Which solar panels are the most efficient in the UK? In this review, we cover the latest releases and those with the highest efficiency ratings.
The efficiency of a solar panel is important since it means the panel can essentially generate more power/electricity with the same amount of sunlight compared to less efficient models.
So, in this guide we will be revealing the most efficient solar panels available in the UK in the current year.
How did we determine the most efficient solar panels?
We reviewed the top brands currently available in the UK and established how efficient they were.
We also factored in a number of other considerations that are important to solar panel installs, including the following:
When considering the best solar panels, ewe considered the following factors:
- Efficiency of the solar panels.
- Warranty period of the solar panels.
- Eco-friendly credentials.
- Weight and dimensions.
- Heat resistance.
- Power generation ability.
Most Efficient Solar Panels Comparison Table
In the table below you can see a quick comparison of the most efficient solar panels currently available, as you can see, the difference between them is negligible.
| Solar Panel Brand & Model: | Panel Efficiency: |
|---|---|
| SunPower Maxeon 6 AC | 22.8% |
| SunPower Maxeon 3 | 22.7% |
| Yingli Solar YLM GG 120 Cell | 22.5% |
| Yingli Solar Panda Bifacial 144 Cell | 22.5% |
| REC Alpha Pure-R | 22.3% |
| Jinko Solar Tiger Neo N-type 72HL4 | 22.26% |
| Panasonic EverVolt EVPV410H | 22.2% |
| REC Alpha Pure | 22.2% |
| QCells Q.Peak Duo ML-G11 Series | 21.5% |
#1 SunPower Maxeon 6 (Most Efficient Solar Panels)
The Maxeon range is one of the latest solar panels ranges offered by leading solar panel brand SunPower.
With their UK offices based in Milton Keynes, the American companies Maxeon range has been placed in position one for a variety of reasons including their efficiency.
In fact in terms of efficiency, the brands Maxeon solar panels are 22.6% efficient, this is contrast to most other brands that cap out at around 20%.
Even better is the fact that SunPower claims that will function at 92% of their original level after 25 years, and at 88.25% after 40 years.
For contrast, most other solar panel manufacturers do not offer anywhere near that promise with very few offering 85% after 20 years.
Key Stats:
- Power: 370-400 watts
- Efficiency: 22.8%
- Warranty period: 40 years
- Performance warranty: 88.2% after 40 years
- Heat resistance: 0.27% per ° C
- Cost per panel: £300 to £350
- Weight: 21.2kg
- Eco-friendly credentials: All panels are recycled
#2 SunPower Maxeon 3 (Second Most Efficient)
The second most efficient is the SunPower Maxeon 3. With an energy efficiency of 22.7%, making it just a little less efficient than the most efficient brand from the same brand, the Maxeon 6 AC.
The good news is that both Maxeon solar panels come with a very generous 40-year product warranty, however, it’s worth noting that the Maxeon 3 has a different performance warranty, that being 88.25% after 40 years.
Even better for those eco conscious individuals is that Maxeon solar panels are also recycled and at 21.2kg each, Maxeon 3 panels are a little more lightweight than the Maxeon 6 AC, yet still above the average solar panel in terms of weight.
Key Stats:
- Power: 370-400 watts
- Efficiency: 22.7%
- Warranty period: 40 years
- Performance warranty: 88.2% after 40 years
- Heat resistance: 0.27% per ° C
- Cost per panel: £300 to £350
- Weight: 21.2kg
- Eco-friendly credentials: All panels are recycled
3. Yingli Solar YLM GG 120 Cell
Yingli Solar was founded in 1998 by Liansheng Miao, and has since become one of the largest manufacturers of solar panels in the world. Yingli Solar is headquartered in Baoding, China, and has over 30,000 employees.
The company has manufacturing plants in China, Malaysia, and Switzerland. Yingli Solar is a vertically integrated company, meaning that they are involved in every step of the solar panel manufacturing process, from the ingot stage to the module stage.
Yingli Solar’s YLM GG 120 Cell is the most efficient panel offered by the brand, with a rating of 22.5%. Yingli Solar panels are only 0.3% less efficient than the leading Maxeon 6 AC panel.
However, the company offers a very competitive price for their panels.
