Types & Efficiency of Solar Panels – Choosing the Right PV System for Your UK Home

Not all solar panels are the same. The UK market offers several photovoltaic technologies, each with different efficiencies, prices, and ideal applications.
Understanding these differences helps you choose the right system for your roof size, budget, and energy goals.

At Renewables UK, we help homeowners compare and install the best panels for maximum return on investment — wherever you live in the country.

🔹 Main Types of Photovoltaic Panels

🟩 1. Monocrystalline Solar Panels

• Efficiency: 19 – 22 %

• Colour: Black uniform cells

• Material: Pure silicon crystal

• Pros:

  • Highest output per square metre

  • Performs better in limited roof space

  • Sleek appearance

• Cons:

  • Slightly higher cost

💡 Best choice for homes wanting maximum generation in small areas.

🟦 2. Polycrystalline Solar Panels

• Efficiency: 15 – 17 %

• Colour: Blue speckled finish

• Material: Multiple silicon fragments fused together

• Pros:

  • Lower price per watt

  • Reliable and proven technology

• Cons:

  • Lower efficiency

  • Slightly bulkier look

💡 Ideal for homes with ample roof space seeking affordability.

🟨 3. Thin-Film Solar Panels

• Efficiency: 10 – 13 %

• Material: Amorphous silicon or cadmium telluride

• Pros:

  • Flexible and lightweight

  • Performs better in low light and high temperatures

• Cons:

  • Requires more space

  • Shorter lifespan (~15–20 yrs)

💡 Perfect for large or flat commercial roofs and modern aesthetic designs.

🔹 Comparison Table

🔗 Learn more about How Photovoltaic Panels Work.

🔹 Efficiency Explained

Solar panel efficiency measures how effectively sunlight is converted into electricity.
It depends on:

1. Cell Material Quality – purity of silicon improves electron flow.

2. Temperature Coefficient – cooler climates (like the UK) enhance output.

3. Degradation Rate – panels lose about 0.5 % efficiency per year on average.

4. Manufacturing Technology – half-cut cells and PERC tech increase yield.

📈 A 20 %-efficient panel on a 4 kW system can generate 4,000 kWh + per year in southern England.

🔹 UK Climate & Efficiency

The UK’s moderate climate actually benefits solar efficiency — panels perform best at cool temperatures.
Modern PV modules generate electricity even under cloudy skies because they respond to light intensity, not heat.

🔗 See how orientation affects yield in our Installation & Maintenance Guide.

🔹 Emerging High-Efficiency Technologies

Next-generation PV solutions already available in the UK:

• Perovskite Solar Cells – efficiency exceeding 25 %.

• Bifacial Panels – generate power on both sides.

• Building-Integrated PV (BIPV) – tiles and façades replace traditional roofing.

• Heterojunction (HJT) & TOPCon – blend crystalline and thin-film layers for higher yield.

🔗 Explore our Innovations in Photovoltaic Technology.

🔹 Which Type Is Best for You?

🔹 Get Expert Advice & Free Quote

Choosing the right panel depends on your roof structure, energy consumption, and budget.
Our nationwide MCS-certified team can design the perfect solar solution for your property.

✅ Free home survey ✅ Detailed ROI projection ✅ Nationwide coverage

👉 Get Your Free Solar Quote Today