Tier 1 solar panels are often treated as a shortcut to quality and reliability, but the term actually refers to bankability, not a direct measure of module performance. Falling module prices, rapid TOPCon and back-contact adoption, and tighter financing criteria have reshaped which manufacturers qualify.
If you are comparing options for a home or business, understanding what Tier 1 really means and how it differs from Tier 2 and Tier 3 will help you select modules that fit your budget, risk tolerance, and project goals.
What are Tier 1 solar panels?
“Tier 1” is a BloombergNEF (BNEF) bankability label applied to solar panel manufacturers, not to individual models. To appear on the quarterly list, a manufacturer must demonstrate a track record of supplying its own-brand modules, made in its own factories, to multiple utility-scale projects that were financed with non-recourse debt by multiple banks within the past two years.
In practice, Tier 1 signals that banks have been willing to fund big projects using those producers’ modules, because the companies are viewed as stable and trustworthy counterparties.
Key points to keep in mind:
- It is not a quality ranking of specific solar panels. Panel performance, efficiency, and reliability still vary by model and production run.
- It is dynamic. The list changes as financing closes, companies merge, or risk profiles shift.
- It correlates with strong warranties, long-term service capability, and better access to capital, which can indirectly support quality and after-sales support.
Why it matters: lender confidence can streamline financing discussions and keep system design choices practical for timelines and BOS.
For buyers, Tier 1 is a useful screening tool, but it should sit alongside product-level data such as efficiency, degradation rate, mechanical load ratings, and installer expertise.
What are the Bloomberg criteria for Tier 1 solar panels?
BloombergNEF’s published methodology emphasises bankability and evidence from project finance, not lab tests, often referred to as Bloomberg New Energy Finance.
In brief, Tier 1 module manufacturers are those that have supplied own-brand, own-manufacture products to at least six different projects that closed non-recourse debt with six different commercial banks within the last two years. Only project financings over 10 MW are counted.
- Their photovoltaic (PV) modules were used in at least six different projects, each funded by a different commercial bank on a non-recourse basis, within the last two years.
- Modules were supplied under the maker’s own brand and produced in its own facilities, not OEM-only output.
- Evidence is verified via public disclosures and direct checks.
Because the list is designed for financiers, BNEF stresses it should not replace product due diligence. Treat it as a signal of corporate strength and lender confidence, useful alongside certifications, third-party tests, and installer references.
Tier 1 solar panel manufacturers: 2025 list
The Tier 1 roster shifts by quarter. As of 2025, consistent names across quarterly updates include large, bankable solar panel producers. Use this as a representative snapshot. Always confirm the current quarter before you purchase.
Examples include Jinko Solar, Trina Solar, JA Solar, LONGi Solar, Canadian Solar, Qcells, First Solar, REC, Maxeon, and others.
These names commonly appear in independent round-ups of BNEF’s quarterly Tier 1 lists and market outlooks. Check the very latest quarter to see additions or removals as financing evidence changes. (On sun.store, you can compare model-level specs, efficiencies, and warranties from multiple producers in one place, useful for shortlisting.)
How to choose the right Tier 1 solar panel manufacturer?
Even within Tier 1, the best choice depends on your project needs. In shortlisting, many installers start with tier 1 PV panels and premium photovoltaic modules to minimise risk while meeting performance targets. Use this checklist:
- Project context
- Residential solar panels: prioritise aesthetics such as all-black frames, high module efficiency, strong product warranty, and a proven local support channel.
- Commercial solar panels: weigh price per watt, bankability for PPAs, large-format modules, and logistics.
- Residential solar panels: prioritise aesthetics such as all-black frames, high module efficiency, strong product warranty, and a proven local support channel.
- Performance and reliability
- Efficiency: modern n-type TOPCon and back-contact modules frequently exceed 22 percent nameplate. High efficiency solar panels can trim array footprint or BOS costs.
- Degradation rate: look for less than or equal to 0.4 per cent per year after year one. Lower is better for long-term yield.
- Most powerful solar panels: higher wattage is helpful. Check current limits versus string length in addition to inverter compatibility.
- Efficiency: modern n-type TOPCon and back-contact modules frequently exceed 22 percent nameplate. High efficiency solar panels can trim array footprint or BOS costs.
- Warranty and support
- Long lifespan claims should be backed by a 12 to 15 year product warranty, or more, and a 25 to 30 year performance warranty. Check who services warranty claims locally.
- Long lifespan claims should be backed by a 12 to 15 year product warranty, or more, and a 25 to 30 year performance warranty. Check who services warranty claims locally.
