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If you’re thinking of switching to solar power, you’ll find that there’s a lot of choice on the market. This is a good thing – healthy competition means better products and lower prices – but how do you know which solar panel to choose for your home?

Fortunately, we can help. We’ve investigated the huge range of panels offered by 10 of the world’s top solar companies, and picked out the very best.

To receive bespoke quotes for solar panels, simply fill in this short form, and our professional installers will be in touch. For more information, check out our page on the cost of solar panels in 2020.

What’s on this page?

Head straight to a specific section by clicking the links below.

How did we choose the best solar panel?

You can find a serious amount of detail about specific models of solar panel online, which can be pretty overfacing, so we boiled the information down to the things that really matter.

Here are the eight key factors we focussed on:

1. Power. Measured in watts (W), ‘power’ simply refers to the solar panel’s typical energy production in ‘Standard Test Conditions’ (i.e. an irradiance of 1000 Watts per square metre (W/m²) and a temperature of 25°C). For example, a 300W panel in five hours of STC could produce 1,500 Watts-hours (5 x 300W), or 1.5 kilowatt hours (kWh). Above everything else, it’s power that determines the price of a solar panel.

2. Efficiency. This refers to the proportion of sunlight hitting a solar panel that is being converted into usable electricity. It’s always expressed as a percentage, and generally ranges between 16-22% on the residential solar panel market.

3. Type. Most solar panels are either made from polycrystalline silicon cells or monocrystalline silicon cells. The former is cheaper, but the latter is more efficient, and looks sleeker.

4. Product warranty. If you’re investing in solar panels, you want them to last. Solar panel warranties can range from 10 years to an impressive 25 years.

5. Performance warranty. A solar panel’s ‘performance warranty’ (also known as its ‘linear output warranty’) is a guarantee that the panel will be operating at a certain percentage of its original output after a certain number of years. This is typically somewhere between 80-90% after 25-30 years.

6. Temperature coefficient. All solar panels become slightly less effective as the weather gets warmer. The ‘temperature coefficient’ refers to the percentage decrease in output that occurs with every 1°C increase in the temperature after 25°C. Most panels have a temperature coefficient of around -0.30% /°C to -0.40%/°C.

7. Size. If your roof space if fairly limited, size will be a high priority when it comes to looking for solar panels. The average size of a solar panel is approximately 2 sq m, but some manufacturers have managed to make some fairly compact models.

8. Weight. Similarly, your roof might not be strong enough to take the biggest, heaviest panels on the market, so lightweight panels are an important alternative for all you flimsy-roofers out there.

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Now read: Solar Panel Statistics

What are the best solar panels?

Here are the best-performing solar panels in each of our key categories. The best solar panel for you all depends on whether you’re looking for power, efficiency, longevity, or compactness. If you’re looking for something more mid-range, check out the final table.

The best solar panels for power output

These panels can really pack a punch. If your household uses a lot of electricity, you’ll need one of these high-powered bits of kit to keep things ticking along.

Manufacturer Solar panel Maximum power output Canadian Solar HiDM CS1U 420W SunPower Maxeon 3 400W LG NeON® 2 400W Yingli Solar PANDA Bifacial 72CL 390W SunPower Maxeon 3 BLK 375W Sharp NU-AF 370W

Information updated in July 2019.

The best solar panels for efficiency

To build a solar PV system that really makes hay while the sun shines, high-efficiency solar panels are a must. You want to get the most from renewable energy in the UK. Here are the most efficient panels for your home.

Manufacturer Solar panel Maximum efficiency Canadian Solar BiKu CS3U-PB-F6 23.8% SunPower X-Series X22 22.7% SunPower Maxeon 3 22.6% LG LG NeON® R ACe 22% Panasonic HIT® N340 20.4% Canadian Solar HiDM CS1U 20.37% Sharp NQ-R Series 20%

Information updated in July 2019.

The best solar panels for performance warranty

All solar panels become gradually less effective over time, but some last longer than others. Listed below are the solar panels with the longest lease of life.

