Triple Solar

Trusted Partner in Solar Excellence

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Aiko vs Phono vs Hyundai vs Ulica: Choosing the Right Solar Panel

Specifying the right module is one of the more consequential calls on any solar job. Efficiency, degradation, temperature behaviour, warranty and how a panel copes with shade all feed into the yield a customer sees over 25 years  and into how many callbacks land back on you. This guide compares four panels of Triple Solar stocks: the Aiko 445W N-Type ABC, the Phono Solar Twin+ 410W, the Hyundai HiE-S410DG full black and the Ulica UL-400M-108HV. Each earns its place on a different kind of project.

Key takeaways

Aiko’s 445W N-Type ABC leads on efficiency (up to 23.6%) and shade optimisation  the premium pick.

Hyundai’s G12 shingled full-black panels excel at shade tolerance and durability in a compact footprint.

Phono’s Twin+ 410W balances solid performance and value across residential and commercial work.

Ulica’s Tier 1 UL-400M offers dependable, cost-effective output where headline efficiency is less critical.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Growatt a good inverter brand? Yes. Growatt is ranked among the world’s top 10 inverter manufacturers, has received multiple EUPD Research “Top Brand PV Storage” seals across markets including the UK, and is supported by a global service network  making it a well-established, trade-trusted choice.

How efficient are Growatt hybrid inverters? Growatt hybrid inverters reach up to 97.9% maximum efficiency, keeping conversion losses low and improving the energy the customer can actually use.

What is AFCI and why does it matter? AFCI (arc-fault circuit interruption) detects dangerous electrical arcing and disconnects the affected circuit automatically to help prevent fires. Growatt builds it into both its inverters and batteries.

Is rapid shutdown required in the UK? Rapid shutdown is legally mandated in the United States under NEC 690.12. It is not a blanket legal requirement across the UK or EU, but it is increasingly specified for fire-service safety and can be required by insurers or for certain buildings. Growatt inverters bring conductors to a safe voltage within 30 seconds.

How much can Growatt XH-series batteries discharge? Up to 6 kW, which is enough to run several high-demand appliances at once from the battery alone. They also charge quickly to take advantage of time-of-use tariffs.

Can Growatt inverters run off-grid? Yes. The hybrid range supports both grid-tied and off-grid operation, providing backup power to essential loads during a grid outage.

How do you monitor a Growatt system? Through the ShinePhone app for real-time control from anywhere, with the ShineServer web platform providing deeper insight into self-consumption and energy trends.

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Growatt XH-series batteries: high discharge for demanding homes

Growatt’s XH-series home batteries are built for households that ask for a lot of their storage. A discharge rate of up to 6 kW means the battery alone can run several high-demand appliances at once in an oven and hob together, for instance without leaning on the grid. They also charge quickly, which lets customers make the most of time-of-use tariffs: fill the battery cheaply overnight, run the home through the peak, and still have capacity to spare for something like EV charging. For energy-hungry properties, that combination of fast charge and high discharge is the headline reason to specify them.

Scalable and future-proof

Few customers stand still. Growatt systems are designed to expand, so a homeowner can add panels or increase battery capacity as their needs grow: a heat pump here, an EV there. That flexibility suits both residential and commercial work, and it means the system you install today does not become a limitation in two years’ time.

Environmental benefits

The wider point behind all of this is straightforward: by making renewable energy easier to store and use, Growatt hybrid systems cut reliance on fossil fuels and lower a property’s carbon footprint. It is a message that resonates with a growing share of customers, and a fair one to make.

Choosing and sourcing Growatt through Triple Solar

Growatt inverters and batteries are a dependable choice for home energy storage efficient, well-protected and easy to live with and they scale neatly from domestic retrofits to commercial projects. As with any system, the right specification depends on the roof, the loads and the customer’s plans, so it pays to talk it through before ordering.

As a UK trade distributor, Triple Solar stocks the full Growatt range: hybrid inverters, string inverters, battery-ready inverters, batteries and electrical items. For a complimentary quote or specification advice, call the team on [phone] or email [email protected].

