The 9 Best Solar Panels in the UK 2023 Written by Josh Jackman Reviewed by Charlie Clissitt Updated on 6 September 2023 ✔ The SunPower Maxeon 6 AC is the best solar panel overall✔ The Seraphim SRP-670-BMC-BG is the best for power✔ Project Solar's Evolution Titan 445 comes with a lifetime warrantyIf you’re thinking of switching to solar power, you’ll find there’s a lot of choice. This is good, as healthy competition means better products and lower prices, but it’s hard to know which solar panel to choose for your home.Fortunately, we can help. Over the course of 34 hours, our four researchers analysed 48 solar panels created by 17 top solar companies, and judged these panels on eight factors – all so we could pick the very best ones for you.Want to skip the reading? You can find tailored quotes for the best panels around by using our free comparison tool. Simply fill in this form, and our professional installers will be in touch.Alternatively, you can get a better idea of pricing by checking out our solar panel costs page. 0 out of 0 backward forward Model Efficiency Power Product warranty Performance warranty Heat resistance Weight Eco-friendly credentials BEST FOR ALL-ROUND SunPower Maxeon 6 AC BEST FOR EFFICIENCY AIKO N-Type ABC White Hole Series (72 Cells) BEST FOR POWER Seraphim SRP-670-BMC-BG BEST FOR PRODUCT WARRANTY Project Solar Evolution Titan 445 BEST FOR PERFORMANCE WARRANTY SunPower Maxeon 3 BEST FOR HEAT RESISTANCE Q Cells Q.Peak DUO BLK ML-G9 BEST FOR LIGHTWEIGHT PANELS Panasonic HIT N340 BEST FOR ECO-FRIENDLY CREDENTIALS Panasonic EverVolt EVPV410H BEST FOR APPEARANCE Belinus M8 HJT GlasGlas 22.8% 24% 21.57% 21.4% 22.7% 20.6% 20.3% 22.2% 22% 440 W 620 W 670 W 445 W 430 W 385 W 340 W 410 W 400 W 40 years 15 years 15 years Lifetime 40 years 12 years 25 years 25 years 35 years 92% after 25 years 88.85% after 30 years 84.95% after 30 years 84.9% after 30 years 88.25% after 40 years 86% after 25 years 86.2% after 25 years 92% after 25 years 86% after 35 years -0.29% per °C -0.29% per °C -0.34% per °C -0.34% per °C -0.27% per °C -0.25% per °C -0.258% per °C -0.26% per °C -0.255% per °C 21.8 kg 28.2 kg 38.5 kg 21.8 kg 21.2 kg 19.1 kg 19 kg 20.5 kg 23.5 kg Panels are recycled Promoting carbon neutrality with Burgenland Energie In UN Global Compact & goal to reach “zero carbon” N/A Panels are recycled N/A Net-zero by 2030 Net-zero by 2030 Solar panels on its factories & >60% green energy What’s on this page? 01 The best solar panels 02 Solar panel cost calculator 03 Our methodology 04 Can you choose which panels you get? 05 The best new solar technology 06 Next steps 07 Best solar panels: FAQs The best solar panels at a glance1. SunPower Maxeon 6 AC – best for all-round2. AIKO N-Type ABC White Hole Series – best for efficiency3. Seraphim SRP-670-BMC-BG – best for power4. Project Solar Evolution Titan 445 – best for product warranty5. SunPower Maxeon 3 – best for performance warranty6. Q Cells Q.Peak DUO BLK ML-G9 – best for heat resistance7. Panasonic HIT N340 – best for lightweight panels8. Panasonic EverVolt EVPV410H – best for eco-friendly credentials9. Belinus M8 HJT GlasGlas – best for appearanceInterested in a free, tailored solar panel quote? Click any of the links above to start comparing solar panel prices. Best for all-round: SunPower Maxeon 6 AC The SunPower Maxeon 6 AC has a 40-year product warranty (SunPower)EfficiencyPower (W)Product warrantyPerformance warrantyHeat resistanceWeight (kg)Eco-friendly credentials22.8%44040 years92% after 25 years-0.29% per °C21.8Panels are recycledRemarkably, the SunPower Maxeon 6 AC has no weak points – only strengths.It's flawless, from its 22.8% efficiency (the joint-fourth best rate on the market) to its 40-year product warranty – at which point, it's guaranteed to be working at 88.25% of its original efficiency.The Maxeon 6 AC also offers a high peak power output and an impressive level of heat resistance – and when your system has finally given up the ghost, SunPower itself will recycle your panels.It's not the best solar panel in every category, but it's certainly got the best combination of attributes.Pros and cons of SunPower Maxeon 6 AC Pros One of the best efficiency rates around Near-unbeatable product warranty Excellent performance warranty Cons No cons Best for efficiency: AIKO N-Type ABC White Hole Series (72 Cells) The ABC White Hole Series has a landmark 24% efficiency rating (AIKO)EfficiencyPower (W)Product warrantyPerformance warrantyHeat resistanceWeight (kg)Eco-friendly credentials24%62015 years88.85% after 30 years-0.29% per °C28.2Promoting carbon neutrality with Burgenland EnergieJust a few years ago, reaching 20% efficiency was an admirable feat for domestic solar companies. Now, it’s not even par for the course for the best solar panels.Of the 48 panels we analysed, 44 offer 20% efficiency or more, with 18 providing a rate of 22% or more. That's well above the industry average, which still hovers around 20%.You can’t beat AIKO's 72-cell N-Type ABC White Hole Series, though. Its 24% efficiency marks a significant landmark in domestic solar panels.It's an enormously impressive figure, and will ensure you make the most of the sun’s rays throughout the year.Pros and cons of AIKO N-Type ABC White Hole Series (72 Cells) Pros The best efficiency on the market Top-tier performance warranty One of the best peak power ratings around Cons Relatively heavy Pretty big Poor product warranty Where do you want to install solar panels? Roof Ground Both Other / not sure Get started Best for power: Seraphim SRP-670-BMC-BG This panel's peak power production is 91% more than the standard (Seraphim)EfficiencyPower (W)Product warrantyPerformance warrantyHeat resistanceWeight (kg)Eco-friendly credentials21.57%67015 years84.95% after 30 years-0.34% per °C38.5In UN Global Compact & goal to reach “zero carbon”Seraphim's robotically named SRP-670-BMC-BG will take your power rating to heaven and back.Its peak power production of 670 watts is 91% more than the industry standard 350 W panel, and at least 100 watts more than the great majority of models we investigated in our research.At 38.5 kg and 3.1 square metres, this panel is the heaviest, biggest panel available to domestic properties – but if you have the roof space, it can give your peak power output a massive boost.Pros and cons of Seraphim SRP-670-BMC-BG Pros Fantastic peak power production Top-tier efficiency rating Seraphim has decent eco-friendly credentials Cons Short product warranty Very big and heavy Poor performance warranty Best for product warranty: Project Solar Evolution Titan 445 This panel's lifetime warranty is industry-leading (Project Solar)EfficiencyPower (W)Product warrantyPerformance warrantyHeat resistanceWeight (kg)Eco-friendly credentials21.4%445Lifetime84.9% after 30 years-0.34% per °C21.8N/AProject Solar provides customers with a lifetime warranty for the Evolution Titan 445. Considering the industry average is 25 years, this displays the level of confidence you want from your solar supplier.This panel is also guaranteed to work at 84.9% after 30 years, which ensures you’ll be receiving plenty of solar energy for decades to come.Its efficiency rating of 21.4% is also a big improvement on Project Solar's last panel, and positions this model as its best entry to the market.Pros and cons of Project Solar Evolution Titan 445 Pros The best product warranty around Good peak power production Good efficiency rating Cons No eco-friendly credentials Not great heat resistance Bigger than average Best for performance warranty: SunPower Maxeon 3 This panel will function at 92% after 25 years (SunPower)EfficiencyPower (W)Product warrantyPerformance warrantyHeat resistanceWeight (kg)Eco-friendly credentials22.7%43040 years88.25% after 40 years-0.27% per °C21.2Panels are recycledSunPower promises the Maxeon 3 will function at 92% of its original level after 25 years, and at 88.25% after 40 years.That’s a level that was previously unheard of for domestic panels, and makes this panel far and away the most efficient on the market today.The average is 85% after 25 years, with the great majority of companies reluctant to offer any more than 80% after three decades, let alone four.Pros and cons of SunPower Maxeon 3 Pros Brilliant efficiency rating Great product warranty Fantastic performance warranty Cons Not the lightest panel Want to get a better idea of what it’s like to own a set of solar panels? Check out our case study with Andrew, based in North Yorkshire. Andrew had a 3.95 kWh solar panel system installed in June 2022, which cost roughly £6,000. Despite electricity prices increasing around the world, Andrew’s panels are already saving him £32.93 on energy bills. He's also projected to save around a tonne of CO2 a year with his panels.Check out the full interview with Andrew to learn more about solar panels. Best for heat resistance: Q Cells Q.Peak DUO BLK ML-G9 Losing only -0.25% for every degree above 25°C is fantastic (Q Cells)EfficiencyPower (W)Product warrantyPerformance warrantyHeat resistanceWeight (kg)Eco-friendly credentials20.6%38512 years86% after 25 years-0.25% per °C19.1N/AWith British summers getting hotter and hotter, there’s never been a better time to invest in solar panels that can put up with the heat – and if you look past its jargon-filled name, Q Cells’ latest creation is unbeatable in this area.With every degree over 25°C that the mercury passes, this panel loses just 0.25% of its efficiency.Considering 78% of the panels we analysed lose 0.34% or more – and the industry average is around 0.38% – that’s excellent.Pros and cons of Q Cells Q.Peak DUO BLK ML-G9 Pros Unbeatable resistance to heat One of the lightest panels around Relatively small Cons Short product warranty No eco-friendly credentials Best for lightweight panels: Panasonic HIT N340 The HIT N340 is lighter and smaller than the average panel (Panasonic)EfficiencyPower (W)Product warrantyPerformance warrantyHeat resistanceWeight (kg)Eco-friendly credentials20.3%34025 years86.2% after 25 years-0.258% per °C19Net-zero by 2030Panasonic doesn’t manufacture its own panels anymore, but its subcontractors still churn out its excellent products, including the tiny, lightweight HIT N340.Not only is it just 19 kg, which is well below the 22.4 kg industry average, it’s also 1.7 square metres – making it 16% smaller than the average panel.Its heat resistance is also fantastic, and its warranties are solid. The only drawback is that it’s not as powerful as the other panels on this list.Pros and cons of Panasonic HIT N340 Pros The lightest panel on the market Excellent eco-friendly credentials Top-quality heat resistance Cons Below-average power rating Mediocre efficiency rating Best for eco-friendly credentials: Panasonic EverVolt EVPV410H Panasonic has pledged to reach net-zero by 2030 (Panasonic)EfficiencyPower (W)Product warrantyPerformance warrantyHeat resistanceWeight (kg)Eco-friendly credentials22.2%41025 years92% after 25 years-0.26% per °C20.5Net-zero by 2030Buying solar panels always helps the planet, by reducing pollution and fighting climate change – but Panasonic has gone the extra mile.The company has put together a detailed plan to reach net-zero emissions by 2030 that involves investing in hydrogen, creating net-zero factories and showrooms, and promoting green businesses.Many solar brands have taken positive steps, from recycling panels to partnering with organisations like Better Earth and the United Nations, but most companies haven't made any environmental pledges.Panasonic has the best record – and its EverVolt panel is excellent.Pros and cons of Panasonic EverVolt EVPV410H Pros Excellent eco-friendly credentials Great efficiency rating Superb performance warranty Cons Middling power rating Best for appearance: Belinus M8 HJT GlasGlas As dark as deepest night: Belinus has made a masterpiece (Belinus)EfficiencyPower (W)Product warrantyPerformance warrantyHeat resistanceWeight (kg)Eco-friendly credentials22%40035 years86% after 35 years-0.255%/°C23.5Solar panels on its factories & >60% green energyThis Belgium firm has created a quintessential monocrystalline panel in the M8 HJT GlasGlas – as dark as deepest night, and just as beautiful.These sleek black panels will add a modern flourish to your house, though most people simply won't notice them.The M8 HJT GlasGlas is a mark of how far solar arrays have come from being considered an eyesore, with our latest National Home Energy Survey showing 69% of people would buy a home with solar panels.And with factories popping up across Europe, Belinus is showing that solar panel manufacturers can thrive all over the world.Pros and cons of Belinus M8 HJT GlasGlas Pros Gorgeous appearance One of the best product warranties around Superb performance warranty Cons A bit heavy Solar panel cost calculatorWant to learn more? Head to our solar panel cost page. How did we choose the best solar panels?Our team of four researchers spent 34 hours investigating the solar panel market to find the top 48 models currently available, then we narrowed it down to the nine best solar panels.We noted down the attributes of all these panels, then focused on the eight most important factors in making our final decision.These were the efficiency, power, heat resistance, appearance, and weight of the panels, and the product warranty, performance warranty, and eco-friendly credentials offered by the panel’s company.For more solar panel reviews, check out our opinion