Different types of solar panels in the UK

There are three types of solar panels you’ll find in the UK today: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film. This article breaks down what each one is, how they compare, and which might be best for your home.

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Understanding which solar panels are available in the UK and which ones might be the best for your needs can be quite challenging. There are many different solar panel solutions, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. If you’re thinking of going solar, our experts will give you all the guidance you need.

Meanwhile, here's some info on the key solar panel technologies currently available (or soon to be available). We'll examine the different generations of solar panels, highlight their pros and cons, and share which solar energy solutions might be the best for you.

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The Best Type Of Solar Panel

While many new technologies in the pipeline could change the way solar systems operate, we can only work with existing options. Looking at the different types of solar panels currently available on the market, the monocrystalline solar panel is considered the best overall. They may cost more than many other commercially available solutions, but they offer high efficiency and a long lifespan compared to solar panels made from polycrystalline silicon or thin-film solar cells, ensuring your investment in solar is worth it.

But while monocrystalline solar panels are the best overall, does that mean they’re the best solar panel solution for homeowners?

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Which Is The Best Type Of Solar Panel For Your Home?

Here’s a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the most commonly available solar panels:

* Figures based on industry averages and typical UK installer quotes as of 2025. 

Generations of Solar Panel Technology: What You Need to Know

Solar panel technology has come a long way, and understanding the different generations can help you choose the right system for your home. Here’s a breakdown of the main types available now, and a look at what’s coming next.

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1st Generation Solar Panels

The first generation of solar panels uses solar cells from one of two types of silicon: monocrystalline silicon or polycrystalline silicon. These first-generation panels are the most commonly used solutions for capturing solar energy. While the solar cells in these panels are both made using silicon, there are some important differences. Let’s take a closer look at these two types of silicon-based solar cells.

Monocrystalline Solar Cells

Monocrystalline solar cells, also known as mono-Si solar cells, are made using single crystals of highly purified silicon. Wafers are cut from these carefully grown silicon crystals to be used as solar cells. This high purity gives this type of solar cell its dark black appearance, as well as its high efficiency and longer lifespan. This also allows it to operate well at higher temperatures and under lower light conditions. At So Energy, we use this type due to their efficiency.

Polycrystalline Solar Cells

Polycrystalline solar cells, also referred to as poly-Si solar cells, also consist of silicon, but instead of using single highly purified silicon crystals, silicon is melted down to create the solar cells. This approach to manufacturing makes polycrystalline solar cells easier and, therefore, cheaper to produce – they have a blue rather than black appearance. This manufacturing method reduces the efficiency and lifespan of the cells. Polycrystalline solar cells also lose efficiency at higher temperatures and don’t operate as well under lower-light conditions as monocrystalline solar cells.

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2nd Generation Solar Panels

Second-generation, or thin-film solar panels, use much thinner layers of photovoltaic material, allowing for lightweight, flexible designs. They’re manufactured using materials like:

• Amorphous thin-film silicon (a-Si)
  
  
• Cadmium telluride (CdTe)
  
  
• Copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS)
  
  

Thin-film panels are generally cheaper and easier to produce than first-generation panels, and can be useful in specialist applications or buildings with less regular surfaces. But, they tend to have shorter lifespans and lower efficiency, so they’re best used where flexibility or low cost outweighs the need for maximum performance.

3rd Generation Solar Panels

Third-generation solar panels use solar cells developed with the newest materials and production methods. This sets them apart from the first and second generations of solar cells, which used more mature materials and established manufacturing methods. But many of these third-generation solar panel technologies are still under development and are not commercially available.

Even though the solar cell technologies used in these solar panels are still being researched, there’s hope that they’ll offer even greater efficiency and cost less to produce than the first and second generations.

Some promising examples include:

Biohybrid Solar Cells

Unlike first and second-generation solar cells, biohybrid solar cells use biological materials to convert solar energy, using a process similar to photosynthesis. These promising experimental solar cells allow for an almost 100% conversion of solar energy into electricity. But their lifespan is incredibly limited compared to first and second-generation solar cells.

Organic Solar Cells

Organic photovoltaic cells, or OPVs, use organic semiconductor cells to capture solar energy and convert it to electricity. This solution might not be as efficient as existing solar cells, but this new type of solar cell is cheap to produce and could get close to the efficiency of silicon-based solar cells.

Perovskite Solar Cells

Perovskite solar cells are made with perovskite, a calcium titanium oxide mineral, which offers numerous benefits over silicon-based solar cells. These advantages include how easy they are to manufacture, which reduces their cost, high efficiency, low weight, high recyclability, and more. However, the lifespan of perovskite solar cells remains a big issue. 

Choosing The Right Solar Panel For Your House

If you’re unsure which option to choose, monocrystalline solar panels are generally preferred for homes because they’re highly efficient, durable, and require less space. When we install solar panels we opt for monocrystalline solar panels due to their great performance.

If you’re still not sure if this is the right decision, make sure you’re aware of the solar myths so you can make the most informed choice. And we've got a helpful guide on how to maintain your panels once they're installed.

‍Get The Right Type Of Solar Panels For Your Home With So Energy

If you’re interested in taking advantage of the benefits of solar panels but aren’t sure where to start, our team at So Energy is ready to help you on your solar journey. Contact us to learn more about the solar panel products that we offer or to get a solar quote on a solar system for your home or property.

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