The Truth About German Solar Panels in Australia

German companies have a reputation for their high standards of manufacturing. And this was particularly true in the solar industry 5-10 years ago.

Buying a panel from a company such as Q Cells, Bosch or Solar World was a reliable way of ensuring you were buying a quality system, without delving into the mysterious world of Chinese solar manufacturing. How is the average mum or dad going to find out the difference between Jinko, Yingli, and ReneSolar?

Unfortunately, all of the main German manufacturers now either make their panels in Asia or do not have a local office here in Australia. In recent years, even LG Solar has withdrawn from the market, meaning almost all solar panels in Australia are now made in China, or Asia at least.

Here is the latest information about German Solar Manufacturers:

SolarWorld announced they are filing for bankruptcy as they were unable to meet their debt obligations. We had been worried about this for some time, which was why we stopped selling SolarWorld panels when they pulled out of Australia. If a company does not have an Australian office and they become insolvent the distributor or importer is responsible for the warranty obligations. It is risky business, and we see this type of thing happening over and over.

Around the time Q Cells moved their manufacturing to Asia, 1KOMMA5° made the decision to take the popular Q Cells Q.Pro panel off our price list. Q Cells were bought out in 2012 by Asian giant Hanwha, and have now moved their manufacturing to China, Malaysia and South Korea. Their new premium panels are now a popular option in Australia including the Q.Peak Duo series.

Bosch stopped making solar panels in 2014.

Our staff constantly hear feedback from customers who bought a cheap system or know of someone who did and who are now regretting the decision.

“I bought a 10kW system and the most it has ever achieved is 5kW of power.”

Output is everything in residential solar power. The more solar power you generate, the lower your power bill should be. When you buy a quality solar panel, you are ensuring that your panel has the built-in technology to maximise solar output in all light conditions, especially in NSW where cloud cover and hazy days are common.

“I’m calling to get a price on new panels, my system isn’t working and I can’t get in contact with my installer”.

The other problem is the cost of replacing cheap products that are not working and are not adequately covered under warranty. Reputable solar manufacturers are publicly listed companies with legal requirements to honour their warranty commitments. Importantly they should have an Australian office so that any faulty products are not only covered under warranty but replaced in good time and include installation and labour in their service.

Buying a quality system reduces the risk of costly repairs over the life of your system.

The 1KOMMA5° Group has taken full control of our production process, designing our own solar panels and sourcing premium raw materials from Germany. Our panels are then assembled in China under strict, industry-leading quality standards, ensuring every module is produced ethically and without the use of forced or child labour.

Powered by advanced TopCon cell technology and a bifacial design, our modules deliver superior performance, generating more energy than conventional panels, even in low light or challenging weather conditions. The double-sided surface also captures reflected light from the ground, further boosting your energy yield.

Built with a durable 2 mm double-glass construction, each panel provides outstanding protection against moisture, temperature fluctuations, and external elements, ensuring consistent performance and long-lasting reliability.