Aiko Solar solar panels review

Founded in 2009, solar panel manufacturer Aiko Solar is renowned for developing and producing cutting-edge photovoltaic (PV) technologies. In 2021, Aiko Solar shifted its focus towards All Back Contact (ABC) technology, and its ABC Black Hole Series was recently honoured with the 2023 Red Dot Award for Product Design. Our experts take a closer look at the best solar panels offered by Aiko in this guide, comparing their output, efficiency and value for money so you can make an informed decision about your new solar panel system.

Aiko Solar specialises in researching, developing, manufacturing, selling and distributing Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact (PERC) cells to businesses across Europe, Japan, South Korea and India. PERC solar cells are gaining popularity as a choice for constructing solar panels. These cells are modified versions of traditional solar cells that can generate energy from both the front and rear surfaces, making them six to 12 per cent more efficient than their conventional counterparts.

Aiko Solar is well-regarded in the PV industry for its reliable performance, high conversion efficiency, low breakage rate and minimal light-induced degradation.

In April 2023, Aiko Solar signed a strategic cooperation memorandum with Austrian energy firm Burgenland Energi to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 in the state of Burgenland, Austria. They plan to set up a joint innovation centre for technology research and development, working on microgrids, energy networks, and carbon neutrality.

Aiko Solar produces a range of PV solar panels and supplies solar system-related products, including storage batteries, inverters, and mounting rails. 

Aiko Solar customer survey

Independent Advisor recently conducted a survey of 1,544 readers who had solar systems installed, and the results were:

• 93 per cent said Aiko panels met or exceeded energy production expectations 
• 92 per cent said Aiko panels met or exceeded savings expectations
• 90 per cent said Aiko panels met or exceeded maintenance expectations

Aiko Solar is not transparent with its solar panel costs across the board, with some prices unavailable. However, the price points that were available appear to be competitive and affordable.

Aiko Solar manufactures several solar panel models and the ones featured here are suitable for various households, including large family homes, country properties and smaller houses.

Key features

✓ Excellent efficiency

✓ High power output

✓ Bezel-free design

Specifications

• Power output: 495W
• Efficiency: 24.8 per cent
• Warranty: 15-year product warranty and 30-year power warranty
• Cost per panel: £80

This panel boasts an almost unprecedented efficiency rating of over 24 per cent (most standard panels sit at around the 20 per cent mark). While its technological durability may not match SunPower’s, it still performs impressively, operating at 88.85 per cent of its initial capacity after 30 years.

Efficiency and power output

Aiko Solar’s ABC Neostar 3N54 495W panels offer high efficiency of 24.8 per cent. At present, few manufacturers can match that when considering the panel’s 495W power output. Longi Solar’s Hi-Mo 6 Scientist module comes close, delivering 23 per cent, but has a lower output of 450W.

Cost

Comparing Aiko Solar solar panels with other models offering similar efficiency and power output is challenging without full access to its prices. However, the Aiko Solar ABC Neostar 495W module, priced at around £80, is comparable to similar panels from other big names. 

Our rating

What is this panel best for?

The ABC Neostar panel from Aiko Solar is a good option that offers good power generation, reliability, and a streamlined appearance.  

Not good for

It is ideal for the average three-bedroom UK home; for properties at opposite ends of the scale, more suitable panels are available from Aiko and other manufacturers.  

Key features

✓ High efficiency

✓ Great power output

✓ Designed without bezels for a sleek appearance

Specifications

• Power output: 615W
• Efficiency: 23.8 per cent
• Warranty: 15-year product warranty and 30-year power warranty
• Cost per panel: POA

Efficiency and power output

While its efficiency is slightly lower than the White Hole at 23.8 per cent, the N-Type ABC Black Hole still outperforms many other solar panels on the market by at least one percentage point. Though it falls short of its higher-end counterpart by 5W, its peak power output of 615W is still impressive for solar energy generation.

Cost 

Our researchers cannot give a full comparison to other models offering similar efficiency and power output without any published prices. 

Our rating

What is this panel best for?

For larger households wanting a large output from an aesthetically appealing panel, the Aiko Solar N-Type ABC Black Hole makes a great choice. 

Not good for

This panel may not provide a cost-effective solar solution for smaller families. However, if you don’t require the 615W offered by this premium panel, you could reduce your household bills by selling any surplus generated to the National Grid.

Key features

✓ Smaller-sized panel

✓ High efficiency

✓ Aesthetic appeal

Specifications

• Power output: 460W
• Efficiency: 23.6 per cent
• Warranty: 15-year product warranty and 30-year power warranty
• Cost per panel: POA

This 54-cell panel comes in an all-black design and, while it may be slightly less efficient than Aiko Solar’s 72-cell models, it compensates with its lightweight and compact build, being 27 per cent lighter and 24 per cent smaller. This means for every four standard 72-cell panels you’d install on your roof, you can fit five of these 54-cell models, while still maintaining high-efficiency levels. 

Efficiency and power output

Offering a good efficiency of 23.6 per cent, and an output of 460W, Aiko Solar’s N-Type ABC Black Hole 54-cell panel takes up less roof estate while still delivering a premium performance. 

Cost

Without any published prices for Aiko Solar’s solar panels, our researchers cannot accurately compare them with other models offering the same efficiency and power output. 

Our rating

What is this panel best for?

For smaller homes or flats requiring a high power output, this 54-cell panel could be ideal. Taking up less space on roofs, it offers great efficiency and power output. 

Not good for

If your roof has room, you may find one of Aiko Solar’s larger, more powerful 72-cell a more cost-effective option.