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AIKO Solar Panels
The latest generation of n-type TOPCon premium solar panels. Industry-leading shade tolerance, peak efficiency over 23%, 25-year warranty as standard. The sensible premium choice for households wanting the best of the current solar generation without the SunPower price point.
We install AIKO across our customer base in East Anglia. This page covers what TOPCon technology is, why it matters, and how AIKO compares to mainstream and premium-tier alternatives.
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- Technology
- N-type TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) silicon cells, the latest generation of mainstream solar technology.
- Peak efficiency
- Over 23%, ahead of the mainstream PERC tier (typically 20-22%).
- Warranty
- 25-year product warranty + 25-year performance guarantee as standard.
- Shade Tolerance
- Industry-leading. AIKO’s cell architecture minimises the impact of partial shading on overall array output.
- Degradation
- Around 0.4% per year (better than mainstream 0.5-0.7% but slightly higher than SunPower 0.25%).
- Output
- After 25 years, still producing roughly 88-90% of rated output.
- Best for
- Premium-tier buyers who want the latest panel technology without the SunPower price premium. Households with partial shading where shade tolerance matters most.
What is TOPCon N-type technology?
Solar panel cells come in two main types:
- P-type PERC cells / the mainstream technology since 2014. Good efficiency (20-22%), low cost, used by most volume manufacturers (JA Solar, Jinko, Longi, Trina).
- N-type TOPCon cells / the new generation that’s progressively replacing P-type. Better efficiency (23%+), lower degradation, better low-light performance, higher temperature tolerance.
The shift from P-type to N-type is the biggest panel-technology transition since the mid-2010s. By 2027, N-type TOPCon is expected to be the dominant residential panel technology in Europe.
AIKO is one of the leading N-type TOPCon manufacturers. Their Neostar 2S range covers the residential market with both efficiency and durability advantages over the outgoing P-type panels.
Why TOPCon is better:
- Lower temperature coefficient. Panels lose less output as they heat up in summer. N-type panels stay closer to rated output on hot days.
- Better low-light performance. N-type cells generate measurably more electricity on overcast days and at dawn/dusk.
- Lower degradation. N-type cells degrade more slowly. After 25 years, an N-type panel typically still produces 88-90% of rated output (versus 85% for P-type).
- Better shade tolerance. N-type cells fail more gracefully when partial shading occurs.
Why AIKO specifically?
There are several N-type TOPCon manufacturers. We’ve standardised on AIKO for our premium-tier (non-SunPower) range because:
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Manufacturing quality.
AIKO operates one of the most automated solar manufacturing lines in the industry, with consistently low defect rates and tight performance tolerances.
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Cell innovation.
AIKO’s ABC (All Back Contact) cell architecture moves the electrical connections to the rear of the cell, removing the front-surface metal “busbars” that block sunlight in conventional designs. The result: more usable cell surface, better aesthetics (all-black panels), and improved shade tolerance.
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Warranty depth.
25-year product warranty matches or exceeds the mainstream tier.
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Aesthetic premium.
AIKO panels are uniformly black on the front face with no visible grid lines, giving a cleaner architectural look on the roof.
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Pricing.
AIKO sits between mainstream PERC panels and SunPower in price. The cost-per-watt is typically 10-15% above mainstream PERC panels, 20-30% below SunPower.
How AIKO compares to SunPower and mainstream panels
| Spec | Mainstream PERC | AIKO TOPCon | SunPower |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product warranty | 10-12 years | 25 years | 30 years |
| Performance warranty | 25 years | 25 years | 30 years |
| Service warranty | Not included | Not included | 30 years included |
| Peak efficiency | 20-22% | 23%+ | 22%+ (with shingled cell construction) |
| Annual degradation | 0.5-0.7% | 0.4% | 0.25% |
| Cell technology | P-type PERC | N-type TOPCon (ABC) | Shingled cell, glass-glass |
| Shade tolerance | Modest | Industry-leading | Excellent (shingled flex) |
| Aesthetic | Visible busbars | Uniform black, no busbars | Uniform black |
| Best for | Cost-led installs | Premium without SunPower premium | Lifetime ownership cost |
AIKO is the sensible middle path: substantially better than mainstream PERC across every metric, at a meaningful price difference below SunPower. For most premium-tier buyers who aren’t planning to stay in the property for 30+ years, AIKO is the right balance.
The 30-30-30 warranty, explained
Most solar manufacturers offer one of these. SunPower offers all three:
30-year product warranty
If the panel itself fails mechanically at any point in the next 30 years (delamination, frame failure, junction box failure, connector failure, glass breakage from manufacturing defects), SunPower replaces it. Most domestic panels offer 10 to 12 years of product warranty. SunPower offers triple.
30-year performance guarantee
SunPower guarantees that each panel will produce at least the specified percentage of its original rated output at every year of the warranty period. After 25 years, you should still see roughly 92% of the panel’s day-one production. If you don’t, SunPower replaces the panel. This is uniquely valuable because most solar warranty disputes are about under-production rather than complete failure.
30-year service warranty
This is the bit that genuinely separates SunPower from every other solar manufacturer.
With other brands, if you make a warranty claim you pay to remove the panels, ship them to a testing facility, have them inspected, and reinstall them. The panel manufacturer covers the product replacement cost but not the labour and logistics around the claim. Those costs can easily exceed the value of the panel itself.
With SunPower, every service cost is covered. No grey areas. Three decades of guaranteed performance, in writing.
