Best solar panels in the UK 2025

Our expert looks at the best solar panels in the market and delivers his top picks

(Glow Green/Heatable/Solar4Good/iStock/Getty)

The solar panel market is a competitive one, with plenty of unfamiliar brands offering fairly similar products. But choosing the best solar panels in the UK isn’t as simple as picking the model with the highest efficiency or the longest warranty.

Many panels now offer similar specs on paper — comparable power output, 25- to 30-year lifespans, and sleek all-black designs. But with installation being the largest cost factor and British weather posing its own set of challenges, the stakes for getting the right system are higher than ever.

That’s why we’ve created this guide to the best solar panels available in the UK in 2025. To compile our list, we spoke to experts on the ground and have broken down the top-performing brands based on real-world value, not just technical specs.

We’ve prioritised long-term performance, value for money, and installer reputation. Whether you’re upgrading an old array or fitting solar panels for the first time, this guide will help you make a smart, informed decision that pays off over time.

Best solar panels at a glance

Panel	Price, installed	Efficiency	Wattage per panel	Type	Made in	Degradation	Warranty
DMEGC Infinity	£795 to £1,195 per kW	23 per cent	440-460W	N-Type	China and Indonesia	87.4 per cent after 30 years	25 years
SunPower Maxeon 7	£1250 per kW	24 per cent	475W	N-Type	Malaysia and the Philippines	90.8 per cent after 30 years	40 years
REA Fusion2 Solar Panel	£900 - £1000 per kW	24 per cent	450W	N-Type	Australia	90.3 per cent after 30 years	25 years
Perlight Black Grid	£895 to £1,195 per kW	26 per cent	500W	N-Type	China	87.4 per cent after 30 years	30 years
Aiko Neostar	£1250 per kW	23 per cent	460W	N-Type	China	88.90 per cent after 30 years	25 years
Jinko Tiger	£1250 per kW	22 per cent	440W	N-Type	China, Malaysia, US, Vietnam	87.4 per cent after 30 years	25 years

The DMEGC Infinity takes our crown as the best solar panel in the UK thanks to its combination of strong performance, long life and competitive price. Most panels are guaranteed for 25 years and offer similar power output, size, efficiency and looks.

So we’ve weighted our judgement towards cost and degradation, which describes how much power the cells will provide after a number of years. The higher the percentage, the better.

Much of your decision will also depend on which installer you go with, as many have preferred brands they work with due to bulk purchasing. You’ll also see a lot of unfamiliar Chinese names as you do your research, but many of these are Tier-1 manufacturers in clean energy with strong track records in quality and durability.

The boom in commercial solar farms has helped push the technology forward. Installation is still the biggest cost, so it pays to invest in long-lasting panels. Fortunately, costs have fallen dramatically over the past two decades, especially as China has scaled up manufacturing and innovation. But fitting panels still involves scaffolding, labour, and additional equipment to connect to your home mains, so it's wise to factor in total system cost, not just the panel price when choosing the best solar panel for your home.

Best solar panel overall: DMEGC Infinity

The DMEGC Infinity strikes an excellent balance between long-term performance, warranty coverage, and affordability, making it one of the best solar panels available in the UK. (Glow Green)

• Price, installed: £795 to £1,195 per kW
• Efficiency: 23 per cent
• Wattage per panel: 440-460W
• Type: N-Type
• Made in: China and Indonesia
• Degradation: 87.4 per cent after 30 years
• Warranty: 25 years for the product itself, 30 years for the degradation figure

While it may be unfamiliar to some, China’s DMEGC, part of the Hengdian Group, is a major global player in clean energy with over 50GW of solar panels shipped, making it a trusted name among the best solar panel brands in the UK. It’s shipped more than 50 gigawatts of solar panels since its founding in 1980. That’s a lot – the UK’s average power demand last year was about 30GW.

It is one of the earliest solar panel manufacturers and this long track record means it has plenty of experience in making a quality product.

The company also walks the walk when it comes to green energy. Last year, it revealed three of its manufacturing bases in China were certified by testing firm TUV SUD as using 100 per cent green energy. DMEGC aims to be carbon neutral by 2050.

DMEGC is also considered a Tier-1 manufacturer, an industry term for the biggest and longest-running solar panel makers, which have solid financial strength. The status is not a be-all and end-all for solar panel buyers but does indicate that a company has a good chance of honouring its guarantees and that its manufacturing processes are solid, which is useful bearing in mind how long the panels need to last.

This solar panel provides a good compromise between power output, long warranty and decent power longevity, offering more than 87 per cent of its box-fresh output after 30 years.

