Compare solar panels in the UK

Before we start comparing your options, let’s dig deeper into solar panels — sometimes called photovoltaics — and what they are. Put simply, solar panels allow you to convert the energy from the sun into electricity. You can use this electricity to power your home or, if you generate a surplus, you can sell it to a company. Another option is to store it in solar panel batteries and use these to provide an extra boost of electricity during periods of low light.

Solar energy is also renewable, which makes it a green source of power for your home. And with well-made solar panels working for more than 25 years, they can be highly cost-efficient too. Your solar panels likely won’t operate at full capacity the whole time, but you can still see a reduction in your energy bills decades after installation.

Looking for solar panels in Ireland? Head over to our separate guide for all you need to know about solar power in Ireland.

With solar panels being a relatively new concept for many homeowners, choosing the right type can feel a little challenging. But it doesn’t have to be. Let’s look at your options — there are three main types of solar panels available in the UK.

Monocrystalline

First, we have monocrystalline solar panels, which are made up of a single piece of silicone. Their construction gives them an iconic black colour and sleek aesthetic. When compared with their counterparts, monocrystalline cells can convert more solar energy with fewer panels and less space. This means they’re generally the most efficient type of solar panel. In terms of cost, however, they’re also the most expensive to install.

Best for: Monocrystalline solar panels are perfect for properties with limited space, offering high efficiency and a sleek look that appeals to homeowners concerned with aesthetics and energy maximisation.

Next up is polycrystalline solar panels, which are constructed from multiple silicon crystals melted together. This format gives them a distinctive blue hue.

Polycrystalline solar panels still convert solar energy efficiently, but you might need more panels and roof coverage to generate the same amount of electricity as with monocrystalline. This is changing, however, with polycrystalline technology coming a long way. These panels are now among the most popular for homes and are also becoming cheaper.

Best for: Polycrystalline solar panels are cost-effective and suitable for larger spaces, making them a practical choice for residential and commercial properties looking to adopt solar energy on a budget.

The third type is thin-film panels. These are often the most affordable option but they require more space to generate a reasonable amount of electricity. It’s not a hard and fast rule but they also tend to have shorter lifespans than monocrystalline and polycrystalline alternatives. Thin-film solar panels are, however, the most flexible option, making them useful for curved rooftops.

Best for: Thin-film solar panels are versatile and lightweight, ideal for unconventional surfaces and temporary installations, catering to a variety of property types including commercial buildings with weight restrictions.

Unless you have a strong preference for the type of solar panels you want for your home, it’s worth asking your chosen installer for advice on which solar panels are best for your requirements. They’ll be able to suggest the most suitable solar panels based on your specific needs, such as your budget and your roof space.

Now we’ve had an overview of the types of solar panels available, let’s look more closely at how they work, their pros and cons, and how solar panel batteries fit into the equation.

How do solar panels work?

Without getting too technical, solar panels work because of photovoltaic cells. These are responsible for absorbing and converting energy from the sun into an electric current.

This process varies slightly across the different types of solar panels we’ve looked at — monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin film — which is why their efficiency ratings differ.

Once your solar panels are fitted on your roof they’ll be connected to an inverter, which is usually kept inside the house. This is what allows you to use the electricity generated throughout your property.

Your solar panels might be out of sight but they won’t be out of mind. You’ll be able to see how much energy they’re creating by checking a display on your inverter or by connecting them to a smart meter.

Installing solar panels is a big job, so it’s vital that you know it’s the right choice for your home. Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of solar panels is key in making your decision.

Solar panel benefits

First, let’s look at why you should consider solar panels.

• Self-sufficient energy supply: The major benefit of installing solar panels on your home in the UK is that you can generate your own energy. As the sun shines above your property, your solar panels will get to work to convert light into electricity for your home.

• Affordable energy generation: What’s more, your initial solar panel installation costs will be the largest fee you pay. Following this, you may choose to pay for maintenance and cleaning services when needed, but this shouldn’t set you back too much.

• Return on investment: Alongside being a low-maintenance addition to your home, solar panels could also help you save money on your monthly electricity bills. The rising cost of energy is a huge conversation in the UK currently, so it’s no surprise that generating your own electricity (and paying a company less each month) is appealing to many. You might also decide to sell your surplus electricity back to the National Grid. To do this, you can apply for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). Once you’re set up, you can start making back some of the money you spent on your initial investment.

• An eco-friendly choice: Another advantage of solar panels is that they’re considered to be a relatively eco-friendly way of generating energy. This is largely down to the fact that solar energy is renewable — we’re not going to run out of it any time soon! Generating electricity from solar power is also much less harmful than using fossil fuels.

We mentioned that solar panel batteries can help work around the fact that solar panels need daylight to produce electricity. They allow you to store electricity for later, rather than wasting any that you don’t use straight away. With a battery, you can store the electricity your panels generate during the day to use in the evening and throughout the night.