on JA Solar solar panels.1. Product warrantyIf you’re paying solar panel costs that typically reach £7,860, you want them to last.Solar panel warranties usually range from a meagre 10 years all the way up to 40 years – or even a lifetime warranty, if you opt for the Project Solar Evolution Titan.2. Performance warrantyAlso known as a linear output warranty, this is a guarantee that your panel will produce above a certain percentage of its original output after a number of years.Companies will typically offer somewhere between 80-90% after 25-30 years – and the best ones will go as high as 92% after 25 years.3. Eco-friendly credentialsWe looked into companies’ actions outside of their solar panel production, to see what other green moves they’ve made.We then ranked these actions based on their impacts on the environment, from the brand trying to reach net-zero to the ones doing nothing to stop the ongoing climate disaster. 4. EfficiencyEfficiency refers to the percentage of sunlight hitting a solar panel that can be converted into usable electricity.A solar panel's efficiency generally ranges between 19% and 23% on the residential market.The higher the number, the more solar energy your panel will produce from the same amount of sunshine, and the better your return on investment will be.5. PowerMeasured in watts (W), power refers to a solar panel’s typical energy production in Standard Test Conditions (STC). These conditions involve an irradiance of 1,000 W per square metre at 25°C.So for example, a 300 W panel would produce 1,500 watt-hours in five hours of STC – or 1.5 kilowatt hours (kWh).Real world conditions are rarely as optimal as STC, but it’s still the best way of comparing the output of different panels.6. Heat resistanceAll solar panels become slightly less effective when the thermometer rises above 25°C.Heat resistance refers to the percentage decrease in output that occurs with every extra degree above 25°C.Most panels lose between 0.3% and 0.4% per degree, but the best entry on our list drops just 0.25%.7. WeightIf your roof isn’t the strongest, it may not be able to hold the biggest, heaviest panels on the market.That makes lightweight panels an important alternative for anyone with a less reliable roof – and if you’re looking to put panels on a less sturdy building like a barn, it’s a crucial factor. Can you choose which panels you get?You'll have a limited say over which solar panels you get for your home.Typically, you'll approach multiple solar installers, who'll provide you with quotes that all include one of the models they use.You can (and should) ask about the other panels they buy wholesale, and talk through the models' respective strengths and weaknesses.But an installer will almost never buy a set of solar panels just for your property, so your choice will be restricted to the panels used by installers who serve your area.For more in-depth information, read our guide to The Best Solar Panel Installers. The best emerging solar technologyThere are several fascinating new solar technologies revolutionising the industry at the moment.Let’s look at the most exciting developments. Perovskite solar panelsProspective buyers should consider which type of solar panel is best for them – but we’re close to moving on from the classic monocrystalline v polycrystalline debate.In 2018, Oxford PV broke the world record by demonstrating its perovskite-silicon tandem cells could work at 28% efficiency – around one-third more than current standard panels.The company did this by using a perovskite tandem solar cell. This cell uses both silicon and a synthetic material modelled on the special crystal structure of a mineral called perovskite.This structure absorbs sunlight in a different, more effective way than purely silicon cells.Dr Chris Case, chief technology officer at Oxford PV, told us the cells could be “potentially 50% more efficient” than current panels, but said that for the moment, “we’re getting about 20%.”DesalinationA solar-powered desalination system developed by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and in China provides seven litres of drinkable water per hour, for each square metre of the solar network.It’s not just happening in theory, either. The system has been set up in Kiunga, Kenya, by a non-profit called GivePower, and is able to provide 75,000 litres per day – enough for more than 28,800 people.Floating solar farmsFloating photovoltaic systems – or ‘floatovoltaics’ – save on inhabitable