Jinko Tiger solar panel review: best for high output in low light conditions
As solar power becomes more popular across the UK, homeowners are increasingly searching for the best solar panels that balance efficiency, cost, and durability. With so many unfamiliar brands and similar specs across the market, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. That's why this review helps you decide if the Jinko Tiger solar panel is right for your home and whether solar panels are truly worth the investment.
Many panels now offer similar specifications on paper — comparable power output, 25- to 30-year lifespans, and sleek all-black designs. But with installation often representing the largest part of the overall cost of solar panels, and British weather posing its own set of challenges, the stakes for getting the right system are high.
The boom in commercial solar farms has helped push the technology forward. Installation is still the biggest cost, so it pays to invest in long-lasting panels. Fortunately, costs have fallen dramatically over the past two decades, especially as China has scaled up manufacturing and innovation. But fitting panels still involves scaffolding, labor, and additional equipment to connect to your home mains, so it's wise to factor in total system cost, not just the panel price, when choosing the best solar panel installers.
Why choose the Jinko Tiger?
Price, installed: £1250 per kW
Efficiency: 22 per cent
Wattage per panel: 440W
Type: N-Type
Made in: China and Malaysia, US and Vietnam
Degradation: 87.40 per cent after 30 years
Warranty: 25 years for the product itself, 30 years for the degradation figure
Founded in 2006, Jinko Solar has grown into one of the world's largest solar panel manufacturers. It's a Tier-1 producer, meaning it's been established for more than five years, is financially stable, and uses advanced, automated manufacturing techniques.
The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, offering greater transparency than many of its competitors. It's also invested in solar infrastructure, including a 20% stake in one of the world's largest solar farms in the UAE. Jinko is a member of the Solar Module Super League, a group of seven firms responsible for around half of the world's panel production.
This is a useful guide on a company's financial strength, but as a consumer rather than an investor, you may have other priorities.
That's why our Jinko Tiger review highlights a few of the panel's standout features:
Strong power output
Long warranty
Slow degradation rate
For the Jinko Tiger solar panels themselves, the stats are fairly middle of the road compared to others we have reviewed, but all our featured solar panels have good warranties, power output, efficiency and useable lifespan. But while the Jinko Tiger solar panel doesn't offer the very highest wattage on the market, its balance of efficiency, degradation rate, and price make it a solid choice for UK homes.
You can also take confidence in Jinko's scale and track record. If your preferred installer works exclusively with Jinko Tiger solar panels, rest assured you're still getting a dependable, cost-effective product.
A bit like flat-screen TVs, intense competition in the solar panel market means prices have dropped while quality has risen. Jinko benefits from this trend, offering panels with great low-light performance, ideal for the UK's overcast climate as well as early morning and evening sunlight.
The panels use N-type cells, which degrade more slowly than standard P-type cells, so they maintain output better over time. They're also resistant to salt mist, making them a good choice for coastal homes that need extra protection.
The panels weigh in at 22kg, a shade lighter than most, and measure 1.76m by 1.13m. They are 3cm thick.
Pros:
Strong low-light performance
Reliable, well-established manufacturer
Solid all-round efficiency and warranty
Cons:
Other panels offer even higher output
Degradation rate is good, but not market-leading
Jinko Tiger panels deliver reliability and performance with robustness and high energy output in weak light conditions. They're a great choice for customers who want quality, affordability, and performance from one of the best solar manufacturers in the world
Edward McKay at fitter Solar4Good
How we compiled our guide
To compile our list, we spoke to experts on the ground and have broken down the top-performing brands based on real-world value, not just technical specs.
We've prioritised long-term performance, value for money, and the reputation of the best solar panel installers in the UK. And if you're wondering if solar panels are worth it for your home, this guide is designed to help you make a smart, informed decision that pays off over time, whether you're upgrading an old array or fitting solar panels for the first time.
Most panels are guaranteed for 25 years and offer similar power output, size, efficiency and looks.
So we've weighted our judgement towards cost and degradation, which describes how much power the cells will provide after a number of years. The higher the percentage, the better.
Much of your decision will also depend on which installer you go with, as many have preferred brands they work with due to bulk purchasing. You'll also see a lot of unfamiliar Chinese names as you do your research, but many of these are Tier-1 manufacturers in clean energy with strong track records in quality and durability.
Why trust us
The Independent has been reporting on green energy and climate matters since it was founded in 1986. Since then, we have written hundreds of reviews and news stories on energy.
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