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Rapid shutdown

Rapid shutdown (RSD) brings the DC conductors down to a safe voltage within 30 seconds, so firefighters, first responders and maintenance crews can work on a system safely during an emergency. It is worth being precise about the regulations here: rapid shutdown is a legal requirement in the United States under NEC 690.12. It is not a blanket legal mandate across the UK or EU, though it is increasingly specified on UK installs for fire-service access, and is sometimes required by insurers or for particular building types. Either way, it is a sensible safety feature to offer, and it also stops the battery draining needlessly during an outage.

Weather resilience

With an IP65 rating, the inverter is built to cope with the British weather and can be mounted indoors or out. The compact, lightweight housing keeps installation and servicing straightforward.

Grid support and battery management

The hybrid range supports both grid-tied and off-grid operation, so it can keep essential loads running through an outage. An intelligent battery management system optimises charge and discharge cycles to protect battery health and extend service life, the sort of behind-the-scenes control that reduces callbacks.

Remote monitoring

The ShinePhone app lets installers and customers track and adjust system performance in real time from anywhere. For a fuller picture, the ShineServer web platform reports on self-consumption and energy trends, which helps clients understand their usage and helps you support them remotely.

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Key features of Growatt hybrid inverters

The hybrid range is where most residential storage jobs land. These are the features worth knowing before you specify one.

High efficiency Growatt hybrid inverters reach up to 97.9% maximum efficiency, so very little energy is lost in conversion. Over a year that translates into more usable generation and a slightly better return for the customer, a small percentage that adds up across the life of the system.

AFCI arc-fault protection Arc-fault circuit interruption (AFCI) detects the unintended electrical discharges that can start fires, and automatically disconnects the affected circuit when it spots one. Because Growatt integrates AFCI into both its inverters and its battery systems, generation and storage are covered by the same safety net, a useful selling point on any fire-conscious install.

MPPT technology Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) continuously adjusts the electrical operating point of the array so it keeps working at its optimum as light conditions change through the day. Growatt’s implementation brings three practical benefits:

Higher energy harvest — constant optimisation pulls more from the same panels, improving yield and payback.

Adaptability — a wide voltage range and dual MPPT inputs suit awkward roofs, split orientations and mixed residential or commercial layouts.

Reliability — robust construction and efficient cooling keep performance steady in demanding conditions.

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Who is Growatt?

Growatt is a global smart-energy manufacturer founded in 2011, producing solar inverters, battery storage, microgrid systems and energy management software across residential, commercial and utility-scale applications. It is ranked among the world’s top 10 inverter brands and supported by a service network of 23 offices worldwide.

That scale matters on site. Growatt has built experienced local teams across the major solar markets, which means parts, firmware and technical support are rarely far away  a practical consideration when you are the one signing off the install. Clean Energy Reviews placed Growatt among the world’s top 10 inverter brands for 2024, and EUPD Research has awarded the company multiple “Top Brand PV Storage” seals across markets including the UK, Italy, Australia, Scandinavia, the Czech Republic, Brazil and the USA. It has also been recognised as a leading global residential inverter supplier. Awards are never the whole story, but for a brand you will be recommending to clients, that track record is reassuring.

Backed by serious R&D

Growatt attributes much of its progress to sustained investment in research and development. The company reports an R&D team of more than 400 engineers working on inverter performance, storage and energy management. For the trade, the relevant outcome is a product line that keeps pace with changing requirements, tighter grid codes, higher battery voltages and smarter tariff optimization rather than standing still between generations.

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Growatt Battery Storage & Hybrid Inverters: A Trade Guide

For most installers, the inverter is the component that decides how well a solar-plus-storage system actually performs and how much of the aftercare falls back on you. Growatt has become one of the most widely specified brands in the UK trade for good reason: a broad range that covers everything from a modest domestic retrofit to light commercial work, sensible pricing, and a feature set that holds its own against costlier rivals. This guide walks through what its hybrid inverters and batteries offer, and where they fit on the jobs you quote.

Key takeaways

Growatt is a top-10 global inverter manufacturer with a full residential, commercial and utility range.

