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In search of the best solar panels in the UK, we assessed panels to determine which models excel in key areas such as efficiency, reliability and power. We also considered solar panel costs in our evaluation.
The Project Solar UK Evo Super Max Series 455W came out on top as it generates the expected amount of energy even on cloudy days. It also has an unparalleled warranty and good reliability.
The best solar panels for UK homes have efficiency ratings of over 20 per cent and solid power outputs (anything from 420W upwards). They typically come with advanced features that increase their efficiency and longevity, and most can work in low-light and adverse weather conditions. The best solar panels are usually made from monocrystalline cells, which are more efficient than cheaper polycrystalline cells.
We compared more than 50 solar panels from 13 best-in-class manufacturers, evaluating each to decide which panel is the best overall. We considered a range of factors in our evaluation:
As part of our research, we also examined the manufacturers’ reliability, as well as their expertise, experience and ethical and sustainable practices. To find out more, read our article about how we review solar panels.
Top takeaways
The Evo Super Max Series 455W solar panels are the newest model that Project Solar offers. Their solid output and efficiency, combined with the most generous warranty on the market, make them the best solar panels overall.
These panels incorporate passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC) technology. PERC solar cells are enhanced versions of traditional cells and are designed to increase energy production by up to 6 to 12 per cent. This efficiency boost comes from an additional layer placed on the cell’s rear side that captures the sunlight reflected back into the cell and provides another opportunity for energy conversion.
The Evo Super Max Series 455W can be integrated into a smart solar system that uses real-time data to monitor energy production with smart meters and inverters. Thanks to its high efficiency of up to 21.01 per cent, the Evo Super Max Series 455W is suitable for homes of all sizes. It retains optimum performance in low-light conditions; cloudy days and winter months shouldn’t affect its performance.
Read our full Project Solar review.
Top takeaways
SunPower’s Maxeon 7 combines a high energy output with a high efficiency rating of up to 24.1 per cent. The crack-resistant panels are designed to withstand corrosion, and they have enhanced shade tolerance.
Generally, the design of solar panels results in the system only being as strong as its weakest panel. As a result, an issue with a single panel can lower the efficiency of the whole system. However, SunPower Maxeon 7 solar panels are fitted so that each panel works independently, improving the system’s overall power by approximately 50 per cent. This means less surface area is required to achieve the same energy output as other panels.
The Maxeon 7 panels also feature maximised power point tracking, which enhances output in variable weather conditions. So, even on overcast days, the system output is optimised.
Read our full SunPower solar panels review.
Top takeaways
Jinko’s Tiger Neo 420W N-Type 54-Cell panels have Super Multi Bus Bar (SMBB) technology. Bus bars are thin copper or silver strips that connect the cells in a solar panel and carry the current. SMBBs have a sophisticated design that uses more bus bars, which are also finer and denser. This reduces the effect of shading and optimises the path the current takes, increasing the panel’s efficiency.
The Jinko Tiger Neo 72HL4 includes reduced potential induced degradation (PID). All solar panels degrade over time, losing the ability to harvest energy and becoming less efficient. This is caused by PID – the gradual leakage of electrical current from the solar cell to the panel frame. Jinko’s technology has reduced this leakage, meaning its panels hold their efficiency longer than the average panel. They also deliver enhanced protection against extreme environmental conditions, such as rain, wind and snow.
This makes them one of the most reliable solar panels in the UK, as they’ll remain productive even in harsh weather. So if you live on the coast or your home gets shaded when it’s particularly windy, you’ll still be able to generate a stable amount of energy with these panels.
Jinko offers a 12-year warranty on the product and 30 years on linear power..
Read our full Jinko Solar solar panels review.
Top takeaways
JA Solar’s panels have the highest power output of our reviewed and best-rated solar panels. Designed with shading and weather in mind and packed with desirable features – such as PERC cells and a high resistance to hot spot degradation – they’re a sound addition to homes with high energy usage.
At 31.8kg, the panels are quite heavy, but their high energy output easily compensates for the extra weight. Considering an output of 420W and above is standard for solar panels, JA Solar’s 595W panel is powerful – especially when paired with an efficiency rating of up to 23 per cent. In short, this means you can expect a healthy return of energy from these solar panels, even in low-light conditions.
Read our full JA Solar review.
Top takeaways
All solar panels will work in cloudy weather to some extent, but low-light conditions are undesirable if you’re trying to generate solar power. If your home is shaded by trees, then panels designed with low-light enhancements are a crucial investment.
The Ultra V Series includes modules comprising 182mm silicon wafers that optimise this solar panel’s layout and power generation. What’s more, these modules operate well in low light and adverse weather conditions, providing a more consistent energy output during daylight hours.
Excellent weak light performance means that your solar panels could absorb light even in the early morning. This means that you won’t need to wait until peak hours – typically between 11am and 4pm – to start drawing on your home’s solar energy supply. Suntech’s Ultra V panels perform well at lower temperatures and can withstand wind and other harsh weather, including heavy snow.