- Manufacturing and materials
- Preference for automated solar panel production, robust bill of materials such as glass, encapsulant, and backsheets, and traceable components.
- Preference for automated solar panel production, robust bill of materials such as glass, encapsulant, and backsheets, and traceable components.
- Total economics
- Assess ROI over 25 to 30 years, not just upfront price. Include BOS, labour, yield, and degradation.
- Assess ROI over 25 to 30 years, not just upfront price. Include BOS, labour, yield, and degradation.
- Proof points
- Look for third-party testing, real-world field data, and inclusion on current Tier 1 lists. Cross-check with installer feedback and bankability notes.
- Look for third-party testing, real-world field data, and inclusion on current Tier 1 lists. Cross-check with installer feedback and bankability notes.
(You can also visit sun.store product pages to filter by efficiency, dimensions, cell technology, and warranty, then request quotes from multiple solar panel suppliers in one place.)
Practical spec checklist before procurement
- Module dimensions and weight. Confirm transport constraints for roof access and lifting gear.
- Rated power class and binning tolerance. Note how the output varies across the palette.
- Temperature behaviour. Record Pmax temperature coefficient and the expected mid-day operating range on site.
- Mechanical load ratings. Check wind and snow parameters against local codes and racking specifications.
- Connector type and cable length. Confirm compatibility with existing strings and combiner placement.
- Packaging and pallet layout. Ensure a safe storage space and forklift access are available at delivery.
- Serial number format and traceability documents. Useful for warranty and fleet monitoring.
- Fire classification and hail impact notes where relevant to local requirements.
- Sustainability statements, recycling arrangements, and take-back options for end of life.
Sizing and BOS tips that save time on site
- Match string length to the operating window. Allow for headroom in cold open-circuit conditions and hot operational voltages.
- Verify current limits at maximum power to avoid clipping in common summer conditions.
- Align module width and rail spacing to reduce clamp changes across arrays.
- Standardise fasteners and spares across jobs to simplify maintenance and reduce truck rolls.
- Use layout tools to minimise walkway cuts, shade gaps, and DC homeruns that add time and loss.
Common myths to avoid during selection
- A higher watt class is not always better. If the frame format forces awkward row spacing, the gain can disappear in BOS.
- A long guarantee is only useful if the provider can support claims locally. Check service contacts and turnaround times.
- Lab numbers do not tell the whole story. Field behaviour over temperature and soiling can dominate yield on many sites.
Warranty reading in two minutes
- Confirm the product term and the performance curve, and note the step after year one.
- Check exclusions, transport damage handling, and who pays for removal and reinstallation.
- Validate the claim process, documentation needed, and expected response time.
- Keep serials and proof of purchase stored with commissioning photos for smoother claims.
What is the difference between Tier 1, 2 and 3 solar panels?
| Attribute | Tier 1 | Tier 2 | Tier 3 |
| Quality | High, mature production lines with tighter QA and consistent output | Mixed, partially automated lines with more variability between batches | Basic lines, limited QA evidence and higher variability |
| Lifespan, design intent | 25 to 30 years in typical use when installed to specification | 20 to 25 years typical | 15 to 20 years is typical, wider spread |
| Warranty | 12 to 25 years product, 25 to 30 years performance, stronger local support | 10 to 15 years product, 25 years performance is common | 10 to 12 years product, shorter or less robust support arrangements |
| Price range | Highest, premium pricing for bankability and support | Mid, value focused | Lowest upfront price |
| Example brands, illustrative only | Jinko, Trina, JA Solar, LONGi, Canadian Solar, Qcells, First Solar, REC, Maxeon | Regional mid-tier makers and fast growing newcomers with limited project finance records | Small local brands and import only labels with minimal banked projects |
Short summary of the table:
Tier 1 indicates bankable manufacturers with stronger QA, longer warranties, and higher pricing.
Tier 2 can deliver good value where specifications and support are adequate, though variability is greater.
Tier 3 minimises upfront cost but requires careful due diligence on QA, warranty coverage, and local service before procurement.
Are tier 1 solar panels worth it?
For many projects, yes, especially when you value bankability, robust warranties, and smoother financing. Tier 1 status correlates with mature processes, strong after-sales networks, and consistent efficiency improvements. The smartest approach is to balance brand reputation with actual module specifications such as power class, materials and components, temperature coefficients, and full project economics.
If a Tier 2 option offers comparable performance, a solid warranty, and a better price, it can deliver excellent value, particularly on smaller systems where financing risk is modest.
Bottom line: use the Tier 1 label to de-risk the shortlist, then choose based on data sheets, installer advice, and lifetime cost of energy.