Its hybrid inverters offer up to 97.9% efficiency, AFCI arc-fault protection and dual MPPT tracking.

XH-series home batteries deliver up to 6 kW discharge, enough to run several high-demand appliances at once.

Systems are grid-tied or off-grid capable, scalable, and monitored through the ShinePhone app.

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Frequently asked questions

What does a solar rapid shutdown device do?

It de-energises the DC side of a PV system, breaking the high-voltage connection between the panels and the inverter so the array can be worked on or approached safely for example, by firefighters during an emergency.

Why isn’t switching off the inverter enough?

Solar panels keep generating electricity whenever they are in daylight, so DC voltage can remain in the wiring even after the inverter is off. Only isolating the DC side removes that risk.

Does the Solar Guardian shut down automatically?

Yes. It automatically switches off whenever the AC supply is lost for more than five seconds, and reactivates once AC power has been restored for longer than five seconds. A manual shutdown option is also included.

How many strings does the Solar Guardian support?

It supports up to five strings, with a maximum current of 55 A, the ability to cut currents up to 38 A, and a maximum voltage of up to 1,500 V. An integrated temperature sensor triggers shutdown at 70°C.

Is rapid shutdown required in the UK?

It is increasingly required by UK insurance providers before they will issue or renew a policy on a property with a PV system, helping ensure installations meet current safety expectations.

What makes Fanton PV FMC4 connectors safer to install?

Their patented Twinlock technology allows tool-less connections and can cut setup time by up to 50% while eliminating common crimping errors. With an optional locking system fitted over the connectors, they also guard against the partial connections that cause DC arcing.

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A complete DC safety package

As solar installations keep multiplying, dependable safety systems matter more than ever. Installers, building owners and emergency responders all rely on equipment that performs consistently when it counts. The Solar Guardian has been developed with exactly those practical demands in mind.

By combining automatic DC isolation, certified components, fast-connect technology and secure connector locking, it delivers a dependable rapid shutdown solution for modern solar systems supporting safer working practices during installation, maintenance and emergencies, and contributing to the responsible growth of solar energy.

The Solar Guardian, Fanton PV FMC4 connectors and locking system are available from Triple Solar, the UK’s trade solar distributor. Speak to the team for current trade pricing, stock and technical support on your next PV project.

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Electrical performance at a glance

The headline ratings give a quick sense of where the Solar Guardian fits within a typical residential or commercial string design.

The IP66-rated enclosure is made for long-term durability in demanding conditions, and a waterproof vent valve helps keep condensation at bay. Slide-out mounting plates on both sides of the rear lid make surface mounting quicker and easier, a small detail that saves real time on site.

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Inside the Solar Guardian

Europa’s Solar Guardian has been purpose-built to deliver a high level of DC safety for modern PV installations. Reliability and performance sit at the centre of the design, and the isolation switch is fully TÜV, CE, CB and SAA certified, the kind of independent approval that matters when you are signing off an install.

Once the AC supply has been switched off, the Solar Guardian lets emergency personnel work safely. Its built-in auto-disconnection feature immediately shuts off DC power and drops the connected strings during faults, overloads or maintenance, cutting the risk of fire and electric shock. It is engineered specifically for the hazards of live DC electricity and of panels that may have been damaged in high-stress situations such as electrical fires, structural damage or extreme weather.

Automatic response to faults or power loss

Whenever the AC supply is disrupted for more than five seconds, the Solar Guardian automatically moves to the off position, interrupting the DC connection between the panels and the inverter. Once AC power has been restored for longer than five seconds, the device reactivates and re-establishes the DC connection. A manual shutdown option is also included for when it’s needed.

Electrical performance at a glance

The headline ratings give a quick sense of where the Solar Guardian fits within a typical residential or commercial string design.

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Europa’s Solar Guardian: A Practical Approach to PV Rapid Shutdown

Solar adoption keeps climbing across UK rooftops, and with it comes a clear duty to build systems that stay safe long after the installer has packed up. For trade professionals specifying DC protection, Europa’s Solar Guardian has become a name worth knowing. It pairs dependable rapid shutdown with straightforward installation, giving installers, building owners and emergency crews equipment they can count on under real-world conditions.

