Originating from Shanghai, JA Solar Holdings is a leading manufacturer of solar panels and related solar energy products. Catering to both residential and commercial markets, JA Solar has carved out a distinctive niche. While positioned in the mid-range price segment, their products are renowned for offering excellent quality and efficiency, ensuring optimized performance and cost-effectiveness for their customers.
This article presents a comprehensive review of JA Solar panels, examining their durability, efficiency, and suitability for residential installations. Additionally, we’ll compare them with other prominent brands to help you determine if JA Solar is the ideal choice for your home solar energy needs.
Is JA Solar Worth the Investment?
Generally speaking, JA Solar presents a compelling option for budget-conscious homeowners. Their cost per watt is notably lower than many competitors. Within the mid-range price segment, their panels demonstrate above-average efficiency and performance. In essence, JA Solar offers commendable value for the investment.
However, our recommendations often lean towards brands that offer premium quality and superior efficiency, such as REC, Maxeon (formerly SunPower), Trina, and Qcells. These brands typically provide enhanced warranty terms and durability, potentially resulting in greater energy savings over the long term.
Next, we’ll explore the diverse solar panel options offered by JA Solar, guiding you through which might be the best fit for your needs. JA Solar currently presents two primary panel lines: DeepBlue 3.0 and DeepBlue 4.0. Each series has its unique features and benefits, which we’ll examine in detail.
Reviewing JA Solar’s 60-Cell MBB Half-Cell Modules: The DeepBlue 3.0 Range
Among JA Solar’s offerings, the DeepBlue 3.0 range is positioned as the more wallet-friendly option. Ideal for those who prioritize budget considerations, this line encompasses three unique variants: DeepBlue 3.0 Light, the standard DeepBlue 3.0, and the premium DeepBlue 3.0 Pro.
A Dive into JA Solar’s DeepBlue 3.0 Panels
DeepBlue 3.0 Light Series
Featuring the most compact panels within JA Solar’s lineup, the DeepBlue 3.0 Light series offers wattages ranging from 380 to 415 watts. While JA Solar typically provides larger panels compared to other brands, this series aligns more closely with industry standards.
Warranty: These panels come with a 12-year product warranty and a 25-year performance warranty.
JAM54S31 MR: As JA Solar’s most compact offering, these panels produce between 380 and 405 watts, with efficiency rates of 19.5% to 20.7%. Their sleek all-black design, free from visible busbars, enhances their aesthetic appeal.
JAM54S30 MR: These panels, slightly larger, output between 390 and 415 watts and impress with efficiency levels from 20.0% to 21.3%. If maximizing power output is your priority, these are an excellent choice, generally outperforming other models in this series.
DeepBlue 3.0 Series
The DeepBlue 3.0 series caters to homeowners prioritizing system performance and energy output over cost-effectiveness.
Important to Note: You may want to choose this series over the 3.0 Light due to its enhanced efficiency and output, potentially allowing for fewer roof panels. These high-efficiency panels could also mean substantial energy savings across your system’s lifespan.
Warranty: These panels come with a 12-year product warranty, which is slightly below industry standards. However, their performance warranty is competitive, lasting 25 to 30 years depending on the model.
JAM78S30: These panels significantly outsize their predecessors, with capacities of 580-605 watts, and achieve efficiency highs of 21.6%, which is notably above average.
JAM78D30: Similar in size and efficiency to the previous model, these bifacial panels often generate extra energy. They come with a solid 25-year performance warranty.
JAM72S30: Slightly more compact, with outputs of 530-555 watts, they may suit smaller roofs better. However, they compromise slightly on efficiency, achieving 20.5% to 21.5%.
JAM72D30: These bifacial panels, capturing sunlight from both sides, offer outputs of 525-550 watts. While not the series’ most efficient (20.3% to 21.3%), they boast the best warranty, covering performance for 30 years.
This breakdown offers a closer examination of the prominent DeepBlue 3.0 series from JA Solar, guiding homeowners in making informed solar choices.
DeepBlue 3.0 Pro Series Overview
The DeepBlue 3.0 Pro series is the best of the 3.0 product range, offering top efficiency, high power output, and a long 30-year performance warranty. However, the equipment warranty stays at 12 years.
JAM78D30 GB: These double-sided panels are more efficient than standard solar panels. They produce 585 to 610 watts, which is a lot of power. Their efficiency is very high, ranging from 20.9% to 21.8%.
JAM54D30 GB: Similar to the previous model but smaller, these panels produce 400 to 425 watts. They’re also double-sided for better performance, with efficiency between 20.5% and 21.8%.
JAM54S31 GR: The smallest in the Pro lineup, these single-sided panels make 395 to 420 watts. They’re 20.2% to 21.5% efficient and have a 25-year performance warranty.
