Opt for cheap solar panels if you have a tight budget and your household energy consumption is relatively low. Solar panels for homes have become a symbol of eco-conscious living, but the initial cost can be a real hurdle. Yet the good news is that cheap solar panels are a reality for homeowners.
Polycrystalline solar panels and thin-film solar panels are the least expensive types of solar panels, typically costing around 20% less than monocrystalline panels. However, they are also less efficient.
Cheap solar panels in the UK typically cost between £92–£246 per unit, with the average cost of a 350-watt solar panel ranging between £150-£500. Cheaper panels, like those from Amerisolar and Longi Solar, range from £92 to £246 per unit. They offer an attractive entry point, balancing affordability with decent efficiency.
The average cost of a 3.5 kWp solar PV system, suitable for an average three-bedroom house, should be around £7,026. That’s because cheaper panels often have issues that mean they don’t work as well or last as long as more expensive panels and may require more maintenance.
The overall construction of cheap solar panels is poor. This includes the use of low-grade ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) which degrades over time and results in lower energy production. Also, the back of the cheapest solar panels is often made from Tedlar (polyvinyl fluoride film trademark), which is prone to degradation and deterioration.
There are two other potential costs you should look into before installing solar panels, these are maintenance costs and repair costs.