Most Efficient Solar Panels in 2024: Picked by Experts

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Last updated: 30 October 2024

Most Efficient Solar Panels in 2024: Picked by Experts

most efficient solar panels in the uk
  • The AIKO NEOSTAR 3N+78 Dual-glass Module is the most efficient residential solar panel, with an efficiency of 24.1%-25%.
  • You should aim for solar panels with 18%-23% efficiency for a good balance between performance and cost.
  • The average degradation rate of the most efficient solar panels is 0.35%-0.8%.

When it comes to solar panels, Household Quotes brings years of expertise and thorough analysis to the table. In this guide, we meticulously reviewed over 15 different solar panel models, evaluating them across a range of criteria, including solar panel efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness, to compile the final list of the 5 most efficient solar panels in the UK in 2024. 

If you are ready to equip your home with the best solar panels, now is the perfect time to explore your options. Let us connect you with trusted providers who can offer you the best solutions tailored to your needs. This way, you won’t have to worry about spending hours researching and calling installers by yourself. 

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Most efficient solar panels in the UK

Monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient residential solar panels in the UK, with efficiencies reaching up to 24%. This is because of the high purity of the N-type silicon substrates used in their construction. Here is a list of the most efficient solar panels in the UK, compiled by efficiency, power output, costs, and annual degradation.

Most efficient solar panels, power output, costs and annual degradation
Name of Solar Model Efficiency Power Output Costs per unit Annual Degradation
AIKO NEOSTAR 3N+78 Dual-glass Module 24.1%-25% 675W-700W £100 - £200 <1% in 1st year and <0.35% from year 2 to 30
REA Fusion 2 22%-24% 400W-480W £400 - £420 <1%
AIKO N-Type ABC White Hole Series 23.2%-24.0% 600W-620W £150 - £200 <1% in 1st year and <0.35% from year 2 to 30
Maxeon 6 21.7%-23.0% 420W-445W £570 - £625 0.25%
Canadian Solar TOPHiKu6 21.8%-23% 445W-475W £80 - £200 <1% in 1st year and <0.4% from 2nd year

Several parameters help determine the efficiency of solar panels: 

Solar panel efficiency: This refers to the percentage of sunlight that a solar panel can convert into usable electricity. For example, if a solar panel has an efficiency of 20%, it means that 20% of the sunlight hitting the panel is transformed into electrical energy. 

Temperature coefficient of Pmax (maximum power): This is a parameter that indicates how much the maximum power output of a solar panel decreases as the temperature increases. It's typically expressed as a percentage per degree Celsius (%/°C).

For most solar panels, the temperature coefficient of Pmax is negative, meaning that as the temperature rises, the maximum power output decreases.

Annual degradation rate: This refers to the percentage decrease in their power output each year. This degradation is a natural process where solar panels gradually lose efficiency over time due to factors such as weather conditions, material wear, and other environmental impacts.

The costs mentioned in the table are estimates based on our research. To get accurate prices for different solar panel models, get in touch with industry experts. 

Simply fill out our 30-second form and get connected with reliable local solar experts who offer the best prices! Click the button below to begin! 

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AIKO NEOSTAR 3N+78 Dual-glass Module - 24.1%-25% Efficient

aiko solar panels
Name of Solar Model Efficiency Temperature Coefficient of Pmax Power Output Annual Degradation Warranty Cost per panel
AIKO NEOSTAR 3N+78 Dual-glass Module 24.1%-25% -0.26%/°C 675W-700W <1% in 1st year and <0.35% from year 2 to 30 15-year product warranty extendable to 25 and 30-year performance warranty £100 - £200

The NEOSTAR 3N+78 is part of AIKO's third-generation solar modules, which have been comprehensively upgraded to provide higher returns and increased safety. It is a highly efficient solar module that offers an impressive efficiency range of 24.1% to 25.0%. 

This module is designed for high power output, with a power capacity ranging from 675W to 700W (Watts). It features a low-performance degradation rate, with a loss of no more than 1% in the first year and a further reduction of only 0.35% per year thereafter. 

The module is backed by a premium warranty, providing a 15-year product warranty, which can be extended to a 25-year or 30-year performance warranty. Additionally, it boasts a better temperature coefficient of -0.26%/°C, enhancing its performance in varying temperature conditions. This model is perfect for properties such as medium and large-sized houses that require a considerable amount of energy. 

AIKO N-Type ABC White Hole Series - 23.2%-24% Efficient

aiko n-type solar panels
Name of Solar Model Efficiency Temperature Coefficient of Pmax Power Output Annual Degradation Warranty Cost per panel
AIKO N-Type 23.2%-24.0% -0.29%/°C 600W-620W <1% in 1st year and <0.35% from year 2 to 30 15-year product warranty extendable to 25 and 30-year performance warranty £150 - £200

The AIKO N-Type ABC White Hole Series solar panels offer an efficiency range of 23.2% to 24%, making them a highly efficient option for solar energy generation. These panels are designed with monocrystalline silicon cells and feature a sleek, full-black design with no visible grid lines, enhancing their aesthetic appeal. 

They are built to deliver a high energy yield with a power rating of 610W and have a low degradation rate, losing no more than 1% in the first year and only 0.35% annually thereafter. The panels also have a favourable temperature coefficient of -0.29%/°C, ensuring efficient performance across various temperature conditions. 

They are equipped with advanced features such as anti-reflection coating and anodised aluminium frames, contributing to their durability and longevity. The AIKO N-Type ABC White Hole Series is suitable for residential, commercial, and industrial applications, backed by a 15-year product warranty and a 30-year performance warranty. These panels are suitable for properties with a higher energy need as they have a high power output.

