Company Background
Leapton Solar, a manufacturer of solar panels and mounting systems, originated in Kobe, Japan. Since its founding in 2012, Leapton has emerged as a noteworthy player in the solar panel production industry, a field where many leading brands commenced operations in the early 2000s.
The company swiftly achieved a Tier 1 bankability rating from Bloomberg NEF, which shows the reliability and warranty strength of Leapton’s offerings. It’s important to remember that the Bloomberg Tier 1 classification is not an evaluation of solar panel quality. Instead, it serves as an indicator of a manufacturer’s financial stability or “bankability,” derived from publicly available data regarding the company’s financial health. This classification helps identify whether a manufacturer is large and established within the industry.
With a current production capability of 660MW annually, Leapton is considered a specialized manufacturer. Nonetheless, plans are underway for the construction of a new manufacturing facility capable of producing 2GW, signifying a significant expansion in their production capacity. Leapton’s solar panels are produced in Changshu, China, and are distributed worldwide.
PV Evolution Labs Top Performer
PV Evolution Labs, supported by DNV GL, conducts independent assessments of solar panel reliability to provide insight into their performance. These evaluations are voluntary, with manufacturers opting to pay for their panels to be tested. This process, recognized globally, offers a credible measure of a solar panel’s reliability and performance under real-world conditions.
At present, Leapton Solar Panels have not yet earned a spot on the PV Top Performers List. As Leapton is still a relatively new player in the solar industry, there is a strong possibility that their products may be included in future evaluations as the company continues to grow and its products undergo more testing.
Unique Features of Leapton Solar Panels
With a wide variety of options available in the solar panel market, what sets Leapton Solar Panels apart from the competition? Leapton has successfully secured certifications from prestigious global authorities such as TUV, PID, Chemitox, SGS, CQC, and GAMCORP. These certifications indicate that Leapton’s solar panels have passed a series of rigorous tests, meeting and exceeding the basic criteria necessary for sale in international markets. This demonstrates Leapton’s commitment to producing high-quality, reliable solar panels designed to perform efficiently and effectively across various environments.
Leapton’s 25-Year Product and Performance Guarantee
Every solar panel is accompanied by a warranty for product and performance. The product warranty is intended to address manufacturing defects that could lead to damage or failure, with the industry standard being around 10 years for most leading solar panel brands. Leapton Solar Panels, however, are backed by an exceptional 25-year product warranty, showcasing their commitment to providing a superior choice for consumers.
The performance warranty ensures a specified output level over the panel’s lifespan, commonly maintaining 80-82% of the initial output after 25 years. Leapton offers a 25-year performance warranty, ensuring 80.68% output for monocrystalline modules and 80.7% output for polycrystalline modules. Although this is at the modest end of the market spectrum regarding power degradation, it reflects Leapton’s confidence in their product’s durability.
Leapton Solar Panel Offerings
Solar Panel Model: LP158*158-M-60-MH
This model delivers an output ranging between 325W to 340W and boasts a solar efficiency of up to 20.1%. It features 158mm x 158mm half-cut monocrystalline cells, a design choice aimed at enhancing efficiency. Despite its solid technical features, this model is considered among the less remarkable options in Leapton’s current lineup. Customers have the option to select between a silver or black aluminum frame for most of Leapton’s panel models.
Solar Panel Model: LP166*166-M-66-MH
The LP166*166-M-66-MH model from Leapton introduces a larger cell format and incorporates an additional 6 monocrystalline cells, culminating in a power output range of 385W to 415W. Enhanced with 9 busbar cell technology among other advancements, this panel achieves an efficiency rate of up to 20.5%, positioning it as one of the more superior options available.
Moreover, this model features a low temperature coefficient of -0.28%/°C, making it exceptionally well-suited for regions like northern Australia, known for their extreme heat conditions.
Solar Panel Model: LP166*166-M-60-MH
The LP166*166-M-60-MH model by Leapton is closely related to its counterpart mentioned previously, but it incorporates 6 fewer solar cells in its 60-cell configuration. This reduction results in the panel being 9% more compact, offering greater adaptability for various residential roofing sizes. Consequently, the power output of this panel is slightly reduced, with a range of 360W to 380W.
This model is available with black framing and the option for all-black cells, providing an attractive and sleek appearance that enhances the aesthetic appeal of residential rooftops.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Leapton Solar Panels
Advantages
- Recognized as a Tier 1 manufacturer
- Offers an exceptional 25-year product warranty
Disadvantages
- Less established history compared to many competitors
| LP182*182-M-54-MB | LP156*156-P-72-H | |
| Cell Number | 54*2 pcs | 72*2 pcs |
| Cell Type | Monocrystalline | Polycrystalline |
| Power Output | 390Wp | 360Wp |
| Max Power Voltage | 30.42V | 39.7V |
| Panel Efficiency | 19.95% | 17.90% |
| Annual Power Degradation | 0.70% | 0.70% |
| Dimensions | 1721 x 1134 x 35 mm | 2008 x 1006 x 35 mm |
| Weight | 24.5 kg | 22.5 kg |
| Product Warranty | 15 Years | 15 Years |
| Operational Temperature Range | -40°C to 85°C | -40°C to 85°C |
Go Solar with 8MSolar
Though certain solar panels may not be readily available in North Carolina, 8MSolar is dedicated to helping you find the best solar solutions for your home or business. Our team of North Carolina solar experts is here to guide you through the process of selecting the right solar panels that fit your energy needs, budget, and environmental goals. Whether you’re looking to reduce your energy bills or achieve greater energy independence, give us a call today to start your journey toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.
