Most Efficient Solar Panels in the UK: Our Expert Picks (2024)

When it comes to making the most out of your solar panel system, solar panel efficiency is highly important. An efficient solar array, be it on roof or ground mounted solar panels, ensures longevity, optimises power generation, and maximises potential savings. In the UK, the average home could save up to £600 per year on their electricity bills.

This guide aims to provide an overview of the top 5 most efficient solar panels currently available on the UK market. Our selections cover a wide range of power outputs to ensure that you can find a suitable match for your specific needs. 

Here are the most efficient solar panels in the UK, according to our research: 

The table below shows an overview of these solar panels and their most important specifications: 

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Aside from efficiency rates, it is also important to look at:

AIKO manufactures solar modules and solar batteries using self-developed core equipment alongside tailor-made equipment from their well-established suppliers. 

Founded in 2009, this Chinese company is world-leading in terms of its innovative products and cutting-edge technologies. Its technological achievements include the invention of all-back electrode technology in 2021, and it was the first to mass produce the all-back contact cell (ABC) worldwide the following year. This innovation has become a historical touchstone for the company's history, and for the global solar industry more widely.

Amongst its ABC panels is the 72-cell N-Type ABC White Hole Series. These modules offer efficiency rates of up to 24% and peak power output of 620W, making them one the most efficient and most powerful options available in the UK today.

ABC technology achieves remarkably high power generation throughout its lifetime thanks to its advanced conversion efficiency and temperature coefficient. These all-black panels have no metal grid lines on their front, which gives them a premium appearance and allows them to to absorb 100% sunlight. As such, these panels became a reddot winner in 2023.

While AIKO's product prices are not readily available, various online retailers price the N-Type ABC White Hole Series between £150 - £200 per panel, including VAT. This makes them a way to go if you’re searching for cheap solar panels in the UK.

Renewable Energy Australia (REA) Solar manufactures various solar panel types, including residential and commercial solar cells, as well as battery storage products. Since it was established in 2010 in Australia, REA Solar strives to excel in the global green energy transition through its key focus on energy independence, smart technology for homes, and electric vehicles.

With its industry partners, which include Tesla, Hyundai, and Samsung, as well as its own in-house team of engineers and installers, REA develops cutting-edge solar and storage solutions for a worldwide client base.

These innovative solutions include the Fusion Energy 2 module, the only solar panel model currently established by the company in the UK market. These panels are a great addition to any UK home since they generate optimal energy levels even in oblique light conditions.

This is achieved by the module's transparent double-sided (Bi-facial) casing to maximise sunlight exposure. It also gives the cells a sleek and smooth appearance. Remarkable efficiency is also achieved through the use of both N-Type crystalline and thin-film technology. These combine to create a superior solar cell that's resistant to damage and defects throughout its lifetime.

These panels can achieve a power output between 400 - 480W, making them suitable for medium-sized homes with average energy demands. According to REA's UK supplier, the cost of solar panels in this range falls between £400 and £420.

One of the fastest-growing solar panel manufacturers, Longi provides affordable solar panels with great quality. This Chinese manufacturer has a significant foothold in the market due to its balanced mix of qualities, including high efficiency for residential solar panels.

While there are numerous solar panel companies out of China, Longi has excelled due to wide availability, stellar reviews, and a great baseline solar panel warranty.

The LONGi Solar Hi-Mo series has been a top favourite of the PV Evolution Labs ratings. The solar panels score high on several performance metrics like efficiency and output performance under laboratory conditions.

The Hi-Mo “Scientist” series is one among other parallel sub-brands, offering high warranties and a sleek, aesthetically pleasing design. The adoption of full-back welding technology helps improve the resistance to micro cracking of the modules in the series.

If you’re looking for the best prices, it’s crucial to contact trusted local installers. It can be difficult to know where to look and who to trust, especially with so many options out there. With GreenMatch, we can streamline the process for you by directing you to 4 vetted professionals for you to compare their best rates. All of our quotes are free and come with no obligations.

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Maxeon Solar Technologies, behind SunPower solar technology, distributes its cutting-edge solar products in over 100 countries through a vast network of 1,200 sales and installation partners worldwide.

Since 2007, SunPower technology has even claimed 11 world records for cell and panel efficiency. Its technological prowess and solar energy production capabilities power homes, carports, power plants, and even planes. 

Since 2007, SunPower technology has even claimed 11 world records for cell and panel efficiency. Its technological prowess and solar energy production capabilities power homes, carports, power plants, and even planes.

SunPower manufactures a range of solar panels so that any kind of home can benefit from their products. SunPower Maxeon panels have remarkable efficiency rates, generating up to 35% more energy over their first 25 years of operation compared to conventional models.

Of its SunPower Maxeon range, the Maxeon 6 AC delivers peak efficiency rates of up to 23%, just above the Maxeon 3 DC range, which goes up to 22.7%. AC or DC coupling refers to how solar panels are connected to your home's electrical system. The electricity supplied to our homes is AC, resulting in minimal energy loss during transmission compared to DC power.

