Solar Panels Directory UK (2026)
A straightforward comparison of solar panels currently available in the UK — from plug-in balcony kits to market-leading rooftop panels from JA Solar, LONGi, and Aiko. We cover specs, real-world performance, and what to watch out for.
What to look for in a plug-in solar panel
Not all solar panels are created equal — and not all of them are suited to plug-in setups. When choosing a panel for a balcony, garden, or shed-mount system, you want to consider wattage (how much power it produces), size and weight (will it fit your space?), connector type (MC4 is standard), and build quality (rigid vs. flexible, frame vs. frameless).
Most plug-in solar kits in the UK use panels rated between 100W and 400W each. A typical balcony setup runs two panels into a single microinverter for a combined 600–800W system.
Rigid panels
Traditional framed panels. Heavier and bulkier, but generally more efficient and longer-lasting than flexible alternatives.
EcoFlow 400W Rigid Solar Panel
EcoFlow's own rigid panel, designed to pair with the PowerStream microinverter. Monocrystalline cells, aluminium frame, and IP68-rated junction box. A solid all-rounder for garden and balcony setups.
EcoFlow 100W Rigid Solar Panel
Compact panel for smaller spaces or as an add-on to an existing system. Same build quality as the 400W, just in a more manageable size for narrow balconies or shed roofs.
Newpowa 100W Mono Panel
Budget-friendly option popular with off-grid and shed setups. Not specifically designed for plug-in solar, but works well with a compatible microinverter. Decent performance for the price.
Flexible panels
Lightweight and thin — ideal for curved surfaces, caravans, or situations where weight is a concern. Trade-off: typically less efficient and shorter lifespan than rigid panels.
EcoFlow 100W Flexible Solar Panel
Thin, lightweight panel that can curve up to 258°. Ideal for uneven surfaces, curved roofs, or temporary setups. Pairs with the PowerStream system like the rigid panels.
EcoFlow 400W Flexible Solar Panel
High-wattage flexible panel for larger installations where weight matters. Same curve capability as the 100W version, in a bigger package. Good for garden buildings and flat roofs.
Renogy 100W Flexible Panel
Popular with the off-grid community. Lighter than EcoFlow's equivalent and slightly cheaper, but lower efficiency. A decent entry point if you're experimenting with flexible panels.
Market-leading rooftop panels
If you're looking beyond plug-in kits — or want a higher-wattage panel for a garden or shed-roof setup — these are the panels dominating the UK installer market in 2026. All are available from trade suppliers like City Plumbing.
Aiko Neostar 3S 475W All Black
The panel to beat in 2026. Aiko's ABC (All Back Contact) technology routes all electrical connections to the rear of the cell, maximising the light-capturing surface. The result is class-leading 23.8% module efficiency. The ABC architecture also creates independently functioning zones across the panel, meaning partial shading has far less impact on total output than a conventional panel. Full black with a bezel-less edge — arguably the best-looking panel on the market.
JA Solar DeepBlue 4.0 Pro 450W All Black
JA Solar is the world's largest panel manufacturer by shipments, and the DeepBlue 4.0 Pro is their flagship residential module. N-type bifacial double-glass construction means it captures light from both sides — useful on light-coloured surfaces or elevated mounts. Robust 5400 Pa snow load rating and an industry-leading 30-year performance warranty. A strong all-rounder at a very competitive price.
JA Solar 430W N-Type Bifacial Full Black
A slightly lower-wattage variant of the DeepBlue 4.0 Pro, designed for installations where you want bifacial gains at a lower price point. Same glass-glass construction and full black aesthetic. Popular with UK installers for standard residential arrays where budget matters.
LONGi Hi-MO 6 Explorer 430W All Black
LONGi's HPBC (Hybrid Passivated Back Contact) cell technology delivers 22% module efficiency in a clean all-black package with no visible busbars — one of the sleekest-looking panels available. Lighter than the JA Solar equivalent at 20.8 kg. Excellent 25-year product and 30-year performance warranty. A favourite with UK installers who value aesthetics.
LONGi Hi-MO 5m 410W Full Black
The previous-generation LONGi panel, still widely stocked and excellent value. PERC cell technology at 21% efficiency. Slightly less efficient than the Hi-MO 6, but at a noticeably lower price point. A smart choice if you're buying in bulk for a larger array.
JA Solar 460W All Black
The higher-wattage option in JA Solar's all-black range. 23% module efficiency and the same robust double-glass construction. If you want maximum output per panel and have the roof space, this is one of the best watts-per-pound options on the market.
