How Much Do Budget Solar Panels Cost?Pros and Cons of Cheap Solar PanelsHow to Find Solar Panels on a BudgetWhat to Look for in a Quality, Inexpensive Solar PanelWays to Lower Solar CostsCan You Get Budget Solar Panels from Glow Green?Summary: Are Cheap Solar Panels Worth It?Cheap Solar Panels FAQs
How Much Do Budget Solar Panels Cost?Pros and Cons of Cheap Solar PanelsHow to Find Solar Panels on a BudgetWhat to Look for in a Quality, Inexpensive Solar PanelWays to Lower Solar CostsCan You Get Budget Solar Panels from Glow Green?Summary: Are Cheap Solar Panels Worth It?Cheap Solar Panels FAQs
✔ In the UK, you can find ‘cheap’ solar panels priced as low as £64 per panel.
✔ While this low cost is attractive, it’s important to be aware of potential risks when buying inexpensive solar panels.
✔ We recommend discussing your options with trusted solar professionals, such as Glow Green - rated the best solar panel installer in the UK by The Independent.
The idea of snapping up bargain solar panels can be pretty tempting with energy bills on the rise and the promise of lower upfront costs. But before you jump in, it’s important to weigh up what you’re really getting for your money.
Cheap solar panels can open the door to renewable energy for more households, but they often come with trade-offs in efficiency, durability and long-term value. In this article, you’ll discover the real pros and cons of opting for budget-friendly solar panels, helping you decide if saving now could end up costing you more in the long run-or if it’s the smart way to go green.
Curious about the cost of installing quality solar panels on your home? Simply fill out the form below to receive a free, no-obligation quote tailored just for you:
Generally, ‘cheaper’ solar panels can start from as little as £64 per panel, making them an appealing option if you want to keep your initial solar costs down. However, it’s important to remember that most solar panels are sold as part of a complete system, which includes installation and other essential equipment.
For a typical home, the total cost for a budget-friendly system will usually be lower than premium options, but you may notice differences in efficiency and lifespan. Ultimately, even budget solar panels require an upfront investment, so it’s important to balance the short-term savings against the long-term value. If you’re committed to using solar panels for the long term, wouldn’t you want to choose a reliable and trusted system?
It's important to consider both the advantages and disadvantages of investing in more inexpensive solar panels. While a lower price tag is always tempting, there are trade-offs that could potentially affect your solar panel payback period and the performance of your system:
Lower upfront cost: Cheap solar panels let you get started with solar energy without a hefty initial investment which makes them more accessible if you're on a tight budget.
Faster break-even for small systems: If your energy needs are modest, you might reach your break-even point fairly quickly, especially if you only need a small system to cover basic appliances.
Increased accessibility: Making solar panels more affordable means that a greater number of households across the UK can access and benefit from renewable energy. This wider accessibility directly supports the government’s drive towards net zero.
Eco-friendly: Even budget panels help you reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a greener energy mix.
Lower efficiency: Cheap panels are typically less efficient so you’ll need more panels and more roof space to generate the same amount of power as higher-end models. The most efficient solar panels usually have an efficiency of more than 21%.
Shorter lifespan: Budget panels are often made with lower-grade materials which means they may degrade faster and need replacing sooner than premium options.
Weaker warranties: You might find that cheaper panels come with shorter or less comprehensive warranties, leaving you exposed to repair or replacement costs earlier.
Higher degradation rate: Cheap panels tend to lose their efficiency at a faster rate each year so their performance drops off more quickly over time.
Potential reliability issues: Lower-quality manufacturing can lead to problems like hot spots or discolouration which can affect the overall performance and safety of your system. If you’d like to learn more about reputable brands and what sets quality providers apart, take a look at our guide on the top 10 solar panel manufacturers.
Less value for limited roof space: If your roof space is limited, you might struggle to fit enough cheap panels to meet your energy needs, making higher-efficiency panels a better long-term investment.
Luckily, there are many good options available in the UK if you’re looking to find affordable solar panels on a budget. In our guide to the best solar panels, we’ve ranked the JA Solar Mono Panel 405W as the best value for money, but you’ll also find other reputable and budget-friendly brands like Trina and Q-Cells on the market. These brands offer a range of models to suit different needs and price points so you’re not limited to just one choice.