Read our full Suntech solar panels review.
Efficiency: 23.9 per cent
Power output: 615W
Degradation: 0.35 per cent annual degradation from year two to year 30
Temperature coefficient: −0.26%/°C
Price: Approximately £188
Warranty: 15-year product warranty and 30-year performance warranty
The Aiko Solar N-Type ABC White Hole offers almost 24 per cent efficiency, which surpasses the average of around 20 per cent. Its 615W power output is among the highest of all panels on the market. Unlike other panels, which can quickly lose efficiency, this model maintains approximately 89 per cent (about 550W) of its initial capacity after decades. So, if you bought one now, by 2053, it might still outperform many new panels on the market. However, its price is undisclosed, making it difficult to compare costs with similar models.
Read our full Aiko solar panels review.
Efficiency: 22.3 per cent
Power output: 420W
Degradation: 0.25 per cent after year one
Temperature coefficient: −0.24 %/°C
Price: £160
Warranty: 25-year product warranty, and 25-year performance and labour warranties, but only if installed by a REC-certified installer. Panels installed by any other installers are only eligible for a 20-year product warranty
The REC Alpha Pure-R panel stands out with its advanced technology, offering superior performance compared to others on the market. Constructed from 80 silicon cells, these panels are assembled with lead-free, gapless technology, encased in 3.2mm glass and framed with black aluminium. They achieve a peak efficiency of 22.3 per cent and boast a minimal annual degradation rate of only 0.25 per cent after the first year – significantly lower than the typical 0.5-0.7 per cent for other panels.
Read our full REC solar panels review.
Efficiency: 22.28 per cent
Power output: 430W
Degradation: less than 2 per cent in year one, 0.45 per cent in years 2-25
Temperature coefficient: –0.31%/°C
Price: POA
Warranty: 30-year product and performance warranties
The Perlight NTA 430W solar panel has an output of 430W and an efficiency rate of 22.28 per cent. It incorporates n-type technology, which is known for its superior resistance to sunlight-induced degradation. This ensures a more consistent performance over the panel’s lifespan.
Perlight’s manufacturing processes are certified under SA8000 standards, highlighting ethical production practices. This certification addresses labour conditions and environmental impact concerns, showcasing Perlight’s dedication to social responsibility and environmental stewardship in manufacturing its solar panels.
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Solar panels capture daylight and turn it into usable power. The best solar panels are usually made from silicon cells or another semiconductor material set in a metal frame with a glass casing. When daylight hits these cells, electrons within the cells move, creating an electric current. This electricity is then used to power your home.
The best solar panels are highly efficient, generate plenty of electricity, work well on overcast days, are equipped to cope with harsh weather conditions and come with long warranties. They also have an excellent cost-per-watt ratio, allowing you to maximise your investment.
But there’s no one best panel for every household. The best model for you will depend on the size and location of your property, as well as your energy needs. For example, if you live in an area with high sun exposure that doesn’t frequently experience harsh weather, you can opt for a panel with a lower power output and efficiency rating to generate the same amount of energy you may get from more efficient panels in less sunny areas.
If you want to maximise your investment as soon as possible or live more off the grid, you should look for panels with the highest power output and efficiency percentage. You’ll also want to sign up for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) to sell the excess energy your solar panels produce to the national grid.
As soon as you decide to invest in solar panels, make sure you consult with some solar panel suppliers, as well as some national and regional installers. By doing so, you can clearly explain your requirements and understand how they can accommodate those needs. You can get in touch with installers quickly and easily with our free quote-finding form – simply fill it out to be matched with one of our trusted UK installers.
Finally, don’t be afraid to compare quotes or even walk away if the suggested installation doesn’t suit your home or budget. After all, solar panels are a big investment, so you should be informed and confident in your decision.
The idea that every household requires a solar panel system tailored to its specific needs is a testament to the versatility and adaptability of solar technology. Solar energy isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution; different environments, energy requirements and physical constraints demand a customised approach. Whether they’re compact, high-efficiency panels maximising output in limited spaces, robust systems designed to endure high winds or corrosive salt mist in coastal areas, or options focused on aesthetic integration with existing architecture, the best solar panels address a broad spectrum of challenges.
This customisation ensures that the benefits of solar energy – reduced electricity bills, decreased carbon footprint and increased energy independence – are accessible to everyone, regardless of their unique circumstances. It underscores the importance of considering your individual requirements when selecting solar panels for your home, ensuring that your system delivers optimal performance and value.
The following are the key attributes to keep in mind when choosing the best solar panels for you.
Solar panels are given efficiency ratings that correspond to how much electricity the solar panels will produce. The higher the rating, the better, and most panels tend to range between 18 and 22 per cent.
Different factors, such as roof pitch, your home’s location and the size of the solar panel system, will affect the efficiency of even the best solar panels. The aim is to ensure the panels are exposed to as much daylight as possible. It’s also important to choose solar panels with added features that increase their efficiency and, therefore, their power output, especially if their position isn’t optimal.
