What Are The Best Solar Panels In The UK? (2025)

As of today and according to data from industry body MCS, almost 1 million homes in the UK have solar panels, proving that even the UK gets enough sun to make solar worth it.

...there's 28 million homes in the UK.

...and, they've all got a roof (...well, nearly all).

Solar's popularity is likely to treble by the end of the decade, as long as electricity sticks around, too.

If you’re also looking to cheat your energy company out of money and install solar panels or you want to replace old, existing panels, you’re probably wondering where to look for the best options.

As always, don’t look straight into the sun, but keep looking right here, as we have analysed over 100 different panels to find the UK's most popular and most effective solar panels to make things easier.

Without further ado, let’s see how to improve your roof with solar!

PS We offer MCS-certified solar panel installation nationwide. Simply answer these questions, get your fixed price and arrange your free design.

Best solar panel brand overall UK

Here's a quick overview of our winners (which we analyse in-depth below): 

• Best overall solar panels for the UK: REA Fusion Solar Panels 

• Most affordable: JA Solar JAM54D-40-455

• Most efficient solar panels: Akio Neostar 3s

• Best warranty: REA Fusion2 Type R - 25/30 year year, insurance backed

• Best output: Q cells Q.Peak DUO BLK ML-G9

Join Thousands of Satisfied Customers:

We’re proud to be MCS accredited and Which? Trusted solar installers with over 12,000 glowing reviews on Trustpilot. Discover why so many trust us for their solar panel installations—visit our Reviews and Testimonials page and watch Phil’s video testimonial below.

How did we choose the best solar panels? 

In order to determine the best solar panels, we considered the following factors: 

• Overall likely performance of the panels in the UK - we actually test all the panels we sell. 

• Whether the warranty is insurance-backed vs. a standard manufacturer warranty. 

• Price of the solar panels.

• Degradation rate. 

• The reputation & reviews of the solar panel brands. 

• The warranty period offered with the solar panels. 

• The efficiency of the solar panels. 

• Aftercare and customer support. 

• Weight of the solar panels. 

• Other key features - efficiency, power etc. 

Best Solar Panels to Buy in 2025

Finding the right solar panels for you will depend on what exactly you’re looking for.

There’s a difference between putting the equivalent of a local nuclear reactor on your roof or finding the scrappy option that still benefits your energy bill.

Whatever the case, we’ve got you covered with our solar panel reviews.

Best Solar Panels Comparison Table:

In the table below you can compare the key metrics between some of the best solar panels currently available in the UK: 

Table data: last updated June 2025. 

#1 REA Fusion2 Type R Solar Panels (Best Solar Panels Overall)

Key Stats:

• Power
  460-515 watts

• Efficiency
  22.1-23.6%

• Warranty period
  25 years (product), 30 years (performance)

• Performance warranty
  90.3% after 25 years

• Heat resistance
  0.22% per ° C

• Cost per panel
  £125 to £160

• Weight
  21.8kg

• Eco-friendly credentials
  Low temperature printed construction, 70% less heat energy required

If you are looking for solar panels optimised for a place like the UK, look no further.

Our founder, Ben Price, succinctly states the case:

The REA Fusion Solar Panels are made from high-efficiency N-type HJT (heterojunction technology) solar cells and offer a seamless, sleek design.

This unique combination of innovative solar technology enables the panels to generate electricity, even in low light conditions, which is ideal for a country like the UK - where cloudy days are common throughout the year.

Each panel is bifacial (double-sided) providing even more power than single-sided panels, which are double-glazed for maximum longevity. They are available in two options, a standard DC panel and also as pre assembled ACM (AC Module) featuring an integrated Enphase IQ8HC microinverter from the factory.

Prefer video? Check out our review of the REA solar panels in the video below: 

Highlights of the ACM


If you opt for the ACM version of the REA Fusion2 then all power generation is converted locally turning DC power generated by the panel into AC power that can be used in your home - AC is what household appliances and circuits use and it is also much safer than a DC current. 

It also means the panels will start generating electricity in low light (requiring just 22 volts) – compare this to typical panels that utilise a string inverter that requires at least 120 volts to even begin energy generation - again, this makes them perfect for a cloudy place like the UK. 

