Solar technology moves fast. In 2026, homeowners want panels that squeeze out every bit of power possible. AIKO Solar is one of the newer names in Australia, making bold claims. Their panels use something called ABC (All Back Contact) technology, and the big promise is better performance in shade.
Some installers and salespeople have gone as far as saying these panels make shade-management hardware unnecessary. At SolarThoughts®, we don’t take marketing claims at face value. We look at how products behave on real rooftops, connected to real inverters, under real conditions.
So let’s break down what AIKO panels actually do—and what they don’t.
Who Is AIKO Solar?
AIKO has been around since 2009, mostly working behind the scenes as a large-scale solar cell manufacturer. For years, they supplied cells to other panel brands. In 2018, they began producing complete solar panels under their own name.
Their ABC cell design was introduced in 2022, and Australian rooftop installations only started appearing in early 2024. While the company is large globally, it’s still new to Australian homes. To build local confidence, they’ve brought in experienced industry professionals to support installers and warranty claims.
That’s a good start—but product performance still matters more than résumés.
What Is ABC (All Back Contact) Solar Technology?
Traditional solar cells have thin metal lines across the front. These collect electricity, but they also block a small amount of sunlight.
ABC cells move all electrical contacts to the back of the cell.
That delivers two benefits:
- More sunlight hits the active surface
- A clean, all-black appearance that many homeowners prefer
Back-contact designs aren’t new. What AIKO claims is different is how their internal pathways allow electricity to “flow around” small shaded areas more efficiently.
On paper, it sounds impressive. In practice, it needs testing.
Trade Show Demos vs Real Roofs
At industry expos, AIKO runs a popular demo. Two panels power water pumps. When part of a standard panel is covered, the pump stops. When the same shade is placed on the AIKO panel, the pump keeps running.
That looks convincing—but trade show demos run at very low voltage. Real homes don’t.
On a rooftop system:
- Panels are wired in strings
- Voltages are much higher.
- Inverters control how power behaves.
What works on a table doesn’t always work on a roof.
Real-World Testing on a Brisbane Roof
To understand real performance, testing was done on a working rooftop system in Brisbane. Two identical strings of nine panels were installed side by side. Same orientation. Same inverter. Same weather.
Large Shade Test
A large section of shade—similar to the trade show demo—was applied.
Result:
- Both panels triggered bypass diodes
- Both lost the same section of output.
In real-world conditions, AIKO behaved like a standard high-quality panel. No miracle. No magic.
Small Shade Test
Smaller shading told a different story.
| Shade Size | AIKO Result | Standard Panel Result |
| Large object | Bypass diode activated | Bypass diode activated |
| Wallet-sized shade | ~50W loss | ~150W loss |
| Tiny obstruction | No measurable difference | No measurable difference |
AIKO handled small, partial shade slightly better, delivering about 3–4% improvement in that specific scenario.
That’s real—but it’s not life-changing.
Factory Ratings vs Daily Performance
Every panel is flash-tested at the factory. AIKO panels showed a positive tolerance, often producing slightly more than their label rating.
Once adjusted for this difference, daily output across a normal day showed about 0.2% overall improvement.
That’s technically measurable—but invisible on your power bill.
Source Video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWQsia29Sk0
When Each Panel Performs Best
Another interesting finding came from when power was produced.
Morning and Afternoon
Standard panels produced more power during low-light hours. That matters because this is when many homes actually use electricity.
Midday
AIKO Solar panels performed better under strong midday sun.
The problem? Many systems already produce more power than the inverter can use at noon. Extra midday output is often clipped and wasted.
Do AIKO Panels Eliminate the Need for Shade Management?
Short answer: no.
AIKO solar panels are not shade-proof. Large shadows still cause major losses. Bypass diodes still activate. Performance still drops.
They help slightly with minor shading, but they don’t replace proper system design, layout planning, or dedicated shade solutions.
Even AIKO’s own installation documentation warns against significant shading. That alone tells you everything you need to know.
Strength Claims and Panel Durability
AIKO also claims improved mechanical strength. In testing, panels were walked on (not recommended, ever).
Thermal imaging later showed stress patterns on both panels tested. No meaningful durability advantage was found.
Conclusion
AIKO solar panels are well-built, efficient, and visually appealing. Their ABC technology offers a small advantage in very specific shading conditions.
But they are not shade-proof, and they do not change the fundamentals of solar design.
What to know before buying:
- Large shade still kills performance
- Benefits are small and situational.
- Marketing exaggerates real-world gains.
- Good system design still matters most.
If you want a sleek, high-efficiency panel and your roof has minimal shading, AIKO is a solid option. Just don’t buy them expecting miracles.
At SolarThoughts®, we believe the best solar systems come from honest expectations, smart layout decisions, and real-world performance—not trade show theatrics.
Looking for reliable solar panels in Ipswich and Brisbane? Contact SolarThoughts® today for a free consultation.
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