Manufacturer Solar panel % of original output after 25 years SunPower Maxeon 3 (all models) 92% LG LG NeON® R ACe 90.8% SunPower E20 Series 90% LG NeON® 2 (all models) 89.6% LG NeON® R 88.4% Panasonic All models 86.2% Solaria All models 86%

Information updated in July 2019.

The best solar panels for small roofs

If you’re not blessed with sprawling roof space, it’s important to find solar panels that can easily squeeze on to the top of your home. Power and efficiency aside, here are the most compact residential solar panels on the market.

Manufacturer Solar panel Size Sharp NQ-R Series 1.29sqm Panasonic N300 1.54sqm Sharp ND-AK 1.63sqm SunPower X-Series X22 1.63sqm SunPower E20 Series 1.63sqm TrinaSolar HONEY PD05 1.64sqm

Information updated in July 2019.

The best lightweight solar panels

Another limitation for solar-hopeful households is structural strength – you need to be careful with the weight you’re putting on top of your roof. These solar panels are the premium featherweights of the industry.

Manufacturer Solar panel Weight Panasonic N250 15kg Sharp NQ-R Series 17kg LG NeON®2 (60 cell) 17.1kg LG NeON®2 Black 17.1kg Panasonic N300 18kg Panasonic N330 18.5kg

Information updated in July 2019.

The best mid-range solar panels

And, finally, if you’re on a tighter budget but still fancy something with decent capabilities, here are the best mid-range models available. The jacks-of-all-trades, shall we say.

Manufacturer Solar panel Power/efficiency Trina Solar HONEY PD05 285W / 17.4% Trina Solar HONEY M PLUS 315W / 19.2% Panasonic N300 300W / 19.5% Project Solar EVO Ultramax 330W / 19.66% LG NeON®2 Black 320W / 18.7% Canadian Solar KuPower 300W / 18.05%

Information updated in July 2019.

The 10 best solar panel manufacturers in 2020

We’ve taken a look at the world’s best solar panel companies and assessed their product range, picking out the cream of the crop.

If you’re thinking of harnessing the power of the sun, do it properly and make sure you get yourself top quality panels. Taking the cheap option is just not worth the risk.

SunPower

Efficiency range: 18.4% to 22.7%

Power range: 310W to 400W

US-based SunPower entered the solar power industry in 1985, impressing everyone with its Maxeon® technology. This was invented at Stanford University by Richard Swanson, involving an “all-back contact” solar cell with thick connectors, a solid metal backing, and no grid lines.

What does all this mean? To put it simply, it means more sunlight absorption, increased panel durability, and improved panel appearance. Nice.

SunPower’s big plus point is its generous warranties – the company offers a 25-year combined ‘Power, Product & Service’ warranty, which is superb by industry standards. For certain models (SunPower has nine in total), the company guarantees that the solar panel’s power output will not fall below 92% of its original level after 25 years (compared to an industry average of around 80-85%).

Here are the top solar panels in SunPower’s range, starting with the most efficient.

X-SERIES X22-370

Power: 370W

Maximum efficiency: 22.7%

Temperature coefficient: -0.29% / °C

Weight: 18.6kg

Solar cells: 96 monocrystalline cells (Maxeon, Generation III)

Product warranty: 25 years

Performance warranty: 92% after 25 years

Dimensions: 1,559mm x 1,046mm x 46mm (1.63sqm)

MAXEON 3

Power: 400W, 390W, 370W

Maximum efficiency: 22.6%

Temperature coefficient: -0.29% / °C

Weight: 19 kg

Solar cells: 104 monocrystalline cells (Maxeon, Generation III)

Product warranty: 25 years

Performance warranty: 92% after 25 years

Dimensions: 1,690mm x 1,046mm x 40mm (1.77sqm)

MAXEON 3 BLACK

Power: 375W, 355W

Maximum efficiency: 21.2%

Temperature coefficient: -0.29% / °C

Weight: 19 kg

Solar cells: 104 monocrystalline cells (Maxeon, Generation III)

Product warranty: 25 years

Performance warranty: 92% after 25 years

Dimensions: 1,690mm x 1,046mm x 40mm (1.77sqm)

MAXEON 2

Power: 360W, 350W, 340W

Maximum efficiency: 20.4%

Temperature coefficient: -0.35% / °C

Weight: 19 kg

Solar cells: 104 monocrystalline cells (Maxeon, Generation III)

