The Independent’s journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us?
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. 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.
The Jinko Tiger Neo 72HL4-(V) module is our pick for best solar panel. It scored highly in all key factors, and 96 per cent of Jinko panel owners recommend the brand.
The best solar panels for UK homes have solid power outputs – anything from 420W and up – and efficiency ratings of over 20 per cent. They typically have advanced features that increase their efficiency and longevity, and most can work in low light and adverse weather conditions. The best solar panels are typically made from monocrystalline cells, which are more efficient than cheaper polycrystalline cells.
Top takeaways
Key specifications
| Price | Around £200 | |
| Efficiency | 23.4 per cent | |
| Warranty | 12-year product warranty and 30-year linear power warranty | |
| Power output | 605W | |
| Degradation | 0.40 per cent annual degradation over 30 years, so the performance rate at year 30 will be around 20.8 per cent | |
| Temperature coefficient | -0.30%/°C | |
| Weight | 27kg |
Thanks to their advanced Super Multi Bus Bar technology, Jinko’s Tiger Neo 72HL4-(V) panels are highly efficient. Jinko uses more bus bars – thin metal strips that connect the cells in a solar panel and carry the current – than other manufacturers. This reduces the effect of shading and increases the panel’s overall efficiency.
All solar panels lose efficiency over time. This is due to a process called potential induced degradation (PID), where electrical current leaks from the solar cell. Jinko’s technology minimises such leakage, which helps their panels maintain their efficiency for longer.
Jinko panels are also extremely reliable and highly durable in extreme weather conditions such as wind, rain and snow. Even if you live near the coast, or in an area that experiences high winds, these panels will generate a steady amount of energy. A solar panel’s temperature coefficient shows how its performance is affected by the temperature. Panels with a lower coefficient perform better in temperatures above 25C. Jinko’s Tiger Neo panel has a coefficient of 0.3 per cent, which falls within the average range of 0.3 to 0.5 per cent.
Jinko provides a 12-year warranty on the panels and 30 years on their linear power, which is fairly average within the solar industry.
For the tenth consecutive year, PVEL – the solar industry’s independent testing lab – chose Jinko Solar as its top performer of the year in 2024.
Read our full Jinko Solar solar panels review.
Top takeaways
Key specifications
| Price | £350 | |
| Efficiency | 21.01 per cent | |
| Warranty | Lifetime performance and product warranties | |
| Power output | 455W | |
| Degradation | Not specified | |
| Temperature coefficient | -0.35%/°C | |
| Weight | 23.5kg |
Project Solar’s newest modules are the Evo Super Max Series 455W solar panels, which come with the company’s impressive warranties for hardware and performance.
Due to their passive emitter and rear contact (PERC) technology, these panels have a 6 to 12 per cent increase in energy production. The extra layer boosts the overall efficiency of the panels by converting more daylight into energy.
Project Solar’s innovative drainage corners reduce the amount of maintenance required, but the company doesn’t provide any environmental information, such as recycling options or whether the panel is lead-free. The panels’ sleek black appearance enhances kerb appeal, making them a popular choice despite their high price tag of £350.
Read our full Project Solar review.
Top takeaways
Key specifications
| Price | On enquiry | |
| Efficiency | 24.1 per cent | |
| Warranty | 25 years standard or 40 years with registration | |
| Power output | 445W | |
| Degradation | 98.0 per cent warrantied output for one year, then a minimum of 0.25 per cent degradation annually after that. At year 30, the panels will have an efficiency of 22.1 per cent. | |
| Temperature coefficient | -0.34%/°C | |
| Weight | 20.7kg |
As well as having good energy output, SunPower’s Maxeon 7 panels have a high efficiency rating of up to 24.1 per cent. These crack-resistant panels are ideal for homes near the coast, as they’re designed to withstand corrosion, especially from salty air.
Each SunPower Maxeon 7 solar panel works independently, which boosts the system’s power by about 50 per cent. This design means the system is typically only as strong as its weakest panel, so the entire system can be affected by a problem with a single panel. Maxeon 7 panels also have maximum power point tracking to monitor weather conditions and optimise each panels’ output.
Read our full SunPower solar panels review.
Top takeaways
Key specifications
| Price | Around £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. An output of 420W and above is standard for solar panels, so JA Solar’s 585W panel is certainly powerful – especially with its efficiency rating of up to 22.1 per cent. Even in low-light conditions, you can expect a healthy return of energy from these solar panels.
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 gives them an efficiency of around 17 per cent in year 30 | |
| Temperature coefficient | -0.36%/°C | |
| Weight | 21kg |
Suntech’s Ultra V series uses bigger silicon cells to capture more daylight, optimising power output even in shaded conditions and adverse weather. As well as performing well in lower temperatures, these panels can withstand wind and other harsh weather, including heavy snowfall.
The solar panels’ low-light performance allows them to 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: Approximately £188
Efficiency: 23.9 per cent
Warranty: 15-year product warranty and 30-year performance warranty
Power output: 615W
Degradation: 0.35 per cent annual degradation from year two to year 30
Temperature coefficient: -0.26%/°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.
While other panels can quickly lose their efficiency, this model maintains approximately 89 per cent (about 550W) of its initial capacity after decades. So, if you bought one of these panels today, by 2054, it might still be outperforming many new panels on the market. Unfortunately, its price has not been made public, making it difficult to compare costs with similar models.
Read our full Aiko 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 company 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
REC Alpha Pure-R panels stand out thanks to their advanced heterojunction solar cells technology which can absorb light from both sides of the panel, increasing energy production even in low light. These lead-free panels are framed with black aluminium. With a peak efficiency of 22.3 per cent, they boast a minimal annual degradation rate of only 0.25 per cent after the first year, which is 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 and 0.45 per cent in years 2 to 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.
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.
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
Want to maximise your investment as soon as possible?
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.
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.
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.
“The best 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.”
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.
