How quickly do solar panels pay for themselves?

It used to take a considerable amount of time for solar panels to pay back, but luckily that time has decreased considerably. You can now expect solar panels to pay back within five to seven years. But the exact time it takes for them to pay back will depend on your initial installation cost, electricity consumption, house’s location and whether you sell solar back to the gird.

Do solar panels increase the value of your home?

With everyone looking to be more energy efficient, and reducing household bills, solar panels are a good way to make your home more attractive to potential purchasers. A solar panel system can add more than 4% to the value of your home according to research carried out by Zillow.

Which solar panel is best for home use?

This depends on your roof size, geographic location, and budget. We would recommend the Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 as the best all-round option, as well as the SunPower Maxeon 3, which has fantastic efficiency, and the REC Alpha Pure Series 410W,which has great output.

How much does it cost to install solar panels in UK?

The electrical needs of the average UK household are fulfilled by a 4 kW solar panel system. Depending on roof access and location, this would cost between £600 and £1,000 to install; larger systems will take longer to set up. Installing solar panels is usually a job for two people.

Can I run my house on solar power only in the UK?

If your solar panel system generates enough electricity for your household’s requirements by working at maximum efficiency, solar can be your only source of energy. However, there are so many variables to consider, such as cloudy days or an increased drain on your electrical output, you may need to take energy from the National Grid.

How long do solar panels last?

Once your solar panels reach around 30 years old, you may find their efficiency may start to wane, although most modern panels claim to still generate 85-90% of their output potential after that point. With warranties that generally last for 20-25 years, manufacturers often guarantee a performance of 80% or more within that period With correct care, you could find your panels are still working efficiently after 40 years.

Do solar panels work at night?

Due to their need to harness energy from the sun, solar panels cannot generate electricity at night. A battery is necessary in order to use energy during those hours. With the ability to store any electricity that’s produced during the day, a battery could be a wise investment.

Is it worth getting a battery with solar?

To maximise your savings, you want to use as much of your ‘free’ generated power as possible. However, there are going to be days when your system generates more energy than you need. Rather than wasting it, a battery can store any excess electricity for later use. This boosts your panels’ ability to save you money. It also allows you to sell surplus energy back to the National Grid. Solar batteries, however, can prove pricey at between £1,200 and £6,000 depending on capacity, and composition. With a life span of typically around 15 years – around half that of solar panels, you’ll need to budget for a replacement when your existing battery’s storage capacity begins to decrease.

Sharp Sunsnap ND F2Q235 solar panel review

Get a Quote on Your Solar Installation in 60 Seconds

The average home can save £1,190 every year with solar panels!

Please enter a valid UK postcode.

Sharp has been a trusted name in the solar panels industry for several decades and has made a name for itself by producing highly efficient solar PV panels. However, in the last few years, several solar companies have overtaken Sharp in terms of solar panels prices and performance. So, let’s find out if Sharp still manufactures some of the best solar panels in the market today.

Sharp still remains popular with homeowners who trust its good name and love the look of the discreet black solar panels. As such, the Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 is one of the best-selling solar panels in the world.

The rail-free mounting system means that panels can sit flush with the roof, blending in seamlessly. The 60-cell panel design Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 delivers 14.4% and 235-watt production and comes with a 25-year warranty.

If aesthetics matter more to you than performance, Sharp is an excellent option.

Get Free Solar Panels Quotes

Technical information

Sharp uses monocrystalline silicon solar cells with half-cells and advanced wiring that ensure its solar panels produce energy even if half the panel is shaded. The Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 uses a rail-free mounting system which enables these sleek solar panels to sit flush with your roof, blending in seamlessly.

Range: 325W
Efficiency: 14.4%
Warranty: 25-year guarantee
Cost per panel: from £300 (excluding installation)

Key features

Highlights: Durable monocrystalline panels will last long past their 25-year warranty expires.

Key benefit: A discreet, low-profile, rail-free mounting system allows the panels to blend in against the roof.

Service: Sharp has a network of installers in the UK and other parts of Europe.

Warranty: A standard warranty of 25 years is available with all Sharp solar panels.

Cost: At £300 per panel, the Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 is affordable but not the cheapest on the market by any means.

Pros and cons

A solar panel system is an expensive investment for any homeowner, which is why it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons carefully. The Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 offers several attractive benefits, including:

Appearance: The Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 offer attractive, low-profile and discreet solar panels due to the use of rail-free mounting.
Durability: Sharp solar panels were built to withstand potential-induced degradation, as per the warranty offered by Sharp. Panels are coated to protect them from rust and salt corrosion, making the Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 a solid option for coastal homes.
Suitable for all weathers: Sharp coats its solar cells with an anti-reflection coating to increase the absorption of light in cloudy areas.
A heritage brand with a stellar reputation: Sharp has been in the business for more than 100 years, providing great customer support across the UK and Europe.

However, there are a few disadvantages to the Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 that should be taken into account:

Cost: At £300 per panel, the Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 is expensive compared to similar solar panels.
Efficiency: The Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 is not the most powerful on the market, with only 14.4% efficiency.
Loss of power: Degradation is quite high for the Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235. The output will drop by 4% in the first year, followed by an annual reduction of 0.667% in power thereafter.