Contrast this to a solar panel system that uses a traditional string inverter - if one panel's performance is impacted by shade or dirt, multiple other panels' performance will also drop, which is a significant disadvantage. 

As mentioned, the micro-inverter (AC)-optimised design makes this solar system safer too - each panel is earthed and can be protected by an RCD board (fuse box), so is much safer than traditional DC systems.

Each panel’s performance can also be monitored via a user-friendly application, allowing you to see how the weather is impacting performance or detect whether something may be wrong with one of the panels quickly and conveniently.

Highlights of the DC version

Both versions of the the REA Fusion2 Type R are constructed using low temperature printed HJT cells. Printed cells exert less heat stress on the electrical connections which is especially beneficial to the DC version where multiple panels are linked in series, doubling the voltage each time.

The double-glazed design means they are not susceptible to delamination, which is a common issue in inferior panels that over time causes the solar panel components to start detaching from each other.

Each panel’s performance can also be monitored via a user-friendly application, allowing you to see how the weather is impacting performance or detect whether something may be wrong with one of the panels quickly and conveniently.

Lastly, these panels come with a 25-year product and performance warranty, which unlike any other company we are aware of is backed by an insurance company and not the manufacturer themselves.

This can offer peace of mind that you will still be covered, even in the very unlikely event that the manufacturer stops trading. 

Explore a Solar Case Study: Check out an insightful Q&A session featured in one of our detailed case studies on domestic solar panels. Hear directly from a Heatable customer in the UK and gain valuable perspectives on their experience here.

The image above shows a 23-panel solar installation, carried out by the MCS-certified solar team at Heatable, featuring the REA Fusion2 solar panels.

Pros: 

• Low-light-optimised solar panels - perfect for the UK

• AC optimised version available for maximum safety 

• Bi-facial - both sides generate power 

• 25-year insurance company-backed product & 30 year performance warranty 

• 24-hour monitoring of each solar panel (ACM version only)

Cons: 

• More costly than other options 

• Limited availability in the UK

#2 AIKO Neostar 3s (Second Best Solar Panels)

Key Stats:

• Power
  440-470 watts

• Efficiency
  22.4-23.5%

• Warranty period
  25 years

• Performance warranty
  88.5% after 25 years

• Heat resistance
  0.26% per ° C

• Cost per panel
  £96 to £156

• Weight
  20.6kg

• Eco-friendly credentials
  n/a

Second on the list, we have this high-efficiency product from the prominent solar panel brand AIKO.

The Neostar 3s is noted for its efficiency range of 22.4-23.5%

This contrasts with most solar panels which have efficiency levels of around 20-21%.

You should also note that the AKIO Neostar 3s has improved the surface area of the panel by moving electrical connection, busbars to the rear of the panel. They also leave almost zero spacing between the cells meaning larger cell surface areas and increasing production.

The Neostar 3s is available in a wide range of power ratings between 450-485w. It’s worth noting that the high output models (470+) are only available with a white backsheet, reducing the aesthetical appearance of the panels.

One of AIKO’s secrets to achieving higher output panels is to produce physically larger panels. Larger panels have larger surface areas so can capture more energy. Great if you have a larger roof but these powerhouses can be a tight squeeze for standard UK rooftops.

Pros:

• High power outputs, especially on the black/white 3s

• Increased cell surface area to maximum generation

• Reduced weight compared to others options with similar power output

Cons:

• Large surface area means they can be a tight fit on UK roofs

• A little on the costly side

• Higher output modules are black/white in appearance

Still, learning about solar? Check out our guides on how many solar panels you need and how solar car charging works. 

#3 JA SOLAR JAM54D-40-455

Key Stats:

• Power
  420-445 watts

• Efficiency
  22.5%

• Warranty
  25 years (product), 30 years (performance)

• Performance warranty
  87.4% after 25 years

• Heat resistance
  0.26% per ° C

• Cost per panel
  £71 to £86

• Weight
  22.2kg

• Eco-friendly credentials
  N/A

JA Solar are a tier one solar panel manufacturer, meaning they produce a colossal amount of panels per year. 
JA Solar were the first to market with TopCon cell technology, this replaced lower performing PERC cells and improved the lifetime performance of the modules by almost 20%.