Ultimately, we suggest speaking with accredited solar panel installers to help you find the most affordable solar panels for your budget, such as Glow Green. Let them know exactly what you’re looking to spend and what your energy requirements are. A trusted installer will be able to recommend the panel system that best matches your budget and needs, and they should be honest if your expectations don’t quite fit what’s possible for the price.
Be cautious of installers who make offers that seem too good to be true. In the solar industry, unusually low prices or promises of exceptionally quick returns can sometimes be a red flag.
While poorly made, cheap solar panels should never be considered, there are affordable quality panels out there. Here’s what you should look out for:
MCS Certification: Make sure the solar panels and the installer are MCS-certified. The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is a UK government-backed quality assurance scheme that guarantees your panels, and installer, meet strict performance and safety standards.
Efficiency: Look for panels that offer a good efficiency rating as this means they’ll convert more sunlight into electricity and give you better performance for your investment.
Warranty: A decent warranty is a sign of quality and reliability. Even budget-friendly panels should come with a solid warranty, ideally 10 years or more, to protect you against manufacturing faults or early performance issues.
Durability and Weather Resistance: Panels should be built to withstand the UK’s changing weather including rain, wind and occasional hail. Look for panels that are certified for durability and have a good track record in real-world conditions.
Reputable Manufacturer: Choose panels from a trusted manufacturer with a history of producing reliable products. Brands like Jinko, Trina and Sharp are known for offering affordable panels without sacrificing too much on quality.
Balanced Price vs. Performance: Don’t just go for the cheapest option. We recommend getting a good balance between cost and long-term performance. Sometimes spending a little more upfront can save you money and hassle in the years to come.
To help make solar panels more affordable and maximise the value of your investment, explore the following options:
You can take advantage of several government grants and schemes designed to make solar panels more affordable in the UK. Programmes like the ECO4 scheme offer funding that can cover part or even all of your installation costs, especially if you’re on a lower income or meet certain eligibility criteria.
With the Smart Export Guarantee, you can earn money by exporting any excess electricity your solar panels generate back to the grid. Energy suppliers pay you for every unit you don’t use yourself, helping you offset your installation costs over time.
It’s wise to get solar quotes from several accredited installers, such as Glow Green, before making a decision. By comparing different offers, you can ensure you’re getting the best possible deal for your budget.
Many local councils and community groups run group-buying schemes or offer additional discounts on solar panel installations. These local initiatives, such as Solar Together, can help you save even more by pooling demand and securing lower prices from suppliers.
Until April 2027, you won’t pay any VAT on residential solar panel installations, which can save you a substantial amount on your overall system cost. This government incentive is open to all UK homeowners and is automatically applied when you purchase your system.
If you’re looking for budget-friendly solar panels, you’ll be pleased to know that Glow Green can help you find the right solution without compromising on quality. All the panels we provide, as well as our installation services, are fully MCS-certified, so you can trust that you’re getting products that meet strict UK standards for safety and performance.
While we have a range of premium solar panels available, one of our more affordable options is the Black N-Type Mono Double Glass Panel from DMEGC. This panel combines high efficiency, long-term durability and a sleek all-black design, making it a great value choice for those wanting dependable performance without the premium price tag.
While the lower upfront cost can be appealing, it’s important to remember that even the most affordable options are still a significant investment, which should be taken into account when determining if cheaper solar panels are worth it.
You may find that cheaper panels are less efficient, have shorter lifespans and come with weaker warranties compared to premium models. This could potentially lead to higher maintenance costs, more frequent replacements or the need for additional panels to meet your energy needs, which could take up more space on your roof. S
Since you’re already spending a fair amount to get solar installed, it often makes sense to consider spending a bit more at the start for higher-quality panels. Ultimately, though, the choice is yours, and it’s best made with guidance from a trusted solar panel installer who understands your needs and budget.
A budget solar panel in the UK could cost you as low as £64 per panel, but the total cost will depend on the size of your system and installation fees. It’s best to get a quote from a solar installer, such as Glow Green, to understand the full price.
Installing solar panels yourself is possible but not recommended unless you have the right skills and certifications. Professional installation ensures safety, system efficiency and eligibility for schemes like the SEG.
Generally, cheap solar panels have a shorter lifespan and may degrade faster than premium models. This means you might need to replace them sooner which could affect overall savings.
While some lesser-known brands offer good value, it’s important to check reviews, warranties and certifications to ensure you’re getting a reliable and safe product.
Solar panels generally require minimal maintenance regardless of price. However, cheaper panels may be more prone to faults which could lead to higher repair costs down the line.
