Are solar panels a good choice for your home?

Solar panels are a popular renewable energy system for UK homeowners, self builders and renovators. In fact, over 220,500 solar panel installations were completed in 2023, according to data from the MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme). But how can you be confident you’re buying the best solar panels for your home and lifestyle requirements?

Which solar panel is best?

The Alpha Pure-R from Singaporean manufacturer REC is an excellent choice for those looking for an efficient solar panel with a generous power output. With a 22.3% efficiency rating, it outperforms the brand’s other efficient Alpha Pure solar panel by a small margin.

What makes a good solar panel system?

The quality of the installation and other equipment (such as the inverter) also contribute to how good the solar panel system is overall. Price also varies depending on the solar panel brand and installer. The Which? members we surveyed owned solar PV panels from more than 20 different brands.

How efficient are photovoltaic panels?

Due to the many advances in photovoltaic technology over recent years, the average panel conversion efficiency has increased from 15% to over 23%. This significant jump in efficiency resulted in the power rating of a standard-size panel increasing from 250W to over 450W.

What is the efficiency of a solar panel?

The efficiency of a solar panel is a measure of the amount of solar irradiation or solar energy which falls on a specific area and is converted into electricity. The term efficiency is thrown around a lot but a slightly more efficient panel does not always equate to a better quality panel.

Are Panasonic solar panels efficient?

Panasonic no longer manufacturer their own solar panels range, but instead use a third party that still churns out some very efficient and impressive solar panels. Panasonic EverVolt solar panel range has an efficiency rating of 22.2%, along with an impressive power output of 410 watts.