A solar panel’s output is defined as the amount of energy you can expect it to generate. The Pmax is a metric that defines the maximum power output of a solar panel module in clear and bright conditions. As with efficiency ratings, the higher the number, the better. You can find a solar panel’s Pmax in its product description or data sheet.
If you have a small roof space, choosing panels with a higher power output may allow you to generate a good amount of energy by installing fewer panels.
Energy generated per solar panel per day
| Module brand and type | Watts per module | Energy generated per panel/day* (watts) |
|---|---|---|
| Project Solar Evolution Titan 445 | 445 | 1,891 |
| SunPower Maxeon 7 | 445 | 1,870 |
| Jinko Tiger Neo 72HL4 | 605 | 2,380 |
| JA Solar JAM72D40 | 595 | 2,370 |
| Suntech Ultra V Mono 430Wp | 430 | 1,730 |
Essentially, solar panels capture daylight and turn it into usable power. The best solar panels are made from silicon cells or another semiconductor material and typically set in a metal frame with a glass casing. When daylight hits these cells, electrons within them move, creating an electric current. This electricity is then used to power your home.
When choosing a solar panel, it’s important to consider what it’s made of and the quality of its build.
The elements below are the main parts of a solar panel:
While solar panels can last between 30 and 40 years, even the best panels will see their efficiency decrease over time.
Degradation is usually measured over a period of years from the installation date, and this will be noted on the solar panel’s data sheet.
Look for enhanced PID resistance, as this helps maintain the panel’s generation rates over time. Without this feature, panels are more prone to decreasing power output each passing year.
Performance guarantees are another important detail to look out for. Make sure to find out how long your panels’ power output efficiency is covered for. That way, if it decreases more quickly than expected, you’ll be able to get a replacement or another form of compensation.
Most domestic solar panels come with a 12-year product warranty, while performance warranties tend to start at 25 years. Warranties vary greatly, with some manufacturers offering a combined guarantee for both product and performance. We recommend reading the terms and conditions carefully when choosing solar panels. You should also find out how to report any complaints about your solar panels.
Most people who invest in solar panels do so, in part, for environmental reasons, so it’s important to research your chosen manufacturer. For instance, you might want to look into the brand’s stance on ethics and sustainability, as well as its treatment of employees.
Solar panels often contain trace amounts of lead, particularly in the solder used to connect the solar cells. Lead is used for its electrical conductivity and durability, but due to environmental and health concerns, the industry is moving towards lead-free alternatives.
Fluorine is found as fluorinated ethylene propylene in some thin-film solar panels. It can also be a component in the protective coatings of many solar panels to enhance their durability and performance. Be sure to look for panels produced with low/no lead or fluorine.
Most solar panels can be connected to smart meters and solar monitoring apps, so ask your supplier or solar panel installer for details about this. It’s a good way to keep track of how much energy your panels produce and how reliant you still are on the national grid. It’s especially useful if you’re eligible for the SEG, as you could earn cash for any energy you return to the grid.
When considering purchasing solar panels, it’s highly recommended that you obtain them directly from a professional solar installer, either regional or national. The benefits of this include:
Once you’ve chosen the right solar panels for your energy needs, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal before investing.
Our solar quote process is transparent and straightforward. Simply follow the steps below to get quotes for solar panels tailored to your needs and budget in no time.
Fill out our form with basic information about your home and energy usage. This enables us to show you only the most relevant quotes.
You’ll receive customised quotes from some of our trusted suppliers based on the information you provide. Most installers use Google Earth to check the location and orientation of your property, as well as how much roof space you have available.
Each quote should offer various options, from the most advanced solar panels to more budget-friendly choices, all tailored to your specific needs.
Take your time to compare the benefits and costs of each quote, including the features offered. This guide should give you all the information needed to compare the quotes and make an informed purchase decision.
Once you’ve reviewed all the quotes and armed yourself with our expert advice, you should be ready to choose the right solar panel system for your needs and sustainability goals.
Different brands offer varying efficiency, durability, and warranties. Reputable brands often offer more efficient panels, longer, more comprehensive warranties and better support, ensuring long-term performance and reliability.
Finding the best solar panels is about finding the right product for your home and individual circumstances. Consider your home’s position, roof orientation, and energy usage, and whether to export excess energy to the grid or use solar battery storage to optimise your solar setup.
The best solar panels for your home depend on your budget, property size, orientation, and energy usage. Start by comparing quotes and consulting installers about their stock and costs, focusing on key elements like efficiency, power rating, and design features. Research suppliers thoroughly by exploring customer reviews and speaking with neighbours who have installed solar panels to get reliable feedback.
The best angle for solar panels is between 30 and 40 degrees. During installation, your installer should consider your roof’s orientation and angle to maximise sunlight exposure and optimise energy conversion.
