Cheap Solar Panels: Are They Worth It In The UK?

Over the past 20 years, solar panels have become more affordable as the technology has grown in popularity and as more types of panels are available. While the standard cost of solar panels can be between £2,500 - £10,500 (2kW to 6kW systems), there are cheaper options available. Let’s review the cheapest solar panel types and whether they’re worth it compared to standard-priced ones.

Note: The prices we provide are estimates. If you’re looking to install solar panels, it’s best to get prices from a professional installer. However, finding a reliable one can take days of research and collecting prices on your own. That’s why our service can be a far better alternative. It lets you sit back and relax while we get you up to 4 free, non-binding quotes from the best installers.

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Cheap solar panels are generally cheap for several reasons. Sometimes, the materials they comprise can be different, i.e., thin-film solar panels. These can cost 30% less than standard solar panels at their lowest. For reference, cheap solar panels can cost between £2,000 to £6,000 at their lowest, while standard monocrystalline panels tend to cost £2,500 - £10,500.

As a comparison, a regular 4kW solar system can cost as much as the cheapest 6kW thin-film solar panels. However, a standard 5kW solar system or 6kW solar system will have higher annual savings than thin-film solar panels, accruing up to £915 annually.

Other times, solar panels can be cheap because of the brand they come from. Brands that price their monocrystalline solar panels lower often have worse warranties or customer service. Many companies such as Jinko and LONGi are Chinese brands offering competitive prices due to lower manufacturing costs, while others like Suntech can produce locally, thus decreasing shipping costs for UK consumers.

There are multiple types of solar panels with varying efficiency levels and power outputs:

Thin-film solar panels

The cheapest solar panels in the UK are thin-film solar panels. With a thin and flexible design, they can be melded into more diverse shapes. Created by layering various materials like silicon, cadmium telluride, copper indium gallium selenide, and others, they host a comparatively low efficiency (7-18%) compared to purer panel structures.

The process means that they have a non-crystalline, 'amorphous' structure, which is less adept at absorbing solar energy. While they are more affordable than traditional crystalline panels, their lack of efficiency and output means they will often require up to twice as many panels as monocrystalline ones to generate the same level of energy.

Polycrystalline panels

Polycrystalline solar panels are a mid-range price option that has higher efficiencies and power outputs than thin-film panels. They are less efficient than monocrystalline panels and are made by melting multiple silicon crystal fragments as opposed to a single type. This lack of material uniformity gives them a lower efficiency rate, averaging between 14-17%.

They also have a lower lifespan due to less electron movement. One positive of these panels is that the manufacturing process is more environmentally friendly and can be both cheaper and quicker to produce.

Monocrystalline panels

The most expensive yet most popular form of photovoltaics, this category contains all of the best solar panels in the UK and is also the oldest type of solar panel. These are what we think of when talking about standard solar panels. They consist of single-crystal silicon cells, meaning that they have a more uniform material basis, making them more efficient, averaging about 20% or higher.

Monocrystalline panels are manufactured by cutting pure silicon bars and smoothing edges. They have the highest power output and can maintain performance in hotter temperatures. Although they are the most expensive type of solar panels, the advances in recent years have allowed for a drastic decrease in prices, with many of the brands listed earlier offering competitive prices.

While monocrystalline panels are not cheap overall, some models can be as low as £120 per 400W.

Cheaper solar panels tend to sacrifice quality in favour of affordability. Many affordable options have lower lifespans, lower efficiencies, lower outputs, and less extensive warranties. They may also have worse seasonal performance or heat up and lose efficiency further. Here are some key differences between cheap solar panels and premium ones:

Some monocrystalline panels may seem cheap at first glance, but there may be hidden prices. Many good, cheaper options with high outputs and efficiencies come from manufacturing powerhouses like China. However, it’s important to keep import costs in mind, as they may not end up being as affordable, depending on where you live.

That’s not to say cheaper solar panels have no upsides. For example, thin-film solar panels come in various shapes and sizes. They are more flexible despite having less impressive thermal performance. Similarly, polycrystalline panels can be more sustainable to produce than monocrystalline ones.

There are numerous advantages to acquiring lower-cost solar panels that could make them worthwhile for many homes, especially for those looking to dip their toes in the water.

While all these positives might sound great, there are numerous downsides to keep in mind before you get your wallet out.

So, when it comes to cheaper options, are solar panels worth it in the UK if they aren’t top-of-the-line? This can depend on what you need them for. If you want to charge a few appliances, cheaper types of solar panels can be the way to go.

However, buying solar panels cheap can be a double-edged sword. While they can be handy for smaller appliances, powering a house will require more of them and more space per solar panel system. If you want to charge a lot more and have less space available, you may want to opt for monocrystalline panels with higher outputs.

As stated earlier, there are cheaper options with high capacity and efficiencies, but they also come with drawbacks. They may not all last as long as standard-priced panels since they could degrade earlier. Similarly, lower lifespans and worse thermal efficiency also mean a lower rate of return. These may not be prevalent issues for all households, so it’s best to do your research.

Regardless, solar panels can still come in handy. Cheaper ones can be a great way for beginners to see if their home is cut out for solar installation and slowly work toward a better setup. Also, solar panel installations, regardless of cost, can boost the value of a home by 6.2% to 6.8%. We have a page dedicated to this if you’re wondering how solar panels increase the value of your home.

Ultimately, we recommend standard solar panels but see the upsides of cheaper models.

If you’re looking for budget solar panels, you'll need the right installer who can give you an honest assessment of your needs. Moreover, solar panels can be made cheaper with the help of multiple solar panel grants, which an experienced installer can help you navigate.

Sadly, finding the right professional is a complex task that often takes days of calling up companies and gathering prices. If that sounds like too much of a headache, our service might be the right way to go. All you need to do is fill out a 30-second form and we’ll handle the rest.

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