The panel
Aiko solar panels are premium residential modules made by Aiko Energy, a manufacturer that specialises in high-efficiency N-type cell technology. Entered the Australian market in 2023 through its Melbourne office, it's already picked up the Installers' Choice Award for best solar panel in both 2025 and 2026, despite being a newer name. Plus, every Neostar panel carries CEC approval for the Australian market, the baseline requirement for STC rebate eligibility.
why Aiko
Aiko has a shorter Australian track record than established brands such as Jinko, REC and SunPower, but the solid technology and strong testing results back it and Australian installers have rated the panels highly. Local installation experience and ongoing support matter just as much as its rating, which is where Sine Wave Solar's expert Aiko solar panel installers in Newcastle shine.
Technology
Aiko builds every Neostar panel on ABC (All Back Contact) cell technology, which moves both electrical contacts to the rear of the cell. That exposes more active silicon to the sun for higher efficiency, and it clears the front of grid lines for a uniform all-black face.
Thin metal busbars run across the front and cover part of the light-collecting surface, which caps efficiency and breaks up the look.
Both contacts sit on the rear, so the full front catches sunlight. The result is up to 25.3% efficiency and a clean, grid-line-free black face.
Range
Sine Wave Solar fits the Aiko Neostar residential range, from the standard 2P up to the 500W Neostar 3P. The Neostar series is built for homes and is the only Aiko line with a 25-year product warranty. The larger Comet and Stellar panels suit sheds and commercial roofs, with a shorter 15-year product warranty.
The Gen 3 Neostar panels keep a standard rooftop format under 2 m², so you gain the higher output without an oversized module. That keeps mounting and handling straightforward on a typical Newcastle roof.
Sizing
To work out how many Aiko solar panels you need, divide your target system size by the panel wattage. A common 6.6 kW system requires about 13 panels at 500W, or about 15 panels at 440W, so higher-wattage Aiko modules achieve the same output with fewer panels and less roof area.
6.6 kW at 500W
6.6 kW at 440W
Warranty and cost
Aiko Neostar panels carry a 25-year product warranty and a 30-year performance warranty, with output guaranteed at around 90.6% of rated capacity after 25 years. Sine Wave Solar registers the warranty at the time of installation and manages any claims through the Australian distributor.
As premium panels, Aiko sits at the higher end of the market in price: the 2P and 2S+ models run around $149–$180 per panel, while the Gen 3 Neostar 3S and 3P run around $215–$240 per panel, depending on the model and quantity in your system.
A 6.6 kW Aiko solar system starts from around $3,999 after the rebate, depending on system configuration. Final pricing varies based on system size, panel model and installation requirements.
STCs reduce the upfront cost of eligible solar systems when installed by a CEC-accredited installer. Newcastle sits in STC Zone 3, making homes eligible, but the rebate will decrease each year until the scheme ends in 2030. Full details are on our solar power NSW rebate page.
Sine Wave Solar applies the STC discount upfront and confirms your final price after a site assessment, not a guess over the phone. Pairing panels with a battery? Find out what else you can claim with a rebate for solar batteries in NSW.
How it compares
An Aiko panel competes at the premium N-type end against Jinko and REC, leading in peak efficiency and hot-climate output while costing more than a value panel. The right pick depends on your roof, climate and budget.
If you’re comparing panel brands for a larger commercial space, we can also customise solar systems for businesses.
-1.png){kind=small}