The JAM54D-40-455 is the latest version of there mass market, residential series. JA produce this panel in bi-facial only, much like the market leading REA Fusion2 TypeR. Bi-facial panels are double insulated, produce more power and offer the highest reliability.

Although JA Solar are a tier one manufacturer, they seem to have lost their way with the UK market in recent years. The TopCon hype is now ordinary place with most high-performance modules and JA Solar haven’t been able to keep up with the performance numbers from the market leaders REA & AIKO. 


That being said, JA’s JAM54D-40-455 are uber reliable, affordable and insanely reliable which is why they’re still in our top 3 uk solar panels.

Pros:

• Reliable, dual glass design

• Affordable price point for the performance offered

• Experienced manufacturer with 20 years+ R&D

Cons:

• Limited power output when compared to market leader

• Lack of UK support

See how long do solar panels last in the UK? 

#4 REC Alpha Pure

Key Stats:

• Power
  400-430 watts

• Efficiency
  22.3%

• Warranty
  25 years (performance and product)

• Performance warranty
  92% after 25 years

• Heat resistance
  0.26% per ° C

• Cost per panel
  From £145

• Weight
  21.5kg

• Eco-friendly credentials
  Lead free ROSH compliance

Alpha REC Pure panels are a little different to everything else in our lineup thanks to its unique cell and wiring arrangements. Each panel has 4 generating sections, fully independent for maximum power generation and shade mitigation. 
The REC Pure is the only other panel to feature the same HJT cells found in the market leading panel from REA, the Fusion2 TypeR.

This panel is also popular for systems which require low amps but with high voltage outputs, usually need for systems connected to string inverters with low panel volumes.

It’s worth noting that the Alpha REC Pure has been left behind when it comes to maximum power availability. 2 years ago, 430w was pretty respectable but in todays market (2025) it’s considered a little lack lustre. Still, the REC Pure remains an innovative, compact and versatile option for those wanting to avoid Chinese brands (Alpha panels are produced in Singapore).

Pros:

• Top-notch build quality

• Great energy efficiency

• 25-year warranty

• High voltage for limited space roofs

• Lightweight option.

Cons: 

• Falls a little behind many of the panels discussed here in terms of its overall value for money.

PS You can check the average costs of solar panels here. 

#5 Q cells Q.Peak DUO BLK ML-G9

Key Stats:

• Power
  385 watts

• Efficiency
  20.6%

• Warranty
  12 years

• Performance warranty
  86% after 25 years

• Heat resistance
  0.25% per ° C

• Cost per panel
  £63 to £99

• Weight
  19.1kg

• Eco-friendly credentials
  N/A

Another solar tech brand worth looking into is Q Cells. And among their many solar panel products, this one arguably stands out the most.

What makes the Q.Peak DUO BLK ML-G9 so special, aside from its downright bizarre name, is its heat resistance.

With climate change making British summers increasingly hot (and considering that solar panels are often a long-term investment), heat resistance should not be overlooked. Few things are more ironic than an overheated solar panel, and the Q Peak DUO won’t fail you there.

In fact, when temperatures reach 25°C, the Qcells panel only loses 0.25% of its efficiency for each degree that the temperature increases - just like the average construction worker.

This is well above the industry average.

Pros:

• Great heat resistance.

• Significant power output.

• Not too expensive.

Cons:

• The efficiency rating is a bit lower than most in this list.

#6 Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235

Key Stats:

• Power
  235 watts

• Efficiency
  14%

• Warranty
  25 years

• Performance warranty
  85.2% after 25 years

• Heat resistance
  0.27% per ° C

• Cost per panel
  From £300

• Weight 
  21.2kg

• Eco-friendly credentials
  N/A

The Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 from Sharp is a great choice if you’re after low-profile solar panels.

Sharp was founded more than a century ago (no, not as a solar panel manufacturer) and is a strong brand in the solar tech sector with a great reputation.