Product warranty: 25 years

Performance warranty: 92% after 25 years

Dimensions: 1,690mm x 1,046mm x 40mm (1.77sqm)

P19-320-BLACK

Power: 335W, 330W, 325W, 315W, 310W

Maximum efficiency: 19.9%

Temperature coefficient: -0.37% / °C

Weight: 28.1 kg

Solar cells: monocrystalline cells (Maxeon, Generation III)

Product warranty: 25 years

Performance warranty: 83.6% after 25 years

Dimensions: 1,690mm x 998mm x 40mm (1.69sqm)

LG

Efficiency range: 18.5% to 22%

Power range: 320W to 400W

LG is a real pioneer of solar technology, having developed solar cells for traffic signs and clocks long before it switched to residential and commercial solar panels in 2010. Since then, its panels have won the coveted Intersolar AWARD in 2013, 2015, and 2016.

The LG range consists of just four panels, but it’s all about quality over quantity. For example, the NeON® 2 panels are built using LG’s innovative Cello Technology™, where 12 wires are used (instead of the industry-standard four) to increase sunlight absorption and reduce electricity loss. Plus, LG’s NeON® 2 BiFacial (i.e. double-sided) solar panel is capable of generating an extra 30% electricity.

Here are the top solar panels in LG’s range, starting with the most efficient.

LG NeON® R ACe

Power: 380W, 375W, 370W

Maximum efficiency: 22%

Temperature coefficient: -0.30% / °C

Weight: 19kg

Solar cells: 60 monocrystalline cells

Product warranty: 25 years

Performance warranty: 90.8% after 25 years

Dimensions: 1,700mm x 1,016mm x 40mm (1.73sqm)

NeON® R

Power: 370W, 365W, 360W

Maximum efficiency: 21.4%

Temperature coefficient: -0.30% / °C

Weight: 18.5kg

Solar cells: 60 monocrystalline cells

Product warranty: 25 years

Performance warranty: 88.4% after 25 years

Dimensions: 1,700mm x 1,016mm x 40mm (1.73sqm)

NeON® 2 (60-cell)

Power: 340W, 335W

Maximum efficiency: 19.8%

Temperature coefficient: -0.37% / °C

Weight: 17kg

Solar cells: 60 monocrystalline cells

Product warranty: 25 years

Performance warranty: 89.6% after 25 years

Dimensions: 1,686mm x 1,016mm x 40mm (1.71sqm)

NeON® 2 (72-cell)

Power: 400W, 395W

Maximum efficiency: 19.3%

Temperature coefficient: -0.37% / °C

Weight: 20.3kg

Solar cells: 72 monocrystalline cells

Product warranty: 25 years

Performance warranty: 89.6% after 25 years

Dimensions: 2,024mm x 1,024mm x 40mm (2.07sqm)

NeON® 2 Black

Power: 320W

Maximum efficiency: 18.7%

Temperature coefficient: -0.37% / °C

Weight: 17.1kg

Solar cells: 60 N-type monocrystalline cells

Product warranty: 25 years

Performance warranty: 89.6% after 25 years

Dimensions: 1,686mm x 1,016mm x 40mm (1.71sqm)

NeON® 2 Bifacial

Power: 395W, 390W

Maximum efficiency: 18.7%

Temperature coefficient: -0.37% / °C

Weight: 22.1kg

Solar cells: 72 N-type monocrystalline cells

Product warranty: 25 years

Performance warranty: 89.6% after 25 years

Dimensions: 2,064mm x 1,024mm x 40mm (2.11sqm)

Did You Know? ‘LG stands for ‘Lucky-Goldstar’, not ‘Life’s Good’, as some people believe. Fill out this form to start receiving free solar panel quotes today.

Panasonic

Efficiency range: 19.1% to 20.4%

Power range: 245W to 335W

Japanese tech giant Panasonic has been a big player in the solar power industry since the 1970s, having sold more than 3 million solar panels in Europe alone. The folks at Panasonic are very proud of their heterojunction (HIT®) technology, which reduces electricity loss at solar cell boundaries, and leads to highly efficient solar panels. Panasonic also boast a superb temperature coefficient, with a decline of no more than -0.258% / °C in all of their panels.

