Winaico Solar Panels Review
Read our review guidelines
After checking things out, it turns out Winaico solar panels are ace, especially when up against big guns like Trina and Seraphim. Though they’re top-notch, they’ve copped a 7/10 for bang for your buck, all because they’re on the pricey side.
Winaico stands out from other manufacturers because they offer two-year free insurance on all its modules. Moreover, their panels have a patented water drainage system that makes them unique.
We hope this Winaico solar panels review will give you the information you seek before investing in the panels.
Winaico Solar, a family-owned business based in Taiwan, is one of the leading solar companies in the industry. This company emerged from its parent company, Win Win Precision Technology Co, in 2007 and has since grown to be the largest solar panel manufacturer in Taiwan.
This Taiwanese manufacturer has a single manufacturing facility in Hsinchu, North-West Taiwan, and boasts high production volumes of 180MW annually.
Winaico does not distribute its panels to wholesalers but rather to solar technicians, project managers, and solar installers directly. This provides them with complete control over the panels’ handling and builds a good relationship with the installers and end-users.
Pros and cons of Winaico solar panels
Pros
- High-quality solar products
- Up to 25 years of product and performance warranties
- Two-year free insurance
- Office in Australia
- Patented water drainage system
Cons
- Shorter market presence
- The panels are quite expensive
How much do Winaico Solar Panels cost?
Winaico is one of the best solar providers in the solar industry, providing quality panels with good value for money. Below is the average cost of the modules. The prices include:
- Complete turnkey solar system installation with the Winaico modules
- Installation by a pre-vetted solar installer from the gosolarquotes.com network
- STC solar rebate and GST
| System Size (kW) | Average cost (fully installed) |
|---|---|
| 6kW | $7,000 |
| 8kW | $9,500 |
| 10kW | $11,000 |
Note: The actual prices vary depending on location, the solar installer you choose, and the preferred inverter brand.
How areWinaico Solar panels better or worse than their competitors
Cost: 7.5
Quality: 8
Warranty: 9
Efficiency: 7.5
Performance: 8
Value for money: 7
Overall Rating: 7.8/10
All the Winaico Australian panels have an attractive aluminum frame except the WST-P6 series. This frame features a Patented water drainage design that reduces dirt and water buildup at the edge of the solar module.
Winaico offers two-year free insurance on all modules sold in Australia, making it one of the few solar power companies offering complimentary insurance. The insurance covers complete solar panel installation from any material damage, operational errors, natural disasters, and reduction in power output.
In 2012, Winaico installed the Desert Knowledge testing facility in Alice Springs, Australia. The panels are among the top-performing brands and have one of the lowest degradation rates compared to the 30+ panels under testing. This shows that a standard Winaico solar panel performs excellently in real-world conditions.
Does Winaico Have Any Credits/Awards To Back Them Up?
Yes. Winaico modules have won industry awards, making it one of the leading manufacturers in the solar industry. Some of their awards include:
- Top Brand PV by Solarserver
- Taiwan Excellent PV Award by the Bureau of Energy
- Winaico’s HeatCap technology also won several industry awards. This technology is intended to reduce micro-cracking by about 20% in the real-world tests conducted by the Industrial Technology Research Institute.
Winaico VS. Trina VS. Seraphim solar panels
Here is how Winaico solar modules compare to other brands in the market.
| Product name | WST-MG Gemini | Trina Solar Vertex S | Seraphim S3 Bifacial Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer Logo |  |  |  |
| Product image |  |  |  |
| Cell Number | 120 cells | 120 cells | 144 half-cut cells |
| Cell Type | Monocrystalline | Monocrystalline | PERC Monocrystalline |
| Power Output | 375W | 405W | 445W |
| Solar Panel Efficiency | 20.62% | 21.1% | 20.47% |
| Company average turnover (USD) | $80 million | $3.15 billion | $Unknown |
| Annual Power Degradation | 0.7% | 0.55% | 0.60% |
| Number of busbars | 9 | Multi-busbar | 9 |
| Approximate cost per watt (AUD retail incl GST) | $0.74 | $0.50 | $0.46 |
| Approximate cost per module (AUD retail incl GST) | $273 | $195 | $171 |
| Dimensions | 1,759mm x 1,034mmx 35 mm | 1,754mm x 1,096mm x 30mm | 2,034 x 1,038 x 30mm |
| Weight | 20.6kg | 21.0kg | 28 kg |
| Product Warranty | 25 years | 15 years | 15 years |
| Performance Warranty | 25 years | 25 years | 30 years |
| Operational Temperature Range | 43.85 ± 3 °C | -40~+85°C | -40~+85°C |
| Made in | Taiwan | China | China |
| Datasheet supplied? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Australian office?