When AIKO is the right choice
AIKO suits households who:
- Want premium-tier panel technology without the SunPower price point
- Have partial shading on the roof (a tree, chimney, dormer) where AIKO’s shade tolerance pays back
- Care about the aesthetic of an all-black roof array
- Are staying in the property 10-20 years (not 30+) where SunPower’s longest-warranty trinity becomes less critical
- Want the latest generation of mainstream solar technology (TOPCon N-type)
For 30+ year residency, SunPower remains the lifetime cost-of-energy winner. For European provenance, Eurener is the right call. AIKO sits comfortably between.
Pricing context
AIKO panel systems sit between our mainstream and SunPower tiers in price. We don’t publish per-panel pricing because installations are bespoke, but as a guide:
- A 10-panel (4.6 kWp) AIKO solar-only install: from approximately £7,200
- A 10-panel (4.6 kWp) AIKO system with 10 kWh battery: from approximately £9,200
- Premium SunPower equivalents typically 20-30% above
The actual price for your home comes out of the free survey. Finance available on all installations via Zopa Bank.
“Go for it — I would not hesitate. Better return than an ISA or savings plan, and it reduces your carbon emissions and energy bills.”
Our reviews speak for themselves
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Great technical support from a most personable Callum.
Chris 13 Oct 2026
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My email was answered by Chloe Hickman who made the adjustment I requested by return. Thank you Chloe, well done. Keep up the good work.
MR I CARRUTHERS 13 Oct 2026
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Had my Air Con installed today.. Could not fault the two installers who attended. . Arrived nice and early, took a look around outside and indoors no hesitation in starting work and confirming where I wanted the appliance. Shoes off each time they entered house and completed the tidy up after themselves. Remote and operation of A/C explained to me.. Good work, keep it up.
Alan 13 Oct 2026
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I had a conversation with Callum Wrigley yesterday and he was very polite, efficient and completed my requirements very quickly, I would not hesitate to recommend him and Greenscape energy
Clive Parr 13 Oct 2026
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Linda Thomas 13 Oct 2026
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I've just had solar panels, battery and EV charger installed by Mark and Luke. They arrived a little early, did the job as quietly as possible with no fuss, and have finished much earlier than I'd expected. Mark then explained what's what, which I think I'll remember. Couldn't expect more. Scaffolding subcontractor was similarly efficient putting the scaffolding up. The back office and survey staff have been friendly and efficient too. It has been good to be able to visit the showroom office in Ipswich.
Mr Fish 13 Oct 2026
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Good communication. Did what was required promptly Thank you Callum
JohnRoadley 13 Oct 2026
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After leaving a message and emailing w/b 5 Oct 26, I telephoned again at the end of that week and spoke with Callum Wrigley in the tech dept. He listened to my concern, was very understanding and dealt with the problem I had efficiently and to my satisfaction. Thank you Callum
Ms Ann Quilton 13 Oct 2026
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Good Service
Brian Farrington 12 Oct 2026
Google Michaela, dealt with my finance query in a professional, efficient manner, and placated my fears that the progress on my solar system would be paused until the return of the surveyor from holiday. Good customer care. Thank you
Andrew Kay 16 Sept 2026
Google Very professional and efficient from the sales engagement through to commissioning. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending them.
Granary Barn 17 Aug 2026
Google I have been very impressed with the service I received from Greenscape. The initial survey was very professionally done by Andrew and I was pleased that he convinced me not to have more panels than necessary. The team that installed the battery and inverter were excellent and very pleasant to deal with. The system is up and running and there have been no complications. I thoroughly recommend Greenscape.
Richard Stainer 11 Aug 2026
Google I arranged to have solar panels and a battery installed by Greenscape via OVO Energy. From start to finish, the service has been excellent. From the survey, to the panel installation and battery installation, every team member has been professional and very friendly. The after sales have kept in contact to make sure everything has gone smoothly. Couldn't fault Greenscape.
Gareth 7 Jul 2026
Common questions about AIKO
01 Is AIKO a Chinese or European manufacturer?
AIKO is headquartered in China with manufacturing facilities across Asia. The company has won multiple awards for cell innovation and is one of the largest N-type TOPCon producers globally. For customers who specifically want European-manufactured panels, Eurener is our partner.
02 Does AIKO’s warranty cover the cost of warranty claims?
The 25-year warranty covers panel replacement if the panel fails or under-produces. It doesn’t cover the labour and logistics of executing the warranty claim. That’s a difference between AIKO and SunPower (whose 30-year service warranty does include claim execution costs).
03 What inverter pairs best with AIKO panels?
AIKO panels work with any standard string or hybrid inverter. We typically pair AIKO with Solis hybrid inverters as our default, or with Tesla Powerwall / Sigenergy SigenStor for premium battery setups.
04 Can I have AIKO panels and SunPower panels on the same roof?
Technically yes but we don’t recommend it. Different panel manufacturers have different electrical characteristics, and mixing them creates inverter sizing and warranty complications. If you want a premium hero on a feature elevation and standard panels elsewhere, we’ll discuss options during the survey.
Ready to talk?
A free survey is the quickest way to see if AIKO panels are the right choice for your home. We assess the roof, model the savings, and quote AIKO alongside alternative tiers so you can compare.
Or call us directly on 01473 727 727
Showroom:
The Energy Shop, 544–550 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich, IP4 4PN.
Open 8am to 5:30pm Monday to Thursday, 8am to 4:30pm Friday. Closed at weekends.
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