According to government research, 66% of the UK public either already have or would consider installing solar panels in the next few years — so if you’re intrigued by the idea of solar energy, you’re not alone!
More and more homeowners are planning to install solar panels as a way to tackle rising energy costs, reduce their carbon footprint, and futureproof their homes.
Once you begin seriously researching solar panels, though, it becomes clear that there are dozens of different brands to choose from. The sheer number of options can be overwhelming, but with expert guidance, you can make a confident, informed choice that delivers value for decades.
At Viable Power, a trusted solar panel installer in Surrey, we know from experience that not all solar panels are equal, and choosing the right brand can make a big difference to your system’s energy output, return on investment, and longevity.
In this guide, we’ll introduce three of the best solar panel brands we recommend to homeowners — Trina Solar, Das Solar, and AIKO — based on efficiency, reliability, aesthetics, and performance in the UK climate. We’ll also share how our tailored approach ensures you get a system that suits your property and energy goals.
Why Does Choosing the Right Solar Panel Brand Matter?
When you decide to install solar panels, it’s easy to focus on cost alone. But choosing solar panels should be about far more than just finding the cheapest option.
Your solar panels will likely sit on your roof for 25 to 30 years, so it’s crucial they work efficiently, look good, and come with solid warranties that will actually protect you over the long term.
In the UK, weather plays a big role in how well solar panels perform. Cloud cover, low winter sun, and damp conditions are part of everyday life here, so panels need to be highly efficient even on grey days and resistant to issues like moisture degradation.
Beyond performance, many homeowners today also care about how the panels look — especially if they’re adding value to their home. For that reason, premium aesthetic options like all-black panels are increasingly popular.
At Viable Power, we’ve spent years installing systems across Surrey and the UK, helping customers choose solar panel brands that offer performance, protection, and visual appeal — tailored to their home’s unique features.
Trina Solar: Proven, Affordable, and Reliable
When customers seek a reliable and cost-effective solution, Trina Solar is often our go-to recommendation. Established in 1997, Trina has built a global reputation for dependable performance, with more than 70GW of panels installed worldwide.
While their panels aren’t always the most cutting-edge in terms of efficiency — Trina’s Vertex S All Black panel offers 21.8% maximum efficiency — they are very well suited to the UK’s cloud-prone climate. These panels are designed to resist Potential-Induced Degradation (PID), ensuring longevity even during our damp, cold winters.
Trina backs their range of UK panels with product warranties between 10 and 30 years, and a 30-year power output warranty. That kind of protection brings real peace of mind. For those concerned about aesthetics, the Vertex S series comes in sleek all-black designs, achieving a modern and unobtrusive look on almost any roof.
What makes Trina Solar truly stand out among other solar panel brands is the balance it offers between cost-effectiveness, attractiveness, and performance. For homeowners looking to install solar panels that are reliable, high-quality, and good-looking, Trina remains one of our top recommendations — which is why we’ve installed so many panels from the brand across Surrey and the UK.
Das Solar: High Efficiency for UK’s Cloudy Climate
Das Solar is an excellent choice for anyone who wants maximum energy output but has limited roof space. Despite only being established in 2018, the brand has quickly become known for cutting-edge N-type technology, which offers higher efficiency and better durability compared to older panel types.
Das Solar’s N-type panels reach efficiencies up to 22.3%, significantly outperforming many standard panels, and also degrade more slowly — typically just 0.4% annually. Their warranties are also among the best in the industry, with a 25-year product guarantee and a 30-year performance warranty.
Some models even use bifacial glass technology, enabling the panel to capture reflected light from the rear side. Their excellent low-light performance is particularly beneficial in UK gardens and driveways where sunlight bounces off surfaces like paving or gravel.
Like Trina, Das Solar offers all-black designs for a modern, minimalist look. This makes them an ideal fit for design-conscious homeowners who want to make a statement while achieving high energy output.
If you’re looking to install solar panels that give maximum return in cloudy conditions, Das Solar should be top of your list. Its panels are perfect for those with smaller roofs or limited south-facing space.
AIKO Solar: Premium Performance and Style Combined
When only the best of solar panel brands will do, AIKO Solar is the clear front-runner. Founded in 2009, AIKO began as a specialist in solar cell manufacturing and has brought that expertise to their own line of solar panels with some of the highest-efficiency ratings in the world.
AIKO’s revolutionary All Back Contact (ABC) technology removes front-facing wires, allowing more sunlight to reach the panel surface. The result? Market-leading efficiency of up to 24%.
The benefits are especially clear in compact or shaded roof areas, where every square metre of panel needs to work harder. With degradation rates as low as 0.35% per year and a 30-year performance warranty, these panels represent long-term, worry-free ownership.
With seamless all-black styling and no visible wires, AIKO panels don’t just perform — they look stunning. This makes them a favourite for homeowners focused on design and energy independence alike.
For those who want cutting-edge tech, exceptional output, and unmatched style, AIKO offers premium value — especially where roof space is limited.
Why Viable Power Doesn’t Push a “One-Size-Fits-All” Brand
At Viable Power, we believe no two households are the same, so your solar systems shouldn’t be either. Some installers push the same “one-size-fits-all” brand for every customer, no matter their individual requirements, but that’s not how we work.
Instead, we start by understanding your goals and constraints — whether that’s maximising energy output, staying within a budget, enhancing home value, or keeping a modern aesthetic.
We survey your home, assess your energy needs, and then explain which system makes the most sense for you. Whether you’re better off with affordable and reliable Trina, high-efficiency Das Solar, or premium AIKO, we’ll guide you through the different options for solar panel brands — clearly, transparently, and without pressure.
Start Your Solar Journey with Viable Power
If you’re ready to install solar panels, or just want an honest conversation about what’s right for your home, Viable Power is here to help.
As a solar panel installer in Surrey that offers nationwide coverage, we’ve helped homeowners across the UK choose and install the right system — and we’d love to help you too.
Contact us today for a free, personalised solar panel quotation and let’s explore how solar can work for you.
