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1KOMMA5° vs REC Solar Panels: Exploring Premium Solar Panel Brands

1KOMMA5° Group enters the solar panel manufacturing scene by producing its product line. The Germany-made 1KOMMA5° full-black solar panels are now available to Australian homeowners. But how competitive are the new solar panels from 1KOMMA5° compared to established brands like REC?
Author
Kathy Calilao
Updated at
Reading time
3 min

REC and 1KOMMA5° are some of the best solar panel brands in Australia. REC Alpha Pure-R and 1KOMMA5 full-black module offer sleek, all-black solar panels with impressive features.

If you want to upgrade your solar power system, either of the brands is a great start. Before you choose which works best for you, let's compare them in different key areas.

Product Offering and Efficiency

REC solar panels utilise Heterojunction (HJT) cell technology, which makes them highly efficient and less temperature-sensitive. Their notable REC Alpha Pure-R series ranges from 400W to 430W power output. It offers more diversity than 1KOMMA5° Full-Black Modules with 415 to 425 W power output.

1KOMMA5° applied TopCon Technology in developing their solar panels, leading to a maximum 21.8% efficiency rating. The technology allows electrons to pass through while blocking unwanted recombination, improving efficiency. Even with fewer options, these Germany-made solar panels compete toe-to-toe with the efficiency of the REC Alpha Pure-R.

1KOMMA5° Full Black Solar Panels

REC Alpha Pure-R series has a 20.7% to 22.3% efficiency rate. Its iconic twin design reduces the internal resistance, resulting in higher power output even in shaded conditions.

Performance of REC Solar Panels in Shaded Conditions

REC is known for the durability of its solar panels. Their solar panels can take up to a maximum load of 7000 Pa. It has support bars underneath the panel to protect the glass from bending.

On the other hand, 1KOMMA5° designed their panels to withstand Australia's harsh climate. Like REC, it can still be efficient even in low light. It has excellent water and dust resistance. 1KOMMA5° panels has a low temperature coefficient (-0.29%/°C). It means that the power loss is lower when the temperature rises.

Both solar brands are reliable when it comes to efficiency and durability. There's no doubt the two brands can cater to your energy needs. Starting with REC and 1KOMMA5° is a good option if you'd like to enhance your system or invest in premium panels.

Initial Cost

To set your expectations, the upfront cost of both brands can be higher than solar panels manufactured by Chinese companies. Comparing the prices of 1KOMMA5° and REC solar panels can be tricky. It will depend on specific models, wattage, and current market fluctuations.

The technology used to produce the panels could also affect its pricing. HJT has a more complex and delicate manufacturing process than TopCon technology. Currently, fewer manufacturers produce HJT panels. This limited production capacity directly impacts the availability across the market.

You can request a quotation for both brands to discover which is cheaper. Aside from being the manufacturer of 1KOMMA5° modules, 1KOMMA5° is also a certified REC installer. Our solar experts can guide you on what works best for your homes. Reach out to our solar experts for a personalised quotation.

Warranty Coverage

REC standard warranty gives 20 years product warranty and 25 years power warranty. This warranty applies if a non-REC-certified installs your solar panel system. Consequently, the labour warranty will not cover your system.

REC ProTrust ensures 25 years of product warranty, 25 years of power warranty, and a labour warranty. It is available for those who partnered with REC-certified solar professionals like 1KOMMA5°.

The labour warranty's length depends on your system size. If your system is less than 25kW, you are entitled to a 25-year labour warranty. For systems ranging from 25 to 500 kW, you'll receive a 10-year labour warranty.

REC Warranty

1KOMMA5° offers a 5-year longer product and performance warranty compared to REC's. It is also an advantage that 1KOMMA5° headquartered in Australia in 2021. You can contact our team anytime if you need help or encounter issues with our solar panels. The same goes if you have concerns about your REC solar panels.

Whether you have REC or 1KOMMA5° solar panels, you can rely on them to deliver a dependable product. Either brands have great after-sales support and certified installers available in Australia. Their goal is to give you the quality service you deserve.

Certifications and Quality Control

Both manufacturers invested in rigorous quality testing before producing their products.

As a Germany-made solar panel, 1KOMMA5° full-black modules undergo examination at Fraunhofer ISE. They are Europe's leading solar research institute, guaranteeing compliance according to industry standards. Beyond in-house checks, individual panels undergo independent inspections and random testing.

1KOMMA5° doesn't just ethically source their solar panels. They also actively pursue ethical treatment of their workers. Their manufacturing facilities are TÜV-certified and follow the Labour Rights Standard (SA8000 ESG).

As a leading manufacturer of solar panels, REC also undergoes several certifications. REC solar panels prioritise quality and guarantee electrical and mechanical safety (IEC 61215 & IEC 61730). Their solar panels are certified to handle harsh environments like wind, hail, and even fire. It is to ensure that these panels will last wherever you live.

1KOMMA5° Black PV Modules

Sustainability Efforts

Ironically, making solar panels adds to carbon emissions, even though its goal is to cut them down. Also, some solar panels use toxic materials like lead and cadmium. They will raise concerns if not handled responsibly during production and disposal.

The good news is that the solar industry is actively tackling these challenges. Research and development aim to make production cleaner and reduce harmful materials. Additionally, they focus on improving recycling capabilities.

1KOMMA5° ethically sourced their solar panels, contributing to this sustainability effort. Currently, 70% of panels are made in China, often relying heavily on fossil fuels. 1KOMMA5° is tackling this challenge head-on by creating a sustainable, European-based supply chain.

Their innovation is obtaining polysilicon (raw material) using renewable energy sources in Germany. This shift towards clean manufacturing promises a reduced carbon footprint.

REC is committed to sustainability beyond just clean energy generation. They produce their panels under strict ISO 14001 guidelines, minimising environmental impact. Their panels are lead-free (RoHS compliant) and prioritise a recyclable design (IEC 62941).

REC Alpha Pure Series ROHS Compliant

By choosing 1KOMMA5° and REC, you're not just investing in clean energy. You're shaping a future where solar technology has sustainability built into its very foundation.

Compare Quotes with 1KOMMA5°

If you want to start with or upgrade to premium solar panel brands, REC and 1KOMMA5° are excellent choices. They are efficient and durable, but the best choice depends on your needs and priorities.

To compare further, you can request a quote for both brands below in consideration of your energy goals. As a solar manufacturer and REC-certified installer, 1KOMMA5° finds the best energy solution for you. Talk to our expert to get you started with 1KOMMA5° today!

Call us today at 1300 525 451 or fill in your details below to request for a solar or home battery storage quote today to see how much you can save!