JAM54S30 GR: These panels make 400 to 425 watts and are also on the smaller side. They’re not double-sided but are more efficient than the JAM54S31, reaching 20.5% to 21.8%. They use special technology to last longer and have a 12-year product and 25-year performance warranty.
JAM72D30 GB: These big, double-sided panels produce 540 to 565 watts. They use advanced technology and are among JA Solar’s most efficient at 20.9% to 21.9%.
JAM78S30 GR: These all-black panels look great and produce 585 to 610 watts. They can reach 21.8% efficiency but only have a 25-year performance warranty.
JAM72S30 GR: A bit smaller than the previous model at 540 to 565 watts, these all-black panels look sleek too. They’re just as efficient as the JAM72D30 GB, making them one of the best in the 3.0 series. Their performance warranty is 25 years.
The DeepBlue 3.0 Pro series from JA Solar offers many choices to fit different needs while ensuring high performance.
JA Solar DeepBlue 4.0x Series Overview
The DeepBlue 4.0x series from JA Solar is a big step up from the 3.0 series in terms of efficiency. These panels not only work better but also come with a great 30-year performance warranty, which is better than many 3.0 series panels.
If you want the best efficiency and potential energy savings, and don’t mind paying a bit more per watt, the 4.0x series might be perfect for you. Let’s look at what this product line offers:
JAM54D41 GB: These panels are a good size for homes, producing 400 to 425 watts. They look nice with an all-black design and hidden grid lines. They’re 20.5% to 21.8% efficient. While not the highest in this line, they can collect energy from both sides, which helps them make more power than similar panels that only work on one side.
JAM54D40 GB: These black panels are a bit more powerful, making 410 to 435 watts. They’re very efficient at 21.0% to 22.3%. You can see the grid lines, which some people might not like, but they’re the third-best in efficiency from JA Solar.
JAM78D40 MB: These big panels make 600 to 625 watts and work on both sides. They’re 21.5% to 22.4% efficient. They’re great for homeowners who want to make as much energy as possible and are one of JA Solar’s best offerings.
JAM72D40 MB: These panels look like the JAM78D40 MB with their black design and visible grid lines. They make 555 to 580 watts and work on both sides. They can be up to 22.5% efficient, which is one of the best in the industry.
JAM72D40 GB: These panels look great and work great too. They’re all-black with no visible grid lines, make 555 to 580 watts, and work on both sides. They’re 21.5% to 22.5% efficient, which is the best JA Solar offers. They’re not just one of JA Solar’s best, but also stand out among all solar panels.
The DeepBlue 4.0x series offers good-looking panels that are very efficient and produce a lot of energy, making them a strong choice in the solar panel market.
JA Solar’s Technological Innovations: A Deep Dive
JA Solar, a prominent name in the solar industry, employs a combination of established and cutting-edge technologies in its panels. The goal? Ensure top-notch efficiency, longevity, and cost-effectiveness for their consumers.
1. Monocrystalline and Half-cut Cells
Primarily, JA Solar uses monocrystalline solar panels complemented by half-cut cells. These are notable for their sturdiness, reliability, and enhanced efficiency in comparison to their polycrystalline counterparts. To further boost performance and decrease hotspots, the inclusion of multi-busbars (MBB) is typical in many of their models.
2. PERCIUM Cells: JA Solar’s Crown Jewel
A proprietary innovation, PERCIUM cells are JA Solar’s response to the pursuit of excellence. These polycrystalline cells stand out by exceeding the coveted 20% efficiency mark – a commendable feat.
Polycrystalline cells are crafted by melding silicon fragments, unlike monocrystalline cells which originate from a singular silicon wafer. While monocrystalline PERC cells typically offer heightened efficiency and durability – making them the go-to for home solar installations – PERCIUM cells strike a balance. They retain the cost-efficiency of polycrystalline panels while edging towards the performance of monocrystalline cells. The outcome? A more budget-friendly installation cost while maintaining consistent energy savings, albeit with a slight trade-off in longevity.
3. Embracing Gapless Ribbon Technology
A popular choice across the industry, gapless ribbon technology refines how solar cells are interconnected. Through overlapping connective ribbons, the once wasted space of non-conductive cell edges becomes a thing of the past. Not only does this maximize the surface area, but the flexibility offered by this ribbon-led connection reduces rigidity, enhancing the panel’s resilience and durability.
4. The Bifacial Advantage
A number of JA Solar’s offerings come with a bifacial design. This unique feature allows both the panel’s front and rear to harness sunlight. Although they might not boast a superior efficiency rating over single-face counterparts, their overall energy capture is significantly raised. For homeowners, this could mean a reduced number of panels, translating to aesthetic and financial savings.
In conclusion, while JA Solar might not show off a vast collection of proprietary technologies, its strategic incorporation of industry-leading advancements positions it as a contender for those seeking reliable solar solutions.
