Solar Panels have reduced in costs and improved in power output and efficiency over the last few years. Typically panels average at 400 watts per panel and efficiency in the leading brands like Trina Solar and Canadian Solar are over 20%, these work very well in low light conditions.
Why have Solar Panels come down in cost?
The government has cut the VAT rate from 5% on energy-saving materials like solar panels to 0% from April 2022 to 2027.
The good news is solar panel prices have decreased sharply over the past decade, so they’re already cheaper than they’ve ever been.
That’s great for the 60% of UK residents who, according to our National Home Energy Survey, want to switch to renewable energy at home.
How are solar panel prices calculated?
Solar panels are made from silicon, which comes in three different forms: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and then a number of hybrid panels, split cell and Perc. If you would like to see how much its likely to cost try our Solar PV Calculator.
Monocrystalline cells are more efficient than polycrystalline cells, and are more expensive as a result.
What is Solar Panel efficiency?
The ‘efficiency’ of a solar panel refers to how much sunlight it can convert into electricity, represented as a percentage. A solar panel with 19% efficiency can convert 19% of its received light into electricity for the home or business.
The best solar panels on the market at the moment are around 24% efficient, the average is between 18% and 22% these are mass produced and will give a performance guarantee as Solar Panels will degrade at different rates between .015 -2% per year.
Canadian Solar offer a 25 year warranty on the performance of the panel as do Trina Solar, both are insurance backed for complete piece of mind. Both have been in business for over 20 years and are the largest manufactures in the world, that is why Mr Solar recommends them both.
