JA Solar Panels & Batteries Review (2023)

Originating from Shanghai, JA Solar Holdings specializes in the production of solar panels and assorted solar-focused materials. Catered primarily for both residential and commercial use, JA Solar occupies a unique position in the market. While they fall within the budget segment, their products stand out for offering commendable quality and efficiency, ensuring enhanced performance and savings for their customers.

This article offers a comprehensive review of JA Solar panels, delving deep into their durability, efficiency, and their compatibility for residential setups. Further, we’ll benchmark them against other leading brands to assist you in determining if JA Solar is the perfect fit for your home.

Is JA Solar Worth the Investment?

Generally speaking, JA Solar presents an impressive option for budget-conscious homeowners. The cost per watt they offer is notably less than many competitors. However, within the budget-friendly realm, their panels exhibit an above-average efficiency and performance. Simply put, for the investment, JA Solar ensures commendable returns.

That said, our recommendations often lean towards brands that offer premium quality and superior efficiency, such as REC, Maxeon from SunPower, Trina, and QCells. These brands tend to provide enhanced warranty terms and durability, translating to more significant energy savings over time.

Moving on, we’ll dive into the distinct solar panel choices offered by JA Solar, guiding you through which might be the best fit for your needs. Notably, JA Solar presents two primary panel lines: DeepBlue 3.0 and DeepBlue 4.0x. Each has its unique offerings, which we’ll dissect further.

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 smallest panels within JA Solar’s offerings, the DeepBlue 3.0 Light series boasts wattages ranging from 380 to 415 watts. While JA Solar typically offers larger panels compared to other brands, this series aligns with industry averages.

Warranty: They come with a 12-year product warranty and a 25-year production 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 grid lines, 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 is your goal, these are a great 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 have a 12-year product warranty, falling short of industry norms. Yet, their production warranty stands out, lasting 25 to 30 years depending on the model.

JAM78S30 MR: These panels dwarf their predecessors, with capacities of 580-605 watts, and achieve efficiency highs of 21.6%, which is notably above the norm.

JAM78D30 MB: Parallel in size and efficiency to the prior model, these bifacial panels often generate extra energy. They come with a solid 25-year production warranty.

JAM72S30 MR: 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 MB: These bifacial panels, capturing sunlight from both sides, offer outputs of 525-550 watts. They may not be the series’ most efficient (20.3% to 21.3%) but do boast the best warranty, covering production for 30 years.

This breakdown offers a closer examination of the two 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 stands tall as the pinnacle of the 3.0 product range, presenting unrivaled efficiency, expansive wattages, and a generous 30-year production warranty. Yet, the equipment warranty remains at 12 years.

JAM78D30 GB: These bifacial, mono PERC half-cell modules outshine traditional monocrystalline solar panels with their efficiency. With outputs from 585 to 610 watts, their size and power tower over many competitors. Efficiency rates span from an impressive 20.9% to 21.8%.

JAM54D30 GB: Mirroring the prior model’s capabilities but in a more compact form, their output lies between 400 and 425 watts. Their bifacial nature ensures optimal performance despite their size, with efficiency rates of 20.5% to 21.8%.

JAM54S31 GR: The smallest in the Pro lineup, these panels produce between 395 and 420 watts. Being non-bifacial, their efficiency rates range from 20.2% to 21.5%. Notably, their production warranty is 25 years.

JAM54S30 GR: These panels, generating 400 to 425 watts, belong to the smaller category within the series. Although not bifacial, their efficiency surpasses the JAM54S31 model, achieving 20.5% to 21.8%. Enhanced by gapless ribbon technology for augmented durability, they carry a 12-year product and 25-year production warranty.

JAM72D30 GB: These large panels, offering 540 to 565 watts, are bifacial – enhancing energy capture. As PERCIUM solar cell panels with gapless ribbon technology, their efficiency, between 20.9% to 21.9%, ranks among JA Solar’s best.

JAM78S30 GR: Stylish in all-black and void of grid lines, these panels, ranging from 585 to 610 watts, blend aesthetics with performance, achieving up to 21.8% efficiency. However, their power output warranty is limited to 25 years.

JAM72S30 GR: Slightly trimmer than the previous, at 540 to 565 watts, their all-black, grid-free design is equally sleek. Their efficiency mirrors the JAM72D30 GB model, making them top contenders in the 3.0 series. However, their production warranty stands at 25 years.

In conclusion, the DeepBlue 3.0 Pro series from JA Solar provides an extensive range of options designed to cater to diverse needs while ensuring top-notch performance.

JA Solar DeepBlue 4.0x Series Overview

The DeepBlue 4.0x series from JA Solar represents a significant upgrade in efficiency from the 3.0 series. These panels not only deliver higher performance but also come with an impressive 30-year production warranty, a marked improvement over several 3.0 series panels.

If you’re aiming for top-tier efficiency and potential energy savings and are comfortable with a slightly higher cost per watt, the 4.0x series might just be your ideal choice. Let’s dive deeper into what this product line offers:

JAM54D41 GB: Perfectly sized for home installations with a range of 400 to 425 watts, these panels, in an elegant all-black design with hidden grid lines, stand out. Their efficiency ranges from 20.5% to 21.8%. While not the highest within this line, their bifacial nature ensures enhanced energy yield compared to non-bifacial counterparts of similar efficiency.

JAM54D40 GB: Slightly more powerful, with outputs between 410 and 435 watts, these black bifacial panels are energy-efficient, boasting ratings from 21.0% to 22.3%. The presence of visible grid lines might detract from its aesthetic appeal for some, but its efficiency places it as JA Solar’s third-best.

JAM78D40 MB: With an impressive size between 600 and 625 watts, these bifacial, double-glass panels exhibit efficiency from 21.5% to 22.4%. Ideal for homeowners looking to harness maximum energy, they stand as one of JA Solar’s premier offerings.

JAM72D40 MB: Mirroring the JAM78D40 MB in aesthetics with their black design and visible grid lines, these bifacial panels range from 555 to 580 watts. Their efficiency peaks at an industry-leading 22.5%, making them a top-tier choice for discerning solar consumers.

JAM72D40 GB: Combining the best of design and performance, these all-black, grid-less bifacial panels range between 555 and 580 watts. Efficiency spans from 21.5% to JA Solar’s zenith of 22.5%. As one of the most visually pleasing and efficient panels, they’re not just a feather in JA Solar’s cap but also a standout in the global solar arena.

In summary, the DeepBlue 4.0x series offers a blend of aesthetics, top-notch efficiency, and enhanced energy production, marking it as a formidable 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.

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 installers in North Carolina. With over two decades of experience, and having won the “Best Overall” solar 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.