This Sharp solar panel offers discreet mounting. That means they won’t be as noticeable as traditional solar panels - the installer still comes during the daytime and won’t be dressed up to throw off any curious looks.

Beyond that, it comes with a rail-free mounting system making it seamlessly blend in with your roof. This is great from an aesthetic point of view. It’s like plastic surgery for your house but with the addition of adding green power.

However, its low power and efficiency ratings may not bode well with many customers.

But it's low-profile earns it a place on our list for those primarily concerned with this attribute.

Pros:

• Discreet, low-profile option.

• Long-lasting and prominent brand.

Cons:

• A little on the expensive side.

• Closer to an average efficiency rating.

• Not very powerful.

#7 Project Solar Evolution Ultramax

Key Stats:

• Power
  345 watts

• Efficiency
  N/A

• Warranty
  Lifetime product warranty

• Performance warranty
  85% after 25 years

• Heat resistance
  0.38% per ° C

• Cost per panel
  Bespoke quotes*

• Weight
  20.8kg

• Eco-friendly credentials
  N/A 

Another brilliant choice from Project Solar UK is the Evolution Ultramax.

Along with a great warranty, Project Solar guarantees 85% of its original power output after 30 years. Its output isn’t stellar but it’s still a solid figure of 345 watts. Unless you’re running an industrial tomato plantation in your garden shed, the Evolution Ultramax delivers enough power for the average household.

Project Solar offers a range of additional benefits if you sign up with them.

Along with lifetime warranties on their panels, you can get a £7,500 reward if you refer their panels to a friend or even a not-so-close schoolmate you haven’t talked to in ten years. They don’t seem to care how close you are.

Beware, you don’t get the money unless they follow through and have the panels installed, of course.

Pros:

• Amazing warranties.

• Fantastic customer perks.

Cons:

• Not the most powerful option.

More solar guides:

• Do solar panels work in winter?

• Solar panel fire safety

• Solar panel myths

• Can you install solar panels on a conservatory roof?

#8 Panasonic HIT N 245W

Key Stats:

• Power
  245 watts

• Efficiency
  Up to 19.4%

• Warranty
  25 years

• Cost per panel
  £250 to £295

• Performance warranty
  88.2% after 40 years

• Heat resistance
  0.27% per ° C

• Cost per panel
  £300 to £350

• Weight
  21.2kg

• Eco-friendly credentials
  all panels are recycled

Despite Panasonic being best known for its cameras and TVs, they’ve also been working on solar technology for several decades. This makes sense because now you can power your Panasonic TV with Panasonic-made solar power.

If you have a small roof, the HIT N 245W might be the right solar panel for you. It turns out that here, too, it’s not the size that matters, but what you get out of it.

This Panasonic solar panel comes in a range of design options meaning you can get one that best suits your roof - even if your roof is rather picky.

What’s better is that the HIT N 245W has a length of just below 160cm and a width of under 80cm. It’s lightweight too, weighing only 15kg.

What should you know before buying solar? Have a flat roof? Read all about flat roof solar and if you have a conservatory, it is possible to have solar on a conservatory roof too. 

Pros:

• Not too costly.

• Compact and light.

• Great for small roofs.

Cons:

• Not as efficient as most options on this list.

• Not the most powerful choice.

• Unsuitable for larger roofs.

#9 JA Solar JAM60S20

Key Stats:

• Power
  365 to 395 watts

• Efficiency
  21%

• Warranty
  12 years

• Cost per panel
  From £100

• Eco-friendly credentials
  N/A

Many households throughout the UK are on a tight budget these days due to the ongoing cost of living crisis. If you’re thinking of selling a kidney, just hold off for a moment and consider JA Solar. 

This panel from JA Solar will interest many potential buyers. That’s because the JAM60S20 is priced at as little as £100 per panel! This means that soon enough, solar panels will be cheaper than a carton of eggs.

Despite the lower cost, this product still offers a solid efficiency rating and a decent amount of power.

With that being said, its warranty is not as long as most solar panels we’re reviewing today nor is this product likely to last as long - much like that carton of eggs.

