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How are Solar Panels made?

by | Updated Jul 24, 2024 | Solar Energy, Solar Panels, Solar PV, Solar Technology

Trinasolar Solar Panels Factory Photo

☀️ The solar cells in normal solar panels are made up of crystalline silicon

☀️ The solar cells are stuck onto a clear pane and connected with metal wires

☀️ A backsheet and frame are sealed onto the clear pane to form an airtight unit

Solar panels are not easy to make, as they require several steps. This is why they are not cheap. In this article, I will explain how solar panels are manufactured and what different steps are involved in the manufacturing process. I will also cover how other kinds of solar panels are made, and where most of them are produced.

How are solar panels manufactured?

The process of making solar panels includes creating solar cells from crystalline silicon (a very pure form of silicon), putting them on a transparent pane, joining the cells with wires, covering them with a backsheet, and framing everything into an airtight solar panel unit.

Solar cells are the key part of the solar panel, since they’re the part that produces electricity.

The main two kinds of solar panel used are monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels.

We’ll explore how these two kinds of panels are made in more detail in the following sections.

Forming Silicon Wafers (Ossila)

1. The crystalline silicon is melted into cylinders

Monocrystalline solar cells are made by melting and shaping a single piece of crystalline silicon into a cylinder, also known as an ingot. During this process, the crystalline silicon is also mixed with gallium (Ga) or boron (B), which makes it have a positive electrical charge.

Polycrystalline solar cells are made in a similar way. The only difference is that multiple pieces of crystalline silicon are melted together, instead of one.

Crystalline silicon is a material that can turn sunlight into electricity. This is called photovoltaic (PV) effect. Other kinds of solar panels use different photovoltaic (PV) materials.

2. The silicon cylinder is cut into wafers to form solar cells

The silicon cylinder is then sliced into very thin wafers. One side of the wafers is coated with phosphorus (P) so that it has a negative electrical charge. The other side (the boron (B) or gallium (Ga) side) will keep its positive charge – this is to make the electrons move, and is similar to how a battery works.

As a final step in this process, the wafers are given an anti-reflective coating, so that they catch sunlight instead of reflecting it. At this point, the silicon wafers are now ready to become solar cells.

3. Metal electricity conductors are printed and wired into the solar cells

The front of the solar cells is printed with thin metal strips, usually silver (Ag). Then, the solar cells are joined together from the back by thin wires, usually copper (Cu).

These metal strips and wires are electricity conductors. This means that they collect and transfer the electricity that’s produced when the sunlight hits the solar cells to the inverter.

4. The solar cells are attached to a clear pane

The solar cells are then glued face down onto a clear pane of glass or plastic with a sticky material, such as polymer encapsulant or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). The solar cells end up making a grid pattern on the pane.

The clear pane acts as a protective front layer, which keeps the solar cells from getting damaged by rain, dust, or debris.

5. The clear pane is attached to a backsheet

More sticky materials are put over the face-down solar cells, and a backsheet (the back cover of a solar panel) is put over that, basically wrapping the solar cells in protective layers.

All the layers are then heated and pressed together with a vacuum, so that they stick into an airtight unit. At this point, the solar panel is almost done.

6. A frame and a junction box are attached to the solar panel

Metal wires are added to the sides of the solar panel, along with a metal frame, usually made from aluminium. The frame makes the panel stronger and more durable against weather conditions.

The wires that go along the side of the solar panel are connected to a junction box, which is fixed to the back of the panel.

The junction box gathers the electricity made by the panel’s solar cells, and controls the amount of electricity being sent from the panels to the rest of the electrical system they’ll be linked to like the inverter.

With this last step, the solar panel is ready.

7. Testing happens throughout the manufacturing process

The solar panels and solar cells are checked for errors at every step of the manufacturing process. Engineers often look for breaks in the solar cells or panels, and shine light on them to make sure they work as expected.

Layers of a Solar Panel (Ossila)

How are other types of solar panel made?

Besides monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels, there are other kinds of solar panels. These include thin-film solar panels, organic solar panels, perovskite solar panels, quantum dot solar panels, and ‘zombie’ solar panels.

The process of wrapping solar cells between protective layers is the same, but what the solar cells are made of and how they’re made changes depending on the kind of solar panel.

I’ll explain how different kinds of solar panel cells are made in the next sections.

How are thin-film solar panels made?

Thin-film solar panels are made by putting the photovoltaic (PV) material in several thin layers on a flexible sheet of glass, plastic or metal, instead of cutting it into cells, as is done with monocrystalline or polycrystalline solar panels.

