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Our solar experts have evaluated over 50 solar panels and conducted a survey of more than 1,500 Independent readers to find the best solar panels in the UK. To do so, they considered key factors including solar panel costs, efficiency, warranties, and reliability. Dr David Sprake, Programme Leader in Renewable Engineering and panel member at the Climate Regional COP Summit, also gave us his advice on choosing solar panels.
Our pick for best solar panel is the Jinko Tiger Neo 72HL4-(V) module. It scored highly in all key factors, with 96 per cent of Jinko panel owners recommending the brand.
The best solar panels for UK homes have efficiency ratings of over 20 per cent as well as solid power outputs – anything from 420W and up. They typically come with advanced features that increase their efficiency and longevity, and most can work in low light and adverse weather conditions. We’ve found that the best solar panels are usually made from monocrystalline cells, which are more efficient than cheaper polycrystalline cells.
We’ve compared more than 50 solar panels from 13 best-in-class manufacturers, evaluating each to decide an overall winner. We also conducted a nationwide survey of 1,544 Independent readers who own solar panels to find out about their experiences of each panel brand.
We considered a range of factors in our analysis.
As part of our research, we examined each manufacturers’ track record, as well as their expertise, experience and ethical and sustainable practices. To learn more about our process, read about how we review solar panels.
| Jinko Tiger Neo 72HL4-(V) | Project Solar UK Evo Super Max | SunPower Maxeon 7 | JA Solar JAM72S30 Mono PERC Half-Cell MBB | Suntech Ultra V Mini 415 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Approximate price per panel | £200 | £350 | POA | £150 | £150 |
| Efficiency | 23.4% | 21.0% | 24.1% | 22.1.0% | 21.3% |
| Warranties | 12-year product warranty and 30-year performance warranty | Lifetime product warranty, 30-year performance warranty | 25 years standard product warranty, 40 years with registration | 12-year product warranty and 25-year performance warranty | 25-year product warranty and 30-year performance warranty |
| Power output | 605W | 455W | 445W | 585W | 415W |
| Degradation | 0.4% annual degradation after year 1 | Not available | 0.25% maximum annual degradation after year 1 | 0.55% annual degradation after year 1 | 0.40% annual degradation after year 1 |
| Weight | 27kg | 23kg | 20.7kg | 28kg | 21kg |
| Size | 2278 x 1134 x 30mm (LxWxD) | 1905 x 1134 x 35mm (LxWxD) | 1787 x 1035 x 40mm (LxWxD) | 2278 x 1134 x 30mm (LxWxD) | 1722 x 1134 x 30mm (LxWxD) |
Top takeaways
Jinko’s Tiger Neo 72HL4-(V) panels are highly efficient thanks to their advanced Super Multi Bus Bar (SMBB) technology. Bus bars are thin metal strips that connect the cells in a solar panel and carry the current. Jinko uses more of these bus bars than other manufacturers, which reduces the effect of shading and optimises the current path. This increases the overall efficiency of the panel.
Over time, all solar panels become less efficient due to a process called potential induced degradation (PID), whereby electrical current is lost as it leaks away from the solar cell. Jinko’s technology minimises this leakage, helping their panels maintain their efficiency longer than others.
These panels are also highly durable against extreme weather conditions like rain, wind, and snow, making them very reliable. Even if you live near the coast or in an area that experiences high winds, these panels will still generate a stable amount of energy.
The temperature coefficient of a solar panel shows how temperature affects its performance, with lower coefficient panels performing better in temperatures above 25°C. Jinko’s Tiger Neo panel has a coefficient of 0.3 per cent, which falls within the average range of 0.3 and 0.5 per cent.
Jinko offers a 12-year warranty on the panels and 30 years on their linear power, which is fairly average in the solar industry.
PVEL – the solar industry’s independent testing lab – named Jinko Solar as its top performer of 2024 for the tenth consecutive year.
Read our full Jinko Solar solar panels review.
Top takeaways
The Evo Super Max Series 455W solar panels are the newest modules in Project Solar’s range, and carry the company’s impressive warranties for hardware and performance.
The panels have a 6 to 12 per cent increased energy production due to passive emitter and rear contact (PERC) technology. This extra layer helps convert more daylight into energy, boosting the overall efficiency of the panels.
However, the increased power of these panels comes with a higher price tag of £350.
Project Solar doesn’t list any environmental information such as recycling options or whether the panel is lead-free. However, its innovative drainage corners reduce the maintenance requirements, and the panels’ sleek black appearance enhance kerb appeal, making them a popular choice despite their high cost.
Read our full Project Solar review.