Solar panel batteries are another big investment, so you’ll need to do some research to find an option that suits your budget.

When considering the efficiency of solar panels in comparison to traditional energy sources like gas, oil, and other fossil fuels, it's important to look beyond the immediate output to understand the broader benefits.

Solar panels typically have an efficiency rate between 15% and 22%. While this might seem modest compared to the high-efficiency rates boasted by fossil fuel systems, the story doesn’t end there. Solar energy shines when you consider its clean, renewable nature and the long-term financial savings it offers.

What’s more, unlike fossil fuels, which produce harmful emissions and require extensive processes to extract and transport, solar panels offer a green alternative. They harness the sun's abundant power, providing a sustainable solution with a minimal environmental footprint.

But what about other renewable energy sources? How do solar panels compare to heat pumps, for instance? Both ground-source and air-source heat pumps are growing in popularity, and while they are effective, solar panels edge out in terms of maintenance and versatility. They’re simpler to install across a wide range of properties, making solar panels a practical choice for many.

It’s worth noting, however, that you also have the option to combine solar panels with a heat pump to get the best of both worlds. This combination offers a practical and versatile approach to energy independence, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources and fostering a greener future.

We recognise that solar panels involve a significant upfront cost. However, they can also offer a huge return on your investment in several key ways. Let’s take a look at how solar panels can save you money in the long run and how these savings may vary depending on your unique circumstances

Financial savings after installation

According to MoneySavingExpert, an average household with a 3.5 kilowatt-peak system can save between  £135 and £360 on their energy bills each year.

This means most UK households with solar panels will break even on their investment in about 14 and a half years. This might seem lengthy, but when you consider how solar panels can also add 25% to your property value, the scales tip further in favour of the investment.

Of course, the exact energy bill savings you can expect depend on your property and the number of solar panels, your household’s energy consumption, and whether or not you have a solar panel battery. Your location will also have an effect, as some parts of the UK benefit from more direct sunlight than others.

As an example, if you live in London, you could save between £150 and £360 on your annual energy bills — or even more if you make use of the SEG, as we’ll go on to explain.

Did you know you can shorten that payback period by selling energy back to the National Grid, too? Through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), you can sell surplus energy produced by your solar panels. This process allows many households to break even on their solar panels in around 12 years.  

Let’s look at some figures. According to the Energy Savings Trust, a household in London could save up to £630 per year by making the most of the Smart Export Guarantee. Meanwhile, homeowners in Aberystwyth, in west Wales could save up to £580, and those in Manchester could see savings of up to £565.

The Smart Export Guarantee is just one of several grants available to help more households embrace solar energy. We recommend having a look at our Guide to Solar Panel Grants for more in-depth information, but here’s an overview of a couple of the best options available.

• ECO4: the Energy Company Obligation Scheme is in its fourth phase and offers low-income households financial support to help cover the cost of solar panel installations. Eligible households in England, Wales, and Scotland can get the cost of their solar panels fully or partially covered. 

  
  

This scheme is set to run until the end of March 2026 — learn more on our ECO4 page or check your eligibility through Ofgem

• 0% VAT: Under the Value Added Tax (Installation of Energy-Saving Materials) Order 2024, households — and some charitable businesses — won’t need to pay VAT on solar panel installation. This tax relief came into play in February 2024 and is set to run until the end of March 2027.

  
  

From April 2027, VAT will be reinstated, but at 5%, a lower rate than before.

Saving solar power for dark winter days

We’ve looked at how you can earn money by selling your solar energy back to the National Grid, but that’s not your only option. With a solar panel battery, you can also save it for a rainy day — quite literally. 

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need direct sunlight to power solar panels — ambient light is plenty. In fact, solar panels are, on average, 15-20% efficient in the UK, which is the same as hotter countries around the world. Bear in mind that, as we mentioned above, some areas in the UK do get more sunlight than others. 

However, as you can imagine, longer daylight hours and higher levels of sunshine mean most UK properties harness more solar energy in spring and summer. Despite this, solar panels can still cover up to 51% of your home’s energy usage in the winter.

With a solar panel battery, you can store any excess energy generated in the summer to power your home even more in the winter months.

We recommend hiring a professional for your solar panel maintenance needs. However, if you’re taking the DIY approach to maintaining your solar panels, here’s what you need to know.

How to clean your solar panels in the UK

It’s a good idea to clean your solar panels at least once a year to ensure no dirt or debris is stopping them from working properly. You can hire someone to take care of this for you, which is much easier and safer.

However, you can also clean your solar panels yourself. You’ll need a soft cloth or a non-abrasive sponge with an extended handle that allows you to wipe the panels without climbing a ladder. Don’t scrub too hard or use chemicals, as you could damage the glass. You also need to turn off the whole system before you begin.

The benefit of having solar panels in the UK is that heavy rainfall means you won’t need to clean them all that often! Once or twice a year should be fine, but you might need to book a clean more regularly if you spot build-ups of dirt or leaves.