The model can also come in at the lower end of the cost for solar panels, depending on the fitting cost. This combination of lower price and long life makes it our top pick.

Other features include anti-glare coatings, which mean the panels are less likely to annoy neighbours or passers by. This could be important if you live in a valley with roads coming in from above the property and you don’t want to dazzle drivers on sunny days.

Even if this is not a concern, panels which reflect light are not using it for power, which is to be avoided.

As with other panels on the list, the manufacturer boasts they have good performance in low light conditions – useful for gloomier winter days – and a top safety record.

They can also perform well if temperatures rise above 25 degrees centigrade.

The panels have fairly typical dimensions of 1.76m by 1.13m with a depth of 3cm. They weigh 24.5kg apiece.

Pricing will vary, but as with other reviews, we include an average cost for the panels when installed. The biggest cost is for installation, so don’t focus too much on the cost of panels alone. Instead, consider the overall cost.

Pros:

• Lower price
• Long useable life
• Strong guarantee from a company with a long track record

Cons:

• There are cells with better degradation, topping 90 per cent
• There are cells with better efficiency

Being able to trust in the longevity of a company that has been around as long as DMEGC, their skills in electrical manufacturing and as a Tier-1 solar manufacturer, gives us peace of mind that we are supplying our customers with quality

Paul Evans, head of renewables at solar panel fitter Glow Green

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Best for longevity: SunPower Maxeon 7

These panels are at the higher end of the price scale but have a long guarantee (Sunsave)

A pricier unit than most, the SunPower Maxeon 7 also has the staying power to justify the extra expense.

It’s the only solar panel on our list offering an industry-leading 40-year warranty, making it ideal for homeowners prioritising long-term peace of mind. The downside is you must register to get this extra coverage and only certain fitters will qualify, so ask lots of questions if the longer warranty is important to you.

The panel also offers high efficiency, high output and top degradation - it will kick out more than 90 per cent of its day-1 power after 30 years.

Its high output per panel makes the Maxeon 7 a smart choice for homes with limited roof space.

Whilst still using the SunPower brand, Singapore-based Maxeon was spun off from its American owner SunPower in 2020.

It’s based in Singapore, its shares are listed in New York, but China’s TCL Technology Group is its biggest investor, owing over a third of the shares. France’s Total owns about a quarter.

Weighing in at 21kg, it is light compared to its peers and its dimensions are 1.79m by 1.04m with a 4cm depth.

One thing to note – and a reason that the panels are not in pole position – is that the company’s financial performance of late has been poor. When Maxeon split from SunPower it lost its biggest customer, which hit its revenues.

In 2024, Maxeon also announced plans to sell its non-US business to its main shareholder, TCL.

For more on longevity, see our guide to how long solar panels last.

Pros:

• Long guarantee
• Best longevity – more than 90 per cent power after 30 years

Cons:

• Expensive
• Company is being restructured

For those seeking top-tier solar solutions, Maxeon Solar Technologies stands as a steadfast leader in the PV sector, backed by a dedicated network

Stratford Energy

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Best solar panel for quality: REA Fusion 2 Solar Panel

The REA Fusion 2 Solar Panel is the best solar panel for quality (Heatable)

• Price, installed: £900 - £1000 per kW
• Efficiency: 24 per cent
• Wattage per panel: 450W
• Type: N-Type
• Made in: Australia
• Degradation: 90.3 per cent after 30 years
• Warranty: 25 years for the product itself, 30 years for the degradation figure

This is our choice for the best solar panel for efficiency and maintaining power over the long run.

REA Power is a smaller company, based in Australia, making it an unusual entrant in a list dominated by Chinese brands.

REA panels can use micro inverters fitted to each panel. Inverters turn the direct current that the panels provide into alternating current which your home ring main uses. Many setups use one centralised inverter and they usually require a certain amount of power to get going, meaning that some setups can’t make use of low light conditions to generate power.

REA says that its micro inverters, fitted to every panel, are more efficient in generating power on darker days, offering a distinct advantage for UK weather. It also means that an inverter failure does not affect the rest of the array. The inverters will also benefit from the guarantee the panels get – 25 years.

The panels are double sided – sunlight can be absorbed on both sides. When it will be fitted to your roof, why bother? Well, some light will pass through the panel, reflect off your roof and enter through the back. Panels with this feature can generate up to 20 per cent more energy.

The company also sponsors various initiatives including a solar recycling scheme, which aims to fix old panels and keep them working rather than being sent to landfill.

If you are having solar panels fitted, they are probably going on your roof, so you will need scaffolding and specialists to come along to put them there. Therefore, you may want the best in an effort to avoid having to foot repair bills or replacement costs. You may also want the maximum power available for a smaller roof.

