Jinko Solar vs REC Solar Panels
Head-to-head comparison for UK homes in 2026.
| Spec | Jinko Solar | REC |
|---|---|---|
| Country | China | Norway |
| Tier | budget | premium |
| Efficiency | 22% | 22.2% |
| Product Warranty | 12 years | 25 years |
| Performance Warranty | 25 years | 25 years |
| Degradation Rate | 0.4%/yr | 0.25%/yr |
| Price per kW (GBP, installed) | £1,375-£1,600 | £1,600-£1,950 |
| Panel Wattage | 440W | 430W |
| Cell Type | N-type TOPCon Monocrystalline | HJT Monocrystalline |
| Best For | Budget-conscious homeowners wanting proven reliability at the best price | Quality-focused homeowners wanting premium European engineering |
Jinko Solar
Pros
- + World's #1 by volume (proven at scale)
- + Excellent value for money
- + Strong 25-year performance warranty
- + Widely stocked by UK installers
- + N-type TOPCon technology (latest generation)
Cons
- - Chinese-manufactured (no local production)
- - Brand perception less premium than SunPower/REC
- - 12-year product warranty shorter than premium brands
REC
Pros
- + 25-year product AND performance warranty
- + Excellent low-light and temperature performance (suits UK weather)
- + Norwegian engineering, Singapore manufacturing
- + Lead-free, RoHS compliant
- + Favoured by premium installers
Cons
- - Premium pricing
- - Less widely available than Tier-1 Chinese brands
- - Fewer installer options