New-Gen Winaico Solar Panels: Sleek, Powerful & Ultra-Black

Winaico’s WST-BDX54-B2 WBC Series rooftop solar panels should be available in Australia very soon. Here’s what we know.

The WST-475BDX54-B2 (475 Watts) and WST-480BDX54-B2 (480 Watts) feature back-contact cell technology, which means all electrical contacts are located on the rear side of the cell. There are no front-side gridlines on the panel, maximising the area for harvesting sunlight — and looks pretty schmick too.

Additionally, these solar panels are glass-glass (front and back) and bifacial, offering up to 20% yield gain¹ under ideal conditions through capturing reflected light on the rear side of the panel.

WST-BDX54-B2 WBC Series Specifications

• Power output (front face): 475 Watts and 480 Watts
• Number of cells: 108
• Module Efficiency: 23.3% (475 W) and 23.5% (480 W)
• Temperature coefficient of PMax: -0.26%/°C
• Dimensions: 1,800 x 1,134 x 35 mm
• Weight: 25 kg
• Glass: 2mm front and back
• Level 6 salt mist certification – the highest level of salt spray corrosion resistance for solar panels.
• 30-year product guarantee.
• 30-year performance guarantee. No more than 1% degradation in the first year and no more than 0.35% annually from 2nd to 30th year.
• Backed by an Australian support team
• Australian datasheet available here.

At 2.041m², the WST-BDX is *just* over what we’d usually consider a residential rooftop solar panel (2m² maximum), and combined with the weight will have some installers justifiably groaning. But aside from that there’s a lot to like about these panels based on the information provided by Winaico. For example, the low temperature co-efficient means performance isn’t impacted by heat as much as some panels from popular brands.

I have no details on recommended retail pricing, but in terms of quality brands currently available in Australia, you can see indicative pricing for high-efficiency solar panels here.

Blair Pester, Managing Director of WINAICO Australia Pty Ltd, says Clean Energy Council (CEC) listing is “well underway” and he’s expecting local availability by late September. Clean Energy Council approval is required for national solar rebate eligibility and in most cases, grid-connection permission. The modules are also about to undergo testing by Structural Engineering Consultants Australia (SECA) for suitability in cyclonic regions.

Initially, the 475-Watt BDX WBC solar panel will be available in Australia (and New Zealand).

More On Winaico

Headquartered in Taiwan but nowadays mainly manufacturing in China, Winaico was founded in 2008 and entered the Australian solar market in 2012. The firm has an office in Sydney.

Something as far as I know unique to Winaico is selected products (including the WST-BDX54-B2 WBC panels) include two years of free system insurance. This not only covers the panels but extends to critical system components such as inverters and certain batteries. It covers against losses due to material damage, interruption of service or reduced yield for the first two years — so any price premium provides some extra peace of mind. The policy can be extended up to a total of five years for an additional cost.

Winaico solar panel reviews on SolarQuotes from Australian customers have averaged 4.8 stars from 228 ratings overall, and 4.9 stars over the past 12 months (23 ratings). Winaico is currently on SolarQuotes’  recommended solar panel brands chart.

If you’re looking for powerful rooftop solar panels, but with a smaller footprint, among other options is the Neostar 480W from Aiko. Released earlier this year, the Neostar 480W is 1757 x 1134 mm and a leaner 21.5 kg. But it’s a monofacial panel, so there’s no additional boost from reflected light. However, being smaller may mean more panels can be installed on a roof.

Learn everything you need to know about choosing solar panels for your home.