Fortunately, Panasonic’s reliable and efficient solar panels won’t cost you an arm and a leg; research by EnergySage found most Panasonic systems to be priced very moderately, averaging $3.37-3.86 (or £2.58–2.95), which is comfortably mid-range. That makes Panasonic’s value for money probably the best on the market.

Here are the top solar panels in Panasonic’s range, starting with the most efficient.

HIT® N340

Power: 340W, 335W

Maximum efficiency: 20.4%

Temperature coefficient: -0.258% / °C

Weight: 19kg

Solar cells: monocrystalline cells

Product warranty: 25 years

Performance warranty: 86.2% after 25 years

Dimensions: 1,580mm x 1,053mm x 40mm (1.66sqm)

N250 SLIM

Power: 250W, 245W

Maximum efficiency: 19.8%

Temperature coefficient: -0.258% / °C

Weight: 15kg

Solar cells: monocrystalline cells

Product warranty: 25 years

Performance warranty: 86.2% after 25 years

Dimensions: 1,580mm x 798mm x 35mm (1.26sqm)

N335K BLACK

Power: 335W

Maximum efficiency: 19.7%

Temperature coefficient: -0.258% / °C

Weight: 19kg

Solar cells: 96 monocrystalline cells

Product warranty: 25 years

Performance warranty: 86.2% after 25 years

Dimensions: 1,590mm x 1,053mm x 40mm (1.68sqm)

N330 POWER

Power: 330W, 325W

Maximum efficiency: 19.7%

Temperature coefficient: -0.258% / °C

Weight: 18.5kg

Solar cells: monocrystalline cells

Product warranty: 25 years

Performance warranty: 86.2% after 25 years

Dimensions: 1,590mm x 1,053mm x 35mm (1.67sqm)

N300 COMPACT

Power: 300W

Maximum efficiency: 19.5%

Temperature coefficient: -0.258% / °C

Weight: 18kg

Solar cells: monocrystalline cells

Product warranty: 25 years

Performance warranty: 86.2% after 25 years

Dimensions: 1,053mm x 1,463mm x 35mm (1.54sqm)

Canadian Solar

Efficiency range: 15.81% to 23.8%

Power range: 275W to 420W

Canadian Solar means business – it’s produced over 70 million solar panels since being founded in 2001, and runs operations across 20 countries worldwide. What’s more, it’s leading the way when it comes to solar panel efficiency, with its BiKu CS3U-365PB-FG offering a whopping 23.8%.

The company’s huge range of panels is very impressive, including the mega-powerful 420-watt HiDM, and the super-resistant Dymond, capable of withstanding scorching temperatures, high humidity, corrosion, and sandstorms.

Here are the top solar panels in Canadian Solar’s range, starting with the most efficient.

BiKu CS3U-PB-FG

Power: 365W, 360W, 355W, 350W

Maximum efficiency: 23.80% (with 30% bifacial gain)

Temperature coefficient: -0.37% / °C

Weight: 29.3kg

Solar cells: 144 polycrystalline cells

Product warranty: 10 years

Performance warranty: 83% after 30 years

Dimensions: 2,012mm x 992mm x 5.8mm (2sqm)

HiDM CS1U

Power: 420W, 415W, 410W, 405W, 400W

Maximum efficiency: 20.37%

Temperature coefficient: -0.37% / °C

Weight: 23.4kg

Solar cells: monocrystalline cells

Product warranty: 10 years

Performance warranty: 80.7% after 25 years

Dimensions: 2,078mm x 992mm x 35mm (2.06sqm)

HiDM CS1H

Power: 340W, 335W, 330W, 325W, 320W

Maximum efficiency: 20.16%

Temperature coefficient: -0.37% / °C

Weight: 19.2kg

Solar cells: monocrystalline cells

Product warranty: 10 years

Performance warranty: 80.7% after 25 years

Dimensions: 2,078mm x 992mm x 35mm (2.06sqm)

