Compare tool
Compare solar panels, batteries & EV chargers
Pick two products from the same category to see scores per criterion, spec-by-spec tables, and an honest verdict. No marketing fluff — just published specs and what we think after looking at them.
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Tip: products must share a category. You cannot compare a panel against a battery.
Popular comparisons
The most-asked-about head-to-heads by category.
Solar panels
AIKO
Neostar 3S+ A530-MCE60Db Dual Glass
LONGi
Hi-MO X10 LR7-60HVH-540M
ABC vs HPBC 2.0 — the two back-contact flagships head to head
See the comparison
Jinko Solar
Tiger Neo JKM435N-54HL4R-B
REC
Alpha Pure-R 420 All Black
High-output N-type TOPCon vs premium low-light heterojunction
See the comparison
AIKO
Neostar 2S A460-MAH54Mb
REC
Alpha Pure-R 420 All Black
ABC back-contact vs HJT — two premium cell architectures head to head
See the comparison
Jinko Solar
Tiger Neo JKM435N-54HL4R-B
Trina Solar
Vertex S+ TSM-450 NEG9R.28 N-Type
The two best-selling N-type TOPCon panels for UK residential installs
See the comparison
Batteries
Alpha ESS
Smile G3 10.1kWh All-in-One IP65
GivEnergy
All in One 13.5kWh + 5kW Inverter
Two UK all-in-one battery systems compared at the popular ~10–13kWh size
See the comparison
Fox ESS
EP5 Battery 5.18kWh
Pylontech
US5000 5kWh
Two popular 5kWh stackable LFP battery modules head to head
See the comparison
GivEnergy
All in One 13.5kWh + 5kW Inverter
Puredrive
PureStorage II 10kWh AC-Coupled
Two UK all-in-one home battery systems at the ~10–13kWh size
See the comparison
Browse solar panels
All scored, sortable by efficiency, warranty, or value.
See the shortlist
Browse home batteries
LFP and NMC, modular and all-in-one. Usable kWh and cycles compared.
See the shortlist
Browse EV chargers
Tethered, untethered, solar-aware. Tariff and CT clamp support compared.
See the shortlist
How the comparison works
Each comparison breaks down products across the weighted scoring criteria for their category. For EV chargers that’s charge speed, smart features, value, and warranty. For solar panels it’s efficiency, degradation rate, warranty length, and value per watt.
You see scores per criterion, not just an overall verdict — so you can see exactly where one product beats another and decide whether that criterion matters for your specific situation. A property with a large south-facing roof weights panel efficiency differently to one with limited shaded space.
You can also view raw specifications side-by-side — power output, efficiency, warranty terms, cycle life — so nothing is hidden behind a single score.
Before you start
If you’re early in the process, work through Stage 5 of the guide first. It explains the difference between TOPCon and PERC panels, LFP and NMC batteries, and AC vs DC coupling — the specs that the comparison numbers actually reflect.
If you already know what you want and just want quotes, request a quote and tell us which products you’re leaning towards. We’ll come back with a system spec.
For DIY installers, the DIY hub includes a kit builder that links straight from these comparisons into a full shopping list.
Frequently asked questions
About the comparison tool and how scores work.
How are products scored on Smart Solar Homes?+
Each category has its own weighted scoring criteria — for example, EV chargers are scored on charge speed, smart features, value, and warranty. Scores are calculated from published manufacturer specifications using a transparent formula. Weights are published on the editorial policy page. No manufacturer pays to influence scores.
Why do some comparisons look different from others?+
The criteria that matter differ by product type. Solar panels are scored on efficiency, degradation, warranty length, and value per watt. Batteries are scored on usable capacity, cycle life, depth of discharge, and value per kWh. Each comparison only shows the criteria relevant to that category — not a generic five-star rating.
Can I compare products from different categories?+
No. A comparison only works when products share scoring criteria. You cannot compare a solar panel to a battery because the metrics are different. The compare tool will refuse the selection if categories do not match.
Where do the specifications come from?+
Specifications are pulled from each manufacturer's current published datasheet, with the source link shown on every product page. Manufacturer specs change — particularly with new model years — so always verify against the live datasheet before purchasing or quoting.
Do affiliate links affect product rankings?+
No. Some product pages contain affiliate links where the manufacturer or a UK reseller offers them, but the scoring formula does not include affiliate availability as a criterion. A product with no affiliate link can outscore one that has them. The affiliate disclosure page explains how this works in detail.
Why isn't product X in your comparison tool?+
The site currently focuses on products commonly quoted by UK MCS-certified installers — meaning Tier 1 panels, the major UK battery brands, and the most-installed EV chargers. Niche or new-to-market products are added when there is enough verified spec data and customer demand.