Understanding JA Solar Panel Performance Across Climates
JA Solar panels exhibit temperature coefficients ranging from -0.3% to -0.35%. This coefficient reflects how much efficiency a panel loses for every degree Celsius it surpasses 25°C (or 77°F). A lower coefficient indicates better retention of efficiency in rising temperatures.
Benchmarking against tier-one solar panels, which have an average coefficient of -0.35%, JA Solar panels either match or surpass this standard. Given their superior initial efficiency ratings, this implies that JA panels not only exceed many competitors in cooler conditions but also uphold a significant chunk of their efficiency as the mercury rises.
Consequently, JA Solar panels are usable in various climates. However, for particularly hot environments, panels with exceedingly low temperature coefficients, such as those by Maxeon or Panasonic, might be preferable.
Exploring JA Solar’s Broader Product Range
While JA Solar is renowned for its solar modules, its product lineup extends to components vital for PV module creation and battery storage systems. Let’s look further into these offerings:
1. Junction Boxes
These boxes, commonly found on the back of solar panels, act as a hub for the panel’s electrical wiring. They orchestrate connections between panels and bridge the entire system to your household’s electrical setup. JA Solar not only uses these boxes for its own panels but also supplies them to other manufacturers.
2. Solar Panel Frames
Crafted from aluminum, these frames ensure solar panels remain anchored to rooftops, lending them stability and durability. While JA Solar uses these for its products, it remains unclear if they cater to other panel producers.
3. Additional Manufacturing Essentials
JA Solar’s expertise also encompasses various materials essential for PV manufacturing. This includes silicon crystal furnaces, graphites, electrode production stencils, PV paste, EVA films, and more. Each component plays a vital role in crafting efficient solar panels.
4. JA Solar Batteries
Branching into energy storage, JA Solar has introduced its range of batteries. Their chief offering for homes is the JA Energy Storage System. Designed to work with their solar panels, this system can offer off-grid power during blackouts and amplify net metering to increase solar savings. Catering to diverse requirements, three variants of home solar batteries are available.
A distinct edge JA Solar holds over many competitors is its range of utility-scale batteries. These are tailored for commercial and industrial utilization, with some even serving power plants.
In summary, JA Solar’s diverse portfolio underscores its commitment to not just harnessing solar energy but ensuring its efficient storage and use.
Understanding the Cost of JA Solar Panels
Determining the precise cost of JA Solar panels for your home can be a bit complex, given the multitude of factors at play. Your solar installation is unique and influenced by aspects like the system’s size, your house’s dimensions, your monthly power usage, roof shading, and even regional and installer variations.
However, general observations suggest that JA Solar panels are competitively priced, often hovering around $2.70 per watt. While the national median price for solar panels stands at approximately $2.66 per watt, JA’s peers with similar efficiency benchmarks, such as REC, LONGi, Trina Solar, and Canadian Solar, typically have prices closer to $3.00 per watt.
To paint a clearer picture, consider an average U.S. solar system, which is around 9.5 kilowatts (kW). Opting for a brand priced at $3.00 per watt would set you back about $28,500 before applying any incentives. However, selecting JA panels for the same system size could reduce your bill to roughly $25,650, saving nearly $3,000.
Financing Your JA Solar Panels
JA Solar primarily operates as a manufacturing entity, without a dedicated installation division. This approach aligns with the broader solar sector, with a few exceptions, for instance, Maxeon/SunPower.
Therefore, your financing avenues for procuring JA Solar panels will largely depend on your chosen solar installation firm. While some outfits might be restricted to upfront cash payments and solar loans, others could offer flexible solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs).
If feasible, an outright cash purchase is advisable. While it requires full payment upfront, it grants you immediate ownership of your panels. This translates to quicker returns on investment and maximized long-term solar benefits. On the other hand, loans, due to interest components, might marginally decrease the advantages but still serve as a decent alternative.
The affordability of JA panels makes cash purchases more attainable compared to several other brands.
It’s worth noting that options like solar leases and PPAs, although eliminating upfront costs, don’t transfer panel ownership to you. This means forgoing benefits like the federal investment tax credit (ITC). They also tend to offer limited long-term savings and might introduce complexities when you plan to sell your property.
Assessing JA Solar Panel Warranty: Is It Worth It?
Despite their competitive pricing, JA Solar panels sometimes might not offer the reliability and durability you could expect from pricier alternatives.
A significant point to consider is the equipment warranty. JA Solar provides a 12-year equipment warranty on its panels, which is notably shorter than the standard industry duration of 25 years. To give context, many of JA Solar’s competitors, such as REC, Trina, QCells, Jinko Solar, and Canadian Solar, equip their products with a comprehensive 25-year warranty, covering equipment and manufacturing defects.
This discrepancy implies that although you might save initially with JA Solar, potential issues surfacing post the 12-year mark could lead to unexpected expenses in the longer run.
