Types of solar panels: the ultimate guide for UK homes.

How exactly do solar panels work?

There are several types of solar panel out there. Fortunately, how they generate electricity is basically the same - and easy to understand.

• Solar cells are made from materials like silicon. And these materials have one special property that makes them perfect for solar cells.

• When sunlight hits an atom like silicon, it knocks some of the electrons free from the atom.

• These electrons can now move around, creating a flow of electricity.

• This electricity is then taken into something called an inverter, which makes it usable around your home.

Not as complicated as you might think!.

One final point. If you hear people talking about “photovoltaic cells” or even “PV cells” Don’t worry. They’re just the technical names. A photovoltaic cell and a solar cell are one and the same.

What are the different solar panel types?

There are a few different types of PV panels available to UK homeowners today, but which one is best suited to you? Let’s find out more about each type.

Monocrystalline solar panels.

These are the most widely available solar panels in the UK - and for several good reasons.

They are the most efficient solar panel, and they perform better in low levels of sunlight than many other types, so they’re ideal for cloudy areas. This is important in the UK, with our relatively low level of sunshine.

Because monocrystalline solar panels are made from single silicon crystals, they are more durable than other types of PV panels, and they have a longer lifespan. So you will get more value for your money in the long run.

Although they were expensive when they first came out, monocrystalline panels are becoming more affordable.

Efficient. Long-lasting. Affordable. Can you think of three better reasons to get these solar panels?

Polycrystalline panels.

Unlike the monocrystalline silicon panels these panels are made up of smaller silicon crystals.

The small crystals are easier to grow and so these panels are cheaper than the monocrystalline type. However, they also are less efficient with a lower power output, making them less cost effective in the long run.

Thin-film solar panels.

Solar panels aren’t always made up of silicon crystals. The thin-film element of these panels can use a variety of materials including: amorphous silicon (a-Si), cadmium telluride (CdTe), and copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS).

These solar panels are less widely available than mono- and polycrystalline panels. However, they do have a few advantages over the more widely available types.

Thin-film solar panels are lightweight and flexible, so you can use them for installations on curved surfaces or a structure that can't support the weight of other panels.

They often perform better than crystalline panels in low-light conditions, which can be beneficial in our climate with its unpredictable weather.

Thin-film panels can be made in various colours and are less visually obtrusive. If you want something different from those large black rectangles on your roof, this may be the answer you’ve been looking for.

However, there are a couple of disadvantages to consider too.

Thin-film panels generally have a lower efficiency rating than crystalline panels, meaning they require more space to generate the same amount of electricity.

They also have a shorter lifespan than crystalline panels, which means they could require replacement sooner.

Here’s a neat summary to help you.

So as you can see, there are a number of factors involved in choosing the right solar system for you.

We’d say that if you are considering installing solar panels on your home, it’s a good idea to consult with an expert. They can help you make the right decisions (and ensure that they are installed correctly).

Are there any other factors to consider when choosing solar panels?

We’ve talked a great deal about the types of solar panels available. But you do need to consider other factors before choosing your panels.

Sunlight.

Unsurprisingly the more sunlight your solar panels receive, the more electricity they generate. So, longer, brighter days in the summer tend to lead to higher electricity production. Shorter, cloudier days in the winter result in lower output.

But don't let that discourage you from getting solar panels. Even on overcast days, modern solar panels can still generate electricity.

Roof size and type.

Again, it’s no surprise that a bigger roof space can give you more solar energy because you can fit more solar panels onto it.

However, the type of roof is also an important factor. Tiled roofs need different mountings to flat roofs.

And the best direction for solar panels to face (in the UK) is south. They get more daylight that way.

But whatever kind of roof you have, one of our solar panel experts can help you get the most from your installation.

Budget.

Solar panels are a significant investment, so it's worth doing your research to find the right solar package for you.

The cheapest panels aren't always the best choice. More efficient panels usually have a higher price tag, but they will also generate more solar power in the long-term. That means more savings on your energy bills, and potentially more money in your pocket with a SEG tariff.

For even more flexibility when buying solar panels, many providers offer attractive finance options. At E.ON Next, we offer 0% APR finance options up to 36 months with all our solar packages - you can even include a solar battery.

Your energy needs.

Although things like budget and hours of sunlight are the most obvious factors when choosing your solar panels, your energy needs are probably the most important.

Ask yourself: what exactly do you want or expect from your solar panels?

Knowing your household electricity consumption is a good place to start.

And do you want to store any excess energy you generate and use it later? If the answer is “yes” then you need to factor in the cost of solar battery storage too.

As always, expert advice is going to help you make the right choice, so don’t hesitate to speak to a specialist.

Should I get my solar panels professionally installed?

While some people might enjoy the personal challenge and satisfaction of installing their own solar panels, getting them installed by an MCS-certified professional is the better route for most of us.

Put simply, an MCS certified professional like ours will take care of all the headaches for you.

Not every DIY enthusiast is properly trained to handle electricity. But, a professional installer is. They will do the job safely and to the highest standards.

And speaking of safety, how safe do you feel installing solar panels high up on your roof? Again, our installers are specially trained to do just that.

But the benefits of a professional installation don't stop when your solar panels are up.

• Our installers are bound to the HIES consumer code that offers protection for renewable energy products installed in your home.

• The Council of Mortgage Lenders requires MCS-certified installation as a condition to give you a mortgage. Many home insurers feel the same.

• And if you were planning to sell any excess electricity you generate back to the grid via the Smart Export Guarantee, you'll need MCS certification - which we provide.

• Plus, a professional installation company will take care of any building regulations for you.

Find out how an MCS-certified installer can help you, as well as other benefits and deals on solar panels.

Why use E.ON Next to install your solar panels?

There are a number of solar panel providers who could install your solar panels. So why choose E.ON Next?

Well first of all, we are continuously looking for ways to help our customers move to cleaner sources of energy - and solar panels is just one way we are doing that.

That’s why we offer panel systems starting from as little as £4,995, plus interest free financing for up to 36 months.

And once you have your panels installed by us, we will pay up to 21p per kWh of electricity you export back to the grid through a Smart Export Guarantee tariff. (You’ll need the right set up to take full advantage of our SEG tariffs, including a smart meter). So you could start to reap the financial benefits sooner than you might imagine.

We hope this guide has shown you the many ways you could benefit from installing solar panels.

From the financial benefits to the environmental, solar panels are an attractive option for many.

But if you would like to know more about our solar panel installations, why not take a look at our FAQs or contact us today for more information and a free, no obligation quote.