to compare costs. However, we did find that its efficiency and power output were similar to some of Q Cell’s solar panels.
| Panel name | Efficiency | Power output | Cost per panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jinko Solar Cheetah 345W | 20.45% | 345W | POA |
| 345W Q Cells Mono Q Peak+ G9 Plus | 20% | 345W | £156 |
| 350W Q Cells Mono Q Peak Duo G9 Plus All Black solar panel | 20.3% | 350W | £160.80 |
Efficiency
The Jinko Solar Cheetah Mono PERC Half-Cell panel has a maximum power output of 345W and an efficiency rating of 20.45%. Its power output might be on the low side, but for smaller households who use less energy, this could be the right solar panel for your home.
Consider this panel if…
Jinko Solar’s Cheetah model is suitable for smaller homes that are not hoping to rely solely on solar energy to power their homes.
Avoid this panel if…
Households that want to become energy-independent and not rely on National Grid electricity. The Cheetah 345W’s power output is too low to power an entire household in the winter months.
Our score
| Efficiency | ★★★ |
| Power output | ★★1/2 |
| Value for money | ★★ |
| Overall | ★★1/2 |
Best for homes with small roofs: Jinko Solar Tiger Pro Bifacial Module 555W
Highlights
✓0.45% annual power degradation
✓ Up to 21.48% efficiency
✓ 30-year performance warranty
Essential features
- Power output: 555W
- Efficiency: 21.48%
- Warranty: 12 years’ product warranty and 30 years’ performance warranty
- Cost per panel: POA
Boasting the highest power output in the Jinko Solar Tiger Pro range is the 555W solar panel, which has an incredibly low annual power degradation of just 0.45%. Thanks to its high power output, the Tiger Neo Pro would suit homes with limited roof space. Its nine-busbar technology has enhanced light-trapping technology, resulting in a higher power output while occupying less roof space.
Pricing
Unfortunately, the Tiger Pro’s pricing is not widely available. Instead, we’ve compared the panel on its efficiency and power output.
Our researchers found that the differences were minimal. The Tiger Pro has a higher efficiency and power output compared to Sharp’s 540W panel, but its efficiency is a fraction lower than JA Solar’s 555W Half-Cell panel.
| Panel name | Efficiency | Power output | Cost per panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jinko Solar Tiger Pro 555W | 21.48% | 555W | POA |
| 555W JA Solar Mono PERC Half-Cell GR MC4 with 30mm frame thickness Solar Panel | 21.5% | 555W | £156 |
| Sharp 540W Silver Frame White Back Sheet Pv Module Nujd540 | 20.8% | 540W | £246.82 |
Efficiency
The Tiger Pro has an efficiency of up to 21.48% – although this is high, it doesn’t top the Tiger N-Type, which has an efficiency of up to 22%. The Tiger Pro has a maximum power output of 555W.
Consider this panel if…
With an outstandingly high power output, the Tiger Pro is a good match for homes with limited roof space, generating a large amount of solar energy while occupying a smaller space. You could install fewer panels and still produce enough electricity to power your home.
Avoid this panel if…
Small households who don’t wish to stop using National Grid electricity.
Our score
| Efficiency | ★★★★ |
| Power output | ★★★★★ |
| Value for money | ★★ 1/2 |
| Overall | ★★★★ |
Jinko Solar FAQs
It’s always good to read reviews before any purchase. However, you should be wary of customer reviews and use websites such as Trustpilot, where the reviews cannot be tampered with by the company itself.
Jinko Solar has over a decade of experience manufacturing solar panels. The company fulfils around 8,000 orders annually, and its products can be found in over 160 countries. The manufacturer has some of the highest-performing solar panels on the market, and its pricing tends to be good value for money.
Before deciding on a solar panel installer, you should always shop around. It’s best to look at nationwide installers as well as locally and make sure you compare customer reviews if they’re available. You’ll want to compare at least three different companies’ pricing.
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.