HiKu CS3W-P

Power: 395W, 400W, 405W, 410W, 415W

Maximum efficiency: 18.79%

Temperature coefficient: -0.37% / °C

Weight: 24.9kg

Solar cells: 144 polycrystalline cells

Product warranty: 10 years

Performance warranty: 83.1% after 25 years

Dimensions: 2,108mm x 1,048mm x 40mm (2.21sqm)

DYMOND CS6X

Power: 355W, 350W, 345W, 340W

Maximum efficiency: 18.18%

Temperature coefficient: -0.39% / °C

Weight: 27.5kg

Solar cells: 72 polycrystalline cells

Product warranty: 10 years

Performance warranty: 83% after 25 years

Dimensions: 1,968mm x 992mm x 5.8mm (1.95sqm)

KuMax

Power: 360W, 355W, 350W

Maximum efficiency: 18.15%

Temperature coefficient: -0.37% / °C

Weight: 22.5kg

Solar cells: 144 polycrystalline cells

Product warranty: 10 years

Performance warranty: 83.1% after 25 years

Dimensions: 2000mm x 992mm x 35mm (1.98sqm)

KuPower

Power: 300W, 295W, 290W

Maximum efficiency: 18.05%

Temperature coefficient: -0.37% / °C

Weight: 18.5kg

Solar cells: 120 polycrystalline cells

Product warranty: 10 years

Performance warranty: 83.1% after 25 years

Dimensions: 1,675mm x 992mm x 35mm (1.66sqm)

DYMOND CS6K

Power: 285W, 290W, 295W

Maximum efficiency: 17.94%

Temperature coefficient: -0.39% / °C

Weight: 23kg

Solar cells: 60 polycrystalline cells

Product warranty: 10 years

Performance warranty: 83% after 30 years

Dimensions: 1,658mm x 992mm x 5.8mm (1.64sqm)

Sharp

Efficiency range: 16.5% to 20%

Power range: 258W to 370W

Sharp started out in 1915 selling mechanical pencils, but is now one of the world’s biggest solar panel manufacturers, having installed residential solar PV systems since 2004.

The Japanese tech company offers no less than 13 different solar panels, so you’re bound to find the right fit for your home. Options include a range of colours (e.g. navy blue, black), power outputs (258W to 370W), efficiencies (16.5% to 20%), types (monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and bifacial), and designs (two of which have won a Good Design Award).

Here are the top solar panels in Sharp’s range, starting with the most efficient.

NQ-R Series

Power: 258.4W

Maximum efficiency: 20%

Temperature coefficient: -0.377% / °C

Weight: 17kg

Solar cells: 48 monocrystalline cells

Product warranty: 10 years

Performance warranty: 80% after 25 years

Dimensions: 1,318mm x 980mm x 46mm (1.29sqm)

NU-AF Series

Power: 370W

Maximum efficiency: 19%

Temperature coefficient: -0.375% / °C

Weight: 22.5kg

Solar cells: 72 monocrystalline cells

Product warranty: 10 years

Performance warranty: 80% after 25 years

Dimensions: 1,960mm x 992mm x 40mm (1.94sqm)

NU-RD Series

Power: 300W, 295W, 290W, 285W

Maximum efficiency: 18.3%

Temperature coefficient: -0.40% / °C

Weight: 20kg

Solar cells: 60 monocrystalline cells

Product warranty: 10 years

Performance warranty: 80% after 25 years

Dimensions: 1,660mm x 990mm x 50mm (1.64sqm)

ND-AK Series

Power: 275W, 270W

Maximum efficiency: 16.9%

Temperature coefficient: -0.41% / °C

Weight: 18.1kg

Solar cells: 60 polycrystalline cells

Product warranty: 10 years

Performance warranty: 80% after 25 years

Dimensions: 1,640mm x 992mm x 35mm (1.63sqm)

Did You Know? China has more solar capacity than any other country, having installed 52.8 GW as of 2017. Fill out this form to start receiving free solar panel quotes today.

Project Solar

Efficiency range: 19.66% to 21%

Power range: 258W to 330W

Project Solar is undoubtedly the friendliest of all UK solar panel companies – once you arrive on its website, a smiley, floaty robot with jetpack-powered feet welcomes you in (and follows you round for the duration of your visit). The company has performed over 15,000 installations to date, which equates to many millions of watts.

