When you start researching solar, one of the things that often confuses you is the brand names in the installer quote. Jinko, LONGi, Canadian Solar, Trina, then a panel with a name you've never heard of before. All claimed "good quality" by the installer. How do you tell them apart, and how important is brand really for you as a homeowner?
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Bloomberg NEF publishes a "Tier-1 Solar Module Manufacturers" list every quarter. This list is not a per-panel technical quality rating; it's an indicator that the manufacturer is large enough, financially stable, and has the track record that makes banks willing to provide project financing for projects using their panels. For you as a homeowner, the relevance is one thing: tier-1 manufacturers are more likely to still be around and able to honor your panel's 25-year warranty. Tier-2 can be good too, but the risk is different.
TL;DR
- Tier-1 isn't a per-panel quality rating, it's an indicator of manufacturer financial stability. Important for long-term warranty.
- Common tier-1 brands in Indonesia: Jinko Solar, LONGi Solar, Canadian Solar, Trina Solar. Inverters: Sungrow, Huawei, Solis.
- Tier-2 can be OK if the installer has a clear service network for that brand in Indonesia and there's a written workmanship warranty.
- Price gap of around 10 to 20% between tier-1 and tier-2 with similar specs. For a 2.5 kWp system, the gap is around Rp 4 to 8 million.
- Check the datasheet, not just verbal claims. Efficiency, temperature coefficient, power warranty, linear performance warranty.
- Don't buy panels separately from installation, because the warranty can void if the install isn't by an authorized installer for that brand.
What is tier-1 and why Bloomberg NEF is the relevant source
Bloomberg NEF publishes its Tier-1 Solar Module Manufacturers list based on one main criterion: the manufacturer has supplied projects that received project financing from independent banks in the last 6 to 12 months. These banks have done thorough due diligence on the manufacturer, including financial statements and long-term capability.
To make the tier-1 list, manufacturers usually need a production scale of at least 1 GW per year and operations spanning multiple years. As of 2026, the names that show up most often in Indonesian residential installs:
- Jinko Solar: one of the largest global manufacturers, the Tiger Neo series is common in Indonesia
- LONGi Solar: focused on monocrystalline PERC and HiMO series, high efficiency, common in residential markets
- Canadian Solar: HiKu series, local distributors in Jakarta and Surabaya
- Trina Solar: Vertex S+ series, fairly common in nationwide residential installs
Important point: tier-1 doesn't mean their panels are defect-free or outperform every other brand on technical specs. What you're buying from tier-1 is a higher probability that the manufacturer is still around and able to process a warranty claim 15 years from now, not just 2 years from now.
Practical differences tier-1 vs tier-2 for homeowners
On the spec side, the difference between tier-1 and tier-2 entry-level isn't as big as many people think. Efficiency 21 to 23% vs 19 to 21%, small differences in temperature coefficient. But three areas are more significant for your decision:
Warranty and claim ability: Tier-1 has a wider service network in Indonesia. If your panel has a defect in year 10, the warranty claim procedure with a tier-1 manufacturer is clearer because there's an official local distributor. Less-known tier-2 brands often route warranty claims through the installer, not directly to the manufacturer, and if the installer closes shop first, you have no clear recourse.
Package price: Systems with tier-1 panels are usually 10 to 20% more expensive than tier-2 with similar specs. For a 2.5 kWp system priced at Rp 40 million, the gap is around Rp 4 to 8 million. Not trivial, but also not a reason to skip tier-1 if you're planning to live in that home for 20+ years.
Monitoring ecosystem: Tier-1 generally has a more mature monitoring ecosystem. Jinko is often paired with Sungrow (iSolarCloud app), LONGi with Solis or Huawei FusionSolar. Tier-2 often relies more heavily on the inverter brand for monitoring, which can be a mismatch if there's an upgrade.
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When tier-2 or local brand still makes sense
Tier-2 isn't automatically bad. There are conditions where tier-2 can be considered with managed risk:
First, if your installer has a service agreement or authorized installer certification for that brand, can show documentation, and has a track record using that brand in Indonesia for several years. Second, if the brand has been operating in Indonesia long enough (at least 5 years) with a clear local distributor that can be contacted, not just a one-time importer. Third, if there's a written workmanship warranty from the installer covering install defects, so there's a single point of contact if there's a problem.
What you should avoid: an installer who just says "this brand is good" without being able to give information about the local service center or a verifiable portfolio. A warranty claim that ends up being "contact the manufacturer directly overseas" for an ordinary homeowner is practically impossible to process.
When this isn't a fit
Focus on tier-1 vs tier-2 may be too early if you don't yet know the system size you need, haven't surveyed the roof, or haven't compared multiple quotes. Brand is one variable out of many. An installer using tier-1 panels but with sloppy mounting or substandard wiring is a bigger problem than an installer using tier-2 with neat installation and a clear workmanship warranty. Pick a verifiable installer first; discuss brand later.
Frequently asked questions
Tier-1 is a Bloomberg NEF classification for solar panel manufacturers that have supplied projects with project financing from independent banks, typically requiring a production scale of at least 1 GW per year and solid financial track record. It's not a technical quality rating of the panel, but an indicator that the manufacturer is stable enough to honor their 25-year warranty.
