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Black Solar Panels in the UK: Costs + Pros & Cons in 2024
- Black solar panels in the UK cost approximately £1 to £1.50 per Watt.
- The biggest advantage of black solar panels is their efficiency, displaying 20% compared to the 15% efficiency of polycrystalline panels.
- Keep in mind that with black solar panels, you will end up paying relatively more as they can be 25% to 50% more expensive than polycrystalline ones.
Black solar panels are a great option for those who can afford them as they absorb more energy and are more heat resistant than polycrystalline panels. However, their material structure also makes them more expensive for the average consumer. Let’s look at some of the costs, advantages, and disadvantages of these panels compared to others.
However, if you’re looking for all black solar panels in the UK, we can help with your search. One of the main problems with purchasing solar panels and solar batteries is finding reliable installers, which can often take days of looking up companies and comparing their offers. If you (like most people) don’t have time for that, our service could come in handy.
We can quickly and easily provide you with up to 4 free, non-binding solar quotes from reliable experts. All you need to do is fill out a quick 30-second form and you’ll obtain the best prices in your area from sources we’ve thoroughly vetted. Click the button below to get started.
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Are black solar panels better than regular solar panels?
When comparing solar panels, black ones have an edge over blue panels in terms of efficiency, heat resistance, and power. This is primarily due to their monocrystalline (mono) structure, where each cell is made of a single crystal of silicon, manufactured specifically for the cell. This allows for better sunlight absorption.
By most measures, black mono solar panels outperform their competition in commercially available solar systems. Sporting an efficiency of around 20% (sometimes as high as 22%). They beat out both polycrystalline panels (20% efficiency) and Thin-film panels (7% to 10%).
The image below compares different solar panel types:
While polycrystalline and thin-film solar panels are cheaper, they lack the lifespan, temperature resistance, and power output of monocrystalline solar panels.
The advantages of solar panels usually come from their efficiency and output so black solar panels fare quite well against their competition, with their main issues being expenses and the manufacturing process. We’ll cover the advantages and disadvantages of black solar panels in more depth below.
How much do black solar panels cost in 2024?
Black solar panels can be 3 times as expensive as thin-film solar panels, but they also sport an efficiency that matches the price. Polycrystalline panels can be two-thirds of the price of monocrystalline panels, but they are not as efficient and do not possess other positive attributes such as higher heat resistance.
| Cost of Solar Panel Types | |
|---|---|
| Type of panel | Price |
| Black/Monocrystalline solar panels | £370 to £450 per m² |
| Polycrystalline solar panels | £300 to £350 per m² |
| Thin-film solar panels | £120 to £300 per m² |
Another way to view it is through size in both dimensions and power output in Watts (W).
| Price of black solar panels PV | ||
|---|---|---|
| Size of Solar Panel | Dimensions (estimate) | Price per panel |
| 400W | 2m2 | £600 – £900 |
| 250W | 1.4m2 | £300 – £500 |
400W all black solar panels can cost between £600 and £900 depending on the manufacturer, while 250W panels can cost between £300 to £500. You can go through our pick of the best solar panel manufacturers to get some idea of the available options.
While solar panels can be expensive, there are ways to make them relatively affordable. If you want to keep solar panel costs low, you’ll need to find a reliable installer who won’t overcharge you. However, this can take days of extensive research and price comparisons if done on your own. That’s where our service comes in.
We can streamline your search so you can sit back and relax. We can provide you with up to 4 free, non-binding quotes from thoroughly vetted installers in your area. Fill out a 30-second form and get multiple prices to choose from. Click the button below to get started.
- Quotes from local engineers
- Payment by finance available
- Save up to £729 per year
Advantages and disadvantages of all black solar panels on your roof
Pros:
- Highly efficient: Black solar panels are 3 times as efficient as thin-film solar panels and display 5% to 7% higher efficiency rates than polycrystalline. This allows them to save more for any potential household and allows them to take up less space for the same output level.
- Optimised for commercial use: They are powerful enough to be useful in situations outside of domestic use, being far better at powering office buildings. This gives them a broader range of applications than other panels while taking up less space.
- High lifetime value: Monocrystalline panels can average around 5 years longer than polycrystalline systems.
- Resistant to temperature changes: temperature fluctuations have less of an impact on their efficiency than with other types of solar cells.
Cons:
- Expensive: Black solar panels are around 25% to 50% more expensive than polycrystalline ones.
- Difficult to manufacture: Polycrystalline systems are more difficult to produce since each cell has to be made of a single crystal.
Are black solar panels worth it?
Despite the higher level of investment they require, black solar panels are one of the most popular types for a reason. They are powerful and absorb more sunlight than most of their competition while still being fairly commercially available (unlike CVP solar systems).
They are better for commercial applications and have a shorter payback period. They also tend to take less space for the same power output allowing for more black mono solar panels on a roof solar system. If the relative cost is dissuading you from the purchase, government solar panel grants might be able to mitigate some of the costs.
Overall, they are a worthwhile investment and last longer than most other panels.
Receive quotes for the best black solar panels in the UK
If you’re looking for solar panels, whether black or polycrystalline, you’ll need to find the right person for the job. Solar panels are quite an investment, which is why you need a reliable installer who will give you fair prices and get the job done. Ordinarily, finding one can take days of researching companies and comparing their prices but we can offer a quicker, easier method.
Our service can provide you with up to 4 free, non-binding quotes from reliable companies and all you need to do is fill out a 30-second form. To ensure you’re not being overcharged, we give you access to multiple quotes from thoroughly vetted and reputable installers in your area. Click the button below to get started.
- Quotes from local engineers
- Payment by finance available
- Save up to £729 per year
FAQ
Rawal Ahmed is a writer at GreenMatch with an interest in sustainability and a background in background in tech journalism and digital marketing.
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