Winaico is one of the best solar panel manufacturers across the globe. The company has an office in Sydney, Australia
Why an Australian office is important
An Australian office makes it easy for customers to claim their warranties instead of struggling to call offices in Taiwan. More so, it makes it easier for manufacturers to address all their customers’ issues, which leads to more customer satisfaction.
An Australian office also ensures customers do not rely on local solar panel installers who have become unreliable over the years.
Are Winaico panels perfect for rooftop solar?
Yes. These panels have high module efficiencies that make them ideal for rooftop solar. Besides, each Winaico solar module has a 5,400 Pa/3,600 Pa maximum test load (+)(-), making it strong and durable.
Range of Winaico panels
Winaico modules have been approved by the Clean energy council for the residential solar rebate program in Australia. The panels we will cover in this Winaico solar panel review include:
- WST-M6 PERC
- WST-MX
- WST-MX black
- WST-MG Gemini
WST-M6 PERC Series
The WST-M6 PERC Series is one of the top performers in the solar industry. They have outstanding efficiency and a low degradation rate that ensures more power production for a long time.
Features
- Monocrystalline silicon cells
- PERC cell technology
- 15-year product guarantee
- Up to 19.84% module efficiency
- 3,600 Pa/2,400 Pa maximum design load (+)(-)
- 5,400 Pa/3,600 Pa maximum test load (+)(-)
- 3-in-1 insurance cover
Cell technology
These panels use PERC technology that enhances their performance. This technology modifies traditional solar cells and enables them to produce 6% to 12% more solar power. PERC cell technology also reduces electron recombination of cells that block the free electron flow that may reduce the cell’s efficiency.
Efficiency
These panels come with an initial efficiency of 97% and maintain an 80% efficiency after 25 years. With an annual degradation rate of 0.7%, the panels will still be functional beyond their lifetime.
Warranty/ Guarantee
These modules come with a 15-year product warranty and a 25-year linear performance warranty. This warranty is way above the industry standard of 12 years, which means Winaico stands behind their products.
Peak Performance
The peak performance of these panels is 330W under the right conditions. This gives the panels a module efficiency of 19.84%.
Panels needed for 6.6kW solar system
Winaico WST-M6 PERC Series has a high output which means a 6.6kW solar system will need about 18 panels.
Datasheet
WST-MX Series
Winaico WST-MX Series is another great performer that ensures reliability and durability.
Features
- Monocrystalline silicon cells
- PERC cell technology
- 3,600 Pa/2,400 Pa maximum design load (+)(-)
- 5,400 Pa/3,600 Pa maximum test load(+)(-)
- 19.40% module efficiency
- 25-year linear performance guarantee
- Extendable 15-year product guarantee
Cell technology
WST-MX Series also uses PERC cell technology that improves the cell’s performance. PERC cells feature an extra dielectric layer within the cells’ rear. This additional layer improves the capability of the cell to reflect light, producing more energy.
Efficiency
These panels exhibit an efficiency of 97% during the initial year. By the end of the 25th year, the panels’ efficiency stands at 80.2%.
Warranty/ Guarantee
Winaico WST-MX Series is a great investment and offers peace of mind to homeowners. It comes with a linear performance warranty of 25 years and a product warranty of 25 years.
Peak Performance
Under optimum conditions, the maximum power output of the panels is 340W with a module efficiency of 19.4%.
