Top 10 Solar Panel Manufacturers in the UK in 2024

There’s been a massive rise in solar panel imports and production in the UK over the last few years, leading many to wonder who the best solar panel manufacturers are. We’re covering the ones that sell their products within the region and assessing them based on their outstanding characteristics. From local companies like Project Solar to low-cost entrants from China like LONGi, keep reading to find out what could be the best solar panels for you.

Here’s a breakdown of each manufacturer’s warranties along with the max output and max efficiency across all of their solar panels:

Note: All efficiencies and wattages in the table above rely on Standard Test Conditions (STC) and real stats may differ based on location, temperature, and sunlight availability, among other factors.

Keep in mind that solar panel costs, manufacturers, and availability can vary based on your area. That’s why it’s important to contact multiple local installers. A reliable installer can find the right solar panels for the best prices but finding a good one can take days of research and comparing prices. Luckily, our service is a quicker and easier solution for obtaining solar quotes.

We have a network of reliable professionals ready to help you out. Click the button below to receive up to 4 free, non-binding quotes from local professionals.

SunPower has been operating out of the US, headquartered in Silicon Valley, since 1985. Their Maxeon line has been one of the highest efficiency panels on the residential solar market. When it comes to producing well-rounded panels that balance every category, the Maxeon series is a great choice along with the SunVault solar battery.

The company has received over 1,000 patents for solar technologies and is an industry leader in solar sustainability. On top of that, they ensure sustainable manufacturing processes that minimise damage to the environment. However, they are also known to make panels that are a bit more expensive, with their flagship Maxeon series starting at £350 per panel.

However, the company’s weak points include a poor Trustpilot score for their services, despite having great solar panels.

UK-based Project Solar doesn’t just manufacture its own solar panels, they also provide installation and some of the longest warranty periods on the market. They also act as a supplier, so you can buy SunPower solar panels from them, for example. This makes them a great option for anyone looking for powerful panels with long-term assurance.

Project Solar is also extremely popular within the region, providing solar services to numerous homes and businesses. They scored a 4.6 on Trustpilot with 1,000s of positive reviews.

Founded in 2006 in Shanghai, Jinko is an acclaimed manufacturer of solar cells and modules. Having achieved remarkable growth in recent years, they are a formidable force within the industry. They manage their entire production chain from silicon wafers to finished solar modules and operate across 14 global manufacturing bases in China, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the US.

As far as solar manufacturers go, Jinko has been receiving great performance scores from the Photovoltaics Evolution Laboratory (PVEL), who assess solar panels for numerous categories. Not only are their solar panels high-quality, but they are also fairly cheap considering their power output and efficiency (however, this efficiency rate is very shade-sensitive according to customer reviews).

The only thing that holds the company back is its surprisingly weak warranties. At 12 years only, many competing manufacturers are providing twice as much.

Sharp started research on solar cells back in 1959, shifting towards mass production of solar cells in 1963. The company hit a major milestone in solar history by being the first PV manufacturer to achieve 2GW (gigawatts) of cumulative production by 2008 and 15.4GW by 2024. They also provide great consumer panels and are known all over the world for their products.

They provide a range of commercial solar products, dabbling in monocrystalline and thin-film panels. This is one of the reasons why they cover a wide range of efficiencies and prices as they have a diverse product range.

Chinese solar giant LONGi has gained a substantial foothold in the UK market as of late and it’s easy to see why. They provide not just some of the more affordable solar panels but also substantial bang for your buck. Starting at £170 compared to the average for solar panels above 400W (upwards of 250W), LONGi is a winner in the price competition. While the Chinese market has been known for quantity over quality flooding the market, LONGi is a serious competitor with a lot to offer.

They balance price and quality quite well, with the Hi-MO series being a great solar panel brand. While their performance warranty leaves a lot to be desired (12 years only), they do offer 25 to 30 year warranties on the product itself.

If any of the solar panel providers above pique your interest, you may want to contact an installer. It’s always best to get multiple perspectives and prices but that can take up hours of your spare time. Calling up companies and assessing their offers can be a chore but we can make the process much easier.

