What types of solar panels are available in the UK?

Solar panel technology has developed significantly in recent years, with modern panels becoming more powerful and efficient.

Although there are several types of photovoltaic technology, most UK homeowners considering a new rooftop solar installation will be offered high-efficiency monocrystalline panels.

However, there are differences between panels and technologies that are worth understanding before choosing a system.

Monocrystalline solar panels

Monocrystalline panels are the most common choice for modern residential solar installations. They are manufactured using high-purity silicon cells and typically offer higher efficiency than older polycrystalline technology. Modern residential panels commonly achieve efficiencies of around 20–23%, with some premium products exceeding 23%.

Advantages

High efficiency
Good performance where roof space is limited
Modern black appearance
Long expected operating life
Widely available from established manufacturers
Typically supplied with long product and performance warranties

Things to consider

Higher-specification panels can cost more, although monocrystalline technology has become increasingly mainstream and competitively priced. For most UK homeowners considering solar today, some form of monocrystalline panel is likely to be the starting point.

TOPCon solar panels

TOPCon – Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact – has become increasingly common in modern residential solar panels.

TOPCon is not an entirely separate category from monocrystalline solar. Instead, it is an advanced solar-cell technology designed to improve the efficiency and performance of the panel.

Compared with older conventional cell designs, TOPCon panels can offer higher efficiency, strong performance over their lifetime and relatively low degradation.

As a result, TOPCon is now found in many of the high-output panels offered by UK solar installers.

HJT solar panels

Heterojunction Technology (HJT) combines crystalline silicon with thin layers of amorphous silicon. HJT panels can offer very high efficiency and good performance in warmer conditions.

Advantages

High efficiency
Good temperature performance
Low degradation
Strong long-term performance potential

Things to consider

HJT panels can command a premium compared with some mainstream alternatives and aren't offered by every installer.

Bifacial solar panels

Traditional solar panels generate electricity using the front surface of the panel. Bifacial panels can also capture light reaching the rear of the panel. This can increase electricity generation in installations where reflected light can reach the back of the panels.

However, the benefit can be more limited on conventional residential roofs where panels are mounted relatively close to the roof surface. An installer should therefore be able to explain whether bifacial technology provides a meaningful benefit for your particular property rather than simply choosing it because the technology is newer.

Polycrystalline solar panels

Polycrystalline panels were once widely used for residential solar installations. They were generally cheaper to manufacture than monocrystalline panels but offered lower efficiency and typically required more roof area to produce an equivalent amount of electricity.

Advances in manufacturing and falling prices for monocrystalline technology mean that polycrystalline panels are now much less common for new UK residential installations.

You may still see them on older solar systems, but homeowners buying a new system today are much more likely to be offered monocrystalline technology.

Thin-film solar panels

Thin-film solar cells use very thin layers of photovoltaic material and can be lighter and more flexible than conventional crystalline panels. This makes them useful for certain specialist and commercial applications.

However, their lower power density means they generally require more surface area, so conventional thin-film technology isn't usually the first choice for a typical UK residential rooftop installation.

Solar roof tiles

Solar tiles incorporate photovoltaic technology into the roof covering itself rather than mounting conventional panels above the roof. They can provide a more integrated appearance and may appeal to homeowners who don't like the appearance of conventional solar panels.

However, solar tiles generally cost considerably more than conventional rooftop panels and can be more complicated to install.

For most homeowners whose priority is electricity generation and value for money, conventional solar panels are likely to remain the more practical option.

What about perovskite solar panels?

Perovskite is one of the most interesting areas of emerging solar technology. Researchers and manufacturers are developing perovskite and perovskite-silicon tandem cells capable of achieving very high efficiencies.

The technology has the potential to make future solar panels significantly more efficient. However, it is still an emerging technology and isn't currently the mainstream choice for a typical UK residential installation.

For homeowners looking to install solar today, established silicon-based technologies remain the more relevant comparison.

What about solar thermal panels?

Solar thermal panels are different from solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. Solar PV panels generate electricity. Solar thermal panels use energy from the sun primarily to help heat water.

Although both use solar energy, they are different technologies and should not be directly compared when choosing a system to generate household electricity.

Which solar panels are best for the average UK home?

For most UK homeowners installing solar today, high-efficiency monocrystalline panels are likely to offer the most practical combination of performance, price, availability and use of roof space.

Increasingly, these panels incorporate technologies such as TOPCon or HJT to improve their efficiency and long-term performance. n However, there isn't one particular panel that's best for every home.

When comparing solar panels, consider:

Panel efficiency – how effectively the panel converts sunlight into electricity
Power output – measured in watts (W)
Available roof space – higher-output panels can be particularly useful where space is limited
Manufacturer warranty – check both product and performance warranties
Degradation rate – panels gradually produce slightly less electricity as they age
Manufacturer reputation – consider the track record and financial strength of the manufacturer
Appearance – some homeowners prefer all-black panels
Price – premium technology doesn't necessarily produce the best financial return for every household

The panel itself is also only one part of the system. The quality of the inverter, installation, system design, positioning and aftercare can be just as important to the long-term performance of your solar installation.

Compare solar options for your home

A professional installer should assess your roof, orientation, shading, available space and electricity requirements before recommending a particular panel and system size.

Rather than choosing solely on the highest efficiency figure, compare the overall system performance, equipment, warranties, installation quality and price.