Cheap Solar Panels – Are they worth it?

With solar panel prices dropping by an impressive 80% since 2010 and energy bills continuing to rise, more homeowners are considering solar energy as a viable investment. However, the initial cost can still be substantial, leading many to explore budget-friendly options.

If you’re shopping for solar panels with limited funds, understanding what you get for your money and whether cheaper panels offer good value compared to premium options is crucial. This guide will help you make an informed decision that balances cost with performance.

Understanding Solar Panel Quality Metrics

Before comparing premium and budget solar panels, it’s important to understand the key metrics that determine quality:

• Efficiency: The percentage of sunlight a panel can convert into electricity (higher is better)
• Degradation Rate: How quickly a panel loses efficiency over time (lower is better)
• Warranty: How long the manufacturer guarantees performance, typically with a guaranteed minimum output percentage after 25 years
• Build Quality: The materials and manufacturing standards that affect durability and longevity

Pro tip: Avoid upsells and confusing packages—choose a provider with a clear, fixed-price quote that won’t change. Heatable, a Which?-approved solar installer, offers transparent pricing with no surprises.

Premium vs Budget Solar Panels: Side-by-Side Comparison

Brand & Model	Price Per Panel	Efficiency	Warranty	Guaranteed Output After 25 Years	Best For
Premium Options:
SunPower Maxeon 3	£300	20.9-22.6%	25 years	92%	Limited roof space, shaded areas, longest lifespan (40+ years)
LG NeON H BiFacial	£350	19.8%	25 years	91.25%	Maximum energy harvest (dual-sided), larger installations
Project Solar Evolution Elite 400	£267*	21.22%	25 years	85%	Balanced performance, shaded installations
Budget Options:
JA Solar JAM60S30-390MR	£100	21%	12 years	86.25%**	Best value for efficiency, good degradation rate
Longi HiMo4	£150	21.4%	12 years	93.25%	High efficiency at midrange price, proven manufacturer
200W 12V Monocrystalline Panel	£200	19.2%	25 years	80%	Longer warranty at budget price, reliable performance

*Estimated per panel based on average system cost of £8,000
**Projected based on the stated degradation rate

Key Considerations When Choosing Budget Solar Panels

1. Available Installation Space

The amount of space you have significantly impacts which panels make economic sense:

• Limited roof space: Higher-efficiency premium panels may be worth the extra cost, as you’ll generate more electricity from fewer panels
• Ample space: Budget panels with lower efficiency can be more cost-effective as you can simply install more of them

2. Installation Location and Conditions

Your specific installation environment matters:

• Shaded areas: Premium panels with higher efficiency will capture more energy in less-than-ideal conditions
• Full sun exposure: Budget panels can perform adequately when positioned optimally
• Extreme weather regions: Premium panels typically offer better durability against harsh conditions like hail, high winds, or extreme temperatures

3. Total System Cost

Remember that panel cost is only one component of your total investment:

• Installation labour, wiring, inverters, and mounting hardware costs remain relatively constant regardless of panel price
• MIT researchers found that cheaper panels often provide only marginal savings on the total system cost
• A more efficient system might require fewer panels, potentially offsetting some of the higher per-panel cost

4. Understanding the True Value Proposition

Consider why certain panels are cheaper:

• Manufacturing quality and materials (potential for delamination or micro-cracks)
• Brand reputation and longevity in the market
• Cell technology (monocrystalline, polycrystalline, or thin-film)
• Warranty support and company stability

Making Budget Panels Last Longer

If you opt for less expensive panels, these strategies can help maximise their lifespan:

1. Choose a reputable installer with proven experience and positive reviews
2. Invest in a quality inverter – this component is critical to system performance
3. Monitor system performance regularly to catch degradation issues early
4. Maintain panels properly with periodic cleaning and inspection
5. Ensure proper mounting to minimise stress on panels during adverse weather

The Verdict: Are Cheap Solar Panels Worth It?