Related reading:

• Solar panel tracking

• Do solar panels work in a power cut?

Pros:

• Strong efficiency rating.

• Decent power figures.

Cons:

• Not the most durable option.

• Only a 12-year product warranty.

#10 Panasonic HIT N340

Key Stats:

• Power - 340 watts.

• Efficiency -20%.

• Warranty - 25 years.

• Performance warranty - 86.2% after 25 years.

• Heat resistance - 0.25% per ° C.

• Cost per panel - £200 to £240.

• Weight - 19kg. 

• Eco-friendly credentials - Net zero by 2050.

Panasonic’s HIT N340 is another appealing solar product from the renowned tech brand. Weighing just 19kg, the HIT N340 is on the lighter side. Fun fact: this means it weighs the same as an adult elephant’s heart.

Moreover, it has a power tolerance (how much solar power it can produce above or below its expected capacity at any particular time) of +34W/-0W. That means the HIT N340 is less likely to disappoint you than the English national football team, which never really overperforms. 

This is a solid figure. It means that in practice, it could produce an output of up to 374 watts. It’s also not too costly.

With that said, its efficiency level is a bit low compared to the rest of the panels discussed today.

Pros:

• Good power rating.

Cons:

• Not the highest efficiency rating.

#11 Project Solar Evolution Elite 400

Key Stats:

• Power
  395-415 watts

• Efficiency
  22%

• Warranty
  Lifetime product warranty

• Performance warranty
  85% after 20 years

• Heat resistance
  0.38% per ° C

• Cost per panel
  N/A

• Weight
  20.8kg

• Eco-friendly credentials
  N/A

*Project Solar does not list the price of individual panels.

However, they claim that the average solar panel system will cost approximately £8,000.

For an average home (with around ten solar panels being installed), the cost would come to about £800 per panel, which is certainly on the expensive side.

Next up we have one of our overall favourite solar panel products on the market; the Evolution Elite 400 from Project Solar.

Along with a high output, it also has a solid, above-average efficiency rating. We also like its lifetime product warranty, which means your children will fight over who gets to keep the Evolution Elite 400 panels.

According to Project Solar, Evolution Elite 400 panels will perform at 92% of their original levels after 12 years, 85% after 25 years, and 80% after three decades.

That’s a little below the ridiculously high standard set by SunPower for their Maxeon 3, but nothing to be ashamed of.

It’s the blend between high performance and lower cost that makes customers prefer the Evolution Elite 400. If the Maxeon 3 is a Ferrari, the Evolution Elite 400 is a BMW convertible - it won’t get the attention of supermodels, but it will land you a date.

Check out our full in-depth article on whether solar is worth it in the UK. 

Pros:

• Great overall product.

• Powerful and efficient.

• Lifetime product warranty.

Cons:

• Expensive choice.

When considering solar energy, it’s important to understand solar panel sizes and how they impact installation and energy output, as well as to stay informed with the latest solar statistics on the growing adoption of renewable energy in the UK.

Additionally, you might be eligible for solar panel grants that can help reduce installation costs, making solar more affordable. To ensure your system runs efficiently, proper cleaning of solar panels is key, while weighing up the pros and cons of solar power can help you make a well-informed decision about whether it’s the right choice for your home.

What is solar panel efficiency? 

The energy efficiency of a solar panel refers to how much of the sunlight hitting its surface is converted into electricity.

So, if a panel has an efficiency rating of 18% that means that 18% or nearly 1/5th of the solar energy reaching the panel becomes electricity.

If you’re not a fan of math, feel free to skip this paragraph. To be a little more scientific, the following calculation is used to work out how efficient a solar panel is:

Now that we’ve welcomed back our detouring mathematics fanatics, let’s keep going and learn that most domestic solar panels have an efficiency rate in the range of 15-22%.

These are usually monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels with the former being, on average, a little more efficient. 

Often choosing a solar panel is a balancing act between budget constraints, functionality (including efficiency) and aesthetics. 

What other factors are important to consider? 

When choosing the right solar panels for your home, several factors can influence their performance and suitability.

