REC Group
Solar PanelsREC Group is a Norwegian solar panel manufacturer founded in 1996. The company produces panels including the Alpha Pure series with 25-year product warranties.
About REC Solar Panels in Australia
REC Group is a Norwegian-founded solar panel manufacturer established in 1996. Since 2021, REC has been owned by Reliance Industries, one of India’s largest conglomerates. REC’s panels are manufactured in Singapore using the company’s proprietary heterojunction (HJT) cell technology, which combines crystalline silicon with thin-film layers for higher efficiency and better temperature performance.
In Australia, REC has been available for over 10 years through established distributors including AC Solar Warehouse, Solar Juice, and Sol Distribution. The company maintains an office in Melbourne for local sales, marketing, and technical support. REC panels are CEC-approved with a wide range of models listed for Australian installations.
The Alpha Pure-RX and Alpha Pure-R series are REC’s flagship residential products, using N-type HJT cells to achieve strong efficiency ratings and low degradation over time. REC offers a 20-year product warranty and 25-year performance warranty, which is above the industry average. The brand is positioned as a premium panel choice alongside SunPower and Aiko in the Australian market.
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REC Group Key Features
HJT Cell Technology
REC’s heterojunction cells combine crystalline silicon with amorphous silicon layers, delivering higher efficiency and a lower temperature coefficient than conventional PERC or standard TOPCon cells.
Alpha Pure-RX: Up to 470W
The flagship Alpha Pure-RX series achieves up to 470W per panel using advanced HJT cells, suitable for homes where roof space is limited and maximum output per panel matters.
20-Year Product Warranty
REC offers a 20-year product warranty covering manufacturing defects, plus a 25-year performance warranty. This is significantly longer than the 12–15 year product warranties common among mid-tier brands.
Low Temperature Coefficient
HJT cells perform better in heat than PERC panels. In Australian summers, this means less output drop when rooftop temperatures climb above 25°C.
Made in Singapore
REC panels are manufactured in Singapore, not China. The Singapore factory specialises in HJT cell production with tight quality controls.
Melbourne Office
REC maintains a local office in Melbourne for technical support, warranty claims, and installer training. Multiple Australian distributors carry REC stock.
REC Group Products Available in Australia
Alpha Pure Series
Alpha Pure-RX Series
How REC Compares to Other Premium Panel Brands
| Feature | REC (HJT) | SunPower (IBC) | Aiko (ABC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cell Technology | N-type HJT | N-type IBC (Maxeon) | N-type ABC |
| Residential Wattage | 400–470W | 410–440W | 460–480W |
| Product Warranty | 20 years | Up to 40 years | 25 years |
| Performance Warranty | 25 years | 40 years | 30 years |
| Manufacturing | Singapore | Mexico/Malaysia | China |
| AU Track Record | 10+ years | 15+ years | ~3 years |
All three brands use advanced N-type cell technology that outperforms conventional PERC panels. SunPower has the longest Australian presence and offers the best warranty coverage, but at the highest price. REC offers a strong balance of premium HJT technology, solid warranty, and Singapore manufacturing. Aiko is the newest entrant with competitive efficiency at a lower price but less established reliability data.
Customer Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions About REC Group
- helpAre REC solar panels good?
- REC is widely regarded as a premium panel brand. The company has been manufacturing panels since 1996, with production based in Singapore using advanced HJT cell technology. REC panels offer strong efficiency, low degradation, and a 20-year product warranty. In Australia, REC is carried by major distributors and has a Melbourne-based support team. The main consideration is price: REC panels cost more than mid-tier alternatives like Jinko or Trina.
- helpWhere are REC solar panels made?
- REC solar panels are manufactured in Singapore. The company was founded in Norway in 1996 and is now owned by Reliance Industries (India). The Singapore factory produces REC’s proprietary HJT cells and modules. REC also has R&D operations in Norway and Singapore.
- helpWhat is the difference between REC Alpha Pure-RX and Alpha Pure-R?
- The Alpha Pure-RX is REC’s top-tier residential panel (450–470W) using the latest HJT cell technology for maximum efficiency. The Alpha Pure-R (400–430W) uses the same HJT technology in a slightly lower wattage configuration at a more accessible price point. Both share the same 20-year product and 25-year performance warranty.
- helpHow does REC compare to SunPower?
- Both REC and SunPower are premium panel brands with long track records. REC uses HJT cell technology (manufactured in Singapore) while SunPower uses IBC/Maxeon cells. SunPower offers longer warranties (up to 40 years on Maxeon panels) and has a wider Australian support network. REC is typically slightly more affordable than SunPower Maxeon panels while still offering premium performance. Both brands are excellent choices for quality-focused installations.
- helpWho owns REC Solar?
- REC Group was founded in Norway in 1996. In 2021, Reliance Industries (an Indian conglomerate) acquired REC. Before that, REC was owned by Bluestar Elkem (ChemChina group). Manufacturing remains in Singapore and the brand continues to operate independently under the REC name.
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