6 Types of Solar Panels 2026: Costs, Pros and Cons
There are six main types of solar panels available to UK homeowners in 2026, including monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film, PERC, bifacial, and solar tiles, each suited to different roof types, budgets, and property styles.
Choosing the right one depends on your roof space, how much you want to spend, and whether efficiency or appearance matters more to you. This guide breaks down exactly what each type offers, what it costs, and which properties across Southern England, Greater London, the South West, and South Wales tend to suit each option best.
The 6 Types of Solar Panels Are Available for UK Homes
The types of solar panels available for UK homes range from the widely used monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels through to more specialist options like thin-film, PERC, bifacial, and solar tiles, each with its own balance of cost, efficiency, and appearance. The table below gives a quick side by side comparison before we look at each type in more detail.
| Panel type | Efficiency | Best suited to | Estimated cost per panel | Estimated cost per kW system |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monocrystalline | 20-23% | Most UK roofs, limited space | £150-£280 | £1,100-£1,600 |
| Polycrystalline | 15-18% | Larger roofs, budget projects | £110-£200 | £900-£1,300 |
| Thin-film | 10-13% | Flat roofs, outbuildings, unusual surfaces | £80-£160 | £700-£1,100 |
| PERC | 21-23% | Shaded or low-light roofs | £160-£290 | £1,150-£1,650 |
| Bifacial | 21-25% | Flat roofs, ground mounts, extensions | £180-£320 | £1,250-£1,800 |
| Solar tiles | Varies (typically 15-19%) | Listed buildings, conservation areas | £350-£700 | £2,000-£3,000+ |
1. Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Monocrystalline solar panels are made from a single, continuous crystal of silicon, giving them the highest efficiency of the mainstream panel types and a distinctive uniform black appearance. They’re the most popular choice across Southern England and Greater London, particularly on smaller or tightly shaped roofs where every square metre needs to work as hard as possible.
A typical monocrystalline panel costs somewhere between £150 and £280, with a full kW of installed capacity generally landing in the £1,100 to £1,600 range depending on system size and installer.
Pros and Cons of Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Pros
- Highest efficiency among mainstream panel types, meaning more electricity from less roof space
- Sleek, uniform black appearance that suits modern and period properties alike
- Longer typical lifespan and stronger performance warranties than most other types
- Performs comparatively well in the UK’s frequently overcast conditions
Cons
- More expensive upfront than polycrystalline panels
- Manufacturing process can be less material efficient, adding to production cost
- Performance can dip slightly more in very high temperatures compared with some alternatives
2. Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Polycrystalline solar panels are made from multiple silicon crystal fragments melted together, giving them a slightly speckled blue appearance and a lower efficiency than monocrystalline panels, but at a noticeably lower price.
They tend to suit homes with larger, unobstructed roof space, such as detached properties or bungalows found across parts of the South West and South Wales, where there’s enough room to make up for the lower efficiency per panel. Polycrystalline panels typically cost between £110 and £200 each, with a kW of installed capacity coming in around £900 to £1,300.
Pros and Cons of Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Pros
- Lower upfront cost compared with monocrystalline panels
- Simpler manufacturing process, which keeps production costs down
- Still a reliable, well proven technology with decades of track record
Cons
- Lower efficiency, meaning more roof space needed for the same output
- Blue speckled appearance is less popular aesthetically than sleek black monocrystalline
- Tends to perform slightly worse than monocrystalline in high heat or low light
3.Thin-Film Solar Panels
Thin-film solar panels are made by depositing a thin layer of photovoltaic material onto a surface such as glass or metal, resulting in a lightweight, flexible panel that’s much less efficient than crystalline options but far easier to fit onto unusual surfaces.
They work best on flat roofs, outbuildings, garages, or structures that can’t support the weight of standard rigid panels, making them a niche but useful option for certain properties across the region.
Thin-film panels are the cheapest type, generally costing between £80 and £160 per panel, with a kW of capacity costing around £700 to £1,100, though you’ll need considerably more panels to match the output of crystalline alternatives.
Pros and Cons of Thin-Film Solar Panels
Pros
- Lightweight and flexible, ideal for roofs that can’t bear heavy loads
- Cheapest type of solar panel per unit
- Performs reasonably well in low light and partial shade compared with rigid panels
- Easier to fit to curved or unconventional surfaces
Cons
- Significantly lower efficiency than crystalline panel types
- Needs far more roof space to generate the same electricity output
- Generally shorter lifespan and weaker warranties than monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels
4. PERC Solar Panels
PERC solar panels, which stands for Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell, are an enhanced version of monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels with an extra reflective layer added to the rear, allowing them to capture more sunlight that would otherwise be lost.
