Aiko Solar is a global producer of high-efficiency solar panels and has been at the forefront of the photovoltaic industry for 16 years. They are relatively new to Australia, having launched their Neostar panels in our market in March 2024. Their back-contact cell technology is designed to generate more power with limited roof space. With strong heat performance and a clean all-black appearance, these panels are an appealing choice for many Perth homes.
Aiko solar panels do tend to cost slightly more than other panels, so buyers need to decide whether they are worth the premium price. Homeowners should compare the Aiko model’s predicted generation, warranties, and shade conditions to see if they offer the best overall value.
About Aiko
Aiko is a solar technology manufacturer specialising in high-efficiency solar cells and modules. Its residential Neostar products use N-type back-contact cells rather than the more familiar front-contact cell design found on many conventional solar panels.
Aiko focuses on the research and development of core PV products and provides integrated solar solutions. Their ABC (All Black Contact) modules have gained wide recognition in global markets, becoming a top choice across various installations. Traditional solar cells often have visible metal lines called busbars running across the front. These contacts carry electricity but cover a small part of the light-collecting surface. Moving the contacts to the rear allows more of the cell’s front area to receive sunlight. This design can support higher panel efficiency and creates a uniform black appearance.
However, ABC technology does not mean the panel will generate full power in poor conditions. Roof orientation, shade, temperature and inverter choice will all still influence the system’s output.
Key Features of Aiko Neostar Solar Panels
High Efficiency
Solar panel efficiency measures how much of the sunlight reaching a panel is converted into usable energy. The higher the solar panel efficiency, the more power produced from the roof area. Aiko’s Neostar mono-glass series has a module efficiency that ranges from 23% to 25%. These efficiency levels are especially valuable where a Perth roof has limited usable space.
High Power Output
A panel’s wattage (W) represents its rated maximum power under standard test conditions. For example, a 500W panel has a higher rated output than a 450W panel, although the actual output will vary throughout the day. Higher-wattage Aiko panels allow a homeowner to install a larger system without having to substantially increase the number of panels. The latest Aiko Neostar 3P54 solar panel achieves up to 500W within a standard-sized panel, making it a great option for houses with limited roof space.
Partial Shading Optimisation
Aiko promotes that their Neostar panels can reduce the effect shading has on power output. The ABC cells are designed to improve current flow when part of a module is obstructed, potentially increasing output under shade by 4-5%. This doesn’t mean Aiko panels are “shade-proof”. Energy production will still fall if a tree or neighbouring building blocks sunlight. However, the electricity lost from these obstructions will be less when using Neostar panels.
Better Performance in High Temperature
Solar panels decrease in efficiency as they get hotter. This can sound a bit counterintuitive, since panels need the sun to produce energy. But this is why the temperature coefficient is an important feature to check. The current Neostar 3P54 model lists a power coefficient of -0.26% per degree it goes above 25°C. A smaller negative coefficient indicates that a panel retains more of its rated output as its cell temperature increases. This can be beneficial during Perth summers, when there are plenty of scorching hot days where rooftop temperatures are considerably higher than the air temperature. This better temperature performance means the Aiko panels will generate slightly more power during the summer months.
Warranty
Aiko’s Neostar panels have a 25-year product warranty and 30-year performance warranty. This tends to be the industry standard for residential solar panels. The product warranty covers physical manufacturing defects and hardware failure. The performance warranty guarantees a minimum electricity generation level as the panels naturally degrade over time. While most solar panels have a 30-year performance warranty, Aiko’s degradation rate is lower than average. Aiko’s performance warranty allows for a 1% decay in its efficiency rating in the first year, and a 0.35% for each following year.
Aiko Neostar Product Range
The Aiko Neostar panels are designed specifically for residential solar. They achieve up to 500W within dimensions of less than two square metres. The second-generation Neostar range includes several residential models. This includes the Neostar 2P54 mono-glass panel and the Neostar 2S54 all-black models. The third-generation Neostar range increases the available power and efficiency in a compact format. Aiko’s mono-glass Neostar 3P54 models are particularly useful for households with larger electricity loads or battery charging.
Here is a table comparing the most popular Aiko Neostar panels in Australia:
| Model Name | Output (Wattage) | Efficiency | Solar Cell Type | Frame | Temperature Coefficient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Neostar 2P |
450W – 475W |
22.6% to 23.8% |
N-Type ABC |
Black Anodised Aluminium |
-0.26%/ °C |
|
Neostar 2S |
450W – 485W |
22.6% to 24.3% |
N-Type ABC |
Black Anodised Aluminium |
-0.26%/ °C |
|
Neostar 3P |
475W – 500W |
23.8% to 25% |
N-Type ABC |
Black Anodised Aluminium |
-0.26%/ °C |
|
Neostar 3S |
530W – 555W |
23.9 to 25% |
N-Type ABC |
Black Anodised Aluminium |
-0.26%/ °C |
Who We Recommend Aiko Neostar Panels To
We recommend Aiko Neostar panels to homeowners who want high-efficiency panels that can generate more power from the available roof space. They are particularly well suited to homes with limited roof area, partial shading issues, or households looking to maximise solar generation for higher electricity use and battery charging.
They are also an excellent choice for customers who care about the appearance of their solar system. Their sleek all-black design creates a clean and modern finish, making them especially appealing if your rooftop solar is highly visible from the street. While Aiko panels come at a slightly higher price than some alternatives, they are a strong option for homeowners who value efficiency, performance and aesthetics rather than simply choosing the lowest upfront cost.
With excellent salt mist testing results, Aiko Neostar panels are also a great choice for Perth’s coastal homes near our beautiful Indian Ocean. Their resistance to harsh coastal conditions helps support reliable performance and durability for many years to come.