Engineered in Australia, the manufacturers say these cells are built to last and they top our chart for efficiency and degradation.

They also have a minimalist all-black design, which is useful if you want to keep your solar installation low-profile.

REA says its cells also have separate zones which means that less power is lost should part of the array end up in the shade from trees, clouds or other buildings. And they make use of lower AC voltage for safety reasons.

Due to expense these panels do not snag the top spot in our list, but if you are happy with the price they are a good choice.

The panels measure 1.72m by 1.13m and are 3cm thick. They weigh 24kg each.

Pros:

• Good efficiency
• Good longevity – more than 90 per cent power after 30 years
• Australian engineering

Cons:

• Expensive

REA Fusion panels combine advanced N-Type and HJT cell technologies, offering the best of both worlds: N-Type cells minimise long-term efficiency degradation, while HJT (Heterojunction Technology) enhances performance in low-light conditions. This powerful combination makes the Fusion 2 the go-to choice for the UK market – delivering maximum generation, even in our famously gloomy climate

David Simmonds, Head of Solar at solar panel fitter Heatable

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Best for long warranty: Perlight Black Grid

Perlight Black Grid provides a long warranty (Associated Press)

• Price, installed: £895 to £1,195 per kW
• Efficiency: 26 per cent
• Wattage per panel: 500W
• Type: N-Type
• Made in: China
• Degradation: 87.4 per cent after 30 years
• Warranty: 30 years

Perlight is another Chinese maker of solar panels, starting life in 2006. These panels are an excellent choice for those wanting a long warranty – the company offers 30 years compared to the usual 25.

This extended guarantee could give you more comfort if you expect to have to pay the panels off over a long period of time or you simply want to leave them there for as long as possible, which bearing in mind the fitting cost could be a good idea.

On the other hand, you could take the view that a panel lasting 25 years will probably go the extra distance without the guarantee.

The model also offers better efficiency and a higher wattage than the other panels on our list. The only thing letting it down is its somewhat pedestrian degradation figure, otherwise it would be further up our ranking.

The company is also somewhat shy about filing facts about itself compared to its competitors, although it passes all the necessary regulatory hurdles.

The panels do offer a higher wattage and will continue pumping out 87 per cent of their factory-fresh power after 30 years, making it a very good choice.

Like REA, Perlight is not a Tier-1 manufacturer. But it has a long track record, meaning you should expect good performance for years to come, and it ships to 100 countries.

The panels also have high pressure resistance, meaning they should be able to withstand the bumps, bangs and weather that 30 years on a roof will throw at them.

Like nearly every panel on this list, these are made in China. The Chinese government has thrown many subsidies at clean power companies in recent years. This means that the last 20 years has seen a boom in Chinese solar panel making. The country now has a massive technological advantage over other nations, as well as a large manufacturing base.

Panel making eats up a lot of silicon, and China has a big silicon refining industry, which also helps firms make panels cheaply there.

Since 2000, solar panels themselves have fallen in price per unit of power output by about 90 per cent because of technological leaps in their efficiency, largely in China. But fitting costs have risen in line with wages and other inflationary pressures since then, so bear this in mind when looking at prices. The panels will be cheaper, but labour and scaffolding less so.

Pros:

• Best warranty
• High power

Cons:

• Better longevity available elsewhere

A 30-year product warranty is hard to come by in any product but Perlight offers one of the longest warranties available in the market

Paul Evans, head of renewables at solar panel fitter Glow Green

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Best for higher wattage per panel: Aiko Neostar

Aiko Neostar has a high wattage per panel (Solar4Good)

• Price, installed: £1,250 per kW
• Efficiency: 23 per cent
• Wattage per panel: 460W
• Type: N-Type
• Made in: China
• Degradation: 88.9 per cent after 30 years
• Warranty: 25 years for the product itself, 30 years for the degradation figure

China has invested billions of pounds into making cheap solar cells, and the country’s Aiko Neostar range offers amongst the best power output, as well as a long warranty and very respectable efficiency.

Aiko is another of those Tier-1 manufacturers we heard about earlier. Being Tier-1 means that Bloomberg New Energy Finance has determined that a company’s longevity, financial, strength and manufacturing processes make it a good financial bet.

For consumers, this suggests that the company you are buying from is likely to be a quality one, but it doesn’t mean you should ignore other manufacturers who may have newer products or simply don’t belong to a public company.

Aiko was founded in 2009 and has six manufacturing plants in China as well as a research and development hub in Freiberg in Germany. It has shipped more than 150 gigawatts of panels since it was founded. It is a big supplier to China’s large domestic solar industry, having this year snagged a 1 gigawatt contract to build three solar farms in the south, east and north of the country.