Their solid metal backing enhances durability and resists corrosion. Thick connectors also offer resilience against temperature fluctuations. Thanks to extensive testing, they also assure reliable performance with a minimum output of 98% in the first year and an annual degradation rate of just 0.25%.

These monocrystalline panels are designed for durability, with solid metal and crack-resistant backing as well as reinforced connections between cells. They are also backed by a 40-year warranty. The Maxeon 6 AC range will also suit any medium-sized home, with a power output range of 420 - 445W. Maxeon panels promise a 40+ year useful life with an incredibly low warranty return rate of 0.005%.

Our research concludes that the SunPower Maxeon 6 will cost between £350 - £400 per panel, including VAT. While a Maxeon 7 is available on the market, it has only been released in select regions and has little info on its prices and reviews, otherwise, it would have made the cut.

Yingli Solar, established in 1998, is a leading global solar panel manufacturer. In addition to its headquarters in Baoding, China, Yingli has several branches across the globe and sells its solar panels to over 132 markets, including the UK. Yingli panels have powered notable projects like the Gullen Range Solar Farm and Allianz Stadium. Yingli also sponsored the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and 2014.

Its PANDA N-type TOPCon Series incorporates cutting-edge N-type monocrystalline TOPCon cell technology. Using bifacial technology, sunlight is absorbed from both the front and back sides of the panels. This leads to superior energy generation compared to standard monofacial options.

The Yingli PANDA Bifacial144 Cell has an efficiency rating of 22.5%, the highest in the series, coupled with an output of 390-415W. This makes them suitable for small to medium-sized homes. Additionally, it offers a 12-year product warranty and a 25-year power warranty.

Unlike conventional modules, PANDA Bifacial panels collect reflected and scattered light from their surroundings, significantly boosting power output, especially in high-albedo environments. Additionally, their high bifaciality factor ensures efficient power production even when the module is not facing direct sunlight.

This technology also ensures higher durability with its double glass construction, enhancing long-term mechanical performance and resistance to harsh environmental conditions such as salt mist, ammonia, and dust.

Yingli PANDA Bifacial 144 Cell solar panels are very reasonably priced, between £150 - £200, according to our research.

Founded in Norway in 1996, REC has evolved into a global leader in sustainable and clean energy solutions, producing over 43 million panels by the end of 2021. Their latest innovation, the REC Alpha Pure family, uses cutting-edge Heterojunction (HJT) cell technology. These panels feature no LID and have leading temperature coefficients and higher power density, ensuring optimal energy generation even in limited spaces.

REC Alpha Pure-RX panels incorporate advanced cell connection technology for enhanced durability and performance. With a sleek design and gapless cell layout, these panels maximise sunlight absorption, reaching impressive power densities of 226 Watts/m². REC's pioneering designs, including the Twin and Pure-R series, ensure continued energy production, even in shaded conditions.

REC ProTrust warranty guarantees product, performance, and labour coverage for 25 years. The Pure-RX Series also has a maximum temperature coefficient of -0.24%/°C, 0.25% annual degradation, and can retain 92% of its power after 25 years.

Pure-RX solar panels by REC offer a power output ranging from 450 to 470 Watts, making them most suited to medium-sized homes in the UK. They also have an efficiency rating of 22.3% to 22.6%. These panels cost between £250 to £300, according to our market research.

Deciding which solar panel is the best requires looking at numerous factors. As part of our process, we looked at the most popular solar panels, checked for their availability in the UK, and compared their specifications based on recommendations from our expert reviewer, Dr. Joshua Pierce.

Our picks for the best solar panels in the UK were judged based on certain specifications that contribute to their efficiency, including:

Choosing the right solar panels for your home involves considering various factors beyond just efficiency. While we have selected 5 of the most efficient options out there, other factors will help determine which is the best for your circumstances. Here's what we considered when we chose the most efficient solar panels in the UK:

Solar panels, especially efficient and high-power ones, can greatly cut down energy costs and allow for savings of up to £600. With an average cost of £5,000 - £6,000 for the average 2 to 3-bedroom home, they can be an excellent investment (especially if you can procure solar panel grants in the UK.

The average system can break even in 9 year, ensuring an ROI of £9,000 - £10,000. Since most solar panels last for over 25 years before significant degradation sets in, you can be sure to generate more savings in years past the payment payback period. Moreover, getting a high-quality solar panel system can ensure an even longer lifespan.

Now that you're acquainted with the most efficient solar panels available on today's market, you're probably interested in getting exact prices. With numerous installation companies operating in the UK, it's easy to become perplexed about whether you're getting a fair deal. Conducting thorough research into a company's background, customer testimonials, and pricing can consume days of your time.

Save yourself the hassle by getting your quotes with GreenMatch. By completing a 30-second form, you can receive quotes from up to 4 local solar panel installers. Compare prices and identify the best-priced solar panels in your area. All of the installers in our network are carefully vetted and chosen for you based on the details you provide. Click the button below to get started.