Solar panels on roofs have just experienced another increase in performance. Several new high-performance panels from Chinese manufacturer Aiko are on Australia’s Clean Energy Council-approved list of residential panels in the 535W to 550W range – potentially allowing homeowners to install larger systems on the same roof without adding more panels.
Previously the standard for most Australian roofs was typically around 400-450W, but the new approvals give installers the opportunity to offer significantly more powerful panels in a similar footprint.
Which committees were actually approved?
The new offerings come from Zhejiang Aiko Solar Technology Co Ltd, the manufacturer behind the Aiko brand. They appeared on the CEC list in mid-March 2026, with approval dates of March 10 and 13.
Several models have been approved, but the residential models most relevant to homeowners fall into Aiko’s MCE60 series. The MCE60 designation refers to a 60-cell module format commonly used on residential rooftops. The most important models include:
- AIKO-A535-MCE60Mw
- AIKO-A540-MCE60Db (double glass, completely black)
- AIKO-A545-MCE60Mw
- AIKO-A545-MCE60Db (double glass, completely black)
- AIKO-A550-MCE60Mw
Variants with slightly different suffixes indicate frame, glass or aesthetic differences rather than major electrical changes. These panels correspond to Aiko’s Gen 3 Neostar ABC 60-cell range, which the company says offers world-leading efficiency in its class.
Key features of these panels
The main difference is the higher power output for a standard residential panel surface. According to Aiko’s Gen 3 ABC 60 cell information, the key specifications are:
- Performance range: 535W – 550W
- Module efficiency: up to 25%
- Dimensions: 1954 × 1134 × 30mm
This space requirement is typical of modern high performance panels, meaning the additional power comes from higher efficiency N-type ABC (All Back Contact) cells rather than significantly larger modules.
ABC technology includes zero-gap cell layout, Invisi-Ribbon connection and a grid-free front, increasing performance while reducing electrical losses. Copper compounds replace silver, improving mechanical strength and reducing the risk of microcracks.
Aiko says the new modules can deliver up to 30W more power per panel and around 15% more lifetime energy yield per square meter compared to similarly sized TOPCon modules. With a temperature coefficient of approximately -0.26%/°C, they are also designed to perform well in hot Australian conditions.
Why higher wattage is important
Higher wattage panels are particularly useful for homes with limited roof space. More power per panel allows you to install a larger system with fewer panels. For example:
10 kW system:
- 370W (typical older panel): 27 panels
- 450W: (typical current panel): 22 panels
- 550W (new Aiko): approx. 18 panels
6.6 kW system:
- 370W: 18 panels
- 450W: 15 panels
- 550W: 12 panels
Fewer panels simplify installation, reduce costs and can improve roof aesthetics, while reducing roof penetrations and giving installers more flexibility with complex layouts. For homeowners thinking about future electrification – electric vehicle charging, heat pumps or home batteries – the ability to install a larger solar system is particularly valuable.
Aiko has gained prominence in Australia
Aiko solar panels installed by MDB Solar SA.
Although Aiko only launched in the Australian market in 2024, the brand has already caught the attention of installers. At the SolarQuotes Installers’ Choice Awards 2025, Aiko was voted the best solar panel brand by participating installers. The popularity is due in part to the back contact cell design, high efficiency and competitive pricing.
Some industry observers have previously raised questions about shading performance in certain installations, and the company has been embroiled in patent disputes with other back contact manufacturers such as Maxeon. Despite these issues, feedback from installers has been positive so far.
Next steps for these panels
CEC approval does not necessarily mean that the panels are already available, but it is an important step towards eligibility under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). Initial delivery of 535W to 540W models in Australia will begin in late April 2026, including a limited 545W mono glass panel. Additional variants, including 545W dual glass and 550W panels, will launch later in 2026.
If these claims hold up in real-world conditions, they could represent another step forward in getting more solar capacity out of Australia’s limited rooftop space.
For a deeper insight into Aiko solar panel performance, installer feedback, efficiency and real-world reviews, check out our full Aiko solar panel review.
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