Our experts have researched a broad range of solar panels on the market to help you decide which option best suits your needs. While looking at different providers, we examined the cost of solar panels, as well as their efficiency, reliability and low-light performance. We also surveyed over 2,000 UK-based solar panel owners to find out how they felt about their choice of brand*; this guide only features solar brands who had a recommendation rate of 90 per cent or higher.

There are plenty of solar panels available on the market, but we determined which brands offered the best budget panel, the best sustainable choice, the best for small spaces, the most efficient solar panel and more. 

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Best solar panels at a glance

PanelOverall FMB score (out of 10)Durability score (out of 10)Performance score (out of 10)Customer satisfaction score (out of 10)Sustainability score (out of 10)
SunPower Maxeon 7DC 445W8.99.98.96.410.0
Project Solar Evo Max Super Series 480W8.29.77.39.00.0
AIKO ABC Neostar 3N54 495W7.47.09.96.00.0
Perlight PLM-435 DH8N 450W7.48.47.86.80.0
REC Alpha Pure RX Series 470W7.27.07.57.36.7
Suntech Ultra V Pro Mini 515W7.26.98.36.8 3.3
Jinko Solar Tiger Neo 72HL4-(V) 605W7.16.68.66.63.3
JA Solar JAM72S30 LR 585W6.45.17.27.06.7

How we choose the best solar panels

To select the solar panels we review, we look for the most efficient panel a provider offers that’s still suitable for residential use. We then score the panels on the following:

  • Durability: this includes the rate of degradation after 10 years, alongside the length of its product and performance warranties
  • Performance: this includes panel efficiency, its power to weight ratio, and power per square metre
  • Customer satisfaction: this is based on the results of our survey of more than 2,000 solar panel owners in the UK, and looks at expectations around energy production, cost savings, maintenance requirements and ongoing costs
  • Sustainability: this look as whether a provider’s panels are lead-free, if they use recycled materials in their panels, and if they recycle panels

All data is correct as of 23 September 2024. Our team regularly updates this list with newly-released, more efficient solar panels from selected manufacturers.

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The data used to power this calculator is sourced from various solar companies and industry bodies, including the UK government, Ofgem, and the Energy Saving Trust. Please note that costs are estimated and based on a UK average, and should not be taken as the exact price you would pay. If you’d like to get an accurate quote for solar panels, then you can use this form to get an estimate from providers near you.

Our pick of the best solar panels

Best for durability: SunPower Maxeon 7DC 445W

  • FMB score: 8.9 out of 10
  • Power output: 445W
  • Efficiency: 24.1 per cent
  • Temperature coefficient: -0.27 per cent per °C
  • Product warranty: 40 years
  • Performance warranty: 40 years
  • Customer satisfaction: 91.2 per cent
  • Price expectation: around £250 to £300 per panel
Pros
SunPower has the best durability score, thanks to a low degradation rate and above average warranty
SunPower is the only provider to score 10 out of 10 for sustainability
The Maxeon 7DC has a high efficiency rating of 24.1%
The Maxeon 7DC is the smallest and lightest panel we reviewed, making it the best for tight spaces
Cons
SunPower received the lowest satisfaction rating for energy production, according to our survey
The 40-year warranty requires registration, otherwise a 25-year warranty applies

Why is SunPower best for durability?

A low degradation rate (0.25 per cent annually after the first year), alongside long warranties (40 years for both product and performance if you register) means SunPower received the best durability score of the panels we reviewed. 

SunPower also claims that its panels are built with crack-resistant cells and reinforced corrections to protect against ‘fatigue and corrosion.’ 

A size of just 1.8 square metres and a weight of just 20.7kg make the SunPower Maxeon 7DC 445W the smallest and lightest panel on this list – perfect if you need to maximise the roof space you’ve got. 

Importantly, SunPower is the only panel provider we reviewed to receive 10 out of 10 for sustainability. This top mark means it recycles panels, uses recycled materials to produce new panels, and does not use lead in its production process.

Best for customer satisfaction: Project Solar Evo Max Super Series 480W

  • FMB score: 8.2 out of 10
  • Power output: 480W
  • Efficiency: 22.18 per cent
  • Temperature coefficient: -0.35 per cent per °C
  • Product warranty: Lifetime
  • Performance warranty: Lifetime
  • Customer satisfaction: 94.4 per cent
  • Price expectation: around £350 per panel
Pros
Project Solar has the highest customer satisfaction score, based on our survey results
Project Solar offers a lifetime product and performance warranties, making it unique among the providers we reviewed
Project Solar claims the Evo Super Max Series is optimised for low light
Cons
The Evo Super Max Series 480W has one of the lowest efficiency of the panels we reviewed
Project Solar scored 0 for sustainability in our assessment

Why is Project Solar best for customer satisfaction?