Regarding performance guarantees, JA panels offer either a 25-year or a 30-year assurance. For instance, certain models like the JAM54S31 MR from the DeepBlue 3.0 Light series assure a 25-year warranty with a maximum annual efficiency drop of 0.55%. This translates to a slightly below-par 86.25% efficiency at the close of the warranty duration.
Contrastingly, some Pro models in the DeepBlue 3.0 range record a slightly better yearly degradation rate of 0.45%. A standout in the performance warranty department is the DeepBlue 4.0x JAM54D41 GB, promising a mere 1% efficiency decrease in its inaugural year and a subsequent annual drop capped at 0.4%.
For a broader industry perspective, the general average stands at a 2.5% efficiency decline in the initial year, followed by a consistent 0.4% yearly dip, resulting in a cumulative efficiency reduction of 12.1% over the span. Brands like Maxeon, for example, have some of the industry’s most impressive degradation rates, ensuring a commendable 92% of their initial efficiency even after a quarter-century.
Customer Feedback on JA Solar Panels
When it comes to customer reviews on solar services, most feedback focuses on installation providers. This makes it challenging to distinguish between comments directed at the panel quality and those targeting the installation services.
Nevertheless, we’ve sifted through numerous reviews to gauge customer sentiment and experiences with JA panels. Broadly, customers seem satisfied with the energy production from JA panels, though there are occasional mentions about concerns over durability and lifespan.
Praises for JA Solar Panels
JA panels generally get positive feedback. A significant number of users highlight that the panels’ energy production met or even surpassed their expectations. Given JA’s above-average efficiency ratings, this trend is consistent with product specifications.
Another recurring commendation is the value proposition. Many users find JA panels to offer a compelling blend of affordability and performance. They often deliver energy outputs comparable to pricier competitors. This favorable price-performance ratio seems to result in notable solar savings for many customers, especially in the initial phases post-installation. Relative to other brands, a higher proportion of reviews praise JA’s cost-effectiveness.
Criticisms of JA Solar Panels
On the flip side, a few reviews express reservations about the panels’ long-term performance. The 12-year equipment warranty, coupled with certain models being polycrystalline (typically associated with marginally inferior durability), has led to some users experiencing earlier-than-anticipated panel issues.
However, it’s crucial to note that a panel’s performance and durability aren’t solely attributable to the manufacturer. Installation quality and the expertise of the service provider also play a pivotal role in ensuring the panels function optimally.
Comparing JA Solar with Other Solar Panel Brands
While JA Solar is an attractive choice for those mindful of their budget, it doesn’t necessarily lead the pack in durability and reliability. For those prioritizing minimal upfront costs, JA Solar could be a good fit. However, for those seeking a harmonious blend of cost, long-term performance, and extended warranty, there might be other brands worth considering, albeit at a slightly higher price point.
For a clearer perspective, let’s look into a comparative analysis of JA Solar against other renowned solar panel brands.
| JA SOLAR | REC | PANASONIC | SILFAB | SUNPOWER | |
| Max Efficiency Rating | 22.5% | 22.3% | 22.2% | 21.4% | 22.8% |
| Power Tolerance | -0%/+5% | -0%/+5% | -3%/+3% | -0%/+10% | -0%/+5% |
| Temperature Coefficient | -.04% | -.032% | -0.26% | -0.39% | -.027% |
| Degradation Per Year (After 1st Year) | 0.45% | 0.5% | 0.26% | 0.5% | 0.25% |
| Equipment Warranty Term | 12 years | 20 years | 25 years | 25 years | 40 years |
| Efficiency Warranty Term | 25 – 30 years | 25 years | 25 years | 25 years | 40 years |
| Average Price Per Watt | $2.70 | $3.00 | $3.10 | $3.00 | $3.30 |
Final Verdict: Would We Opt for JA Solar Panels for Our Homes?
In a nutshell, JA Solar panels are certainly contenders for a spot on our rooftops. They cater well to budget-conscious homeowners and stand out as one of the top choices among more affordable solar brands in terms of efficiency and performance for residential setups.
However, when it comes to our personal preferences, we lean towards brands that offer greater durability and comprehensive warranty coverage, even if it necessitates a bit more investment upfront. This approach is driven by our desire for prolonged peace of mind and sustained savings over time.
It’s imperative, regardless of your brand choice, to solicit multiple quotes from trusted local installers. This ensures you’re securing the most cost-effective deal.
Let 8MSolar Help You Decide
Looking into every type of solar panel can be extremely overwhelming and confusing. Let 8MSolar provide you with our top recommendations. Our team is made up of the best solar installers in North Carolina. With over two decades of experience, and having won the “Best Overall” installer in North Carolina two years in a row, the 8MSolar team is the perfect fit to help guide you through your solar installation journey. Contact us today.