As more homeowners across Essex, Kent and London turn to solar energy to reduce their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint, the appearance of solar panels has become a talking point and an important area of development for solar panel manufacturers. While traditional blue or black solar panels are the most popular choice, coloured solar panels are now emerging as a stylish alternative for those who want renewable energy that complements their home’s aesthetic.
So, what are coloured solar panels, how do they perform compared to traditional solar panels and are they a good choice for your South East home? Let’s explore.
What Are Coloured Solar Panels?
Coloured solar panels are exactly what they sound like, panels designed in different shades to the standard blue or black. Traditional solar panels get their colour naturally from the silicon used in their construction, but coloured solar panels change the appearance of the silicon using special coatings or dyes.
Coloured solar panels are possible in a full range of colours, helping your solar panels blend in with your roof tiles or stand out as a design feature. There is more to coloured solar panels than meets the eye, the shade of your solar panel can directly affect the efficiency and cost.
Black vs Blue Solar Panels – The Standard Options
Black Solar Panels (Monocrystalline)
Black panels are made from monocrystalline silicon solar cells. Pure silicon is formed into bars and cut into wafers, making them the most efficient solar panel on the market at between 20%-25% efficient. Due to their sleek, black look, these solar panels are the most popular choice for homeowners and businesses across the South East.
Blue Solar Panels (Polycrystalline)
Blue solar panels are made from polycrystalline silicon solar cells. Fragments of silicon crystal is melted together to create solar cells. Typically polycrystalline solar panels are around 20% cheaper than monocrystalline panels. Polycrystalline solar panels have a distinctive blue appearance and are often seen on older installations. Polycrystalline solar panels last around 25 years (compared to monocrystalline panels which can last up to 40 years) and have a lower efficiency of between 15% and 20%.
Solar Panels in Other Colours
As solar installation has become more popular, manufacturers have started experimenting with panels in different colours. These options are designed to blend in with clay or slate roofs, making them more appealing in conservations areas, on listed buildings or for homeowners who wish to preserve the look of their property.
Currently, coloured solar panels are more expensive and less efficient than traditional black solar panels. The dyes and coatings that give them their colour make them less effective in absorbing sunlight, meaning they take longer to pay for themselves through energy savings.
At present, coloured solar panels are less common in the UK, those some specialist manufacturers offer them for bespoke installations, resulting in a longer gap between signing your contract and completing your installation. As technology improves, SolarTherm UK expects to see more availability and better performance in coming years.
Are Coloured Solar Panels Worth It?
Choosing coloured solar panels will often come down to aesthetic needs versus costs. If blending your solar system into your roof is of top priority, like if you live in a listed building or conservation area, then coloured solar panels are the more plausible option. However, for most homeowners, standard black panels remain the best balance between value for money, efficiency and performance.
The Future of Coloured Solar Panels
Solar technology is advancing rapidly. Researchers in Europe are developing new techniques allowing panels to reflect specific colours while maintaining high efficiencies. It’s likely within the next few years homeowners will have access to a wide range of coloured solar panels at more affordable prices.
If your goal is to cut energy costs, reduce your carbon footprint and future proof your home, standard black or blue panels remain the smartest choice.
Thinking About Solar Panels for Your Home in the South East?
At SolarTherm UK we’ve been helping homeowners across Essex, Kent and London harness the power of the sun to make their homes more sustainable and affordable. Whether you’re looking for a stylish black solar system or want to explore bespoke coloured options, our solar experts can help you choose the right solar solution for your home.
Contact SolarTherm UK for a free no obligation quote and design, tailored to your property, usage and future energy needs. No hard sell, just honest, expert advice.
Your home. Your energy. Your future.
