Aiko
Solar PanelsAiko is a Chinese solar panel manufacturer founded in 2009, pioneering All Back Contact (ABC) cell technology. Aiko panels use N-type ABC cells that place all electrical contacts on the rear of the cell, maximising the light-absorbing surface area for higher efficiency and a clean all-black aesthetic.
About Aiko Solar Panels in Australia
Aiko is a Chinese solar cell and panel manufacturer founded in 2009 in Shanghai. The company is best known for developing All Back Contact (ABC) cell technology, which places all electrical contacts on the rear of the cell. This maximises the light-absorbing surface on the front, resulting in higher efficiency and a clean all-black appearance with no visible busbars or gridlines.
Aiko entered the Australian market around 2022 through distributor partnerships. The Neostar 2S residential panels (460W to 480W) and Comet 2U commercial panels (610W to 630W) are the main products available locally. All Aiko panels sold in Australia are CEC-approved and eligible for STC rebates. The 25-year product warranty is among the longest offered by any panel manufacturer.
ABC cell technology is still relatively new compared to mainstream PERC and TOPCon panels. Aiko is one of the first manufacturers to bring ABC panels to the Australian residential market at scale. Early performance data is promising, but long-term field reliability in Australian conditions is still being established. Aiko panels are suited to homeowners looking for high efficiency and a premium all-black aesthetic.
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Aiko Key Features
ABC Cell Technology
All Back Contact cells place electrical contacts on the rear, eliminating front-side busbars for higher efficiency and a uniform all-black appearance.
Up to 23.6% Efficiency
Aiko ABC panels achieve module efficiencies above 23%, placing them among the highest-efficiency residential panels available in Australia.
All-Black Aesthetic
No visible busbars or gridlines on the front surface. The clean all-black look is popular for street-facing roof installations where appearance matters.
25-Year Product Warranty
Aiko offers a 25-year product warranty covering manufacturing defects, one of the longest panel warranties on the Australian market.
CEC Approved
All Aiko panels sold in Australia are listed on the Clean Energy Council approved product list and eligible for government STC rebates.
Low Temperature Coefficient
N-type ABC cells have a lower temperature coefficient than conventional PERC cells, meaning better performance retention in hot Australian summers.
Aiko Products Available in Australia
Comet 2U Series
How Aiko Compares to Other Premium Panel Brands
| Feature | Aiko (ABC) | SunPower (IBC) | REC (HJT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cell Technology | N-type ABC | N-type IBC (Maxeon) | N-type HJT |
| Residential Wattage | 460–480W | 420–440W | 430–450W |
| Module Efficiency | 23%+ | 22.8% | 22.3% |
| Product Warranty | 25 years | 25 years (40 yr Maxeon 7) | 25 years |
| Price Point | Mid-premium | Premium | Premium |
| AU Track Record | ~3 years | 15+ years | 10+ years |
All three brands use advanced N-type cell technology that outperforms conventional PERC panels. SunPower and REC have significantly longer track records in Australia. Aiko offers competitive efficiency at a lower price point but is newer to the market. For homeowners prioritising proven long-term reliability, SunPower or REC may be safer choices. For those wanting high efficiency at a mid-premium price, Aiko is worth considering.
Customer Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions About Aiko
- helpAre Aiko solar panels any good?
- Aiko panels use ABC (All Back Contact) cell technology, which is a genuine advancement over conventional PERC and standard TOPCon designs. The panels achieve high efficiency (above 23%) and come with a 25-year product warranty. Aiko is relatively new to the Australian market (since around 2022), so long-term reliability data is still building. They are CEC-approved and eligible for STC rebates. If you want cutting-edge panel technology with a premium all-black look, Aiko is worth considering alongside established brands like SunPower and REC.
- helpWhat is ABC cell technology?
- ABC stands for All Back Contact. In a conventional solar cell, metal busbars and gridlines on the front surface collect electricity but also block some sunlight. ABC cells move all electrical contacts to the rear of the cell, so the entire front surface absorbs light. This results in higher efficiency, lower shading losses, and a clean all-black appearance. Aiko is one of the leading manufacturers of ABC panels globally.
- helpHow do Aiko panels compare to SunPower?
- Both Aiko and SunPower use back-contact cell technology (Aiko calls it ABC, SunPower calls it IBC/Maxeon). SunPower has a much longer track record in Australia (15+ years) and uses Maxeon cells manufactured in dedicated facilities. Aiko is newer but offers competitive efficiency at a lower price point. SunPower typically costs more but has established long-term reliability data. Both offer 25-year product warranties.
- helpWhere are Aiko panels made?
- Aiko panels are manufactured in China. The company was founded in Shanghai in 2009 and operates large-scale cell and module production facilities in China. Aiko is listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange and is one of the largest solar cell manufacturers globally by production capacity.
- helpAre Aiko panels available in Australia?
- Yes. Aiko panels are available in Australia through solar distributor networks. They are CEC-approved and eligible for STC rebates. The Neostar 2S range (460W to 480W) is the main residential product, while the Comet 2U range (610W to 630W) targets commercial installations. Ask your installer about current availability and pricing.
Solar Resources
- categoryAll solar panel reviews
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- articleBest solar panels in Australia
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