Jinko solar panels review: Cost, warranty and ratings in 2024

Jinko Solar at a glance

Jinko Solar panels have some of the highest efficiency ratings in the industry, but they lose efficiency more quickly than most, and several of the panels available have below-average manufacturer’s warranties.

Fast facts

What we like

The high efficiency ratings of Jinko Solar panels — a maximum of 23.23% and an average maximum efficiency of 21.34% across all its products — make Jinko a leader in an industry where the average efficiency is 20.96%. Higher efficiency ratings mean more electricity production, which translates to greater electricity savings.

Some of Jinko’s panels have below-average temperature coefficients — as low as -0.29%, as opposed to the industry average of -0.33% — so those models will lose less efficiency in higher temperatures. In short, the panels will perform a bit better in hotter climates.

What we don’t like

The most glaring drawback of Jinko Solar is its below-average warranty coverage. Some of the panel models — three of the eight I looked at for this review, including the Eagle G6 — only come with 12-year product warranties. Most Tier 1 panel manufacturers I’ve reviewed carry 25-year warranties.

Jinko panels also lose efficiency more quickly than some competitors. Its panels degrade after the first year at 0.35% to 0.60% annually. This degradation rate is mostly in line with the industry average of 0.45%, but it means a faster loss of production and potential savings year over year. Panels with better rates, such as 0.25% with panel models from Panasonic, last longer.

*BBB ratings are accurate as of September 2024.

Jinko Solar pros and cons

The cost per watt of Jinko Solar panels is below average, based on third-party sources. That means you’d likely pay less for Jinko panels than some of the leading brands like Canadian Solar. However, the shorter manufacturer’s warranty and the higher degradation rates likely mean less long-term savings on your electric bills.

The panels’ lighter resistance to severe weather is also a drawback if you live in an area that typically experiences more extreme conditions. The wind resistance of all Jinko panels is 2,400 Pascals (Pa), which is below the average of just under 3,200 Pa. So, the panels may not stand up as well in strong winds during hurricanes, tropical storms or tornadoes. The snow resistance of 5,400 Pa also pales in comparison to some panels from Panasonic that have ratings of 7,000 Pa.

Pros

Cons

How much does Jinko Solar cost?

According to third-party sources, Jinko Solar panels cost less than some of the leading solar panel providers. Solar manufacturers typically don’t provide per-watt pricing for their panels, so I can only make cost comparisons based on secondary sources.

Prices depend on many factors, such as the size of your system, how many panels you need to satisfy your electricity consumption, the specific model you choose, the complexity of your roof, your property configuration and other factors. The only way to get accurate pricing is to connect with a few reliable solar installation companies near you and get custom estimates for the system that suits your specific property.

Jinko solar products and services

Jinko Solar makes solar panels and solar batteries. The company does not have any information about inverters. Like many panel manufacturers, it likely relies on your installer coupling the panels with third-party inverters, such as those from Enphase or SolarEdge. Some panel manufacturers, like Panasonic, produce inverters in-house, but this isn’t necessarily a drawback of using Jinko’s equipment.

Jinko’s panels carry a manufacturer’s warranty of 12 or 25 years, depending on the model. A 25-year manufacturer’s warranty is standard, so some panels have below-average coverage. Ultimately, that could mean that repairs to your panels end up being more costly since you’ll be outside of the warranty period more quickly.

The provider’s efficiency warranties last between 25 and 30 years — again, 25 years is the industry standard. It’s important to consider the length of the efficiency warranty in addition to the degradation rates guaranteed in the coverage.

Jinko’s panels have faster degradation rates. As such, the warranty doesn’t guarantee the same production and electricity savings that you’d get from other top solar providers.

What types of solar panels does Jinko Solar have?

Jinko Solar exclusively manufactures monocrystalline panels. These include cells cut from a single silicon wafer for increased efficiency. There are three sub-types available from Jinko:

Jinko solar batteries

Jinko manufactures only one solar battery for residential use, the Eagle RS. It also makes the Eagle CS, but that battery is only available for commercial, industrial and utility-scale power storage.

The Eagle RS is available in one capacity — 19.2 kWh — which is much larger than competitors like the Tesla Powerwall (13.5 kWh). However, the single size has no customization options for your storage needs.

The battery has average specifications, like a depth-of-discharge of 95% and a round-trip efficiency of 89%, both of which help maximize the usability of the energy you collect and store.

Some drawbacks to note include limited compatibility with the manufacturer’s panels — it isn’t compatible with Eagle G5 panels — and the fact that you can only have it mounted on the ground, unlike batteries like the Powerwall, which you can also mount to the wall to save on floor space.

Jinko solar panel performance

Jinko panels have above-average efficiencies early in their life cycle, topping out at 23.23%, the highest of any panel I’ve reviewed. So, a system of equivalent size with panels from a different manufacturer will generate less electricity and save you less on your utility bills immediately after installation.

However, Jinko’s panels degrade more quickly than those of many competitors, and some of its panels lose more power production capability in hotter climates. Maxeon 6 panels, for example, have slightly lower efficiency ratings of 22.8%, but they’re guaranteed to retain 92% of their starting efficiency after 25 years.

Jinko panels top out higher at 23.23%, but with a 1% first-year degradation and 0.4% annual degradation thereafter, the total remaining efficiency after the same period is 89.4%.

Jinko Solar publishes sustainability reports and makes it clear that it’s doing its part for the environment during manufacturing, including abiding by China’s energy conservation regulations. In its most recent sustainability report from 2023, Jinko reported that it has four certified zero-carbon factories.

Jinko Solar product warranties

Jinko Solar panels have manufacturer’s warranties from 12 years to 25 years. Most Tier 1 panel brands have 25 or more years of warranty coverage. Buying a Jinko Solar panel with a 12-year warranty means that the costs of any repairs needed because of manufacturer defects would be your responsibility for more than half of the panel’s life.

Power production warranties from Jinko range from 25 to 30 years, which are in line with or slightly longer than the industry average (25 years). However, the guaranteed degradation rates are faster, so your panels will lose more efficiency quickly. Ultimately, this means you risk missing out on savings on your electric bills because of lower production values over time.

The company’s battery warranty lasts for 10 years, which is in line with what you would expect from most competing solar battery brands.

Jinko Solar vs. competitors

The combination of low panel prices, high degradation rates and shorter warranty coverage means that Jinko Solar panels might be ideal for you if you’re looking to prioritize lower up-front costs for reduced long-term savings.

Its panels have lower wind and snow load ratings compared to others, such as panels from Panasonic. If you live in an area that sees heavy snowfall or severe winds, you might be better off choosing a different brand.

Competitor comparison

Methodology

The CNN Underscored team researched and reviewed 170 solar panel models from 15 of the top panel manufacturers using 30 data points across five categories, including warranty coverage, power output, price, efficiency and durability. We weighted each of the factors based on what we believe is most important for homeowners like you. All our manufacturer ratings are unbiased. Company relationships never influence our opinions.

The author of this article has developed an intimate understanding of solar technology and providers over the four years he has written about solar products and installers. He used that knowledge to choose panels for his own home, and he’s served as an advisor to family, friends and neighbors looking to go solar.

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