How the Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 solar panel works

Sharp solar panels are flexible and light (image credit: Sharp)

Sharp uses monocrystalline cells and thin-film panels to create their residential use solar modules. These film modules consist of two glass layers laminated with a vapour barrier. They are highly flexible and can be installed in either portrait or landscape.

Efficiency could be better, but the Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 solar panels are easy to install and highly wind-resistant. This makes them suitable for homes in areas that may experience adverse weather conditions.

Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 add-ons

The Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 doesn’t come with specific add-ons, but your local installer will be able to make recommendations for water cylinders, car chargers or storage systems that are compatible with your solar panels.

How does the Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 solar panel compare to other solar panels?

As we’ve mentioned, several brands have surpassed Sharp in terms of performance and even warranties. This table is a quick overview of how Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 solar panel compares to other brands on the market.

Solar panel brand	Efficiency	Solar panel output	Warranty
Sharp Sunsnap ND F2Q235	14.40%	325W	25 years
Sunpower Maxeon	22.80%	400W	40 years
Project Solar Evolution Ultramax	19.34%	345W	Lifetime
Panasonic HIT N 245W	19.40%	245W	25 years

The SunPower Maxeon 3 is a good option. It’s one of the highest-efficiency solar panels on the market and comes with a generous 40-year warranty. The warranty even guarantees a power output of 88.3% in the 40th year, which means your solar panels will only degrade by 0.25% every year.

If flexibility is what drew you to the Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 solar panels, you should also take a look at the Panasonic HIT N 245W. With outputs of 245W and a compact size of 160cm x 80cm, it’s highly adaptable and can be mounted in landscape or portrait. It has the Sharp firmly beaten in terms of efficiency, with 19.4% maximum efficiency. It has the attractive, low-profile look that many people enjoy.

If you are interested in a lengthy warranty, you might want to consider the Project Solar Evolution Ultramax. With an output of 345W and a lifetime product and performance warranty, Project Solar UK is aggressively pursuing residential solar customers. Each installation is overseen by its own project manager, and if you refer a friend who completes an installation, you’ll be rewarded with a £7,500 cash incentive.

sharp solar panels installed on a house roof

Sharp has been producing solar panels for 10 years (image credit: Sharp)

What does the Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 cost?

The Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 is one of the pricier models on the market, considering its lower efficiencies. Here’s how it compares to other solar panels:

Name	Output	Cost per panel
SunPower Maxeon 3	400W	From £350
Sharp Sunsnap ND-FQ235	235W	From £300
Panasonic HIT N 245W	245W	From £250

Maintaining Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 solar panels

Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 solar panels don’t require a good deal of maintenance. If your solar panels become obscured by dirt, debris or dust, they can be cleaned from the ground with a hose. It can also be cleaned with a soft cloth or sponge and water, although no chemical cleaners can be used.

Sharp produces high-efficiency solar panels (image credit: Sharp)

What the professionals say

“Sharp’s thin-film modules are made of two glass layers laminated with a vapour barrier. Their thin-film modules can be installed either in portrait or landscape, making them more flexible in terms of positioning. Efficiency-wise, Sharp’s thin-film panels are the best in the industry. Their efficiency leaves something to be desired, with rates of up to a mere 9.6%. Their depth of 6.7mm, however, makes them super-slim, attractive, easy to install and wind-resistant.”

Solar Kobo review

“Sharp is another long-standing brand in the solar and consumer electronics markets, and this reputation coupled with its 25-year warranty makes it a safe bet. You know what you’re getting with Sharp, and its discreet, rail-free mounting system is perfect for anyone in an urban area – and those living in a listed home or in a neighbourhood with strict home aesthetic requirements. However, at 235W of maximum power output and 14.4% efficiency, it’s one of the least powerful and efficient options on our list. You will get value out of it, but if a discreet solar panel installation isn’t vital for you, it is worth considering other options.”

EcoWatch, The 5 Best Solar Panels in the UK review

Customer reviews

“I am slowly building a solar backup system. I made no mistake in ordering these panels. They are very good, and they came to me in a special delivery truck with no other items in the back. Outstanding.”

Amazon.com review

“Require annual cleaning to maintain peak performance.”

Heather, Solar Quotes

“No one tells you about the need to get up and clean bird poo and other things that stick to the panel surface to maintain efficiency.”

Stephen, Solar Quotes

Solar Panels FAQs

Our methodology

A solar panel system is a considerable investment, which is why we took great care in compiling this review. We read hundreds of online customer reviews, technical documents, professional opinions and media articles to form this review. We rated Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 out of a total of 100 points, based on criteria that homeowners would take into account when evaluating their solar panel providers.

During our research, the total score was comprised of:

The power rating of the solar panel for a total score of 10 points;
The efficiency of the solar panel for a total score of 15 points;
The pricing of the solar panel per panel for a total score of 10 points;
The length of the warranty for a total score of 10 points;
The level of service and support for a total score of 5 points;
Durability of the solar panel for a total score of 15 points;
The design of the panel for a total score of 5 points;
The overall performance of the solar panel for a total score of 15; and
Online ratings and reviews for a total score of 15 points.

More about solar panels

Read our guide to the best solar panels in the UK in 2022 or learn about how solar panels work. You can also find out if the economics add up for you in our guide which asks: are solar panels worth it?

Get Free Solar Panels Quotes