Why do Chinese panels have a bad reputation?
The bad reputation dates back to the early 2010s — when low-quality no-name products flooded the market. These modules genuinely had quality problems: faster degradation, weak warranties, poor customer service.
Since then, the industry has fundamentally changed. The major Chinese manufacturers — JinkoSolar, LONGi, Trina Solar, JA Solar, Canadian Solar — have invested billions in research and development. Today they are at least on par with European manufacturers in terms of efficiency, reliability and warranty duration.
The difference is no longer between "Chinese" and "European" — but between Tier-1 manufacturers and no-name products.
of Swiss installations use Chinese panels
80%+
cheaper than European alternatives
20–30%
is the decisive quality criterion
Tier-1
What does Tier-1 mean — and why is it more important than the origin?
The Bloomberg Tier-1 status is the most important quality criterion for solar panels. To be recognised as a Tier-1 manufacturer, a company must: have delivered modules for at least 6 bank-financed projects, be rated as a reliable supplier by independent banks, meet proven production and quality control standards, and be financially stable enough to honour warranties long-term.
Tier-1 manufacturers from China: JinkoSolar, LONGi, Trina Solar, JA Solar, Canadian Solar, Risen Energy.
Tier-1 manufacturers from Europe: Meyer Burger (CH/DE), REC Group (NO), Luxor Solar (DE), SoliTek (LT).
Conclusion: A Tier-1 module from China is more reliable than a no-name module from Europe.
Direct comparison: Chinese vs. European
Price: Chinese ✅ 20–30% cheaper | European ❌ significantly more expensive.
Efficiency: Chinese ✅ up to 23.8% (AIKO, LONGi) | European ✅ up to 23.5% (Meyer Burger HJT).
Product warranty: Chinese ✅ 25 years standard | European ✅ 25–30 years.
Performance warranty: Chinese ✅ 85–90% after 25 years | European ✅ 88–94% after 25 years.
Warranty handling: Chinese ⚠️ often via Swiss importer | European ✅ direct European contact.
Hail protection Switzerland: Chinese ⚠️ varies by model | European ✅ often better certified.
Environmental footprint: Chinese ❌ longer transport | European ✅ shorter transport.
The major Chinese manufacturers
LONGi — world market leader in monocrystalline: The Hi-MO Series is one of the best-selling modules in Switzerland. Efficiency up to 23.2%, 25-year product warranty, PVEL Top Performer 2024.
JinkoSolar — Tiger Neo Series: N-Type TOPCon technology with up to 23.3% efficiency and bifacial glass-glass construction. PVEL Top Performer for several years.
Trina Solar — Vertex S+: Founded in 1997, excellent value for money at 22.3% efficiency. PVEL Top Performer eleven times.
AIKO Solar: ABC technology with up to 23.8% efficiency — currently one of the highest commercially available.
The European manufacturers
Meyer Burger — the Swiss panel: The only Swiss panel manufacturer. HJT technology up to 23.5% efficiency, 92% performance warranty after 25 years. Price approx. 20–30% more expensive. Warranty handling directly in Switzerland.
REC Group — Norway: Founded in 1996, high quality standards, strong performance warranties, European law.
Luxor Solar — Germany: Eco Line HJT Bifacial with 30-year product warranty and excellent temperature behaviour.
SoliTek — Lithuania: European production, 30-year product warranty, HW4 hail certification.
Who benefits from European panels?
If warranty handling is decisive: In the event of a defect after 10 years, warranty handling with a European manufacturer is much simpler — no language barriers, European law, direct contact.
If hail protection is a priority: In hail-prone regions, panels with HW4 or HW5 hail certification are recommended. Meyer Burger and Luxor Solar excel here.
If environmental footprint matters: Shorter transport routes, European production standards, better recycling infrastructure.
If Swiss quality is a selling point: Meyer Burger from Switzerland has emotional value for many homeowners.
Who should choose Chinese Tier-1 panels?
If budget plays a role: For the same money, Chinese panels give you a larger system or allow you to also finance battery storage.
If maximum efficiency is the goal: AIKO Solar and LONGi currently offer the highest efficiencies on the market.
If the installer has experience with the manufacturer: A local installer who has been working with JinkoSolar or Trina Solar for years knows the products, the installation and the warranty process.
No-name modules from China — the real risk
The real risk factor is not "Chinese" in general — but unknown manufacturers without Tier-1 status. Warning signs:
- ⚠️ No Bloomberg Tier-1 status
- ⚠️ No PVEL certification
- ⚠️ Product warranty under 15 years
- ⚠️ Performance warranty under 80% after 25 years
- ⚠️ No European service partner
- ⚠️ Price significantly below market average
Ask your installer explicitly about the manufacturer and Tier-1 status of the panels. A reputable installer does not install unknown no-name products.
Which panels does PVPro.ch recommend for Switzerland?
We don't recommend specific products — that is the job of the local installer who knows your roof. But we recommend these minimum requirements:
- ✅ Bloomberg Tier-1 status or equivalent certification
- ✅ Product warranty at least 15 years (25 preferred)
- ✅ Performance warranty at least 85% after 25 years
- ✅ IEC 61215 certification
- ✅ Hail protection at least HW3 (HW4–HW5 for hail-prone regions)
- ✅ Glass-glass construction for hail-prone regions
Which panels suit your roof? Get a quote now
Our certified local installers know the best panels for your location — whether Chinese Tier-1 or European premium. Get up to 3 quotes for free.
Request free quoteFrequently Asked Questions
Are Chinese solar panels worse than European ones?+
No — not categorically. Chinese Tier-1 manufacturers like LONGi, JinkoSolar and Trina Solar deliver quality equivalent or superior to European products. The decisive difference is not between "Chinese" and "European", but between Tier-1 manufacturers and no-name products.
Which Chinese solar panels are recommendable for Switzerland?+
LONGi (Hi-MO Series), JinkoSolar (Tiger Neo), Trina Solar (Vertex S+), JA Solar and AIKO Solar are Tier-1 manufacturers with proven reliability, long warranties and PVEL certifications.
What is the price difference between European and Chinese panels?+
European panels are typically 20–30% more expensive than comparable Chinese Tier-1 panels. For a 10 kWp system, this represents a premium of approx. CHF 1'500–3'000.
Are Meyer Burger panels worth it?+
Meyer Burger offers high quality, excellent performance warranties and uncomplicated warranty handling in Switzerland. The price premium over Chinese alternatives is approx. 20–30%. For homeowners who value Swiss quality, Meyer Burger is an excellent choice.
What is Bloomberg Tier-1 status?+
Bloomberg Tier-1 status certifies that the manufacturer is recognised as a reliable supplier for bank-financed projects and meets quality standards. Tier-1 modules come from manufacturers capable of honouring their warranties long-term.
Which panels are best for hail-prone regions in Switzerland?+
For hail-prone regions like the canton of Berne: panels with HW4 or HW5 hail certification and glass-glass construction. Recommended: FuturaSun Silk Rhino (HW5), Luxor Eco Line HJT, Meyer Burger Glass, SoliTek Solid.