A 2023 study revealed that over 85% of Brits have made at least one lifestyle change to work towards greener living goals. We are increasingly eco-conscious. If you’re keen to make changes, there are several steps you can take to adopt a more eco-friendly lifestyle, including switching to renewable energy.
In this comprehensive guide to the main types of solar panels, we’ll discuss the benefits of solar energy and highlight the differences between the different types of solar panels available in the UK. The article will also cover the pros and cons of each type of solar panel and help you decide which option is best for you if you’re thinking of adding solar panels to your home or business premises.
Solar energy in the UK in 2024: The stats
Globally, there has been a huge increase in renewable energy capacity in the last 20 years. In 2023, renewable energy capacity soared to almost 510GW. This represents an increase of nearly 50%. Solar energy now accounts for 75% of the world’s renewable energy capacity upgrades. In March 2024, over 1.4 million homes and businesses in the UK had solar panels offering a total solar capacity of almost 16GW. The figures from March 2024 show a 5.6% increase from March 2023.
Solar panels are becoming more popular. By 2030, the National Grid estimates total solar capacity in the UK will rise to 70GW.
Many of us are worried about the cost of energy bills, with prices soaring in the last five years. Research indicates that high energy costs have contributed to increased interest in solar panels. Over 80% of new installations in February 2024 were residential.
What are solar panels?
Before delving deeper into the different types of solar panels, it’s beneficial to determine exactly what solar panels are and how they benefit home and business owners. Solar panels, also known as photovoltaics (PV), are installations, which produce electricity by harnessing energy from the sun. When the sun shines, cells within the solar panel absorb sunlight, creating an electrical charge. The charge produces a direct current (DC) of electricity, which runs through an inverter to create alternating current (AC) electricity. We use AC electricity to power our electrical appliances and household electrical systems.
If you’re worried about the weather, you’re not alone. Many people, especially in countries like the UK, have questions about the efficacy of solar panels in areas that don’t receive a lot of sunlight. It’s important to note that you don’t need brilliant, uninterrupted sunshine to generate electricity using solar panels. Solar installations work in cloudy conditions, but they’re most productive on bright, sunny days.
The 6 types of solar panels
If you’re thinking about installing solar panels on your property, it’s wise to explore different options. There are six main types of solar panels, each offering pros and cons for different users. The six types in this guide are monocrystalline solar panels, polycrystalline solar panels, thin-film solar panels, PERC solar panels, solar tiles and CPV solar panels.
To make it easier to decide which solar panels will suit you best, the table below offers an overview of the main pros and cons of different solar panel types:
| Type | Efficiency (%) | Lifespan (years) | Main pro | Main con |
| Monocrystalline | 18-24 | 25-40 | High efficiency | Expensive |
| Polycrystalline | 13-16 | 25-30 | Lower initial cost | Less visually appealing |
| Thin-film | 7-14 | 10-20 | Flexibility | Low efficiency |
| PERC | 22+ | 25 | High efficiency | Not widely available |
| Solar tiles | 10-20 | 25-30 | Aesthetic appeal | Expensive |
| CPV | 40 | 25+ | Very high efficiency | Not available to most households yet |
Here’s an in-depth look at the most popular solar panels in the UK:
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Monocrystalline Solar Panels
What are monocrystalline solar panels?
If you’re on the hunt for solar panels, the first place to start is monocrystalline solar panels. Monocrystalline solar panels are the most common in the UK. They are first-generation solar systems and are widely regarded as the most efficient solar panels on the market. Monocrystalline solar panels contain solar cells made from single-crystal silicon. During the manufacturing process, pure silicon is used to make wafer-like bars. The edges of the cell are trimmed and rounded to maximise productivity. These solar panels have a distinctive dark finish and an anti-reflective surface.
What are the pros of monocrystalline solar panels?
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- High efficiency rating: The newest models boast the best efficiency of any widely available solar panels at 18%- 24%.
