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Our experts have conducted comprehensive tests, thorough analysis and in-depth comparisons to write our solar panel reviews.
There is a wide variety of solar panels available on the market, but the difficulty in choosing which to review lies in the fact that in most cases, solar panel installers decide which panels they provide for you. Most solar panel companies work with a handful of panels they deem the best for their customers’ needs and give you a choice of 2 to 3 models.
Many panels you see for sale online are either not intended for domestic purposes, reserved for DIY projects such as off-grid housing or campervan conversions, or simply not offered by mainstream providers in the UK.
As such, we thought our best solar panels guide would be most reflective of the UK market if it assessed, scored and ranked the solar panels actually offered by solar installers in the UK. This means that the panels you will see recommended are not necessarily the latest or most powerful models from each brand, but the ones we know you may be offered if you decide to switch to solar.
To do this, we are in touch with local and national solar installers who inform us of all the solar panel brands and models they work with, and crucially update us of any changes. From there, we put each panel through our rigorous assessment process, outlined below.
We assess 8 factors that we consider of paramount importance in our reviews of the best solar panels, with the rating and our ultimate recommendation resting on their performance.
These factors include:
As efficiency is the most crucial factor when it comes to solar panel quality, we’ve weighted it higher than other factors to make up our FMB rating.
We think the critical determinants of a solar panel’s quality are as follows.
The energy efficiency of solar panels is a critical aspect due to its direct correlation with the amount of electricity generated. A solar panel’s efficiency measures its capacity to convert sunlight into usable power. Therefore, a more-efficient solar panel will produce more electricity from the same quantity of sunlight, leading to higher energy output.
When assessing a solar energy system, the efficiency of solar panels is an indispensable aspect for our experts to consider, so we weighted it higher than other criteria.
Solar panels’ efficiency, durability, cost, and environmental footprint are directly dictated by the materials used in their construction.
Silicon is the most frequently employed material, renowned for its superb semiconducting abilities. The main types of solar panels include monocrystalline silicon cells, known for their high efficiency, albeit at a higher price, and polycrystalline silicon cells, which offer lower efficiency but come at a more affordable cost.
It’s also essential that the materials chosen for the panel’s assembly, such as the glass, frame and backing, are sturdy and long-lasting.
The environmental implications of the manufacturing materials are also factored into our considerations. Certain panels employ materials that could pose environmental hazards, if not managed appropriately. For example, thin-film solar panels typically incorporate a minor quantity of cadmium, a poisonous heavy metal. Manufacturers must manage and dispose of these substances securely to minimise environmental damage.
Solar panels’ durability and build quality play a critical role in their evaluation due to the long-term nature of the investment. Panels are expected to last 25 to 30 years, or even longer. Their ability to endure over time and maintain efficient electricity production throughout their lifespan is a key performance indicator.
In addition, the panels are exposed to various weather conditions and high-quality, durable panels are more capable of withstanding these elements without compromising their performance. This durability results in fewer repairs or replacements over time, which contributes to the overall cost-effectiveness of the solar energy system.
Furthermore, panels with superior build quality tend to have better resistance to potential physical impacts such as hail or falling branches. This resilience safeguards the operational functionality and extends the lifetime of the solar panels.
The cost of solar panels is a significant factor when assessing them, given that it directly influences the return on investment. Solar panels are a considerable expenditure and understanding their cost is essential for making an informed decision.
When evaluating the cost, it’s not just about the upfront price of the panels themselves but also the associated installation expenses, potential maintenance costs, and the panels’ lifespan. A less expensive panel may seem appealing initially, but it could be more costly over time if it requires more frequent maintenance or replacement.
The warranty of solar panels is a crucial aspect to consider during their assessment due to the protection and peace of mind it offers consumers. Solar panels are a significant outlay and a robust warranty safeguards this investment against unforeseen issues.
The length and terms of the warranty reflect the manufacturer’s confidence in the durability and longevity of their product. A longer warranty period indicates the manufacturer’s belief that the panels will perform well for an extended time.
There are typically two types of warranties for solar panels – the product warranty and the performance warranty. The product warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship, while the performance warranty guarantees that the panels will produce a certain percentage of their rated power over a specified period.
Considering the warranty of solar panels during their assessment not only provides a measure of the product’s quality and reliability but also adds a layer of financial security for the homeowner.
