REC vs Trina Solar Solar Panels
Head-to-head comparison for New Zealand homes in 2026.
| Spec | REC | Trina Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Norway | China |
| Tier | premium | budget |
| Efficiency | 22.2% | 22.1% |
| Product Warranty | 25 years | 15 years |
| Performance Warranty | 25 years | 25 years |
| Degradation Rate | 0.25%/yr | 0.4%/yr |
| Price per kW (NZD, installed) | $1,950-$2,400 | $1,600-$1,950 |
| Panel Wattage | 430W | 440W |
| Cell Type | HJT Monocrystalline | N-type TOPCon Monocrystalline |
| Best For | Quality-focused homeowners wanting premium European engineering | Those wanting a proven, bankable brand with strong warranty at a competitive price |
REC
Pros
- + 25-year product AND performance warranty
- + Excellent low-light and temperature performance
- + Norwegian engineering, Singapore manufacturing
- + Lead-free, RoHS compliant
- + Favoured by premium installers
Cons
- - Premium pricing
- - Less widely available than Tier-1 Chinese brands
- - Fewer installer options
Trina Solar
Pros
- + 25+ year track record
- + Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- + 15-year product warranty
- + Tier-1 bankability rating
- + Widely available in NZ
Cons
- - Chinese-manufactured
- - Not the absolute highest efficiency
- - Brand less differentiated vs Jinko/LONGi