Different types of photovoltaic (PV) material are used to make thin-film solar panels. These include cadmium telluride (CdTe) – the most popular material for thin-film panels – copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), and amorphous silicon (a-Si).

After the photovoltaic (PV) material has been put in the panel, a laser makes rectangular patterns in it to form individual solar cells.

How are organic solar panels made?

Solar cells made from ‘organic compounds’ are used to make organic solar panels. These are molecules made of carbon (C) atoms joined by other atoms, such as hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), and nitrogen (N).

The result is a very light and flexible solar cell, which can be put on a wide range of materials, from glass to flexible plastic. The downside is that organic solar cells are not as good as typical solar cells – only around 10% efficient on average – and they wear out much faster too.

Because of this, and the fact that the technology is still quite new, organic solar panels are not yet for sale.

How are perovskite solar panels made?

Perovskite solar panels use perovskite as the photovoltaic (PV) material. It’s a man-made material that copies the structure of a mineral with the same name.

It’s a fairly new form of technology, and so scientists are still finding the best way to make perovskite solar panels.

For now, there are two main ways to make perovskite solar cells.

The first way is to cover a normal silicon solar cell with a thin layer of perovskite. This is usually done using a “spin-coating method”; a few drops of a perovskite liquid are put onto a base (usually a solar cell) which is then spun until there’s a smooth layer of perovskite.

The second, more recent way, is similar to the way used for making thin-film solar panels. Basically, it means coating a sheet – made from plastic, glass, or silicon cells – with thin layers of perovskite.

How are quantum dot solar panels made?

Quantum dot solar panels use ‘quantum dots’, which are basically fake atoms, as the photovoltaic (PV) material.

The most common way to make quantum dots is called ‘colloidal synthesis’.

This process involves a lot of complicated chemistry, but the final result is that the quantum dots are spread into a liquid solution, and sprayed or dropped onto a material, such as a glass or plastic pane (the same kind used in other kinds of solar panels).

Quantum dot solar panels are not yet used, since they use a fairly new technology to make solar cells. But studies have shown that they can make solar panels that are potentially 66% efficient.

How are zombie solar panels made?

Zombie solar panels use ‘zombie’ solar cells, also called dye-sensitised solar cells. These cells are made from organic dyes that can catch light.

To make them, a mixture that can carry electricity, usually titanium dioxide (TiO2), is put into a thin square of glass or plastic with a material that can also carry electricity, usually idiom tin oxide (SnO2) or fluorine-doped tin oxide (SnO2/F). This is then soaked in the organic dye.

After that, the square is dipped in a liquid that can move electricity and covered with another layer of glass, this time with a different material, usually platinum (Pt), carbon (C), or graphite (C).

Zombie solar panels are not for sale yet, but what’s special about them is that they have the potential to make electricity indoors, even if it is in small amounts.

Where are most solar panels made?

China, in East Asia, is the main producer of solar panels – around 80% of them are made there, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Also, six of the seven biggest solar panel makers are based in China, such as JA Solar, Aiko Solar and TrinaSolar, who make some of the best solar panels.

This doesn’t mean that other countries don’t make solar panels. The USA and Canada also have big solar panel making companies, such as First Solar and Canadian Solar respectively. The UK makes solar panels with the longest guarantee of 40-years and a high efficiency rating of 22.8% which is the Maxeon solar panel from UK company Maxeon Solar Technologies, Ltd.

Conclusion

Solar panels are not simple to make, and they are always changing and getting better each year.

Solar panels with solar cells made from silicon, such as monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels, might be the most common today, but maybe not in the future. New and better kinds of solar panels, such as perovskite and quantum dot solar panels could become the most common in just a few years time.

That’s all great news for you, the buyer, since the better solar panels are, the more electricity they’ll make. Plus, with the price of solar panels going down, that means you’ll pay off your purchase in less time than you would have even ten years ago.

Feeling motivated and ready to get a free no-obligation quote for a solar PV system? Want to learn more? Your best option is to talk to one of our friendly solar energy experts on 01268 928 690 or click on the ‘Enquire Now’ button below and we will help you find the right solar PV system for your home and budget.

Enquire Now →

Robert Wheeler

Robert Wheeler is at the forefront of Marketing and Business Development at NXTGEN Energy Ltd, a premier solar energy solutions provider based in Rayleigh, Essex, UK. Robert is driven by his passion for helping homeowners & businesses slash their energy bills & minimize their carbon footprint. With a wealth of knowledge and expertise in solar energy, he regularly shares insightful articles on the NXTGEN Energy blog. If you’re looking at investing in Residential Solar Panels in Essex or Commercial Solar Panels in Essex, Kent, London and the surrounding areas, contact NXTGEN Energy today. Your trusted MCS Certification Solar PV and Battery Storage Installer. Need Pigeon Proofing added to your solar array?

