Solar energy is a smart and sustainable way to reduce electricity bills and lower your carbon footprint. Whether you’re new to solar or looking to enhance your existing system, this guide offers advice on panel types, design, installation and maintenance.
Modern solar panels are efficient and can generate electricity even on cloudy days. Systems are scalable to suit various energy needs, making them ideal for homes, businesses and industrial sites.
Solar panels are suitable for both homes and businesses. Residential panels typically serve smaller energy demands, while commercial panels are designed for larger-scale systems. Whether you’re powering a family home or a manufacturing facility, we can guide you to the right solution. Contact us for help and advice.
Residential panels
Designed for homes, these systems are smaller and tailored to match household electricity usage. They are often installed on pitched roofs and can power everyday appliances, lighting and heating systems.
Commercial panels
Larger and more robust, commercial panels are suited to offices, warehouses and factories. They handle higher energy demands and are a great option for businesses looking to reduce operational costs, improve energy ratings and demonstrate sustainability.
These panels have a sleek, modern appearance, making them a
popular choice for new homes and businesses. They blend seamlessly into
rooftops and are often chosen for their smart look.
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A classic option, silver-framed panels are versatile and suit both traditional
and industrial settings. They are durable and have a timeless appeal.
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These generate energy from the front of the panel, making them ideal for rooftop installations and the most common choice for residential systems.
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With cells on both sides, these panels capture sunlight from the front and
back. They are best for commercial and utility-scale ground-mounted systems,
offering higher power output.
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Solar PV panels are made with two main types of crystalline cells: monocrystalline or polycrystalline, which offer varying levels of efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Choosing the right solar panel depends on your aesthetic preferences, budget and energy goals.
There are many solar panels available, and finding the right ones for your home depends on your budget and energy goals. Some manufacturers are recognised for their high quality, performance and reliability, making them stand out in the solar industry.
When researching solar systems, you may encounter terms like ‘Tier 1’, ‘Tier 2’ and ‘Tier 3’ solar panels. It’s important to understand that these tiers refer to the manufacturer rather than the panels themselves.
The ranking system, published by BloombergNEF (New Energy Finance), is designed to assist investors and financiers considering utility-scale solar projects. This system measures a manufacturer’s “bankability” rather than product quality. To achieve Tier 1 status, a manufacturer must be deemed financially reliable by at least six major banks willing to invest in their projects.
To ensure the ranking is up-to-date, Bloomberg reassesses and publishes a tier 1 list every quarter. Manufacturers can fall out of the tier 1 category, or be added to it depending on their characteristics. Manufacturers can improve their ranking by providing Bloomberg data on the projects they have provided modules for, and the financing used to support these projects.
Although the Tier 1 designation is not a direct quality indicator, it has become a widely accepted sign of a trusted and reliable manufacturer known for producing high-quality panels.
At HDM Solar Wholesale, we prioritise providing the highest quality solar products on the market. We work exclusively with trusted and reputable manufacturers, ensuring ethical sourcing through rigorous auditing processes. We aim to supply products with the best warranties and focus on UK and European stock.
A solar panel’s output, measured in watts (W), indicates how much electricity it can produce. Most residential panels range from 250 to 400 W, with higher wattages producing more energy.
Are higher-wattage panels better?
The higher a panel's wattage, the more electricity it can produce. High-wattage panels, such as silver-framed models, were traditionally used in commercial installations. However, as modern homes require more energy to power a growing number of electrical devices, the rapid growth of the solar industry has driven significant technological advancements. With panels becoming more efficient and accessible, higher-wattage options are now widely available. For instance, sleek all-black 600W panels are growing in popularity and are increasingly being used in residential installations.
Panel costs vary depending on the type, manufacturer, number of panels needed, and any installation expenses. Adding a battery to your solar panel system will increase the total cost but offers the advantage of storing excess energy for later use. Here’s a general guide:
You can shop our range of solar panels here.
Solar panel efficiency measures how effectively panels convert sunlight into usable electricity. For example, a panel with 20% efficiency can convert 20% of the sunlight it captures into power.
Domestic panels typically achieve efficiency rates between 15% and 23%. Higher efficiency means fewer panels are needed to meet energy demands.
The most efficient solar panels are monocrystalline and polycrystalline, with monocrystalline generally offering better performance. These panels often use advanced technologies like N-type (IBC) monocrystalline silicon cells or enhanced designs such as HJT and TOPCon cells.
Yes, solar panels lose efficiency and power output over time, a process known as the ‘rate of degradation.
There are two main types of solar panel degradation: Potential Induced Degradation (PID) and Light and elevated Temperature Induced Degradation (LeTID).
What is potential induced degradation (PID)?
PID develops internally in solar modules, causing crystalline PV modules to deteriorate and affecting performance.
What causes PID?
It occurs due to a voltage difference between the panel’s conductive materials (like the frame or grounding) and the PV cells, leading to current leakage and disrupted electron flow.
Can PID be reversed?
To mitigate PID, manufacturers use anti-PID materials, PID-resistant technologies or enhanced encapsulants. Proper system design and monitoring also help prevent or reduce its effects.
What is light and elevated temperature induced degradation (LeTID)?
LeTID results from light exposure and high temperatures, affecting monocrystalline panels and causing power losses of up to 10% or more.
What causes LeTID?
LeTID can take years to develop and usually happens in sunnier and warmer climates. It is caused by defects or impurities in the silicon material of solar panels. These issues are triggered when the panels are exposed to high temperatures and sunlight over time, leading to a gradual loss of efficiency.
Can LeTID be reversed?
Manufacturers combat LeTID by optimising cell production, refining hydrogenation steps and using advanced materials or coatings. Panels designed to resist LeTID ensure better long-term performance, especially in hot climates. Regular monitoring can also help safeguard solar system efficiency once installed.
One key factor in degradation is long-term exposure to UV rays and adverse weather conditions. In moderate climates like the UK, extreme weather has less impact, and panels typically retain 96% of their generation capacity even after 20 years.
Proper ventilation also helps maintain panel efficiency. The cool flow of air reduces a panel’s temperature, which is why temperature and ventilation are crucial when installing on-roof solar panels.
New solar panels perform at their best for 25-30 years. That doesn’t mean they just stop working after 25 years, they’ll continue to generate electricity but at a reduced rate due to degradation.
Most solar panel manufacturers provide a 25-year product warranty and a 30-year power performance warranty. The power warranty guarantees a specific performance level over the panel’s lifespan.
Solar panels are versatile and can be installed on various roof types or even on the ground. For new systems, panels and mounting systems are securely installed on your property. Retrofitting is an option if you have an existing setup and need upgrades or additional panels, allowing system expansion without starting over.
Installing solar panels requires careful planning and professional expertise. At HDM Solar Wholesale, we work with MCS-accredited installers who ensure systems are installed to the highest standards.
Regular cleaning keeps panels operating efficiently. Over time, dirt, bird droppings and leaves can block sunlight, reducing energy output. A yearly clean is usually sufficient, but in dusty or leafy areas, more frequent cleaning may be necessary.
How to clean solar panels:
Our sister organisation, HDM Cleaning & Maintenance provides professional solar panel cleaning services to help keep your system performing at its best.
Preventative measures
To enhance the efficiency and extend the lifespan of your solar panels, consider installing bird protection to prevent nesting and choosing mounting systems designed to minimise debris accumulation beneath the panels.