The Neostar also has the best output in our test, which makes the panels a good choice if roof space is at a premium.

Like the other panels in this list, the product uses N-type cells, which offer very slow degradation, and thus a nice long life.

The company claims that its cells have something called cell-level partial shade optimisation in order to deliver more power in partially shaded conditions. This, or a similar technology, is useful even if no trees are near your house – over the course of 30 years you can never be quite sure how your local skyline will change.

The company also says its panels have micro-crack resistance. In other words, they are tough. Over their lives, small branches from trees, hail and other detritus will strike the panels, together with the regular wind and rain Britain endures, so durability is important.

With an all-black design, they are also among the most aesthetically pleasing solar panels and maintain 89 per cent of their power after 30 years, which is towards the top of our list.

As with the other panels we reviewed, a 25 year guarantee is the standard.

These panels are somewhat lighter than the others, at 21.5kg each, which may appeal if you have a more fragile roof. They measure 1.76m by 1.13m and are 3cm thick.

Pros:

• High longevity – almost 90 per cent power after 30 years
• Best power output
• Nice all-black design

Cons:

• Pricier than alternatives

With new generation ABC (All Back Contact) technology, Aiko Neostar panels supply excellent efficiency, and their entirely black design is aesthetically pleasing and looks great on any rooftop. They represent a premium option built for homeowners in search of the latest in tech and the best performance from a small-scale system

Edward McKay at fitter Solar4Good

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Best for high output in weak light conditions: Jinko Tiger

Jinko Tiger is the best for high output in weak light conditions (Solar4Good)

• Price, installed: £1250 per kW
• Efficiency: 22 per cent
• Wattage per panel: 440W
• Type: N-Type
• Made in: China and Malaysia, US and Vietnam
• Degradation: 87.40 per cent after 30 years
• Warranty: 25 years for the product itself, 30 years for the degradation figure

Founded in 2006, Jinko has grown to be another vast Chinese player in solar panels, with a decent track record of success.

Again, the long warranty, slow ageing rate and good power output make this a good all-round choice.

Jinko is a Tier-1 manufacturer, meaning it has been around for more than five years, it is in a strong financial position, and it automates its panel making. This is a useful guide on a company’s financial strength, but as a consumer rather than an investor, you may have other priorities.

The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, which means it publishes quite a bit more about itself than the other firms.

It also invests in solar projects themselves, owning a 20 per cent stake in a 2 gigawatt solar project in the United Arab Emirates, one of the world’s largest plants.

Jinko is also part of the so-called Solar Module Super League, a group of seven firms which made up about half the world’s solar panel making capacity.

For the panels themselves, the stats are fairly middle of the road compared to others on our list, but as you can see from the summary towards the top of the page, all our featured panels have good warranties, power output, efficiency and useable lifespan.

You can take a lot of comfort from Jinko’s huge size and comparably long track record, approaching 20 years in the market.

So if your favourite fitting firm only stocks these panels, fear not, you are still likely to have lower bills for years to come.

A bit like flat panel TVs, intense competition in the solar panel market means the products are getting cheaper, but with high standards in manufacturing among the biggest players, of which Jinko is one.

The manufacturer says that the panels offer good output in weak light conditions, which is a key feature in the UK, not just for gloomy days but also dawn and dusk.

It uses N-type cells, which offer slow degradation, which is important if you want to fit cells to a roof and not have to replace them for a very long time.

The panels also feature good resistance to salt, which could be important if you live near the coast and need that extra protection.

The panels weigh in at 22kg, a shade lighter than most, and measure 1.76m by 1.13m. They are 3cm thick.

Pros:

• Good low-light performance
• Good all-round performance

Cons:

• Better power output and slower degradation are available elsewhere

Jinko Tiger panels deliver reliability and performance with robustness and high energy output in weak light conditions. They’re a great choice for customers who want quality, affordability, and performance from one of the best solar manufacturers in the world

Edward McKay at fitter Solar4Good

How to find a reputable installer

Once you’ve chosen the best solar panels for your home, the next step is finding a qualified installer to fit them safely and efficiently. A good installer will not only handle the technical aspects of fitting your panels but also help you secure any available grants or incentives.

Here are a few tips to help you choose:

• Look for certification: in the UK, installers should be accredited by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). This ensures they meet industry standards for quality and safety.
• Check reviews and references: look for recent customer feedback on independent review sites, or ask the installer for references from past projects.
• Compare quotes: it’s wise to get at least three detailed quotes so you can compare costs, warranties and services.
• Understand warranties and aftercare: make sure the installer offers clear warranties on both the installation work and the equipment.

