How to Choose the Best Solar Panels for Your Home

When it comes to renewable energy, solar panels are one of the most popular options. Solar panels, or photovoltaics, transform the sun’s energy into electricity to be used in the home and it enables you to create and use clean energy to power your property.

Learning about the different types of solar panels available and their efficiency ratings can help you make an informed choice that maximises your solar PV investment while meeting your household’s energy needs. Read on for our solar panel guide, from the different types to which factors might influence your decision. However, our engineers are passionate advocates of renewable energy and will happily discuss the best options for you.

Types of Solar Panel

The solar panel market is primarily dominated by three main technologies.

Monocrystalline Solar Panels

Monocrystalline solar panels, often considered the premium option, are made from single-crystal silicon wafers and are easily recognisable by their uniform dark appearance. These panels consistently deliver the highest efficiency ratings, typically ranging from 20% to 22%, with some premium models achieving even higher performance.

Their superior efficiency means you can generate more electricity from a smaller roof area, making them ideal for homes with limited space. While monocrystalline panels come with a higher upfront cost, their excellent performance in both direct sunlight and partial shade conditions, combined with longer lifespans of 25-30 years, often justify the initial investment.

Polycrystalline Solar Panels

Polycrystalline solar panels represent the middle ground in the solar panel spectrum, constructed from multiple silicon crystals melted together. These panels are distinguishable by their blue, speckled appearance and offer efficiency ratings typically between 15% and 17%.

The manufacturing process for polycrystalline panels is less energy-intensive than monocrystalline production, resulting in a more affordable price point that makes solar energy accessible to a broader range of homeowners. While they may require slightly more roof space to generate the same amount of electricity as monocrystalline panels, they still provide excellent value and reliable performance over their 20-25 year lifespan.

Thin-film Solar Panels

Thin-film solar panels, the last category, use a completely different manufacturing approach where photovoltaic material is deposited onto various substrates such as glass, plastic, or metal. These panels are characterised by their sleek, uniform appearance and lightweight design, with efficiency ratings typically ranging from 10% to 12%.

Although they have lower efficiency compared to crystalline options, thin-film panels excel in high-temperature environments and maintain better performance in partial shade conditions. Their flexibility and aesthetic appeal make them suitable for unique architectural applications, though they generally require more installation space and may have shorter warranties.

What Do Efficiency Ratings Mean?

Efficiency ratings are crucial when evaluating solar panels as this percentage represents how much sunlight the panel can convert into usable electricity. Higher efficiency doesn’t automatically mean better value though – you need to consider the relationship between efficiency, cost, and your available roof space. For homes with an ample-sized roof, slightly lower efficiency panels might provide better cost-efficiency, while properties with limited space benefit more from high-efficiency options despite the higher initial cost.

Most residential solar panels have an efficiency rating of around 20%. This may seem low, but a 4kW solar array system can generate significant electricity to make a big difference to your energy bills and the carbon footprint of the property. Kwh ratings refer to the power output, or how much electricity your solar panels can provide for your home. Several factors affect solar panel efficiency, from the amount of shade over the panel to roof pitch and positioning, how well your panels are maintained, and temperature.

What’s Your Budget?

While high-efficiency panels cost more initially, they may provide better returns through increased electricity generation and potential property value improvements, although the cost to buy any panel is at its lowest point ever. Factor in available grants or incentives for low income families, and that can significantly offset initial expenses. Many homeowners find that financing options, including solar loans and leasing arrangements, make higher-quality panels more accessible while still providing positive cash flow from day one.

What Size Panels Do You Need?

To determine how many solar panels you need, the first step is understanding your current household energy consumption. For a small home with 1–2 bedrooms using approximately 1,800kWh annually, a solar panel system of 2–3kW is generally sufficient. This setup would require between 5 and 8 panels rated at 350W, needing about 10–16 square metres of roof space.

A medium-sized home with 2–3 bedrooms typically uses an average of 2,700kWh per year, needing a 4–5kW system made up of 10–13 panels, while larger homes with 4–5 bedrooms and an average energy usage of 4,100kWh may need a 6kW system, comprising 16 panels.

How to Calculate Your Solar Needs

To calculate your solar needs, begin by reviewing your electricity bills to determine your power usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh). You can total this monthly or quarterly to estimate your yearly consumption. Decide what portion of your energy bill you want to offset with solar—whether that’s 100% or just a fraction to power specific appliances or charge an electric vehicle. This choice directly affects the required system size.

Next, evaluate your roof’s capacity, considering that each solar panel typically needs 1.7m² of space. Allow for at least 20 cm of clearance from the roof’s edge to ensure airflow and avoid efficiency loss from overheating or shadowing.

South-facing roofs with minimal shading provide optimal conditions for any panel type, while east or west-facing installations might benefit from panels with better low-light performance. Consider potential future shading from growing trees or new construction, and our engineers will evaluate whether your roof structure can support the weight of different panel types, particularly if you’re considering thin-film options that might require additional mounting systems.

In terms of your electrical system, most homes won’t require a new fuse box, but older properties might need an upgrade. Your inverter size should match your system and be rated between 1.25 and 1.56 times the panels’ short-circuit current. Compatibility between your inverter and the phase of your electrical connection—whether single or three-phase—is crucial.

You can also expand your solar system later if your energy needs increase, although additional permissions may be required. Finally, your system will connect to your home grid through an inverter, and possibly a battery if installed to store excess power for later use.

For professional advice on the right solar panel system for your home, or if you’d like to discuss additional renewable options, please get in touch with Village Heating today.