All you need to do is fill out a quick 30-second form and we’ll get you multiple prices from trusted local installers. Click the button below to receive up to 4 free, non-binding quotes.

JA Solar is one of the largest solar manufacturers globally. The company has one of the highest module production capacities and offers a wide range of high-efficiency mono PERC modules. Their products are aimed towards utility, commercial, and residential applications, so they can operate in multiple niches simultaneously.

Their DeepBlue 4.0 and DeepBlue X series boast high power outputs, with the DeepBlue X model being one of the most powerful commercially available solar panels as of 2024. They are also smaller than most panels, with models like the DeepBlue 410Wp anti-PID design being smaller than traditional split-cell solar panels without sacrificing power.

UKSOL Ltd is a UK-based solar panel manufacturer founded in 2015 and headquartered in Chalfont St. Peter, England. The company is dedicated to global sustainability and operates in multiple regions, growing quickly despite being one of the younger brands on the list.

Offering both monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels, the company’s output is known for being high quality and cost-effective. Power outputs (for panels on the residential solar panel market) can range up to 450W with efficiencies up to 20.9%. UKSOL solar panels come with a 30-year warranty period which is a little more than the average company.

Note: the company provides models that allegedly go up to 670W power but these are not available in any shops from our research.

Norwegian-founded REC Group is one of the largest solar panel producers all over Europe. The company pioneered half-cut cells i.e., the practice of splitting solar cells in two parts for improved performance. In 2022, REC launched its most advanced series of solar panels, the Alpha Pure-R, which boasts power outputs higher than 450W.

The company is widely known for its products and makes solid, long-lasting solar panels. They also offer a less powerful range of panels for much cheaper along with more powerful panels in a medium price range. REC Group also offers panels with some of the lowest power degradation over time.

Viridian Solar is another homegrown UK solar company founded in 2003. They specialise in roof integrated solar panels and began making them at a time when there were no standard tests for weatherproofing, durability, and safety. The company has since helped define the national standards that we have today.

In-roof systems are a fairly new technology compared to traditional solar panels. With Viridian’s Clearline Fusion range, they introduced a PV roofing system that is cost-competitive with above-roof installations. Fusion rapidly established itself on the UK market, being both stylish and sleek, fitting homes with a modern aesthetic.

Perlight Solar began in 2006, formed as a subsidiary of the Baolite Group in China. The group operates in a plethora of industries including international trade, light manufacturing, business finance, and (of course) renewable energy. With a presence in over 35 countries, Perlight is growing into quite a success as it offers fairly powerful panels for a low price.

The company is known for its innovative, aesthetic, smart, and powerful PV modules. The look of the modules can vary, with the company focusing more on diverse looks than their competitors.

No solar panel system is without its faults. That’s why it's best to opt for the one that is best suited to your individual needs.

If you want a solar system with balanced characteristics but don’t mind a hefty price tag, SunPower might be the way to go. If you need assurance that your system will last longer, we recommend Project Solar or REC Group due to their warranties and low degradation rates, respectively. However, if your main concern is that solar panels might look bad, you might want to consider Viridian or Perlight.

As a price-conscious consumer, Jinko and LONGi can provide a lot of value and power for a lot less input but they might be lacking in the warranties and assurance categories. Availability can also be an issue, in which case a manufacturer like Sharp will most likely be your best bet.

Other options like LG solar panels can be a good choice, but the company is scaling down their products in this field. We recommend researching companies and their plans as that might affect repairs and warranties in the future.

That said, no matter what solar panel manufacturer you choose, you will still need a reliable installer to carry through the job. An underqualified installer can damage your home and overcharge you while doing it, so it’s important to get the most reliable one. While this can take days of strenuous research, it doesn’t have to if you use our quick and easy service.

All you have to do is fill out a 30-second form and we’ll provide you with up to 4 free, non-binding quotes from trusted installers. Click the button below and find the best prices in your area.