- Longevity: Monocrystalline solar panels last an average of 25-40 years
- Energy bill reductions: These panels can reduce the average household energy bill by over 60%
- Aesthetics: Monocrystalline panels are dark, sleek and contemporary
- Value for money: Typically, the break-even point in the UK is around 14 years
- Availability: These solar panels are widely available
What are the cons?
- Initial cost: The initial cost of monocrystalline solar panels is significantly higher than some of the alternatives. If you’re in the UK, you can expect to pay between £4,000 and £10,000 per system.
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Polycrystalline Solar Panels
What are polycrystalline solar panels?
Unless you’re familiar with the latest solar panels, you’ll probably picture polycrystalline solar panels when you hear the words ‘solar panels.’ Polycrystalline solar panels are one of the oldest and most recognisable types of solar panels. They have a blue, flecked finish. Like monocrystalline solar panels, polycrystalline panels are made from silicon. The main difference is that these panels comprise cells made from melting multiple raw silicon crystals. The crystals are melted in a square mould. Polycrystalline solar panels are usually larger than monocrystalline panels and they are less efficient.
What are the pros and cons of polycrystalline solar panels?
Pros:
- Initial cost: The initial cost of buying and installing polycrystalline solar panels is lower than the cost of alternative panels, including monocrystalline solar panels.
- Availability: These panels are widely available if you live in the UK
- Greener manufacturing: The manufacturing process is more eco-friendly than monocrystalline solar panels.
- Lifespan: Polycrystalline solar panels don’t last as long as monocrystalline panels but they are a durable option. They usually last up to 25 years, making them a longer-lasting option than thin-film panels.
Cons:
- Aesthetics: Polycrystalline solar panels are less aesthetically pleasing than other solar panels, including monocrystalline and thin-film solar panels
- Efficiency: These panels are less efficient than monocrystalline solar panels
- Size: In most cases, you’ll need more panels to generate the same amount of electricity as monocrystalline solar panels, meaning the installation will occupy more space.
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Thin-Film Solar Panels
What are thin-film solar panels?
If you’ve not heard of thin-film solar panels before, they offer a flexible alternative to monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels. They are made using ultra-fine sheets of solar materials, which include amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride and copper indium gallium selenide. The efficiency of the panels will depend on the materials the manufacturers choose. The average range is between 7% and 14%. Thin-film solar panels are much more malleable than other types of panels, which makes them an appealing option for homeowners who have limited roof space, as well as people who own mobile homes. Like monocrystalline solar panels, they have a subtle appearance, but are a much cheaper option.
What are the advantages of thin-film solar panels?
- Flexibility: Thin-film solar panels are suitable for a much wider range of surfaces than other rigid solar panels, including uneven surfaces.
- Cost: The most obvious benefit for most buyers is the cost. The cost of installing thin-film solar panels is significantly lower than other types of solar panels.
- Aesthetics: Thin-film solar panels are much more subtle than the large, robust panels most of us are familiar with. They are around 350 times thinner than the crystalline wafer cells in polycrystalline and monocrystalline solar panels.
What are the disadvantages?
- Efficiency: Thin-film solar panels have a low efficiency rating at around 7%-14%
- Output: These solar panels are not suitable for most homeowners, as output is limited
- Lifespan: Thin-film solar panels don’t last as long as polycrystalline and monocrystalline solar panels
- Availability: It’s not as easy to find thin-film solar panels as other options
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Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) Solar Panels
PERC (Passive Emitter and Rear Cell) solar panels are a relatively new development in comparison with monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels. They were developed and tested by Australian scientist, Martin Green, at the University of New South Wales in the 1980s. The aim was to build on the design of the monocrystalline solar panel to increase efficiency. PERC solar panels feature reflective layers, which bounce the photons back into the silicon to maximise output. It has taken many years to replicate the technology used by Dr Green to make PERC solar panels affordable and this is why they have only recently become available commercially.
What are the pros and cons of Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell solar panels?
Pros:
- Efficiency: The major selling point of PERC solar panels is efficiency. These solar panels boast around 24% efficiency.
- Cost-effective: These panels are more cost-effective than alternatives, such as polycrystalline solar panels. They can generate a relatively large amount of electricity per installation.
