Last updated: March 2026
REC Group is one of the few solar brands from the early 2000s still actively manufacturing and selling premium solar panels globally in 2026. Founded in Norway, REC has evolved from a polycrystalline silicon producer into a premium heterojunction (HJT) technology leader, now manufacturing in Singapore. Whether you own legacy REC panels or are researching their current lineup, this guide covers the full history, all major models, and current product offerings.
REC Solar Company History
REC Group (Renewable Energy Corporation) was founded in 1996 in Høvik, Norway. Unlike most solar companies that started in electronics, REC was built from the ground up around solar energy and silicon production:
- 1996 — REC founded in Norway as Renewable Energy Corporation, focused on polysilicon and silicon wafer production
- 2000s — REC expands into complete solar panel manufacturing, becoming a vertically integrated producer (polysilicon → wafers → cells → modules)
- 2005 — REC lists on the Oslo Stock Exchange (OSE: REC)
- 2008–2010 — Major expansion; REC becomes one of Europe’s largest solar manufacturers and establishes a significant US market presence
- 2010 — REC opens a large solar panel manufacturing campus in Singapore, part of its Asia expansion
- 2013 — Bluestar Elkem, a Chinese chemical company (subsidiary of China National Chemical Corporation), acquires a majority stake in REC Group
- 2014 — REC closes its Norwegian and Swedish manufacturing operations, consolidating all production in Singapore
- 2019–2021 — REC launches the REC Alpha panel using heterojunction (HJT) technology — a major technology pivot away from polycrystalline
- 2021 — Reliance Industries (India’s largest conglomerate) acquires REC Group from Bluestar Elkem, investing in expanding REC’s premium panel manufacturing
- 2024–2026 — REC continues as a premium HJT panel brand, with expanded Singapore manufacturing and growth in the US, European, and Australian markets
Is REC Solar Still in Business?
Yes — REC Group is actively operating and selling solar panels globally as of 2026. Unlike many legacy brands that exited the market, REC successfully pivoted from legacy polycrystalline technology to premium HJT (heterojunction) panels, repositioning as a quality-focused brand. REC panels are sold through authorized installers across North America, Europe, and Australia.
REC Solar Panel Product Lines: Then and Now
Legacy REC Polycrystalline Series (2005–2018)
REC’s early and mid-era products were polycrystalline silicon panels sold under the AE (All Energy) and PE (Premium Energy) naming conventions. These were high-quality polycrystalline panels for their time, and many remain installed worldwide today.
| Model | Watts | Voc | Vmp | Isc | Imp | Efficiency | Era |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| REC205AE-US | 205W | 36.1V | 29.0V | 7.75A | 7.07A | 12.9% | 2009–2012 |
| REC210AE-US | 210W | 36.1V | 29.1V | 7.88A | 7.22A | 13.2% | 2009–2012 |
| REC215AE-US | 215W | 36.3V | 29.3V | 8.05A | 7.34A | 13.5% | 2009–2013 |
| REC220AE-US / SCM220 | 220W | 36.6V | 29.5V | 8.20A | 7.46A | 13.5% | 2010–2013 |
| REC225AE-US | 225W | 36.6V | 29.6V | 8.34A | 7.61A | 13.8% | 2010–2014 |
| REC230AE-US | 230W | 37.1V | 29.9V | 8.51A | 7.69A | 14.1% | 2011–2015 |
| REC250PE | 250W | 37.8V | 30.4V | 8.78A | 8.22A | 15.3% | 2013–2017 |
| REC260PE | 260W | 38.4V | 31.0V | 8.97A | 8.39A | 15.9% | 2014–2018 |
REC TwinPeak Series (2016–2022)
REC’s TwinPeak series introduced half-cut cell technology and a twin-panel design (two independent sub-strings in one frame) that improved shade tolerance and reduced mismatch losses. This was a significant upgrade from the standard polycrystalline AE series.
| Model | Watts | Efficiency | Technology | Era |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| REC TwinPeak 2 | 280–295W | 17.0–17.9% | Poly half-cut + twin panel | 2016–2019 |
| REC TwinPeak 4 | 330–370W | 19.0–19.8% | Mono PERC half-cut + twin panel | 2019–2022 |
| REC TwinPeak 5 | 370–400W | 20.2–21.3% | Mono PERC half-cut + twin panel | 2020–2023 |
REC Alpha Series (2019–Present) — HJT Technology
The REC Alpha represents REC’s technology flagship and one of the highest-efficiency panels available in the premium residential market. It uses heterojunction (HJT) technology — the same cell concept as Sanyo/Panasonic HIT — with REC’s own manufacturing innovations.