Bifacial vs monofacial panels
One of the biggest decisions when choosing a rooftop or ground-mount panel is whether to go bifacial (generates from both sides) or monofacial (front only). Here's the practical difference for UK homes.
| Feature | Bifacial | Monofacial |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Generates from both front and rear — rear side captures reflected light from the ground or roof surface | Generates from the front only — rear is opaque |
| Energy gain | 10–17% more output vs. monofacial in UK conditions, depending on surface reflectivity | Baseline — no rear-side gain |
| Best mounting | Elevated ground mounts, flat roofs, or any setup where light reaches the rear. Flush-mounted on a dark pitched roof = minimal benefit | Any roof type — works well flush-mounted on standard pitched roofs |
| Construction | Glass-glass (more durable, heavier) | Glass-backsheet (lighter, slightly less durable) |
| Weight | Typically 21–23 kg | Typically 19–21 kg |
| Cost | 5–15% more than equivalent monofacial | Lower upfront cost |
| Warranty | Often 30 years (glass-glass lasts longer) | Typically 25 years |
Our take: For a standard UK pitched roof with dark tiles, monofacial is fine — you won't get meaningful rear-side gain. Bifacial shines on ground mounts, flat roofs, light-coloured surfaces, or elevated garden setups where reflected light can reach the back of the panel. The JA Solar DeepBlue 4.0 Pro is bifacial at essentially the same price as monofacial equivalents, so it's worth having even if rear-side gain is modest.
Quick comparison
| Panel | Watts | Type | Efficiency | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market-leading rooftop panels | ||||
| Aiko Neostar 3S All Black | 475W | N-Type ABC | 23.8% | £124 |
| JA Solar DeepBlue 4.0 Pro All Black | 450W | N-Type bifacial | 22.5% | £65–80 |
| JA Solar 460W All Black | 460W | N-Type | 23% | £70–90 |
| JA Solar 430W Bifacial Full Black | 430W | N-Type bifacial | 22% | £55–70 |
| LONGi Hi-MO 6 Explorer All Black | 430W | HPBC mono | 22% | £60–80 |
| LONGi Hi-MO 5m Full Black | 410W | PERC mono | 21% | £57 |
| Plug-in & balcony panels | ||||
| EcoFlow 400W Rigid | 400W | Mono rigid | 23% | £349 |
| EcoFlow 400W Flexible | 400W | Flexible | 23.2% | £449 |
| EcoFlow 100W Rigid | 100W | Mono rigid | 23% | £119 |
| EcoFlow 100W Flexible | 100W | Flexible | 23% | £149 |
| Renogy 100W Flexible | 100W | Flexible | 21.5% | £110 |
| Newpowa 100W Mono | 100W | Mono rigid | 21% | £70 |
Note: Prices shown are RRP at time of writing and may vary. Check our Buying Guide for current discounts, referral codes, and cashback options.
Frequently asked questions
How many solar panels do I need for a plug-in system?
Most UK plug-in systems use one or two panels connected to a single microinverter. A two-panel setup (e.g. 2 × 400W) gives you up to 800W, which is the practical limit for a standard 13A socket circuit. For most households, this covers your base load — fridge, router, standby appliances — during daylight hours.
What are bifacial solar panels and are they worth it in the UK?
Bifacial panels generate electricity from both sides — the front captures direct sunlight while the rear captures light reflected off the ground or roof surface. In UK conditions, bifacial panels produce 10–17% more energy than equivalent monofacial panels, depending on the surface beneath them. They're most effective on elevated ground mounts, flat roofs, or above light-coloured surfaces. On a standard dark-tiled pitched roof mounted flush, the rear-side benefit is minimal.
What is Aiko's ABC technology?
ABC (All Back Contact) is Aiko's cell architecture that moves all electrical connections to the rear of the solar cell. With no busbars or wiring on the front face, more of the cell surface captures light — which is why the Neostar 3S achieves 23.8% module efficiency. The ABC design also divides the panel into independently functioning zones, so partial shading from a chimney or tree branch affects a much smaller portion of total output compared to conventional panels.
JA Solar vs LONGi vs Aiko — which should I choose?
JA Solar DeepBlue 4.0 Pro is the best value — bifacial, double-glass, 30-year warranty, and the cheapest per watt. LONGi Hi-MO 6 has the cleanest all-black look thanks to invisible busbars, and is slightly lighter. Aiko Neostar 3S is the premium choice — highest efficiency at 23.8% and best shade tolerance, but costs roughly double the JA Solar. All three are excellent panels; the right choice depends on whether you're optimising for price, aesthetics, or maximum performance.
Rigid or flexible — which is better?
Rigid panels are more efficient, cheaper per watt, and last longer. Flexible panels are lighter and can mount on curved or uneven surfaces. If you have the space and a flat mounting surface, rigid is usually the better value. Flexible makes sense for caravans, sheds with corrugated roofs, or temporary setups.
Can I buy rooftop panels from City Plumbing for a plug-in setup?
Yes — panels from JA Solar, LONGi, and Aiko all use standard MC4 connectors and will physically work with a compatible microinverter like the EcoFlow PowerStream. However, check voltage and current compatibility with your specific inverter before buying. These panels are higher wattage (430–475W) than typical plug-in panels, which means you may only be able to use one panel per microinverter input.
How long do solar panels last?
Quality rigid panels typically last 25–30 years, with manufacturers guaranteeing at least 80% output after 25 years. The Aiko Neostar 3S and JA Solar DeepBlue 4.0 Pro both offer 30-year performance warranties. Flexible panels have a shorter expected lifespan of 10–15 years. Either way, a solar system pays for itself well within the panel's useful life.