Cons:
- Initial cost: The initial cost may not be affordable for all homeowners. It is more expensive to buy and install these panels than other more popular alternatives. As PERC panels become more popular and the demand rises, prices are likely to start falling.
- Availability: These panels are not as widely available as others, including monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels.
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Solar Tiles
Solar tiles are not widely available yet, but they are growing in popularity. These innovative, small panels work in the same way as monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels, but they’re designed to replace roof tiles, rather than stand on top of the roof as part of a separate installation. If you’re interested in building an eco-friendly home or modernising your property, solar roof tiles may appeal. They’re also a great idea for homeowners who are put off by the aesthetics of more conventional PV systems and older styles of solar panels. Tiles blend seamlessly into the structure of the building for a much more subtle appearance. In some cases, solar tiles might also be an attractive option if you’ve had difficulties getting planning permission.
For most of us, the main drawback of solar tiles is the cost. Typically, if you live in the UK, you can expect to pay around 50% more for solar tiles than monocrystalline solar panels.
What are the advantages of solar tiles?
- Aesthetics: The best thing about solar tiles is their contemporary, subtle appearance. Solar tiles replace traditional roof tiles for a seamless finish.
- Lifespan: Solar tiles should last around 25-30 years
- Planning complications: In some cases, solar tiles may be suitable if there have been issues getting planning permission for other options on listed buildings
What are the disadvantages of solar tiles?
- Efficiency: Solar tiles are usually less efficient than monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels with an average efficiency of 10%-20%
- Cost: The cost of tiling a whole roof with solar tiles is around 50% higher than installing a monocrystalline solar panel system. The total cost will depend on the size of the property.
- Availability: Solar tiles are a relatively new concept. As such, there is still limited availability.
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Concentrated PV Cell (CPV)
If you’ve only recently started reading about or researching solar panels, you might not have come across CPV (Concentrated Photovoltaic) solar panels. Alternatively, you might have heard about the technology if you’re a keen follower of space news. CPV solar panels are just starting to attract attention and they’re not widely available to residential customers in any country yet. The first panels are going up in houses in different countries, but it could be a few years before these solar panels become more high-profile. CPV solar panels are used in space. They focus vast amounts of sunlight onto photovoltaic surfaces to increase energy production substantially. The solar panels most of us are used to convert around 15% of the sun’s energy into electricity. CPV solar panels can increase this figure to around 44%.
What are the pros and cons of CPV solar panels?
Pros:
- Efficiency: The main advantage of CPV solar panels is very high efficiency levels.
- Value for money: The cost is high, but the value for money is excellent when compared with other solar panels due to superior efficiency.
Cons:
- Initial cost: The initial cost of installing CPV solar panels will be significantly higher than traditional solar panels. The exact price is unknown as this product is not yet available to residential customers on a large scale.
- Availability: CPV solar panels are not yet available to the vast majority of homeowners.
What’s the best type of solar panel?
It’s hard to answer this question without knowing your individual circumstances and preferences. The general consensus is that monocrystalline solar panels are currently the best option on the market for most customers, but this is not always the case. When you’re choosing solar panels for your home or business, it’s important to consider your requirements and priorities. There are a few essential factors to think about to help you decide which types of solar panels are best for you. These include:
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Cost and value for money
Cost is a factor for most people who are considering adding solar panels to their homes. Some types of solar panels are much more expensive than others, but the initial cost is not the only figure that matters. If you’re weighing up the pros and cons, it’s beneficial to explore both the short and long-term costs to determine value for money. In some cases, for example, monocrystalline solar panels, the initial cost is higher than alternatives, but the break-even point will be earlier due to better efficiency.
It’s also important to think about the expected lifespan of solar panels when it comes to finding the best value deals. Thin-film solar panels, for example, are a cheaper option in terms of the initial cost, but they only last 10-20 years compared to a lifespan of 25-35 years for monocrystalline solar panels and 25-30 years for solar tiles and polycrystalline solar panels.