What a rapid shutdown device actually does

Rapid shutdown devices were originally developed to give firefighters a way to de-energise the DC side of a solar PV system during an emergency. There is a common assumption that switching off the inverter removes all electrical risk. It doesn’t. Solar panels keep generating electricity for as long as they are exposed to daylight, so high-voltage DC can remain present in the system wiring even when the inverter is dead.

During a fire, crews may need to reach the roof or cut into the building fabric to ventilate it. That work can bring them dangerously close to live conductors. A rapid shutdown device reduces the danger by isolating DC power, so teams can operate with far greater confidence.

Why switching off the inverter isn’t enough

The inverter sits on the AC side of the system. Killing it does nothing to the strings on the roof, which continue to push voltage down the DC cabling whenever the sun is up. Until that DC path is broken at source, the wiring stays energised which is precisely the gap rapid shutdown is designed to close.

Rapid shutdown and UK insurance requirements

Beyond emergency response, rapid shutdown capability is increasingly expected by UK insurers before they will issue or renew a policy on a property fitted with PV. Specifying it from the outset keeps an installation aligned with current safety expectations and avoids awkward retrofits later.

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Why Buy AIKO Solar Panels From Triple Solar?

Choosing the right module is only half the job the other half is having stock when you need it. Triple Solar is one of the UK's leading B2B solar distributors, supplying installers, EPCs and electrical contractors nationwide, and stocks AIKO's N-type ABC modules alongside a full range of inverters, batteries, mounting systems, cables and connectors.

What trade customers get

Genuine UK stock: one of the largest solar-specific warehouses in the country, so AIKO modules are available to ship, not on back-order.

Fast nationwide delivery: rapid dispatch including same-day options to keep jobs on schedule.

Trade pricing: competitive wholesale rates through a dedicated trade account.

Technical support: a knowledgeable team to help with module selection, system design and compatibility.

A complete bill of materials: pair AIKO panels with matched inverters, storage and  mounting from a single supplier.

Ready to specify AIKO on your next job? Open a trade account or contact the Triple Solar technical team for trade pricing and current stock availability. Browse the full AIKO N-type ABC range and request a quote today.

AIKO's N-type ABC panels are one of the more genuinely distinctive products to reach the UK market in years. By moving every contact to the back of the cell, AIKO has delivered modules that are more efficient, better in shade, cooler-running and better-looking than the conventional panels most of us cut our teeth on backed by Tier 1 bankability and a 30-year performance warranty. They aren't the cheapest panel per watt, and they don't need to be: the value shows up on space-limited, shaded and design-led roofs, and in the systems your customers are proud to point at.

For installers and contractors, the takeaway is simple. Know the technology, match it to the right project, and make sure your supply line can deliver it on time. With AIKO modules in stock and a technical team on hand, Triple Solar can help you do exactly that and keep the future of UK solar moving towards a smarter, greener tomorrow.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is AIKO a good solar panel brand?

Yes. AIKO is widely regarded as a strong, premium solar brand. It is a BloombergNEF Tier 1 manufacturer, builds its own N-type ABC cells in-house, holds design awards including a 2023 Red Dot, and backs its modules with a 25-year product and 30-year performance warranty. Its panels consistently rank among the most efficient in the mainstream market.

Which country made AIKO solar panels?

AIKO solar panels are made in China. AIKO (Shanghai AIKO Energy) is a Chinese clean-energy technology company, with large-scale cell and module manufacturing at facilities including its Zhuhai base. It is one of the world's leading producers of solar cells and N-type ABC modules.

How long do AIKO solar panels last?

AIKO solar panels are built to last 30 years or more. They come with a 25-year product warranty and a 30-year performance warranty guaranteeing at least 88% of original output after 30 years, with first-year degradation of ≤1% and only ≤0.35% per year thereafter among the lowest degradation rates in the market.

Is AIKO a Tier 1 solar panel?