We asked over 2,000 solar panel customers to rate how their system had met their expectations in terms of energy production, cost savings, maintenance requirements and ongoing costs*. Project Solar topped three of the four categories, giving it the best customer satisfaction score of the providers we reviewed.

On top of that, the Project Solar Evo Max Super Series 480W comes with a lifetime product and performance warranties – in comparison, the industry average is around 20 years and 30 years respectively. And for homeowners concerned about the aesthetic of their solar panels, the Evo Max Super Series 480W has a sleek ultra-black design.

Project Solar also claims that this solar panel delivers optimal performance in low-light conditions – a concern for many UK homeowners due to the country’s famous lack of sunny weather.

In warmer temperatures, however, it might not perform as well; its temperature coefficient of -0.35 per cent is well above the -0.30 per cent average of the other panels we’ve reviewed. In other words, for every 1°C above 25 degrees, the Evo Max Super Series 480W loses 0.35 per cent in efficiency. This, combined with a lower than average overall efficiency rating of 22.18 per cent, means Project Solar is one of the weaker brands when it comes to efficiency.

Best for efficiency: AIKO ABC Neostar 3N54 495W

  • FMB score: 7.4 out of 10
  • Power output: 495W
  • Efficiency: 24.8 per cent
  • Temperature coefficient: -0.26 per cent per °C
  • Product warranty: 15 years
  • Performance warranty: 30 years
  • Customer satisfaction: 90.7 per cent
  • Price expectations: around £100 to £200 per panel
Pros
At 24.8 per cent, AIKO is the most efficient panel of the providers we looked at
Has the lowest degradation rate after 10 years of all the panels we reviewed
At just 21.0kg, the ABC Neostar 3N54 495W is one of the lightest panels on this list
Cons
AIKO scored 0 for sustainability in our assessment
AIKO has the lowest customer satisfaction rating of the providers reviewed

Why is AIKO best for efficiency?

There’s a simple reason why the AIKO ABC Neostar 3N54 495W is our most efficient solar panel: it has an efficiency rating of 24.8 per cent, 1.8 percentage points higher than the next best panel. It also performs well in warmer weather thanks to a below-average temperature coefficient of -0.26 per cent. 

The Neostar panels now feature partial shading optimisation, so if your roof isn’t always in full daylight – which might be the case if you live in semi-detached housing, or in a city with several buildings around yours – the panels will work harder to maintain their efficiency.

The ABC Neostar 3N54 is also the lightest panel we reviewed, and one of the smallest, giving it table-topping power-to-weight (23.6W per kilogram) and power-to-size (248W per square metre) ratios. 

That’s not the only area where the AIKO comes out in front. Our calculations put the ABC Neostar 3N54 at 4.15 per cent degradation after 10 years, better than the SunPower Maxeon 6AC and the REC Alpha Pure RX, both of which sit at 4.25 per cent.

Where AIKO falls down is its customer satisfaction and sustainability scores. At 90.7 per cent, it has the lowest customer satisfaction rating of the providers we feature. And like Project Solar, it fails to meet any of the environmental and ethical requirements we look for in our solar panels. 

How satisfied are customers of the best solar panel providers?

When we surveyed more than 2,000 solar panel owners, we asked them how their systems had met or exceeded their expectations. We then combined the “met expectations” and “exceeded expectations” responses to get an idea of customer satisfaction for each solar panel brand we review. You can see how each brand performed below:

Solar panel providerEnergy productionCost savingsMaintenance requirementsOngoing costs
AIKO92%92%87%91%
JA Solar91%92%92%93%
Jinko92%94%89%91%
Perlight93%91%91%90%
Project Solar97%95%92%94%
REC93%93%91%91%
SunPower90%92%92%91%
Suntech91%90%92%94%

The best of the rest

Perlight PLM-435 DH8N 450W

  • FMB score: 7.4 out of 10
  • Power output: 450W
  • Efficiency: 23.0 per cent
  • Temperature coefficient: -0.30 per cent per °C
  • Product warranty: 30 years 
  • Performance warranty: 30 years
  • Customer satisfaction: 91.7 per cent
  • Price expectations: around £100 to £200 per panel
Pros
Perlight offers performance and product warranties of 30 years
Perlight’s panel only suffers 1.0 per cent degradation in its first year
The PLM-435 DH8N 450W has a size of just 2 square metres
Cons
Perlight scored 0 for sustainability in our assessment

While it doesn’t stand out in any particular field, the Perlight PLM-435 DH8N 450W is a solid solar panel option. The provider offers 30 year warranties for both product and performance, which is above average. At only 2 square metres, it is one of the smaller panels we reviewed. An efficiency rating of 23.0 per cent is nothing to be sniffed at, nor is a first year degradation rate of 1.0 per cent. 