While your primary goal is to maximise power generation throughout the year, your budget and aesthetic preferences will also play a significant role in your decision-making process.

Here are the key factors to consider:

1. Solar Panel Efficiency

Solar panel efficiency refers to the percentage of sunlight that a panel can convert into usable electricity. Higher-efficiency panels can generate more power in a given space, making them ideal for homes with limited roof space.

Monocrystalline panels typically offer the highest efficiency rates, often exceeding 20%, while polycrystalline and thin-film panels usually have lower efficiency rates.

Your property's location, roof pitch and the amount of shading will also have an impact on energy generation, find out how much, using our free design tool. 

2. Solar Panel Power Output

Power output, measured in watts, indicates the amount of electricity a panel can produce under standard testing conditions. Higher-wattage panels can generate more electricity, which is crucial for meeting your energy needs.

Prioritising higher-powered panels is often a smart choice for those with limited roof space who aim to achieve specific energy production goals. These panels can generate more electricity per square metre, maximising the efficiency and output of your solar installation even when space is at a premium.

When comparing panels, consider the total system size required to cover your household’s energy consumption or the energy production goal you have in mind. 

3. Guarantees and Degradation Rates

Solar panels come with performance guarantees and warranties that protect your investment.

A standard performance warranty covers 25-30 years, ensuring panels maintain a certain performance level over time e.g. will produce energy at a minimum percentage of original output after a certain period of time. 

Degradation rates indicate how much the panel’s efficiency will decrease annually. Panels with lower degradation rates will retain their efficiency longer, providing better long-term value.

The product warranty protects you from defects in materials and workmanship and typically ranges from 10 to 25 years. 

When comparing panels, check the datasheet to find the degradation rates, performance warranty and product warranty. 

Some solar panel manufacturers like REA are now offering a 25-year product warranty and a performance warranty of 85% after 25 years. 

Are solar panels efficient in the UK?

We all know about the unpredictability of the British weather, so do solar panels hold their own? Well, the simple answer is yes.

But it also depends on the type of solar panels and equipment you buy. Older generations of solar panels were less efficient, but more importantly, so were older inverters.

If you’re buying solar on a ‘string inverter’ (older tech), you’ll have one big inverter that needs quite a lot of energy to even fire itself up and get your solar panels going.

New generation tech — also known as microinverters — are tiny inverters on the back of each panel, essentially making them all their power plant and requiring much less light.

Essentially, this means they’ll be producing your energy early in the morning and in low light conditions that we’re used to in the UK. High-performance products such as the REA Fusion 2 TypeR panels are also dual-sided, allowing for up to 20% increased performance from the sunlight.

Wondering how different solar installers compare? Check out our in-depth solar installer comparison here. 

Next Steps For Your Solar Journey:

When planning to install solar panels for your home, there are several important factors to consider. Make sure to refer to the following guides to help you make informed decisions:

• How much do solar panels cost? 

• Are solar panels worth it for your home? 

• Is your roof suitable for solar panels? 

• What are the best solar panels available? 

• Is battery storage worth it? 

• Tier 1 vs Tier 2 Solar Panels

To dive deeper into these topics, head over to our advice section, check out our YouTube channel for informative videos, or read a customer case study to see how others have benefited from their solar installation. 

Get a Quote for Solar Today 

Without boasting you should get your solar installed with us, here's why: 

• Thousands of Happy Customers: We boast an average score of 4.9 on Trustpilot, outperforming the market leader.

• Which? Trusted Trader: Heatable is proudly recognised as a Which? Trusted Trader.

• MCS Accredited: Our accreditation by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) ensures high-quality standards.

• Exclusive Panels: We offer REA Fusion solar panels, available only through Heatable.

• Consumer Protection: As members of the HIES consumer code, we provide 2-year deposit protection.

• Flexible Payment Options: Choose from multiple payment methods, including finance options.

• Fixed Price Guarantee: Enjoy transparency with no hidden costs.

• Save Your Quote: You can save your quote and decide later.

• Bespoke Design Tool: Draw your own conclusion (literally) on whether solar is worth it for you, here.