Yes. AIKO is rated a Tier 1 solar PV module manufacturer by BloombergNEF. Tier 1 is a measure of bankability and manufacturing scale rather than panel performance, and it signals that finance providers and large projects consider AIKO a low-risk, established supplier.

Are AIKO panels worth the extra cost for installers?

On the right job, yes. The premium over a budget conventional panel buys higher efficiency, better shade and heat performance, a standout aesthetic and a strong warranty. On space-limited, shaded or design-led residential roofs, those benefits translate into more yield, easier sales and fewer callbacks. On large, unshaded, price-only projects, a cheaper module may still win which is why it pays to specify per project.

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AIKO Solar Panels for Residential Installations

Residential is where AIKO's strengths are most visible, sometimes literally. The full-black, bezel-free Neostar modules are designed for the kind of roof where the customer cares how the finished array looks, and they remove the visual clutter of front busbars entirely. For installers, that aesthetic is a genuine sales asset: it's the panel people point at and say they want.

The residential Neostar line spans roughly 440W to 490W in the popular 54-cell format, with module efficiencies up to around 24.5% on the latest generation. That output density lets you fit a meaningfully larger system on a typical pitched roof without resorting to awkward layouts. The standard dimensions and weight keep handling and mounting straightforward, and the partial-shading optimisation is tailor-made for British roofs studded with chimneys, vents and the occasional overshadowing tree.

Paired with a hybrid inverter and a home battery, an AIKO residential array makes a tidy, high-yield, good-looking system, the sort of installation that generates referrals.

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AIKO Solar Panels for Commercial Projects

On commercial and industrial roofs the calculation shifts towards levelised cost of energy and long-term yield rather than upfront price alone. Here AIKO's higher efficiency and strong temperature performance work in the project's favour: fewer modules and less mounting hardware for a target capacity, lower balance-of-system cost, and dependable output through warm spells. For C&I sites with partial shading from plant, rooftop services or neighbouring structures, the cell-level shade optimization protects generation that a conventional array would lose.

AIKO's range extends into higher-power and bifacial formats aimed squarely at commercial and utility work for example dual-glass bifacial modules in the 600W-plus class that capture light on both faces to lift yield per row, reducing structure, cabling and labour relative to the energy produced. For developers and EPCs modelling 20-to-30-year returns, the combination of Tier 1 bankability, a 30-year performance warranty and low degradation is exactly the risk profile that gets a project financed.

If you're scoping a commercial job, it's worth pairing the modules with appropriately sized inverters and, where relevant, storage. Triple Solar stocks commercial-grade inverters and battery systems alongside AIKO, so a full bill of materials can be specified and delivered from one supplier.

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Why UK Installers Are Choosing AIKO

Talk to installers fitting AIKO and the same handful of reasons come up. The aesthetics close jobs: the uniform black, bezel-free face is exactly what homeowners picture when they imagine a smart-looking roof, and it removes a common objection before it's raised. The efficiency lets them deliver bigger systems on small roofs without crowding the array. And the shade performance means fewer awkward conversations about that one dormer or the tree next door.

There are practical fitting points too. The Neostar residential modules use standard 54-cell formats around 1757 × 1134 × 30 mm at roughly 21.5 kg, with MC4-compatible (Staubli MC4-EVO2) connectors and IP68 junction boxes so they drop into normal mounting systems and standard tooling without surprises. Consistent sizing and quality control reduce on-site faff, and the high efficiency lowers the balance-of-system count. For a business pricing labour by the day, that adds up.

Credibility that helps the sale

BloombergNEF Tier 1 manufactures the bankability signal most specifiers and finance providers look for.

Strong warranty package: a 25-year product warranty and 30-year performance warranty (covered in detail below).

Design recognition including the Intersolar Award 2023 and Red Dot Design Award 2023 useful third-party validation for the aesthetics argument.

A full certification set (IEC 61215, IEC 61730, CE, TUV, plus ISO 9001/14001/45001 manufacturing standards).

Add reliable UK availability into the mix and the specification becomes easy. Stock that's actually on the shelf, delivered quickly, is often what decides which Tier 1 panel goes on the van.