However, Perlight is also one of the panels to score 0 for sustainability in our assessment. 

REC Alpha Pure RX Series 470W 

  • FMB score: 7.2 out of 10
  • Power output: 470W
  • Efficiency: 22.6 per cent
  • Temperature coefficient: -0.24 per cent per °C
  • Product warranty: 20 years
  • Performance warranty: 25 years
  • Customer satisfaction: 92.3 per cent
  • Price expectations: around £150 to £400 per panel
Pros
Second highest customer satisfaction score
Shade-resistant technology
Gapless cell layout to increase the active area of your solar panels
Cons
Alongside JA Solar, REC has the shortest performance warranty
At 22.6 per cent, REC has one of the lowest efficiency ratings

Where REC shines is its customer satisfaction. At 92.3 per cent, only Project Solar beats REC, which scored particularly well when we asked solar panel owners about their satisfaction with the brand’s cost savings and energy production. 

And if you live in the warmer parts of the UK, REC might be the brand for you; at -0.24 per cent per °C, it has the lowest temperature coefficient of the panels we’ve reviewed. 

You can also increase your product warranty to 25 years, the same length as the labour warranty, if you use a REC certified solar installer who then registers your panels with the provider.

Suntech Ultra V Pro Mini 515W

  • FMB score: 7.2 out of 10
  • Power output: 515W
  • Efficiency: 23.2 per cent
  • Temperature coefficient: -0.29 per cent per °C
  • Product warranty: 15 years
  • Performance warranty: 30 years
  • Customer satisfaction: 91.7 per cent
  • Price expectations: around £100 to £200 per panel
Pros
Suntech has a low first year degradation rate of 1 per cent, followed by 0.40 per cent annually
Suntech has the joint highest customer satisfaction scores for maintenance requirements and ongoing costs, according to our survey
Robust efficiency rating of 23.2 per cent
Cons
Despite having ‘Mini’ in its name, there are smaller panels on this list if you are tight for space

There’s a lot to recommend with Suntech. It has a good efficiency rating of 23.2 per cent, very positive customer satisfaction ratings for maintenance requirements and ongoing costs, and a solid degradation rate. 

However, it’s let down by a relatively short product warranty of 15 years,  and a lacklustre sustainability rating of 3.3 out of 10. Suntech solar panel owners were also the least satisfied by their cost savings, according to our survey, with 90 per cent of customers saying it met or exceeded their expectations compared to an average satisfaction rating of 92 per cent. 

Jinko Solar Tiger Neo 72HL4-(V) 605W

  • FMB score: 7.1 out of 10
  • Power output: 605W
  • Efficiency: 23.4 per cent
  • Temperature coefficient: -0.29 per cent per °C
  • Product warranty: 12 years
  • Performance warranty: 30 years
  • Customer satisfaction: 91.5 per cent
  • Price expectations: around £100 to £200 per panel
Pros
Very strong efficiency rating of 23.4 per cent
Highest power output of the panels on this list (605W)
Cons
Jinko Solar only offers a product warranty of 12 years
The Tiger Neo is the joint-biggest panel, alongside JA Solar

The Jinko Solar Tiger Neo 72HL4’s standout feature is its power output of 605W. That means you’ll likely require fewer panels on your roof in order for your solar panel system to meet your needs. This is especially true when you combine Jinko’s power output with a strong efficiency rating of 23.4 per cent. 

While all solar panels are technically a sustainable choice, as they reduce or completely eliminate your household’s reliance on non-renewable energy, some panels remain better for the environment than others. Jinko Solar commits to the RE100 and EP100 initiatives, meaning it pledges to use 100 per cent renewable energy for global operations by 2025, proving the company’s dedication to sustainability.

The downsides to the Jinko Solar Tiger Neo is that it comes with a below-average product warranty of just 12 years, and a larger physical footprint of 2.6 square metres.