When it comes to keeping customers happy, Project Solar are true professionals – the company has a superb 4.5/5 score on Trustpilot, based on over 1,870 reviews. People are very impressed with the company’s speed of service, communication, and aftercare.

Here are the top solar panels in Project Solar’s range, starting with the most efficient. As you’ll notice below, one of Project Solar’s panels is produced by none other than SunPower (the first manufacturer in this list).

Sunpower E20 Series

Power: 327W

Maximum efficiency: 20.1%

Temperature coefficient: -0.38% / °C

Weight: 18.6kg

Solar cells: 96 monocrystalline cells (Maxeon technology)

Product warranty: 10 years

Performance warranty: 90% after 25 years

Dimensions: 1,559mm x 1,046mm x 30mm (1.63sqm)

EVO Ultramax

Power: 330W

Maximum efficiency: 19.66%

Temperature coefficient: -0.40% / °C

Weight: 20kg

Solar cells: 66 monocrystalline cells

Product warranty: lifetime

Performance warranty: 85% after 25 years

Dimensions: 1,798mm x 947mm x 35mm (1.7sqm)

Yingli Solar

Efficiency range: 15.7% to 20.1%

Power range: 260W to 390W

Headquartered in Baoding, China, and led by the unfortunately-named Chairman Miao, Yingli Solar have become a big name in the global solar power industry. It’s shipped over 85 million solar panels (the equivalent of more than 20 million gigawatts) to 90+ countries, ranging from Europe and the US to South America and Australia. If you’re interested in the history of Yingli’s solar innovation, you can take a virtual tour of their real-life museum on their website.

Yingli Solar don’t lead the way in any particular category, but they do offer a reliable bunch of mid-range products.

Here are the top solar panels in Yingli Solar’s range, starting with the most efficient.

PANDA Bifacial (60-cell)

Power: 330W, 325W, 320W, 315W, 310W

Maximum efficiency: 20.1%

Temperature coefficient: -0.38% / °C

Weight: 23kg

Solar cells: 60 monocrystalline cells

Product warranty: 10 years

Performance warranty: 83.5% after 25 years

Dimensions: 1,780mm x 1,140mm x 1,183mm (2.03sqm)

PANDA Bifacial (72-cell)

Power: 390W, 385W, 380W, 375W, 370W

Maximum efficiency: 19.9%

Temperature coefficient: -0.38% / °C

Weight: 27.5kg

Solar cells: 72 monocrystalline cells

Product warranty: 10 years

Performance warranty: 83.5% after 25 years

Dimensions: 2,097mm x 1,140mm x 1,183mm (2.39sqm)

YLM Series (72-cell)

Power: 375W, 370W, 365W, 360W, 350W, 345W, 340W

Maximum efficiency: 19.3%

Temperature coefficient: -0.39% / °C

Weight: 22kg

Solar cells: 72 monocrystalline cells

Product warranty: 10 years

Performance warranty: 80% after 25 years

Dimensions: 1,995mm x 1,145mm x 1,170mm (2.28sqm)

YLM Series (60-cell)

Power: 315W, 310W, 305W, 295W, 285W

Maximum efficiency: 19.2%

Temperature coefficient: -0.39% / °C

Weight: 18.5kg

Solar cells: 60 monocrystalline cells

Product warranty: 10 years

Performance warranty: 80% after 25 years

Dimensions: 1,650mm x 992mm x 35mm (1.64sqm)

Solaria

Efficiency range: 19.4% to 19.9%

Power range: 350W to 360W

The California-based Solaria has been a hugely innovative member of the solar industry since its founding in 2000, with more than 65 issued (or pending) patents for various solar-related materials, products, and processes. Check out their online gallery to see some of the gorgeous Californian homes that they’ve decked out with solar panels.

Solaria’s registered PowerXT® module is a feat of modern engineering, with fewer gaps between the solar cells than you find in most panels. This means two key things: more power and better aesthetics. Each panel is made with a black frame and black backsheet, giving it a strikingly strong (you guessed it) black colour.

Here are the two solar panels that Solaria offers.