Budget solar panels can be worth considering if:

• You have ample installation space
• You’re working with a limited budget
• You choose monocrystalline technology
• You select panels from established manufacturers with reasonable warranties
• You invest in quality installation and system components

However, premium panels likely offer better value if:

• Your roof space is limited
• You experience partial shading or sub-optimal conditions
• You prioritise long-term performance over initial cost
• You want maximum durability and reliability

Final Recommendations

1. Focus on value, not just price: Consider the cost per watt and projected lifetime energy production
2. Get multiple quotes: Compare total system costs, not just panel prices
3. Research brand reputation: Look for manufacturers with established track records
4. Understand warranty details: Pay attention to both length and guaranteed performance levels
5. Consider the entire system: Invest in quality inverters and proper installation, regardless of panel choice

By balancing these factors, you can find solar panels that fit your budget while still delivering reliable, efficient performance for decades to come.

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Other Factors to Consider

As well as the price of solar panels, there are other factors to consider too, these are as follows:

The space you have

How efficient you need your solar panels to be will depend on the space you have and where they will be positioned.

For example, if you have a lot of roof space or you’re in a commercial setting or even a solar farm, opting for a cheaper and less efficient solar panel is not a problem and will likely be more cost-effective over time.

Putting in larger panels and more of them will generate the same electricity as a smaller more efficient one but is cheaper to install.

However, if your panels are for domestic use with limited roof space spending more on a more efficient panel will in the long run be more cost-effective.

The same goes for how shaded the area you’re placing the panels is. If it is shaded for parts of the day, you will want the most efficient panel to capture more sunlight.

Once again in this case spending more will be more cost-effective in the long run.

Life Span of the Solar Panels

Most solar panels will come with a 25-year guarantee but you can expect your panels to last an average of 30-40 years.

Unfortunately, because many cheaper solar panels have only come onto the market in recent years, we have yet to see how they will truly stand the test of time.

Budget brands often use cheaper, poorer quality glue which could in time lead to delamination.

This happens when the bonds between the glass and the plastic of the panels deteriorate and begin to separate, which could lead to corrosion and a shortened life of the panel.

Similarly, there is evidence to say cheaper or lower quality panels may not stand up to extreme weather conditions.

Extreme weather that we are unfortunately seeing more and more of in recent times.

High temperatures, heavy hail, and harsh frost can all cause micro-cracks in poorly made panels leading to your panels becoming less efficient and shortening their life span.

Recommended reading:

• Can you get free solar panels?
• Solar panels with micro inverters
• Solar water heating
• Solar trackers

Consider the cost of installation

Another important factor when deciding if cheaper solar panels are worth it is to look at the installation cost.

As the price of the solar panels themselves has plummeted over the last decade the price of installation, wiring, and the scaffolding needed to install them has stayed much the same if not increased.

For example, a collaboration between MIT researchers and people at solar power companies reported that the actual cost of less expensive panels would be marginal within the overall cost of buying and installing them.

Therefore, not save you much money at all for less efficient panels and is not worth it.  

Consider why they are cheap

Are they cheap because they come from a less reputable brand?

Or are they cheaper because you’re choosing something like a thin-film solar panel which is cheaper to manufacture, even to a high standard but may or may not be suitable for your home?

Choose a reputable installer

You may decide that lower-priced panels are for you, but it is also worth researching the best installers.

If down the line you have problems with your panels you do not want to find that your installer has shut up shop, leaving you to deal with the problem alone.

What to look for when buying cheaper brands

The type of solar cells used in a panel

Monocrystalline solar cells are by far the most efficient type of solar cells and are good for small spaces as you’ll need fewer panels for the same efficiency.

Some budget brands use monocrystalline cells, so opt for this if it is a choice between this and polycrystalline or thin-film panels.

How many solar panels you will need?

This is one of the most important factors when deciding if you want to go for more budget options because it will affect the installation cost.

If you need fewer panels the cost of installation will go down as will the cost of wiring and fixtures. In this case, spending a little more on a more efficient panel is worth it.

Can I make my solar panels last longer?

There are several things you can do to make your solar panel last longer especially if you have a shorter warranty period and or a higher degradation rate.

Make sure you get a good installer. You want the installer to be trusted to use high-quality materials. Read reviews and ask questions when talking to potential installers.

 A high-quality inverter. This is the part of the system that converts the electricity generated into usable currents. This will ensure the lifespan of the panel won’t be jeopardized elsewhere in the setup.

Keep your eye on the efficiency of your panels over time. Make sure there are no spikes in degradation or anything else that makes you worry, particularly within the warranty period so it can be sorted before more damage is done.

If you have an app-based monitor within your system this is made easier, but it can also be done through analytics, allowing the technician to identify problems easily.