JA Solar JAM72S30 LR 585W

  • FMB score: 6.4 out of 10
  • Power output: 585W
  • Efficiency: 22.1 per cent
  • Temperature coefficient: -0.35 per cent per °C
  • Product warranty: 12 years
  • Performance warranty: 25 years
  • Customer satisfaction: 91.9 per cent
  • Price expectations: around £100 to £150 per panel
Pros
JA Solar recycles panels, and uses recycled materials in its panels
JA Solar has the second highest power output, after Jinko Solar
JA Solar has the worst 10-year degradation rate of the panels we reviewed
Cons
The JAM72S30 is the least efficient solar panel we’ve reviewed.
JA Solar has a product warranty of just 12 years, and the joint-lowest performance warranty
JA Solar has the worst 10-year degradation rate of the panels we reviewed

A power output of 585W means you’ll need fewer JA Solar panels than competitors’. However, it is also the least efficient panel on our list. It’s also the heaviest panel, and the joint-biggest, so you’ll need to check you’ve got the space and structural integrity required if you want to benefit from JA Solar’s higher power output. 

How to determine the best solar panel for you

To find the best solar panels to suit your home, you’ll need to first figure out how mThe first step is to consider how much power you need your solar panels to generate. You can look at your latest energy bill to find your household’s average daily energy consumption, which will guide you as to how much solar energy you need. This will vary, but a solar panel generates an average of 2kWh of energy per day.

Once you know the size of the solar panel system you need, ask yourself: 

  • Do I have enough roof space for the solar panels I want?
  • Is my roof often in the shade?
  • What matters most to me in a solar panel? 

To help you make your decision, we’ve compiled the top five most important factors when it comes to choosing a solar panel provider, according to our survey respondents:

How do I get solar panels for my home?

Once you’ve figured out the best solar panels for your needs, you’ll need to think about how to source them and what’s involved in the installation process. We’ve broken down this key information below.

Who can I buy solar panels from?

With over 2,000 solar panel providers nationwide, it can be hard to decide on the best one for you. To help you choose, we’ve reviewed several of the best solar installers in the UK

For each of the companies, we’ve considered factors such as cost, reliability, certifications and accreditations (always choose an installer with Microgeneration Certification Scheme accreditation) and the installation warranty offered. Although a DIY installation is possible, due to risks to the quality of the work as well as to your own health and safety, we would never recommend it.

How do I get the best deal on solar panels?

To secure the best deal on solar panels:

  • use our free form to compare quotes from several reputable providers;
  • consider the efficiency, specifications and warranties of different panels;
  • opt for a comprehensive assessment from installers to determine the best system size and configuration for your household needs;
  • take advantage of government incentives, such as solar panel grants, schemes, tax credits and rebates, which can significantly reduce the upfront cost; and
  • check online reviews and ratings to ensure your chosen installer has proven expertise.

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The FMB’s guide to the factors that matter

row of houses in the uk with solar panels on their roofs

We conducted extensive research to choose the best solar panels in the UK, guaranteeing high quality and adherence to superior industry standards. We also consulted industry experts, analysed numerous online reviews, our own survey results, and studied the technical specifications of each solar panel.

Below are some of the most important factors to look at when you’re choosing your solar panels:

Panel efficiency

A solar panel’s efficiency describes how well a panel can capture and convert daylight into usable electricity. Domestic panels typically achieve an efficiency of 16 to 20 per cent. All solar panels naturally suffer from some degradation over their lifespan; the degradation rate is usually between 1 and 2 per cent in the first year, and gets lower in subsequent years.

Cost

The total cost of a solar panel system − and the amount of money you can save on your electricity bill − varies according to:

  • your roof’s size;
  • your location in the UK; and
  • the number of panels and the power output you need to meet your energy needs.

Though you should expect to pay a little higher for the best solar panels, opting for panels that will last for several years without waning efficiency means that the return on your investment will be worthwhile. Installing solar panels is a significant cost, but when it comes to deciding on the right panels, the price isn’t necessarily the most important factor. You should also consider the elements we’ve laid out above, including warranties, reliability and power output.

Power output

A panel’s power output – measured by its PMax – represents the amount of energy it can supply to your home in optimal conditions. With greater power, you can reduce your reliance on grid-supplied electricity or even eliminate your dependence completely.

Warranties

Image displays text reading "Performance vs. product warranty"

Product warranty

Manufacturers offer product warranties that indicate the durability and quality of their panels. This is a critical factor in our evaluations, as it highlights the manufacturer’s confidence in its product and gives the homeowner a sense of security.

