Buying guide: Helping you to choose your solar panels
Unpredictable energy prices and a focus on greener energy have seen more and more UK homeowners buy solar panels in recent years.
Whether you’re looking to lower your energy bills, minimise your carbon footprint, or reduce your reliance on the national grid, solar panels make a great choice.
Here, we outline what to look for before you buy solar panels for your home, highlight some of the top-rated solar panel brands on the market, and how much this home improvement might cost.
Why buy solar panels for your home?
There are several great reasons to buy solar panels for your home. No doubt you’ve identified a number of attractive benefits during your initial research.
Clean energy
Solar panels produce renewable, sustainable energy, which can help to reduce your home’s carbon footprint.
The Energy Saving Trust estimates that the average home could cut its carbon emissions by as much as 1.6 tonnes per year using solar PV panels.
Reduced energy bills
The average UK home uses 3,760 kWh of electricity per year and the average UK domestic solar panel system generates between 2,400 and 3,200 kWh per year.
Based on this, installing solar panels on your roof could save you between 63% and 85% on your annual electricity bills.
Energy independence
Solar panels reduce your reliance on the national grid, helping to protect you from price rises and power cuts.
You can also earn money from the excess renewable energy generated by your solar panels, by selling it back to the grid.
Potential increase in property value
A solar energy system can be an attractive selling point for potential buyers, who can benefit from free renewable energy without having the expense of installation.
Solar panels can also boost your home’s energy efficiency rating too.
How to choose the best solar panels
With these benefits in mind, let’s look at how to choose the best solar panels for your home.
Consider your needs
The first step is to understand how much energy your household uses so you can figure out how much energy you need to generate. Take a look over your past electricity bills and usage patterns to get a gauge of this. However, for expert guidance, contact a solar panel specialist in your area.
Types of solar panels and efficiency
Different types of solar panels will have different levels of efficiency. This means how much sunlight the panels convert into usable energy.
As you might imagine, the best solar panels from an efficiency point of view tend to be more expensive. However, they can generate more electricity in a smaller space. For this reason, they’re an ideal choice for homes with limited roof space.
When you’re in the market to buy solar panels for your home, you’ll notice there are three main types to consider:
1. Monocrystalline panels
These are the go-to solar panels for most homeowners, known for their high efficiency, sleek appearance, and long lifespan.
However, monocrystalline panels are typically more expensive and require a decent amount of space to perform optimally, so they’re not suitable for all homes.
2. Polycrystalline panels
Polycrystalline panels offer many of the same benefits as monocrystalline panels but with a few key differences. They’re cheaper, offer a unique appearance (speckled blue in colour), and are pretty efficient.
However, compared with monocrystalline panels, they are notably less efficient, meaning lower cost savings over time. This is a fair trade-off for many homeowners, as the lower efficiency is reflected in the lower price tag.
3. Thin-film panels
This kind of solar technology is unique in that it doesn’t use a crystalline design. Instead, a semiconductor material is poured onto glass, plastic, or metal, making these panels highly flexible, lightweight, and versatile in terms of presentation.
Thin-film solar panels offer more design choices – they can be used on vehicles, windows, and curved buildings. They also tend to perform better in low-light conditions. That said, they do have lower overall efficiency and are less durable than other options.
A local solar panel expert will listen to your requirements and recommend the best solar panels for you and your home.
Durability and warranty
Before you leap ahead and buy solar panels, check for durability and long warranties. A good quality solar panel should last for at least 25 years, with many warranties covering performance and manufacturing defects during this period.
All solar panels degrade over time but look for ones with a low degradation rate. This indicates how long your panels can continue to generate energy for your home efficiently.
Contact or pay a trade through Checkatrade and you’re covered by our 12-month guarantee of up to £1,000*
Inverter quality
The inverter is a crucial part of your solar panel system. It converts the DC electricity produced by the panels into AC electricity for use in your home.
Therefore, it’s important to choose a reliable and efficient inverter to maximise your system’s performance and longevity.
An inverter normally lasts around 12 years and most have a warranty of five years as a minimum. Replacing an inverter typically costs between £800 and £1000.
Aesthetics
Solar panels for sale in the UK are available in various designs, so you can choose a style best suited to your home.
Thin-film panels have a much thinner profile compared with monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels. Monocrystalline panels are black in colour, whereas polycrystalline panels are blue and speckled.
Some homeowners opt for solar shingles for a more seamless integration. Solar shingles look similar to conventional roof shingles or tiles, making them less noticeable from the ground.
Cost and installation
The initial cost of purchasing solar panels and the installation isn’t cheap. However, they will start to pay for themselves over time.