If you’d like a list of vetted companies, visit our guide to the best solar panel installers for reviews and recommendations.

Methodology

We based our judgement on a number of factors largely weighted towards price and lifespan. We spoke to solar fitters and UK experts to draw our conclusions. The efficiency of most of the panels is very similar and they tend to come in similar sizes and with similar warranties, apart from the 30 years offered by Perlight.

• Longevity is our top concern. The outlay to install the panels is large, so they must last. The cells’ longevity can be measured in two ways: the expected lifespan, which is often 25-30 years, and the degradation figure, which tells us how much power we get as the cells age.
• After longevity, price is a key metric: the lower, the better
• Then, we look at warranty and efficiency, which can often be similar, together with power output
• After that, we weigh concerns such as looks, how long the manufacturer has existed and other matters

Our top choice is the DMEGC Infinity for its balance of price and performance. Many of the Chinese brands are similarly priced with similar lifespan characteristics.

Why trust us

The Independent has been reporting on green energy and climate matters since it was founded in 1986. Since then, we have written hundreds of reviews and news stories on energy matters, including the best solar panels, the best solar installers and various other guides on green power.

What happens when you get a quote through us

After you have filled out our form above, you will receive three quotes from solar fitting companies local to you.

They may be able to quote based on the information you have given them, or they may need more information, or to visit your home.

Once you have these quotes, you can decide if you wish to proceed.

FAQs

Which type of solar panels are the best?

For most buyers fitting the panels to a roof, the most modern type of panel, N-Type, is a good bet since it will last a long time. PERC solar panels, an older design, will be cheaper but may be guaranteed for just 10 years. That makes them suitable for easier installations, such as ground level or accessible roofs, but not installations which require expensive fitting.

What are Tier 1 solar panels?

You may have read the phrase Tier 1 associated with solar panels. It refers to tiers of manufacturers, based on their financial stability and their track record of making high-quality panels. To be seen as a Tier 1 manufacturer, panels should be made in-house and a track record of at least five years is generally needed.

It is a good indicator that a panel maker is high quality, but it is not the be-all and end-all since factors which matter little to buyers such as the quality of a manufacturer’s accounting practices form part of the criteria. Aiko, Jinko and DMEGC are all Tier-1 firms.

Does the brand of solar panels matter?

Yes and no. There are big brands in solar panel making such as Sharp, but it stopped selling panels to European countries this year. The most important thing is to choose a brand with a good history. All our makers featured in this guide have been around for at least 15 years and up to 45 years.

What is the best solar panel scheme in the UK?

One of the most beneficial solar panel schemes currently available in the UK is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). Introduced in 2020, SEG requires large electricity suppliers to pay homeowners for any surplus solar energy they export back to the grid. The rates vary by supplier, but some of the more generous offers come from Octopus Energy, E.ON Next and British Gas. While it replaced the older Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme, SEG still provides a valuable financial incentive for households with solar panels. You may also be able to take advantage of regional grants or council-led incentives depending on your location, so it’s worth checking with your local authority. For more information, visit Ofgem’s SEG guidance page.

Who is the most reputable solar company in the UK?

Reputation in the UK solar market is shaped by a combination of customer service, installation quality, certification, and transparency, and there are many companies across the UK that fit this mould. Some of the most well-reviewed solar companies include Project Solar UK, Glow Green, Heatable, and Solar4Good, all of which are frequently recommended by independent comparison sites and have strong Trustpilot ratings. These installers also supply some of the top-performing panels featured in this guide, such as DMEGC Infinity, REA Fusion2, and Aiko Neostar.

When assessing a solar company’s credibility, look for MCS certification (Microgeneration Certification Scheme), clear warranty terms, and proven experience with installations in your area. It’s also wise to obtain multiple quotes and ask about post-installation support. A reputable installer should provide free consultations and no-pressure pricing. It's also important to get an accurate measurement of your roof to ensure your array fits its shape. Some installers rely on satellite images to assess your roof's capacity, but this doesn't always provide an accurate measure.

What does Martin Lewis say about solar panels?

MoneySavingExpert founder Martin Lewis has spoken positively about solar panels but cautions homeowners to treat them as a long-term investment rather than a quick financial win. On his website, he notes that solar panels can provide decent returns through bill savings and the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), especially for those who are at home during daylight hours to use the energy directly. However, he warns that the payback period can be lengthy, typically 10 to 15 years depending on system cost and usage habits. He recommends getting multiple quotes and not rushing into purchases driven by cold callers or aggressive sales tactics.