space and produce significantly more energy. Studies have shown they generate electricity up to 11% more efficiently than land-based panels, because the water acts as a coolant.China, Japan, Cambodia, Indonesia, India, and South Korea have all invested heavily in this area, and others are catching up. The Netherlands opened Europe’s biggest floatovoltaic network in 2020, and more will surely follow.Solar skinThis concept could transform an industry which relies primarily on thick, rigid panels.University of Queensland researchers broke the efficiency record for solar skin in February 2020, reaching 16.6%. That means it’s almost as effective as standard solar panels.The scientists, who achieved this milestone by printing nanoparticles known as quantum dots onto transparent sheets, aim to raise the technology’s efficiency to 20% and use it to power homes in 2023, and after that: the world.Wearable solarNottingham Trent University researchers have developed solar cells which are just 3mm x 1.5mm – as small as a flea. These cells can be embedded into yarn, which can then be turned into clothing.The developers say a clothing item interwoven with 2,000 of these cells would be able to charge a smartphone.The cells are even coated with a waterproof resin, so they’re able to withstand a run through the washing machine. You’ll be able to treat it like a normal piece of clothing, while still reaping the benefits. Next stepsBy now, you’ll know all about the best of the best when it comes to the solar industry, from panels and companies to exciting new technology.And you have great timing, with 60% of UK residents currently wanting to switch to renewable energy, according to our latest National Home Energy Survey.If you’ve decided to get solar panels, the next step is finding the right deal – that’s where we come in. Simply pop your details on this free form and let us take the reins. We’ll pass on your details to our professional installers, who will then get in touch with their best prices. From there, you can discuss the best solar PV system for your house with qualified people who’ve got the know-how.FAQs Which solar panel is best? The best solar panel on the market is the SunPower Maxeon 6 AC.This 440-watt panel comes with an excellent 22.8% efficiency rating and a nearly unbeatable 40-year product warranty.After 40 years, it's also guaranteed to work at 88.25% of its original peak power, which is the kind of confidence and high performance you want from a company and its solar panel.With summers getting hotter, it's also reassuring that the Maxeon 6 AC only loses -0.29% of its output for every degree it reaches over 25°C. Which are the best solar panels in the UK? Here's the full list of the best solar panels in the UK:SunPower Maxeon 6 AC – best for all-roundAIKO N-Type ABC White Hole Series – best for efficiencySeraphim SRP-670-BMC-BG – best for powerProject Solar Evolution Titan 445 – best for product warrantySunPower Maxeon 3 – best for performance warrantyQ Cells Q.Peak DUO BLK ML-G9 – best for heat resistancePanasonic HIT N340 – best for lightweight panelsPanasonic EverVolt EVPV410H – best for eco-friendly credentialsBelinus M8 HJT GlasGlas – best for appearance Are solar panels worth it in the UK? Solar panels are worth it in the UK, by any metric.With solar panels, you'll cut your electricity bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and become less reliant on a turbulent power grid.The average three-bedroom household will break even on solar panels in 15.1 years, leaving you with at least 10 years of pure profit-making – and usually longer.And the latest research shows that having solar panels on your home when you sell it typically increases its value by 0.9% to 2%. Written by: Josh Jackman Lead Writer Josh has written about eco-friendly home improvements and climate change for the past four years. His work has been displayed on the front page of the Financial Times, he's been interviewed by BBC One's Rip-Off Britain, and he regularly features in The Telegraph and on BBC Radio. Reviewed by: Charlie Clissitt Editor Charlie has been researching and writing about the home energy market for over five years, and he has been the editor of The Eco Experts since 2021. Charlie's thoughts on solar panels have seen him featured in various publications, including The Times, Ideal Home, and Grand Designs Magazine. Ever since he can remember, Charlie has worried about the planet, and he one day dreams of owning a solar power farm.