Top takeaways
SunPower’s Maxeon 7 panels combine a good energy output with a high efficiency rating of up to 24.1 per cent. These crack-resistant panels are designed to withstand corrosion, especially from salty air, making them ideal for homes near the coast.
SunPower Maxeon 7 solar panels are designed so each panel works independently, boosting the system’s power by about 50 per cent. The design of solar panels usually means the system is only as strong as its weakest panel, so a problem with one panel can affect the whole system. Maxeon 7 panels also have Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), which monitors different weather conditions, optimising each panels’ output.
Read our full SunPower solar panels review.
Top takeaways
| Price | Approximately £150 |
| Efficiency | 22.1 per cent |
| Warranty | 12-year product warranty and 25-year linear power output warranty |
| Power output | 585W |
| Degradation | 0.55 per cent linear degradation over 25 years, giving them an efficiency of 19.55 per cent at year 30 |
| Temperature coefficient | -0.35%/°C |
| Weight | 28kg |
JA Solar’s JAM72S30 panels are packed with desirable features such as PERC cells and a high resistance to panel degradation, so they make for a welcome addition to homes with high energy usage.
At 28kg, the panels are quite heavy, but their high energy output easily compensates for the extra weight. Considering that an output of 420W and above is standard for solar panels, JA Solar’s 585W panel is certainly powerful – especially when paired with an efficiency rating of up to 22.1 per cent. In short, 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
| Price | Around £150 |
| Efficiency | 21.3 per cent |
| Warranty | 12-year product warranty and 30-year performance warranty |
| Power output | 415W |
| Degradation | 2 per cent in the first year and 0.40 per cent annually, which them an efficiency of around 17 per cent in year 30 |
| Temperature coefficient | -0.36%/°C |
| Weight | 21kg |
The Ultra V Series from Suntech is designed to optimise power output in shaded conditions and adverse weather by using bigger silicon cells, which mean more daylight can be captured. These panels also perform well at lower temperatures and can withstand wind and other harsh weather, including heavy snowfalls.
The low-light performance means that your solar panels will absorb light even in the early morning, so you won’t have to wait until peak hours – typically between 11am and 4pm – to start drawing on your home’s solar energy supply.
Read our full Suntech solar panels review.
Price: £160
Efficiency: 22.3 per cent
Warranty: 25-year product warranty, and 25-year performance and labour warranties, but only if installed by an REC-certified installer. Panels installed by any other installers are only eligible for a 20-year product warranty
Power output: 430W
Degradation: 0.25 per cent after year one
Temperature coefficient: -0.24 %/°C
The Aiko Solar N-Type ABC panel offers almost 24 per cent efficiency, comfortably beating 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 today, it might still be outperforming many new panels on the market by 2054. Unfortunately, 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: 430W
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 panels stand out thanks to their advanced HJT technology. Heterojunction solar cells (HJT) can absorb light from both sides, increasing the energy production, even in low light. These panels are lead-free, 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 recorded by other panels.
Read our full REC solar panels review.
Price: POA
Efficiency: 22.28 per cent
Warranty: 30-year product and performance warranties
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
The Perlight NTA 430W solar panel offers good energy conversion rates, and is designed to perform well even in low-light conditions, ensuring consistent energy production throughout the day. Additionally, its robust construction provides resistance against harsh weather conditions, making it a dependable option for various environments.
One of the key advantages of the Perlight solar panel is its user-friendly installation process. The panel comes with pre-installed cables and connectors, which simplify the setup and reduce installation time and, therefore, cost.
Perlight is committed to social responsibility and environmental stewardship throughout the manufacturing of its solar panels.
Get quotes on the best solar panels in your area
Discover how much solar panels would cost for your home by answering a few quick questions
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.
More sunlight energy hits the earth in one hour than the entire population consumes in a year. Additionally, the cost of transforming this energy with photovoltaic (PV) panels into usable electrical energy has dramatically reduced over the last 15 years and continues to drop. As the “fuel” for a solar panel is sunlight and is “free”, it will effectively last forever, never run out and is relatively predictable.
Solar panels also have the advantage of producing lower carbon dioxide emissions than fossil fuels and no air pollution in use. What’s more, homeowners can make significant savings on their energy bills, cushioning themselves from future electricity price rises long term.
Dr David Sprake PhD, BEng (Hons), CEng, MEI, Chartered Energy Engineer, FHEA
Lecturer and Programme Leader in Renewable and Sustainable Engineering
The best solar panels are highly efficient, generate plenty of electricity, perform well on overcast days, are designed to cope with harsh weather conditions and come with generous warranties. They also have an excellent cost-per-watt ratio, allowing you to maximise your investment.
