What types of solar panels are used in community solar programmes?

Community solar programmes in the UK primarily use monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon panels, though some projects incorporate thin-film modules for specific applications. These are chosen for their balance of efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and reliability under the UK’s climate conditions.

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Key panel types in UK community projects

• Monocrystalline: Most common in rooftop installations (e.g., schools/village halls) due to higher efficiency in limited spaces.
• Polycrystalline: Frequently used in larger ground-mounted solar farms like the 5 MW Kent Community Energy Farm.
• Thin-film: Occasionally used on unconventional surfaces but less common due to lower efficiency per square metre.

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Recent UK developments

As of 2023-2025:

• 155 MW of community solar capacity operational nationally, with rooftop installations dominating smaller community projects.
• The £10 million government funding (2023) prioritises scalable solutions using standard silicon panels for easier maintenance.
• Newer projects like the North Angle Solar Park (proposed 30 MW) use high-efficiency monocrystalline modules for maximum output.

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Practical considerations

• Space constraints: Rooftop projects (e.g., Joju Solar’s installations) often use monocrystalline to maximise output from small areas.
• Budget factors: Ground-mounted community farms like the 4.4 MW Creacombe project typically use polycrystalline for cost savings.
• Maintenance: Silicon panels are preferred due to established repair networks and warranty support.

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Common mistakes to avoid

1️⃣ Prioritising price over certification: Ensure panels meet MCS certification standards for grid connection eligibility.
2️⃣ Ignoring local climate: South-facing orientations and tilt angles matter more than panel type in cloudy UK conditions.
3️⃣ Overlooking shared ownership models: Many UK schemes like Bath & West Community Energy offer hybrid setups where panel type is determined by project scale rather than individual preference.

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Emerging trends

• Bifacial panels: Being tested in newer ground-mounted arrays like the 10 MW Twemlows Solar Farm to capture reflected light.
• PERC technology: Used in recent installations for better performance in low-light conditions.
• Recyclable designs: Increasing in use due to stricter UK sustainability regulations for community energy schemes.

For most UK participants, the specific panel type matters less than the project’s financial structure and energy credit arrangement. Consult schemes like Westmill Solar Park or Ovesco Community Solar for locally optimised solutions.