One major drawback of the Yingli solar panels are the limited warranties, at just 12 years and a performance warranty of 85% after 25 years, they fall short of their rivals.
Key Stats:
- Power: 235 watts
- Efficiency: 14%
- Warranty: 12 years
- Performance warranty: 85.2% after 25 years
- Heat resistance: 0.27% per ° C
- Cost per panel: From £300
- Weight: 21.2kg
- Eco-friendly credentials: N/A
4. Yingli Solar Panda Bifacial 144 Cell
Yingli Solar’s Panda Bifacial 144 Cell also has an efficiency of 22.5%. Moreover, it has a higher output of 415 watts. This makes it a great choice for those looking for a high-output solar panel.
As with their other high efficiency panels, the Bifacial 144 Cell model has the 12 year product warranty, so as we have mentioned, it isn’t as impressive as other rival brands.
On top of that, their heat resistance rating isn’t as good as rivals, meaning that during the peak of summer, their efficiency will be impacted substantially.
Read more of our solar guides:
- Off Grid Solar – is it possible in the UK?
- Best Solar Panels UK.
- Are Solar Panels Worth It in the UK?
- Solar Inverters – what are they?
- GivEnergy battery storage system.
- Best 4kW solar battery storage system.
- In Roof Solar Panels.
5. REC Alpha Pure-R
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.
The slight downside is that the Alpha Pure R is not as lightweight as the Pure, but it’s still nothing too impactful for the average home’s roof.
6. Jinko Solar Tiger Neo N-type 72HL4
The Jinko Solar Tiger Neo is not only incredibly efficient, but it also has the biggest power output of any other on our list.
This means that the panel offers 64% more power than the average 350 W panel.
The bad news is that the panel is only offered with a 12 year product warranty, which is lacking compared to rivals.
Additionally, the panels level of heat resistance is also lacking at just -0.35% per °C meaning that it’s efficiency will likely drop at the height of summer.
7. Panasonic EverVolt EVPV410H
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.
Together with a heat resistance rating of -0.26% per °C, it’s the most heat-resistant panel on the list, meaning it’s more likely to maintain its efficiency rating even in the heat of summer.
8. REC Alpha Pure
As already mentioned, the REC Alpha Pure is slightly less efficient than the Alpha Pure R at 22.2%.
Yet, importantly, the REC Alpha Pure is more lightweight, and a very lengthy performance warranty of 92% after 25 years.
9. QCells Q.Peak Duo ML-G11 Series
In recent years, there’s been a lot of story’s in the media reporting fires caused by solar panels, as well as losses in efficiency, so for many people, solar panels with superior heat resistance is a major consideration.
It’s for that reason we added the Q Cells Q.PeaK BLK solar panel range to the list as they can tolerate or resist an incredible amount of heat.
For instance, the Q Cell range can tolerate every degree over 25°C that the mercury passes, this panel loses just 0.25% of its efficiency. This is way above the standard for most solar panel brands.
Solar Panel Efficiency FAQs
The efficiency of a solar panel is an important consideration since it determines how affective the panel is at converting sunlight to electricity.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about solar panel efficiency:
What is a Solar Panels Efficiency Rating?
The energy efficiency of a solar panel refers to how much of the sunlight hitting it is converted to electricity.
For example, if a solar panel is 22% efficient, that means that 22% of the sunlight hitting its surface will be converted to electricity.
The actual formula used to determine a solar panels efficiency is a little more complex and is as follows:
Max panel power in watts ÷ (Area x 1000W/m²) x 100 = Efficiency in %
Most Efficient Solar Panels UK Conclusion
In conclusion, solar panels have come a long way in terms of efficiency and performance, with many options available for homeowners and businesses alike.
The most efficient solar panels on the market offer a combination of high efficiency and durability, making them a great investment for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save on energy costs in the long run.
When selecting solar panels, it’s important to consider factors such as efficiency, warranty, and overall value for money.
It’s also worth noting that the most efficient solar panels may not always be the best option for every situation, as factors such as installation space and budget constraints can also play a role in the decision-making process.
Overall, with the continued advancements in technology and increasing demand for renewable energy, the future looks bright for solar power.