However, there’s no single best panel to suit every household. Your ideal model will depend on the size and location of your property, as well as the energy needs of your household. For example, if you live in an area with high sun exposure – that doesn’t often experience harsh weather – you could go for a panel with a lower power output and efficiency rating and still generate the same amount of energy you may get from more efficient panels in less sunny areas.
Every household requires a solar panel system tailored to its specific needs, reflecting the versatility of solar technology. Custom systems address different environments, energy requirements, and physical constraints, whether it’s high-efficiency panels for limited spaces, robust systems for coastal areas, or aesthetically integrated options. This ensures benefits like reduced bills, decreased carbon footprint, and increased energy independence are accessible to all, highlighting the importance of selecting the right solar panels for optimal performance and value.
Want to maximise your investment as soon as possible?
Then focus on panels with the highest power output and efficiency percentage. You’ll also want to sign up for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme to sell any excess energy your solar panels produce back to the national grid.
Get quotes from several national and regional installers. By doing so, you can clearly explain your requirements, understand how they can accommodate those needs and compare the various quotes. You can get in touch with trusted installers in the UK – quickly and easily – with our free quote-finding form.
Finally, don’t be afraid to walk away if a particular quote 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.
As you research the best solar panels for you, keep the following key features in mind.
Solar panels’ efficiency rate is based on their electricity production: higher ratings indicate a better performance. Efficiency typically ranges between 18 and 22 per cent, with the best solar panels boasting more than 23 per cent. Selecting panels with features that enhance efficiency and power output is crucial, particularly if your roof’s direction and angle aren’t ideal.
A solar panel’s output is the energy it can generate in ideal conditions. Selecting panels with higher power outputs can help generate more energy with fewer panels – ideal for smaller roofs and keeping your system costs down.
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 Mini 415 | 430 | 1,730 |
Solar panels capture daylight and turn it into usable power. The best solar panels are made from silicon cells, set in an aluminium frame, and protected by a sheet of glass. 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.
Solar panels can last 30-40 years, but efficiency decreases over time due to PID – the leakage of electricity. The best panels employ PID resistant technology to maintain performance.
Most domestic solar panels come with a 12-year product warranty, while performance warranties typically start at 25 years. Warranties vary greatly, with some manufacturers offering a combined guarantee for both product and performance.
Solar panels typically contain trace amounts of lead and fluorine for durability and performance, but the industry is moving towards lead-free and fluoride-free alternatives. To minimise environmental impact, choose panels with low or no lead and fluorine.
“Misinformation often surrounds renewable energy and climate change.
Solar panels significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions compared to fossil fuels, despite the energy used in their production and transport. Over their lifetime, solar panels have a much smaller carbon footprint than traditional energy sources, and as the manufacturing process is working to reduce carbon, this footprint will decrease further. Solar panels also produce no air pollution during operation.
Solar panels are mainly constructed from aluminium, glass, and silicon, so about 80 per cent can be recycled. A growing industry supports this, including a free recycling centre in Scunthorpe.”
Dr David Sprake PhD, BEng (Hons), CEng, MEI, Chartered Energy Engineer, FHEA
Lecturer and Programme Leader in Renewable and Sustainable Engineering
When looking at your options for solar panels, we highly recommend that you source them directly from a professional solar installer, whether 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 price.
Our solar quote process is transparent and straightforward. Simply follow the steps below to quickly get quotes for solar panels tailored to your needs and budget.
Enter basic information about your home and energy usage. This enables us to present you with only the most relevant quotes.
Receive tailored quotes from our trusted suppliers. Installers use Google Earth to assess your property’s location, orientation, and roof space, offering options from advanced to budget-friendly panels.
Compare the benefits and costs of each quote, including the features offered.
4. Make an informed decision
Once you’ve reviewed all the quotes and armed yourself with our expert advice, you’re ready to choose your new solar panel system.
Different brands offer varying levels of efficiency and durability as well as different warranty lengths. Reputable brands tend to offer more efficient panels, longer and more comprehensive warranties and better support, ensuring long-term performance and reliability.
Finding the best solar panels comes down to pinpointing the right product for your home and individual circumstances. Consider your home’s position, roof orientation and energy usage, as well as whether you wish 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 such as efficiency, power rating and design features. Research suppliers thoroughly by reading customer reviews. For even more reliable feedback, speak with neighbours who have already installed solar panels.
The best angle for solar panels is between 30 and 40 degrees. Your installer should consider your roof’s orientation and angle to maximise sunlight exposure and optimise energy conversion.
Bigger solar panels are not necessarily better. Larger panels can produce more power, but they may not be efficient if you have limited roof space or shading issues. To achieve the most power in a limited space, choose a panel with a higher power output and a smaller surface area.
