Solar panels are becoming a more popular choice for powering homes and businesses in AU. But, while many assume that they’re primarily made in China or Germany, Aussies have 2 Australian-manufactured solar panels to choose from: Tindo Solar and Msquare Energy.
Tindo is the more popular choice but, like anything else, they both have their pros and cons. For example, MSquare’s prices are highly competitive whereas Tindo’s solar panels are more efficient.
This article is a deep dive into both of these manufacturers. Below, you will find overviews of both brands, comparisons to help you decide, your other options, and other topics. If you want to skip sections, simply tap on the bullets below:
- What company produces solar panels here in Australia?
- Tindo Solar VS MSquare Energy
- Which company makes better solar modules?
- Are there other alternatives?
- The benefits of choosing an Australian solar manufacturing company
There are 2 Australian solar panel manufacturers: Tindo and MSquare
Tindo Solar
Established in 2011, Tindo Solar is a solar panel manufacturer based in Mawson Lakes, South Australia. The company prides itself on its Australian roots and has designed its modules to withstand the country’s conditions.
One of the unique features of Tindo’s solar panels is their aesthetic sleek and black design. Additionally, Tindo solar panels have a high solar cell efficiency, which generates more energy from the sun than many other panels on the market.
Moreover, Tindo Solar has since expanded the warranties on their panels to 25 years which is the industry standard. This warranty covers both the product and its efficiency. This should help assure you that your investment won’t come to bite you in the future.
Get 3 Solar Quotes From Quality Local Installers.
Msquare Energy
Established in 2013, Msquare Energy is another Australian solar company with a manufacturing facility in Sydney. They produce solar panels for both residential and commercial purposes.
Likewise, Msquare’s solar panels are designed to withstand the weather conditions of Australia, including strong winds and extreme heat.
The brand also offers 2 series of solar panels: MSea and Kangaroo. Both can handle the same loads and wind speeds but Kangaroo has the better efficiency and power output.
As of 2022, however, neither of them is part of the CEC’s list of approved products. Meaning, buying them won’t get you rebates.
Tindo Solar VS. Msquare Energy | Pros and cons
Tindo Solar
Pros:
- Manufactures panels that are suitable for all Australian conditions, including extreme weather conditions
- High-quality panels with advanced technology, including Tindo Karra panels with high solar cell efficiency
- Excellent customer service and after-sales support
- All Tindo panels come with a 25-year performance warranty
- CEC-approved
Cons:
- Higher cost compared to some other panel brands on the market
- Limited range of panel options compared to some other manufacturers
- Only produces panels in small quantities due to being a smaller manufacturer
Msquare Energy
Pros:
- Their Kangaroo line of solar panels is highly efficient
- Competitive pricing for high-quality panels made in Australia
- 25-year warranties on their solar panels
- Suitable for both residential and commercial installations
Cons:
- Limited range of panel options compared to some other manufacturers
- Limited presence in the Australian solar industry due to being a smaller manufacturer
- Slightly less efficient than Tindo Solar
- Not CEC-approved
Overall, Tindo Solar offers more value for your money.
Don’t get me wrong, MSquare is solid, too.
However, Tindo Solar offers more efficiency and power so it’s more suitable for homes with high energy needs without taking up too much space.
More importantly, Tindo solar panels are CEC-approved. This means their panels make you eligible for the government’s rebates which, ultimately, lowers the cost of installation.
The installation also has to be done by a CEC-accredited installer. Otherwise, you won’t match the eligibility criteria. Lucky for you, we have a network of pre-vetted solar panel installers at the ready. If you’re interested, we can get you 3 FREE quotes right away.
Other manufacturers selling solar panels in Australia
Full disclaimer, these companies aren’t Australian but they sell their solar panels in Australia. We have full trust in them, too.
1. SunPower
As of writing, SunPower is the leader in terms of solar panel efficiency and durability. Their warranty lasts well above the industry standard at 40 years. They are, however, quite expensive.
2. Canadian Solar
Canadian Solar has efficiencies close to that of SunPower but they come at a cheaper rate. The downside is that they aren’t as durable with product warranties that last 25 years. By the way, that is by no means a “bad” warranty. Again, 25 years is the industry standard.
3. REC
Compared to SunPower and Canadian, REC’s solar modules are slightly less efficient and therefore produce slightly less power. The difference is so small, though, that it doesn’t matter much in the real world. Plus, they maintain 92% of their efficiency through 25 years.
4. Trina Solar
Trina is one of the handfuls of Chinese companies with a strong presence in the Australian market – and for good reason. They manufacture solar panels that are cheaper than what their efficiencies, power outputs, and warranties tell you. They’re great if you’re on a budget.
P.S.: We cover more of our most recommended solar panel manufacturers in our Solar 101 Guide.
Get 3 Solar Quotes From Quality Local Installers.
Why choose Australian-made solar panels?
There are several benefits to choosing Australian-made solar panels. Here are some of the key advantages:
Their quality rivals other brands.
Both Tindo and MSquare have lifespans and efficiencies that are on par with some of the more popular brands out there. Tindo, in particular, is also CEC-approved. That doesn’t happen if they don’t pass the council’s standards.
You support the local economy
Investing in Australian-made solar panels means you are also supporting local businesses. This, in turn, contributes to the growth of the economy. This helps to create jobs and stimulate economic activity within the country.
You reduce your home’s carbon footprint
You can look at this in 2 ways.
One, you produce your own clean energy. All solar panels create energy without any negative effect on the environment. You can watch TV all day, keep your home nice and cozy, and wash all the laundry you want and the planet will be just fine.
Two, solar panels make you less reliant on the grid. The grid produces power through fossil fuels. So, the less energy you use from these power companies, the better it is for the environment.
Better warranty and after-sales support
Australian manufacturers offer strong warranties that are comparable to those offered by imported panel manufacturers. In case of any issues, customers can also easily reach out to local customer service and technical support teams.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both companies who’re manufacturing solar panels in Australia and offer good value and a range of benefits. For those reasons, Tindo Solar and MSquare Energy are both solid options, especially if you want to support local businesses.
But, at the end of the day, money does matter and Tindo solar panels are simply more practical because of their CEC approval. Choosing these CEC-approved solar panels is, in fact, one of the main ways you can save money both immediately and in the long turn.
You do have other options, though, such as SunPower and Trina. Now, if you don’t want the trouble of choosing a solar panel manufacturer, letting our pre-vetted network of installers do that for you is always an alternative.