Panels needed for 5kW solar system
The number of panels needed for a 5kW solar system is 15. Winaico WST-MX Series has a high energy output that makes it excellent for limited roof space.
Datasheet
WST-MX black Series
Winaico WST-MX black Series has an elegant look. This series is ideal for people looking for a high-performing system without sacrificing the panels’ aesthetics.
Features
- Monocrystalline cells
- PERC cell technology
- Up to to 18.83 module efficiency
- 3,600 Pa/2,400 Pa maximum design load (+)(-)
- 5,400 Pa/3,600 Pa maximum test load (+)(-)
- Patent water drainage design for self-cleaning during rains
Cell technology
These panels use Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact cell technology that improves the conversion efficiency of the panels to achieve a higher energy output. An extra dielectric passivation layer is added to the cell’s backside for optimal conversion of sunlight, making solar cells more efficient.
Efficiency
These panels exhibit a 97% efficiency in the first year and stand at 80% efficiency after 25 years.
Warranty/ Guarantee
WST-MX black Series comes with a 25-year product and linear power warranty. This makes this series a top choice for many homeowners across Australia because the guarantee offers peace of mind.
Peak Performance
These panels have a maximum performance of 330W with high efficiency of 18.8%. This series also performs excellently under high temperatures with a 0.38% Pmax of temperature coefficient.
Panels needed for 3kW solar system
You will need about 7 panels for a Winaico WST-MX black Series 6.6kW solar system. These panels are ideal for rooftop installation and feature a patent water drainage design that prevents water and dust build-up.
Datasheet
WST-MG Gemini Series
Winaico WST-MG Gemini Series is the most powerful of Winaico’s solar panels. It has a high power output and a high module efficiency that makes it an excellent choice for quality and longevity.
Features
- Monocrystalline silicon cells
- PERC cell technology
- 20.62% module efficiency
- 25-year performance warranty with 80.2% power output
- 3-in-1 insurance cover for the complete system
- 3,600 Pa/1,600Pa maximum design load (push)(pull)
- 5,400 Pa/2,400 Pa maximum test load (push)(pull)
Cell technology
The WST-MG Gemini panels use the same technology as the other panels (PERC) in their manufacturing process to harvest the sun’s power. This technology is a modification of the conventional solar cells which enhances the power output of the cells.
Efficiency
These panels feature a 97% nominal power during the initial year with a low degradation rate of 0.7% from the 2nd to the 25th year. By the end of the 25th year, the panels’ output stand at 80.2%.
Warranty/ Guarantee
These panels come with a 25-year product and performance guarantee. They also have a 3-in-1 insurance cover for the complete system that makes them stand out in the industry.
Peak Performance
The peak performance of these panels is 375W under the right conditions with a high module efficiency of 20.62%.
Panels needed for 10kW solar system
The number of panels needed for a 6.6kW solar system is 22. This system has an incredibly high power output which means fewer panels will be needed. It is an excellent choice for limited roof space.
Datasheet
Latest leap forwards for Winaico solar panels
Winaico offers one of the best solar panels in the Australian market. The panels have a high module efficiency ranging from 17.13% (WST-P6) to 20.62%(WST-Gemini series)and guarantee 80% of their initial power output after 25 years.
Winaico focuses more on higher efficiency monocrystalline panels with their newest release of the WSP-MG Gemini Series (375W) in early 2021.
Why Winaico solar panels?
Winaico P-type solar panels rank first in the Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre (DKASC) tests. The module’s performance exceeds that of the Panasonic HIT solar systems and outshines other top brands in the market such as SunPower, REC, Q-cells, and Kyocera.
Winaico is also the only company that offers a 2-year free insurance cover against all risks, including reduced yield, material damage and service interruption.
