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For the average 2-3 bedroom house
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.
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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Our expert team collectively holds over 20 years of experience in the solar industry and in solar research. The process of determining the best picks out of 30+ brands, and 300+ models, involved a data-driven methodology to ensure we only present the objective "best" according to these categories.
We consider performance metrics such as solar panel efficiency, durability, and power output based on manufacturer data. Our price estimates take an average from various third party retailers. We've also considered industry accreditations and independent reviews.
The metrics considered as part of this research include costs, efficiency, and warranty. Also key to deciding was our solar consultant, Joshua Pearce, whose expert insights we've included throughout this list.
Ideal for: The average 2-3 bedroom household in the UK
REC AlphA Pure-RXr | ||||||
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Brand | Model | Max. Efficiency | Durability (Annual degradation) | Power Output | Warranty | Price per panel |
REC | AlphA Pure-RX | 22.60% | 2% first year, 0.25% annual thereafter | 390 - 470W | 25-year Product; 25-year Power | £95 - £150 (inc. VAT) |
Not including the other solar panels on the list, we've identified REC's Alpha Pure-RXr solar panels as the best across all of the main categories that we've assessed. One of the most notable selling points is the 25-year product and performance warranty, a strong indicator of REC's quality craftsmanship.
The AlphaA Pure-RXr series matches the Sunpower Maxeon panels in terms of durability, while offering better value for money. It also has a similar output range, making it a perfect choice for medium-sized homes with moderate energy demands.
Based on the maximum power output 470W, you will require between 2-9 panels. The average 2-3 bedroom home will require 6 of these panels. These estimates account for external environmental factors.
Ideal for: Large 4-5 bedroom houses or homes with limited roof space
AIKO COMET 3N72 Mono-Glass | ||||||
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Brand | Model | Max. Efficiency | Durability (Annual degradation) | Power Output | Warranty | Price per panel |
AIKO | COMET 3N72 Mono-Glass | 24.2 - 25.2% | ≤1% first year; ≤ 0.35%/annually thereafter | 625 - 680W | 15-year Product; 30-year Performance | £90 - £125 (inc. VAT) |
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 if they are not placed on the best angle & direction for solar panels, these panels will perform well and retain their efficiency.
With a power output of 625 - 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, 4 panels should suffice.
Ideal for: Large homes that require high energy output
Trina Vertex N | ||||||
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Brand | Model | Max. Efficiency | Durability (Annual degradation) | Power Output | Warranty | Price per panel |
Trina | Vertex N | 22.1 - 22.9% | 1% first year; 0.4% annually thereafter | 685 - 710W | 12-year Product; 30-year Power | £70 - £185 (inc. VAT) |
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:
If you are extremely roof-area limited, however, you will want the highest efficiency modules so you can generate the most energy to attempt to cover your entire load.
Joshua M. Pearce is the John M. Thompson Chair in Information Technology and Innovation. He holds appointments at Ivey Business School and the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at Western University. He runs the Free Appropriate Sustainability Technology research group.
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 anywhere from 1 to 6 panels to cover your electricity needs. Typically, a 2-3 bedroom home will need about 6 panels.
Ideal for: Small to medium size households of 1-3 bedrooms
Sunpower Maxeon | ||||||
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Brand | Model | Max. Efficiency | Durability (Annual degradation) | Power Output | Warranty | Price per panel |
Sunpower | Maxeon | 22.60% | 2% first year, 0.25% annual thereafter | 355 - 475W | 40-year Product; 40-year Power | £250 - £300 (inc. VAT) |
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, and annual degradation rate in the UK today.
After one year, the Maxeon's warranted power output will likely fall by 2%, and degrade a further 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 standout in multiple ways, such as for the very comfortable warranty period of 40 years for both product and performance. The only factor that kept it from taking out "Best Overall" pick was that they are by far the most expensive cost of solar panels 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
LONGi Hi- MO 5m | ||||||
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Brand | Model | Max. Efficiency | Durability (Annual degradation) | Power Output | Max. Warranty | Price per panel |
LONGi | Hi- MO 5m | 21.90% | ≤2% first year, 0.55% thereafter | 545 - 565W | 12-year Product; 25-year Power | £60 - £160 (inc. VAT) |
LONGi's Hi- MO series ranges from £60 - £160 (inc. VAT). This includes models that go up to 630W, which is excellent value for money, especailly compared to the other options included in this list.
The most affordable option within this range is the LONGi Hi- MO 5m, with a power output range of 545 - 565W, which will easily provide for medium-sized or larger homes or those with high electricity demands.
Despite it's affordability, it's worth noting that LONGi's solar panels tend to run less efficiently that the other options, and even below the market standard, at 21.9%. According to Joshua Pearce, today the highest efficiency modules are over 22%.
The lowest cost of a panel does not matter as a low cost might be because the panel is small or not very powerful. Homeowners should, however, look for the lowest cost per unit power (Watt) (e.g., $/W). All solar panels are tested under standard conditions, so the power directly indicates how much energy can be expected.
Joshua M. Pearce is the John M. Thompson Chair in Information Technology and Innovation. He holds appointments at Ivey Business School and the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at Western University. He runs the Free Appropriate Sustainability Technology research group.
You will likely need between 2-8 of these panels at 565W to cover your annual electircty needs, also accounting for external environemtal factors. The average 2-3 bedroom home will need around 5 of these Longi panels.
Now that you have an idea of the most important elements to look out for when investing in new panels, you might be ready to get the ball rolling by consulting installers. Save yourself hours of stressful research by using 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.
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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 solar panels can achieve up to 25% efficiency, 22% or higher is considered highly efficient.
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 30 years.
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 20-25 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.
Best solar panel companies | |||||
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Manufacturer | Best for | Price per panel | Power Output Size | Efficiency | Warranty Period |
REC | Best overall | £95 - £150 (inc. VAT) | Up to 430W | Up to 22.6% | 25-year Product; 25-year Power |
AIKO | Efficiency | £90 - £125 (inc. VAT) | Up to 670W | Up to 25.2% | 25-year Product; 30-year Power |
Trina | Most powerful | £70 - £185 (inc. VAT) | 685 - 710W | Up to 22.9% | 25-year Product; 25-year Power |
Sunpower | Most durable | £250 - £300 (inc. VAT) | Up to 400W | Up to 22.6% | 25-year Product; 30-year Power |
LONGi | Most affordable | £60 - £165 (inc. VAT) | Up to 630W | Up to 22.8% | 25-year Product; 25-year Power |
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 top-most 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 around 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-seconds 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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The most efficient solar panel available in the UK today is AIKO COMET 3N72, with an efficiency rate of 25.2%.
Monocrystalline solar panels can be considered the best solar panels because of their efficiency. Because of this, they are generally more expensive than other solar panel types, such as thin-film panels or polycrystalline panels.
Ciaran is a content writer at GreenMatch. Whether writing about sustainable aviation fuel or heat pumps, Ciaran has passion for informing readers about pivotal technologies that are reshaping our world.
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