Best Solar Panels in the UK: Our Expert Picks (December 2024)

What is considered the "best" solar panel in the UK will vary depending on who you ask and what metrics you value. Some homeowners may prefer a low-cost solar panel over one that's highly efficient, for example. Others may be looking for efficiency or power output.

This is why, when determining the best solar panels out there today, we've categorised our picks according to what matters most to prospective buyers.

With this in mind, here's a summary of our picks:

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Although any of the options on this list offer excellent solar panel efficiency rates, the AIKO COMET series has the highest efficiency rate of up to 25.2%. This means these panels are capable of converting 25% of the sunlight that hits them into electricity. Even in partially shaded conditions, these panels will perform well and retain their efficiency.

With a power output of 625W - 680W, these are also some of the most powerful solar panels we've included. This makes them ideal for larger homes with higher energy demands. Given a maximum power output of 680W, you'll need between 1 and 6 panels. For an average 2-3 bedroom house, a minimum of 4 to 5 of these panels should suffice.

Ideal for: Large homes with high energy demand

Trina's Vertex N solar panel range takes the pick for the most powerful solar panels on today's market, with a power output between 685 - 710W. This makes them a great option for large homes with high energy demands or even for very small homes with limited roof space, as solar expert Josua Pearce explains: 

One potential downside is the 12-year product warranty. This is shorter than most competitors, which might impact confidence in long-term product reliability, barely covering the panels for half of their lifetime.

With a 710W power output per panel, you may need 5 panels to cover your electricity needs for a 2 to 3-bedroom home.

Ideal for: Small to medium size households of 1-3 bedrooms

Solar panel performance will naturally degrade over time. However, different products will degrade at different rates. Of all the cases we examined in making this list, Sunpower's Maxeon range has the most impressive first year efficiency, and annual degradation rate in the UK today.

After one year, the Maxeon's warranted power output will likely fall by 2% but degrade only 0.25% every year after. After 25 years, these panels will retain as much as 92% of their power. To put this into perspective, some panels might fall as much as 20% in this time.

These panels stand out in multiple ways, such as the warranty period of 40 years for both product and performance. The only factor that kept it from taking our "Best Overall" pick was the price per Watt. The cost of solar panels is higher for Maxeon systems than for others on the list.

With a maximum power output of 475W, this Sunpower range is the least powerful of the panels listed. This makes it a nice option for small or medium-sized homes but less appropriate for large homes, as you will need more panels to meet your energy demands.

Depending on the 470W maximum output, you'll require between 2 and 9 panels. For a typical 2-3 bedroom home, 6 panels are usually needed. These estimates include external environmental factors.

Ideal for: Medium to large households that are seeking budget-friendly solar panels

Now that you have an idea of the most important elements to look out for when investing in new solar panels, you might be ready to get the ball rolling by consulting installers. Save yourself from hours of stressful research with our free quotes service. Fill out our 30-second form and we’ll connect you with up to 4 of the top-rated installers in your area. Compare their free quotes to get the best deal.

Determining these top picks involved a rigorous process, comparing specifications from over 300 models. We then identified the best according to the most important categories for homeowners considering new solar panels.

Below we've gone into more detail about what makes these categories so important. In general, prospective buyers should seek out solar panels that perform well across all of these criteria.

Efficiency

Efficiency measures how effectively a solar panel converts sunlight into usable electricity. A higher efficiency means more energy is generated from the same amount of sunlight, making it an important consideration for those with limited roof space or those seeking maximum energy output. Panels with high efficiency are often more expensive, but they provide greater energy savings over time.

While most efficient solar panels can achieve up to 25% efficiency, 22% or higher is considered highly efficient. Monocrystalline panels are better for both power output and efficiency than polycrystalline panels and thin-film models.

Power output

Power output refers to the total amount of electricity a panel can produce, measured in watts. Panels with higher power output can generate more energy, making them ideal for large homes or installations with high electricity demands, especially in regions with lower sunlight. Power output is determined by both the size and efficiency of the panel.

Typically, solar panels are sold within the 300-500W range. The ideal wattage depends on your energy needs and available roof space.

Durability

Durability refers to how well a solar panel can withstand environmental stress over time, including extreme weather conditions like heavy rain, high winds, or temperature fluctuations. This is indicated by annual degradation rates. Durable panels are also less likely to suffer from issues like micro-cracking.

Solar panels will naturally degrade year-on-year. However, the best quality panels will degrade only 10% or less in total over a 30-year period. That’s why you should look for panels that have less than 0.35 degradation after the second year (a higher first-year degradation is normal for all solar panels, usually losing up to 1% for that first period).

Warranty

Warranty coverage offers a safety net that ensures the panels are protected against defects in materials or workmanship for a set period, typically 20–25 years. A strong warranty also often covers performance guarantees, ensuring that the panel maintains a certain level of energy production over time.

Solar panels usually come with a 20 to 25-year warranty. This will cover the best years of their lifetime, and so these options are favourable.

Use the table below to compare the solar panel manufacturers listed above. 

Identifying the best solar panels for your home is one thing, but ensuring that they are properly installed is just as, if not even more, important. Even with the highest quality solar panels, a dodgy installation job will affect their performance, longevity, and maybe even your energy bills.

Therefore, it's crucial to shop around for the best installers in your area. Rather than going for the cheapest option available, it's best to compare the quotes from a shortlist of carefully vetted options. This is where GreenMatch can help you.

We have an entire network of licensed solar panel installers, based across the UK, who we can connect you with in a few short clicks. Fill in our 30-second quotes form, then you'll be contacted by the best options in your area, based on your preferences.

You can then compare their fixed, exclusive quotes and take comfort in knowing you're selecting the best possible option for your home. The best part? Our service is completely free, and you're under no obligation to accept any of the quotes you receive.

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