The company has been in business since 2008, assuring customers that they will be around to honor their warranties.
| WST-NGX-D3 | WST-NGXB-D3 | |
| Cells Number | 108 cells | 108 cells |
| Cell Type | Monocrystalline, N-type, bifacial | Monocrystalline, N-type, bifacial |
| Power Output | 430W | 425W |
| Solar Panel Efficiency | 22.02% | 21.76% |
| Annual Power Degradation | 0.40% | 0.40% |
| Dimensions | 1,172 x 1,134 x 35 mm | 1,172 x 1,134 x 35 mm |
| Weight | 24 kg | 24 kg |
| Product Warranty | 30 years | 30 years |
| Performance Warranty | 30 years | 30 years |
| Operational Temperature Range | -40~+85º C | -40~+85º C |
| WST-MGX-P1 | WST-MGX-P3 Full Black | MGX-E1 | WST-MGL Full Black | WST-MGL | |
| Cells Number | 108 cells | 108 cells | 108 cells | 108 cells | 108 cells |
| Cell Type | Monocrystalline silicon | Monocrystalline silicon | Monocrystalline silicon | Monocrystalline silicon | Monocrystalline silicon |
| Power Output | 400W | 410W | 410W | 365-370W | 370-380W |
| Solar Panel Efficiency | 20.42% | 20.95% | 21% | 19.94% | 20.48% |
| Annual Power Degradation | 0.53% | 0.53% | 0.53% | 0.53% | 0.53% |
| Dimensions | 1,726 x 1,135 x 35 mm | 1,724 x 1,135 x 35 mm | 1,722 x 1,134 x 30 mm | 1,767 x 1,050 x 35 mm | 1,767 x 1,050 x 35 mm |
| Weight | 21.5 kg | 21.5 kg | 21.6 kg | 21 kg | 21 kg |
| Product Warranty | 25 years | 25 years | 15 years | 25 years | 25 years |
| Performance Warranty | 25 years | 25 years | 25 years | 25 years | 25 years |
| Operational Temperature Range | –40°C to +85°C | –40°C to +85°C | –40°C to +85°C | –40°C to +85°C | –40°C to +85°C |
Cell technology
Winaico panels use the passivated emitter rear cell technology(PERC), an upgrade of conventional solar cells. PERC solar cells are growing in popularity because they enable solar cells to produce about 6% to 12% more energy than traditional panels.
The main objective of the PERC cell technology is to improve the light-capturing capabilities of solar cells near the backside and optimize the capture of electrons. PERC solar cells effectively eliminate rear recombination that may decrease the efficiency of the modules.
Winaico solar panel specification/ datasheet
| WST-M6 PERC | WST-MX | WST-MX black | WST-MG Gemini | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cell Number | 60 cells | 60 cells | 60 cells | 120 cells |
| Cell Type | Monocrystalline cell | Monocrystalline cell | Monocrystalline cell | Monocrystalline cell |
| Power Output | 325W – 330W | 330W – 340W | 325W – 330W | 370W – 375W |
| Panel Efficiency | 19.54% - 19.84% | 18.83% - 19.40% | 18.54% - 18.83% | 20.62% |
| Annual Power Degradation | 0.7% | 0.7% | 0.7% | 0.7% |
| Dimensions | 1,665 mm x 999 mm x 35 mm | 1,705mm x 1.028mm x 35mm | 1,705mm x 1.028mm x 35mm | 1,759mm x 1.034mm x 35mm |
| Weight | 18.6kg | 20.6kgs | 20.6kgs | 20.6kgs |
| Product Warranty | 15 years | 25 years | 25 years | 25 years |
| Performance Warranty | 25 years | 25 year | 25 year | 25 years |
| Operational Temperature Range | 43.85 ± 3 °C | 43.85 ± 3 °C | 43.85 ± 3 °C | 43.85 ± 3 °C |
| Made in | Taiwan | Taiwan | Taiwan | Taiwan |
Conclusion
In summary, Winaico solar panels are an excellent choice for residential solar panel installation. Although the panels are yet to reach high module efficiency of over 22% like the LG Neon series, their reliability and quality offer great value to end-users.
Besides, Winaico modules are backed by an extendable 15-year product warranty and 25-year linear power warranty that assures you of security throughout the panels’ lifetime.