The cost of solar panels varies depending on where in the UK you live, the type of panels you choose, and your installer.
As a guide, expect to pay between Terraced for a 3kW system up to around Large detached for a 6kW system. A solar panel installer will be able to give you an accurate quote according to your requirements.
Ongoing cleaning and maintenance costs
Remember to factor in the cleaning and maintenance costs when you buy solar panels.
- Solar panel cleaning costs between £4 and £15 per panel
- Set aside between £100 and £200 each year for an annual service by a solar panel specialist
For more detailed information, check out our solar panel installation cost guide.
Which brands make the best solar panels?
With renewable energy growing in popularity, there are numerous solar panel manufacturers on the market. Some of the top-rated solar panel brands in the UK include:
Each brand has its strengths, so it’s worth comparing their products against your specific needs.
Efficiency, performance, durability, warranty periods, reputation, and cost are some of the key comparisons homeowners make when buying solar panels.
Do your research to narrow down your selection based on your needs and contact a local solar panel installer for expert advice.
On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
What to look for before you buy solar panels
When you purchase solar panels, there are some key things to look for, including:
Certification and standards
Check the solar panels you choose have MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certification. This ensures they meet specific quality and performance criteria.
Installation company
Take the time to research local solar panel installers in your area and shortlist those with MCS certification. They may also be a member of a trade association, such as the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC).
Never feel rushed into buying solar panels for your home. Get a selection of quotes to make sure you receive a fair and competitive price and compare these side-by-side to make sure everything you asked for is included.
Always check out customer reviews and ask to see examples of an installer’s work. You may even wish to ask about specific experience installing the type of panels you’ve chosen.
Using a professional directory, such as Checkatrade, you can easily compare several solar panel installers that we’ve checked and approved in one handy place.
Have you considered a solar battery storage system?
A solar battery storage system is a great way to make your solar panel system more efficient and cost-effective.
As well as being able to store the excess electricity your panels generate, some systems also allow you to:
- Buy cheap electricity at night and store it for use during the day
- Interact with the grid to provide grid balancing services and wholesale electricity trading
Key takeaways
- Solar panels provide a source of clean energy, reduce your reliance on the grid, and lower your energy bills
- Consider the efficiency of the panels and power output, the quality of the inverter, and performance degradation before you buy
- Check how long the warranty period is on your choice of panels
- Ensure your solar panels are MSC-certified and installed by a reputable company
- Solar panels range in price depending on several factors, but as a guide, expect to pay between Terraced for a 3kW system up to around Large detached for a 6kW system
Find top-rated solar panel experts near you
All Checkatrade tradespeople must pass up to 12 checks to become a member.
Plus, when you book your solar panel installation with one of our tradespeople, we’ll guarantee their work up to £1,000*. Guaranteed for 12 months – Eligibility and T&Cs apply.
Find trusted and approved, top-rated solar panel installers through Checkatrade. Search your postcode now to get started.
FAQs
What are solar panels?
Solar panels, or photovoltaics (PV), are devices that capture the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity to use in your home.
They are typically installed on rooftops but can also be mounted on the ground or other structures such as a garage or shed.
Find out more about how solar panels work.
Do you need planning permission to install solar panels?
The installation of solar panels falls within Permitted Development. This means planning permission is not normally needed. If you live in a listed building or conservation area, it’s best to check with your local authority before installing solar panels.
What is the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)?
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is a government-endorsed program that assesses the quality, safety, and performance of small-scale energy products. MCS membership acts as a mark of quality, competence, and compliance for trades operating within the ‘home-grown energy’ industry.
What solar panel grants are available?
There are currently no government grants available to specifically help with the cost of buying and installing solar panels. However, there are several green initiatives to help eligible households with energy-efficient upgrades.
You can earn money from any excess renewable energy your panels generate through the Government’s Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). Energy suppliers set their own tariffs, which pay a set rate per kWh of electricity you export back to the national grid.
Do solar panels work on cloudy days?
Solar panels will still work on overcast days, but they work best in direct sunlight. However, they do not work at night. You’ll therefore need an alternative source of energy, such as a boiler unless you have a battery to store the excess energy you create during the day.
Is my roof suitable for solar panel installation?
Space and direction are the two main considerations here. The more space you have, the more panels you can accommodate, and the more power you can generate. As a general guide, if you have around 10-20m² roof space, you should be able to produce enough power for 20-45% of your household needs.
Ideally, your roof will face south. Panels on a south-facing roof will generate around 20% more electricity than if they were east—or west-facing.
*Guaranteed for 12 months – Eligibility and T&Cs apply.
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