Performance warranty

Solar panels naturally degrade over time. Typically, there is a 1-2 per cent efficiency loss during the first year, followed by an annual degradation rate of about 0.2-0.7 per cent. A performance warranty guarantees that the panels will perform as expected.

Durability

We assessed durability by looking at the degradation a solar panel provider says can be expected in the first year, as well as the degradation rate expected per year following that first year. Through this, we calculate the expected degradation rate after 10 years of solar panel ownership. 

Company reputation and customer satisfaction

As with any purchase, make sure to check the reputation of any company you’re considering. In our research, we combed through several product and company reviews and have only included brands that are known for their reliable products and sound customer service. We then surveyed more than 2,000 solar panel owners to gauge how they feel about their panel provider. 

Sustainable credentials

As solar panels are a green, renewable energy source, it makes sense to research manufacturers’ environmental policies and ethics. Not all companies use recycled materials in their production process, though most solar brands have announced initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint during production. Ideally, look out for companies that don’t use lead or fluoride in their solar panel production. 

How to get the best solar panels with the FMB

  1. Request a quote: fill in our free quote form below. You’ll need to answer a few questions about the size of your home and the angle and shading of your roof.
  2. Wait for an installer: we’ll put you in contact with one of our installers. The installer will recommend the right size of system and the best solar panels for your household.
  3. Arrange an installation: once you’re happy with your quote, you can arrange an installation and start saving money on your energy bills.
Get free solar panels quotes
Discover how much solar panels would cost for your home by answering a few questions.

*Survey conducted by the Federation of Master Builders, 2,004 respondents, June 2024.

Best solar panels FAQs

The field of solar technology is continuously evolving, with numerous advancements aiming to increase panel efficiency and reduce costs. One of the best options on the market now is the SunPower Maxeon 7DC 445W solar panel. This panel represents a significant leap forward in solar energy advancements, incorporating sophisticated engineering to achieve higher energy conversion efficiencies.

In addition to lowering your energy bills, solar panels may add value to your house should you decide to sell it in the future. According to Admiral Money, installing a solar panel system could add up to 25 per cent to the value of your home. 

While the process of getting a quote and installing solar panels doesn’t generally differ from installer to installer, the quality of the panels varies across brands. Most panels have different degradation rates, power outputs, efficiencies, temperature coefficients and, of course, costs; these factors will affect your system’s lifespan, so it’s important to thoroughly research brands and their panels.

Written by Hannah Holway

Writer

Hannah Holway is a writer with several years of experience writing about everything from home tech to films.

Her previous experience includes heading up the social media channels for Wonderland in 2019, before joining New York Magazine’s The Strategist UK and researching consumer trends. She interviewed a range of professionals in the interior design space, as well as trend forecasters and shopping experts.

Following this, Hannah was the UK Shopping Writer for Woman and Home Digital, writing buying guides, reviews and other features; she oversaw all of the site’s shopping content and focused in particular on homes and lifestyle writing and editing.

Hannah has also been a Contributing Editor for Rollacoaster and Man About Town, and has seven years of experience in freelance cultural criticism.

Contributions by Connor Campbell

Senior Writer

Connor Campbell is an experienced personal finance writer who has been producing online content for 10 years.

Throughout his career, Connor has strived to demystify complex topics to help consumers make the best decisions, whether that’s what solar panel to pick, how to get cheaper car insurance, or which business bank account to open. 

He has written extensively on a number of personal finance topics for Independent Advisor, NerdWallet, and Spreadex, and has been quoted in a range of publications, including The Guardian, BBC, Evening Standard, Daily Express and The Mirror.

Edited by Amy Reeves

Editor

Amy is our production editor, dedicated to fact-checking and prioritising accuracy and expertise. She is passionate about encouraging consumers and homeowners towards investing in their homes and creating a greener environment.

After graduating from The University of Leicester with a degree in English in 2016, Amy worked for Thompson Reuters before joining Future plc as Assistant Editor at Homebuilding & Renovating. During her five-years in this role, she interviewed hundreds of architects, industry experts, self-builders and home-improvers on topics ranging from renewable technology and home insulation to kitchen design and DIY advice. Her work has been published in Period Living, Real Homes, Homes and Gardens and 25 Beautiful Homes.

In her spare time, Amy can normally be found with a hammer or paint brush in her hand; she completed a whole-house renovation in 2022 and is about to embark on a eco-retrofit project to her cottage in Somerset.