Maxeon 6 - 21.7%-23.0% Efficient

maxeon solar panels
Name of Solar Model Efficiency Temperature Coefficient of Pmax Power Output Annual Degradation Warranty Cost per panel
Maxeon 6 21.7%-23.0% -0.29%/°C 420W-445W 0.25% 40 years £570 - £625

The Maxeon 6 solar panels offer an efficiency range of 21.7% to 23.0%, providing a reliable and durable solar energy solution. These panels are equipped with Maxeon 6 cell technology, which is known for its high durability and resistance to environmental factors. 

The panels are designed to operate efficiently in a wide range of weather conditions, supporting high mechanical loads of up to 5400 Pa (Pascals) for snow and 2400 Pa for wind. They are available in power ratings between 450W and 495W, with a low power-temperature coefficient of -0.29%/°C, which ensures better performance in high temperatures. 

Additionally, the Maxeon 6 panels come with a 40-year warranty, covering both product and energy performance, making them a sustainable choice for long-term solar installations. However, these solar panels are more expensive than other models in this efficiency range. This model is suitable for small to mid-sized houses with average energy consumption.

Canadian Solar TOPHiKu6 - 21.8%-23% Efficient

canadian solar panels
Name of Solar Model Efficiency Temperature Coefficient of Pmax Power Output Annual Degradation Warranty Cost per panel
Canadian Solar TOPHiKu6 21.8%-23% -0.29%/°C 445W-475W <1% in 1st year and <0.4% from 2nd year 12-year product and 30-year performance warranty £80 - £200

The Canadian Solar TOPHiKu6 is a high-efficiency solar panel series with an efficiency range of 21.8% to 23.0%. These panels utilise N-Type TOPCon cell technology, which enhances their performance and durability. The TOPHiKu6 panels are designed to deliver high power output, with models capable of producing up to 625W. 

They feature 16BB cell technology, which improves light trapping and current collection, resulting in higher energy yields. The panels are built to withstand harsh environmental conditions, with the ability to endure snow loads up to 5400 Pa and wind loads up to 3600 Pa. 

Additionally, they have a low-temperature coefficient of -0.29%/°C, ensuring efficient performance in hot climates. The TOPHiKu6 series is backed by a 12-year product warranty and a 30-year linear power output warranty, making them a reliable choice for both residential and commercial solar installations. These solar panels are the cheapest option in this efficiency range and are ideal for small to mid-sized houses.

REA Fusion 2  -  22.53% Efficient

REA solar panels
Name of Solar Model Efficiency Temperature Coefficient of Pmax Power Output Annual Degradation Warranty Cost per panel
REA Fusion 2 22.53% -0.30%/°C 435W-440W <1% 25-year product 30 year performance warranty £400 - £420

The REA Fusion 2 solar panels are known for their high efficiency and advanced technology. They offer an efficiency of up to 22.53% and a power output of 435W-440W, making them suitable for both residential and commercial installations. 

These panels feature N-type TopCon cells and a bifacial design, allowing them to absorb sunlight from both sides, potentially increasing energy production by up to 30% compared to traditional panels. Additionally, they are designed to perform well in low-light conditions and come with a 25-year product and 30-year performance warranty. 

This model is suitable for small to mid-sized houses with average energy needs. However they are a bit more expensive compared to the other models.

How we chose the most efficient solar panels

factors for choosing efficient solar panels

We reviewed over 15 of the most efficient solar panels in the UK from various sources, including research papers, product websites, and product reviews. When selecting the most efficient solar panels, we considered several key factors to ensure top performance and long-term reliability:

  • Efficiency: Evaluated the ability of the solar panel to convert sunlight into electricity, prioritising those with higher efficiency for maximum energy output.
  • Temperature Coefficient: Assessed how well the panel performs under high temperatures, focusing on panels with lower temperature coefficients for better performance in warm climates.
  • Warranty: Considered the length and coverage of the manufacturer's warranty, favouring panels with robust warranties that ensure product quality and performance over time.
  • Performance Degradation: Analysed the rate at which the panel’s efficiency decreases each year, selecting panels with lower degradation rates to ensure consistent energy production throughout their lifespan.

These factors are critical when assessing the cost of solar panels and deciding which type to get for your home—rooftop, ground-mounted, hybrid, or integrated solar panels. While the solar panel models in this guide have efficiencies of 21% to 24%, there are ongoing research and development efforts to achieve higher efficiencies through perovskite solar cells and tandem cell technologies. 

Get the highest efficiency solar panels for your UK household

There are many options for high-efficiency solar panels in the UK. You can upgrade your household with the highest-efficiency solar panels to maximise energy production and reduce your electricity bills. High-efficiency panels convert more sunlight into electricity, making them ideal for the UK's varying weather conditions, where every bit of sunlight counts. 

These panels not only optimise your roof/ground space but also provide better performance over time, thanks to lower degradation rates. Investing in top-tier solar panels ensures long-term savings and a more sustainable energy source for your home, all while increasing your property's value. Make the switch to high-efficiency solar panels and enjoy cleaner, more efficient energy while saving on energy bills. 

Tired of high energy bills? It's time to take control of them with solar energy. We can connect you with up to 4 top solar providers who offer efficient and cost-effective solutions so that you do not have to spend countless hours calling different installers. 

Get personalised quotes today by filling out our short form and start saving. Click the button below to get started!

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