This makes them particularly well suited to properties with partial shading or roofs that don’t get consistent direct sunlight throughout the day, a common issue on terraced housing across London and Bristol where neighbouring buildings or trees can block part of the roof. PERC panels typically cost between £160 and £290 each, with installed system costs around £1,150 to £1,650 per kW.
Pros and Cons of PERC Solar Panels
Pros
- Improved performance in shaded or low-light conditions compared with standard crystalline panels
- Higher energy yield from the same roof space
- Well suited to UK weather, which often features overcast or hazy sunlight
Cons
- Slightly more expensive than standard monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels
- Benefits are less noticeable on roofs with excellent, unobstructed sun exposure
- Fewer manufacturers currently offer this technology compared with standard panels
5. Bifacial Solar Panels
Bifacial solar panels generate electricity from both the front and rear surface of the panel, capturing reflected sunlight that bounces off the roof, ground, or surrounding surfaces in addition to direct sunlight hitting the front.
They perform best when mounted with some elevation and a reflective surface underneath, making them well suited to flat roofs, ground mounted arrays, and extensions rather than traditional pitched roof installations.
Bifacial panels cost more than standard crystalline options, typically ranging from £180 to £320 per panel, with installed systems costing around £1,250 to £1,800 per kW.
Pros and Cons of Bifacial Solar Panels
Pros
- Higher overall energy yield thanks to capturing light from both sides
- Particularly effective on flat roofs, extensions, or ground mounted installations
- Often more durable, with sturdier glass on glass construction
Cons
- Higher upfront cost than standard monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels
- Benefits are reduced on standard pitched roofs without a reflective surface underneath
- Heavier than standard panels, which needs checking against roof load capacity
6. Solar Tiles
Solar tiles, sometimes called solar roof tiles or in-roof solar systems, integrate photovoltaic cells directly into roofing material rather than sitting on top of it, giving a much more discreet appearance than traditional rooftop panels.
They’re particularly popular on listed buildings, properties in conservation areas, or period homes across Oxford, Bristol, and Bath, where planning restrictions often limit the use of standard visible panels. Solar tiles are considerably more expensive, typically costing between £350 and £700 per tile, with a full installed system costing £2,000 to £3,000 or more per kW.
Pros and Cons of Solar Tiles
Pros
- Discreet, low profile appearance that blends into the existing roofline
- Often permitted in conservation areas and on listed buildings where standard panels are restricted
- Doubles as a roof covering, reducing the need for separate roofing materials in new installations
Cons
- Significantly higher cost per kW than any other panel type
- Generally lower efficiency than dedicated monocrystalline or PERC panels
- Fewer installers have experience fitting solar tiles compared with standard panel systems
Get a Free Solar Panel Quote From EE Renewables
Whichever type of solar panel suits your property best, EE Renewables provides expert solar panel installation and battery storage installation across Southern England, Greater London, South West England, and South Wales, covering London, Brighton, Oxford, Southampton, Bristol, and Cardiff. Our team will assess your roof, budget, and priorities to recommend the right panel type for genuine long term value, rather than a one size fits all solution.
Get in touch today for a free quote tailored to your location, and find out which type of solar panel makes the most sense for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you mix different types of solar panels on the same roof?
Mixing different types of solar panels on the same roof is technically possible but rarely recommended, since differing efficiencies and electrical characteristics can complicate the system design and reduce overall performance. Most installers will recommend sticking to one panel type per array for the best results.
Do all types of solar panels qualify for the Smart Export Guarantee?
All properly MCS certified solar panel installations qualify for the Smart Export Guarantee regardless of panel type, since eligibility is based on certification and metering rather than the specific technology used. This means homeowners can choose any panel type that suits their roof without affecting their ability to earn export payments.
Which type of solar panel lasts the longest?
Monocrystalline and PERC solar panels generally last the longest among mainstream options, often performing well beyond their 25 year warranty period, while thin-film panels typically have a shorter practical lifespan. Panel longevity also depends heavily on installation quality and ongoing maintenance.
Are certain types of solar panels better for south facing versus east or west facing roofs?
Certain types of solar panels, particularly PERC and bifacial panels, tend to perform better than standard panels on east or west facing roofs, since they’re designed to capture more light in less than ideal conditions. South facing roofs generally get strong performance from any panel type, including standard monocrystalline and polycrystalline options.
Do different types of solar panels require different amounts of maintenance?
Different types of solar panels generally require similarly minimal maintenance, mostly occasional cleaning and periodic inspection, though solar tiles and thin-film panels can sometimes need slightly more careful handling during any repair work due to their integrated or flexible design. Sticking to a reputable installer’s recommended maintenance schedule helps all panel types perform reliably for longer.