PowerXT® 355R-BD

Power: 355W, 350W

Maximum efficiency: 19.6%

Temperature coefficient: -0.39% / °C

Weight: 21kg

Solar cells: monocrystalline cells

Product warranty: 25 years

Performance warranty: 86% after 25 years

Dimensions: 1,621mm x 1,116mm x 40mm (1.81sqm)

PowerXT® 360R-PD

Power: 360W, 355W

Maximum efficiency: 19.9%

Temperature coefficient: -0.39% / °C

Weight: 21kg

Solar cells: monocrystalline cells

Product warranty: 25 years

Performance warranty: 86% after 25 years

Dimensions: 1,621mm x 1,116mm x 40mm (1.81sqm)

Trina Solar

Efficiency range: 16.5% to 19.3%

Power range: 270W to 380W

From its small beginnings in China in 1997 to present-day international status, Trina Solar has skyrocketed sunwards. It now sells its panels in over 100 countries, and its modules have collectively displaced more than 32 million tons of CO2. That’s the same as planting almost 6 million acres of trees. Good work, TS.

Unlike most solar panel manufacturers, Trina Solar has created some (fairly) imaginative and accessible names for its products. Here are the top solar panels in Trina Solar’s range, starting with the most efficient.

HONEY PD05

Power: 285W, 280W, 275W, 270W

Maximum efficiency: 17.4%

Temperature coefficient: -0.41% / °C

Weight: 18.6kg

Solar cells: 60 monocrystalline cells

Product warranty: 10 years

Performance warranty: 80% after 25 years

Dimensions: 1,650mm x 992mm x 35mm (1.64sqm)

HONEY M PLUS

Power: 315W, 310W, 305W, 300W, 295W, 290W, 285W, 280W

Maximum efficiency: 19.2%

Temperature coefficient: -0.39% / °C

Weight: 18.6kg

Solar cells: 60 monocrystalline cells

Product warranty: 10 years

Performance warranty: 80% after 25 years

Dimensions: 1,650mm x 992mm x 35mm (1.64sqm)

TALLMAX PLUS

Power: 375W, 370W, 365W, 360W, 355W, 350W, 345W, 340W

Maximum efficiency: 19.3%

Temperature coefficient: -0.39% / °C

Weight: 26kg

Solar cells: 72 monocrystalline cells

Product warranty: 10 years

Performance warranty: 80% after 25 years

Dimensions: 1,960mm x 992mm x 40mm (1.94sqm)

SPLITMAX (144-cell)

Power: 380W, 375W, 370W, 365W, 360W, 355W, 350W

Maximum efficiency: 19.2%

Temperature coefficient: -0.39% / °C

Weight: 23kg

Solar cells: 144 monocrystalline cells

Product warranty: 10 years

Performance warranty: 80% after 30 years

Dimensions: 2,000mm x 992mm x 40mm (1.98sqm)

Should I install solar panels?

Good question.

With the price of solar panels ever-falling (it’s dropped by 70% since 2010), and the new government-led Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) having launched on 1st January 2020, our answer is a resounding yes.

Combine the potential energy bill savings with the SEG payments, and the Energy Saving Trust estimate that a 4kWp solar PV system could make £338 each year – and that number may go up in the future, with new solar panel technologies being developed every year.

What’s more, the planet is experiencing a climate emergency, so renewable energy is becoming increasingly essential. Now is the time to switch to solar – you can even get flexible solar panels for your off-grid adventures. Just make sure you have solar panel insurance.

For more information, take a look at our assessment of the pros and cons of solar panels.

Should I add a solar battery?

Solar battery storage is a great way to get more out of your solar panels.

With a battery in place, you’ll store up the energy that’s generated by your panels during the day when you’re out of the house, instead of sending it back to the grid.

Then, once you’re back home in the evenings and the sun has gone down, you can use the energy from your solar battery. According to E.ON, you could use up to 30% more of the energy that your solar panels generate.

To find out more, including costs and top brands, check out our detailed guide to solar batteries.

Finding a solar panel installer

If you’ve decided to get solar panels, the next step is finding the right deal.

That’s where we come in. Simply fill in this quick form, and our professional installers will be 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.