Before you decide which solar panels to install, get some quotes from reputable solar panel providers
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Aesthetics
If you’re looking for subtle or more aesthetically pleasing solar panels, there are a few options to consider. The best are monocrystalline solar panels, solar tiles and thin-film solar panels. Polycrystalline solar panels are less attractive.
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Flexibility
There are all kinds of properties in the UK. The most popular types of solar panels may suit most homes, but they’re not always a viable option. Before you decide which solar panels to add to your home, think about flexibility. Thin-film solar panels are a brilliant option for mobile homes and properties with small roofs, for example.
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Availability and innovation
Some types of solar panels have been around for decades and they’re widely available from companies across the country while others are relatively new or even still being developed. Consider availability in the UK when you’re choosing solar panels. Installations that aren’t widely available yet are likely to be more expensive. If you’re interested in innovation, you may want to wait until products and technologies currently in the pipeline become more widely available. There is a lot of excitement about perovskite solar panels, for example. Trials in June 2024 revealed an efficiency rating of 26.9%.
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Output
Some PV systems generate more electricity than others. It’s important to choose a type of solar panel and a system that matches your requirements. If you’re unsure what you need, seek expert advice from solar panel companies and explore quotes based on your property.
What are the benefits of solar panels?
If you’re thinking about installing solar panels at home, it’s helpful to know the benefits. The advantages of solar panels include:
- Lower energy bills
Reducing energy bills is one of the best reasons to install solar panels. Once you’ve paid for installation, you’ll start saving money on your household bills. The amount you save will depend on the size of the property, the size, efficiency and type of solar panels and your energy consumption.
Lowering energy bills is a goal for many of us at the moment, as prices have risen dramatically since 2020. In April 2022, the average household energy bill rose by a staggering 54% (source).
- Protecting against price rises
The energy market is unpredictable. Prices are rising and falling all the time, which makes it difficult to budget and predict future spending. Solar energy can help to protect you against price rises.
- Protecting the environment
If you’re looking to embrace greener, more sustainable ways of living, protecting the environment is a major advantage. The average residential solar panel system can save up to a tonne of carbon per year. This equates to the same level of emissions as driving 3,600 miles.
- Low maintenance
Once you have your solar panel system installed, you don’t have to worry about maintenance. Most providers will also offer guarantees.
- Adding value
If you’re selling your home, solar panels can add value and make your property more appealing to some buyers. As the demand for solar panels increases in the UK, properties with existing systems may become more sought-after.
- Embracing innovation
Renewable energy is an exciting field. If you’re a homeowner, adding solar panels offers a great way to embrace innovation and modernise your home. The growth of the industry is also offering excellent career opportunities, including solar panel installation for trained electricians.
FAQs
- What are the different types of solar panels?
There are six main types of solar panels available in the UK. They include monocrystalline solar panels, polycrystalline solar panels, thin-film solar panels, solar tiles, PERC solar panels and CPV solar panels.
- Which solar panels are the best?
Every type of solar panel offers advantages and disadvantages. Monocrystalline solar panels are considered the best option for most homeowners because they have high efficiency levels, they are aesthetically pleasing and they last longer than other types. In some cases, other solar panels may be better for you, for example, thin-film solar panels are often recommended for mobile homes.
- What are the benefits of solar panels?
Solar panels are eco-friendly, they lower energy bills significantly and they can add value to your property. Solar energy can also help to protect you against future energy price hikes.
- How can I get a quote for solar panels?
If you’re looking for solar panels, it’s beneficial to contact multiple providers and compare quotes. Choose reputable solar panel companies with good reviews and a proven track record.
What we’ve learned
Solar panels have become increasingly popular in the UK. In 2024, more than 1 million UK homes will generate electricity through solar power arrays. There are multiple types of solar panels, which cater to homeowners with varied budgets and requirements. Monocrystalline solar panels are often regarded as the best option, but they might not always be suitable. It’s advisable to consider your budget, the type and size of the property, your energy needs and your preferences in terms of aesthetics when deciding which solar panels to choose. It’s helpful to weigh up the pros and cons, compare prices and quotes and focus on value for money rather than cost to find the best solution for you.