| Model | Watts | Efficiency | Temp Coeff | 25yr Warranty Output |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| REC Alpha 380AA | 380W | 21.7% | -0.26%/°C | 92% |
| REC Alpha 400AA | 400W | 21.7% | -0.26%/°C | 92% |
| REC Alpha Pure Black 405 | 405W | 21.7% | -0.26%/°C | 92% |
| REC Alpha Pure Black 430 | 430W | 22.3% | -0.24%/°C | 92% |
Key advantages of REC Alpha HJT panels over standard PERC:
- Superior temperature coefficient (-0.24 to -0.26%/°C vs -0.35 to -0.40%/°C for PERC) — generates more energy during hot summer days
- Lower degradation — REC warrants 92% output at 25 years; PERC panels typically warrant 80–85%
- Bifacial capability — rear surface captures reflected light, boosting real-world output 5–15% on reflective surfaces
- No LID (Light Induced Degradation) — N-type silicon base avoids the initial efficiency dip common in P-type PERC panels
REC Solar Panel Prices: Historical vs Current
The historical price data below is preserved for reference, reflecting US distributor prices for REC polycrystalline panels in the 2010–2015 period:
| Model | Watts | Min Qty | Price/Panel (2010–13) | $/W |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| REC225AE-US | 225W | 30 | $549.00 | $2.44 |
| REC215AE-US | 215W | 1 | $580.00 | $2.70 |
| REC230AE-US | 230W | 1 | $655.00 | $2.85 |
| REC225AE-US | 225W | 1 | $768.95 | $3.42 |
Current pricing (2026): REC Alpha HJT panels sell through authorized installers at approximately $0.55–$0.75/W (module cost), or $350–$500 per panel at retail. REC does not sell direct-to-consumer; panels are available through certified REC ProTrust installers.
REC 230 Watt Solar Panel (REC230PE) — Detailed Specs
The REC230PE (and the US-market REC230AE-US variant) was one of REC’s most widely installed early panels and is frequently searched for by owners of 10–15-year-old systems:
- Rated power: 230W (±5W)
- Open circuit voltage (Voc): 37.1V
- Maximum power voltage (Vmp): 29.9V
- Short circuit current (Isc): 8.51A
- Maximum power current (Imp): 7.69A
- Module efficiency: 14.1%
- Cell type: Polycrystalline silicon, 60 cells
- Dimensions: 1665 × 990 × 40 mm
- Weight: ~19 kg
- Temperature coefficient of Pmax: -0.44%/°C
- Connector: MC4
Where to Buy REC Solar Panels
- New REC Alpha panels: Available through REC’s ProTrust certified installer network. Find installers at rec-group.com. Not sold at retail or through general distributors.
- Used legacy REC panels (AE/PE series): eBay, Facebook Marketplace, solar salvage dealers. The REC225AE and REC230AE appear regularly on secondary markets.
- Wholesale/distributor: For contractors, REC panels are available through CED Greentech, Renvu, and other solar distributors that carry premium brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is REC Solar still in business?
Yes — REC Group is actively manufacturing and selling solar panels globally as of 2026. After being acquired by Reliance Industries (India) in 2021, REC continues operating from its Singapore manufacturing base. Their current flagship product is the REC Alpha series using heterojunction (HJT) technology. REC is one of the few solar brands from the early 2000s that survived, adapted, and remains commercially active.
What is the REC 230 watt solar panel specification?
The REC 230W panel (model REC230AE-US for the North American market) is a 60-cell polycrystalline silicon panel: Voc 37.1V, Vmp 29.9V, Isc 8.51A, Imp 7.69A, efficiency 14.1%, temperature coefficient -0.44%/°C. Dimensions 1665 × 990 × 40mm, weight ~19kg. This model was sold primarily 2011–2015 and is still found in many installed residential systems.
Are REC solar panels good quality?
Yes — REC has consistently been ranked as a top-tier solar panel brand. Their legacy polycrystalline panels (AE/PE series) were above-average quality for their era. The current REC Alpha HJT panels are among the best residential solar panels available, with a 25-year warranty guaranteeing 92% output — significantly better than the 80% industry standard. REC is frequently ranked in the Bloomberg NEF Tier 1 supplier list.
What replaced the REC polycrystalline panels?
REC transitioned through TwinPeak (half-cut mono PERC) to the current REC Alpha (HJT heterojunction) technology. If you have a legacy REC AE/PE poly panel system and want to add capacity, the TwinPeak 4 or REC Alpha panels are the natural upgrade — though matching in a string system requires power optimizers due to different electrical characteristics.
Where can I find REC solar panel wholesale prices?
REC does not publish wholesale price lists publicly. Certified installers and solar contractors can obtain wholesale pricing through REC’s authorized distribution network (CED Greentech, Renvu, and regional distributors). For end consumers, the best approach is to get quotes from two or three REC ProTrust certified installers, who will include panel costs in the overall system quote.
