Aiko Solar Panels Set New Benchmark: A Game-Changer for Shaded Installations in Ballarat

At the recent All Energy Australia exhibition, a wide array of new products and innovations in solar panels were showcased, with one company setting a new benchmark in efficiency. Aiko introduced a 480W panel in a roughly 1.7m x 1.1m size, achieving close to 24% efficiency and demonstrating impressive shade-handling capabilities, maintaining output even when partially shaded, as shown in the photos. I believe this Aiko panel will quickly become a favourite for our installations in the Ballarat region, especially for locations in forested areas where shading is a significant issue. In the past, we’ve used power optimizers with Jinko solar panels to achieve similar results, but the added cost and complexity of using optimizers increase overall expenses. For unshaded areas, Jinko panels remain the most cost-effective choice.

Solar Trends for Ballarat’s Climate

The latest solar panel trends are particularly favourable for Ballarat’s weather. New panels are now reaching an impressive efficiency of 23% in a compact size of 1m by 1.7m. One brand currently available is Aiko Solar Panels 470w, and it’s expected that others will soon follow suit. This is especially important for Ballarat, where winter presents a significant challenge for solar productivity. If you aim for energy independence during Ballarat’s winter months, the average household would need to install around 20kW of solar panels.

Solar Panel Sizing for Winter Energy Needs

A 20kW of solar panels might seem too large at first, but when we look at the numbers in the table below, we see that there are around 10 days with the equivalent of only one hour of full sunlight in July. Of course, it’s not literally one hour, but the energy produced is comparable to what we’d get from a single hour of full sun.

Energy Consumption and Household Requirements

Of course, we assume everyone needs 20kWh a day, but many places actually use less, typically below 16kWh, mainly because they rely on gas for hot water and heating. However, if a house is fully electric and has around 3-4 occupants, then 20kWh a day is definitely required.

Solar Panel Production in Ballarat

2023 July dates	Production of 1kw of solar panels per day in July 2023 in Ballarat	Size of solar panels array to produce 20kWH/Day Ballarat
1	3.6	6
2	2.7	8
3	1.5	13
4	1.1	19
5	0.8	25
6	0.7	28
7	3.4	6
8	2.4	8
9	3.9	5
10	0.6	33
11	0.8	26
12	0.4	52
13	0.8	26
14	3.9	5
15	3.9	5
16	2.5	8
17	0.9	23
18	2.9	7
19	1.1	18
20	3.6	5
21	2.7	7
22	3.9	5
23	3.0	7
24	2.4	8
25	2.8	7
26	4.1	5
27	3.0	7
28	1.1	18
29	3.6	6

The data above was taken from PVWatts, and highly accurate information was loaded from the Bureau of Meteorology last year.

Space Considerations for Solar Panel Installation

The next question might be, “Where can I fit around 40 solar panels?” This would require roughly 80 square meters. Yes, many houses may struggle to fit even half of that capacity, but I see plenty of homes in Ballarat that could potentially accommodate such an array. A common misconception is that panels must face north. While this is ideal, you can install them anywhere, including on a south-facing roof, and they will still generate energy.

Grid Export and Battery Storage

The next question would be where all this power should go, as sending it to the grid for 3 cents per kWh does not make any sense at all. When we refer to “sending it to the grid,” we’re talking about the process of transferring excess electricity generated by your solar panels back to the local power network, often in exchange for a credit on your energy bill. However, at such a low rate, you might consider alternative uses for your surplus power to maximize benefits. Obviously, the next discussion would be about battery storage, but for now, we are focusing on solar panels.

Limited Availability of Solar Panels in Ballarat

The availability of solar panels in Ballarat is often limited to what local electrical suppliers have in stock, without much consideration for what residents might actually be interested in. Understandably, many installers don’t have the time or resources to keep up with the latest trends until a particular product becomes the most easily accessible option.

Industry Standard Systems and Lack of Customization

Another issue is that installers often sell standard-sized systems without taking the time to assess individual needs and challenges. A typical setup with a 5kW inverter and 6.6kW solar panels has become the industry standard, dictated by utilities and Australian standards, with suppliers bundling these systems at the lowest possible price.

The Risk of Disappointment and Waste

As a result, many of the solar panels installed fail to meet customer expectations and could soon become obsolete, potentially ending up in landfills. This creates disappointment for consumers and poses a growing environmental concern.

Common Solar Panel Technologies and Consumer Perspective

The most common solar panel technologies today are PERC and bifacial panels. However, from the perspective of the end consumer, the specific technology isn’t as important. What matters most is the longevity and productivity of the system. Bifacial panels might be of interest in certain situations, such as ground-mounted or tilted installations, where they can boost energy output. Overall, most panels available on the market are of good quality, as long as they come from a well-established manufacturer.