Frequently Asked Questions about Solar Panels

Is it worth getting solar panels in the UK?

The short answer is yes. Solar panels can cut 70% off your energy bills, and that proportion is growing as gas bills rise. No wonder installations have risen by 45% in the last three years, and shot up by 80% in the last year alone. But solar panels are an investment.

How many solar panels are needed to power an average house UK?

1-2 bedroom property, 6 solar panels generating about 1,600 kWh a year.
3 bedroom property, 10 solar panels generating about 2,650 kWh a year.
4-5 bedroom property, 14 solar panels generating about 3,700 kWh a year.

How long does it take for solar panels to pay for themselves UK?

The answer depends on how much you pay for the solar panels, how much your electricity would otherwise cost, how much green energy the panels make from the sunshine you get, and whether you have a battery installed or not. The average payback period for solar PV is coming down and can be about 10 to 20 years depending on your system.

How long do solar panels last?

The industry standard for most solar panels’ lifespans is 25 to 30 years. Most reputable manufacturers offer production warranties for 25 years or more. The average break even point for solar panel energy savings occurs six to 10 years after installation.

Do solar panels increase home value?

Whilst there is no hard and fast rule as to how much value solar panels can add to the overall value of your property, suggestions range from 4% to 14% on average and they are certainly unlikely to detract from the value of your home, even if they aren’t the most attractive feature visually.

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Gary CaleyGary Caley
11:15 07 Mar 25
My main point of contact has been Bobby and he has been brilliant from start to finish, was happy to send a quote to me online, explained everything to me so i understood it and has been available to me at any time to answer queries.My install was performed by Phil and his team, they arrived on time and only took 3 hours to do the whole job!Phil was great at showing me how to use the app and explaining what would happen going forward.My last point of contact has been Kelly, she sent me all my documents for my energy supplier within 3 working days which was brilliant, again i had some questions and she has been more than happy to help me.If anyone is reading this thinking about getting solar then stop thinking and just do and us Nxtgen it really is a no brainer, they all make the whole process so easy i cannot thank them enough.
Prabath KannangaraPrabath Kannangara
11:26 05 Mar 25
I had my solar done by these guys. It was Stuart who dealt with it from start to finish. I was explained very clearly and payments taken in steps. Very professional and highly recommended. Other working guys were also very professional. Work was very neat and tidy. Service was Next level. Highly recommended. Thanks.
Naga TatipalliNaga Tatipalli
20:08 18 Feb 25
Exceptional service from start to finish! The entire process from the initial proposal to after-sales support, was seamless and professional. The team provided clear communication, addressing all our questions and ensuring we had the best solution for our solar needs. Installation was quick and efficient. Even after the installation, their support has been prompt and helpful. Highly recommend the company for quality and reliability!
Barry JenkinsBarry Jenkins
13:52 18 Feb 25
From the very first interaction, NxtGen has been entirely professional, with Bobby the salesman and Kelly managing the administrative tasks. I couldn't find any faults with their service. There was no aggressive selling; they addressed all my questions and provided the most suitable solar solution for our needs. Every appointment at our home was punctual, and all the tradespeople were courteous. Aside from the solar panel and battery installation, you wouldn't have noticed they had been there since they left no mess behind. Anyone in search of solar panels should definitely reach out to NxtGen, as they will take good care of you and offer the best solution for your requirements. I am a very satisfied customer, and I particularly enjoy watching the app that displays the system in action (I think I might be addicted to it, LOL).
P PP P
17:58 02 Dec 24
Really happy end to endReally happy with the end to end process with Bobby art the start and Kelly keeping me informed al the way through.The panels are working albeit that we are now in December.Looking forward to higher power generation once the days start to get longer and lighter!
Philip LennardPhilip Lennard
14:36 15 Aug 24
I recently ordered a 12 panel Solar system plus Inverter and iBoost plus Car Charger. All went really well except for a couple of, what I would call very minor hiccups.As soon as superstar Kelly got involved, hiccups went away. As if by magic!!!The whole team, to include Conner, Ben, the install team were excellent.They did everything that was "on the tin", thanks, Phil
Bob “Mkbob” JamesBob “Mkbob” James
12:22 05 Aug 24
The installation was quick and efficient. The installation of the inverter and battery in the garage was very neat.The team were very friendly and quick to answer all the questions I asked.They explained the process from start to finish and gave me great confidence in the Company.My contact at the company had an excellent customer centred manner and went the extra mile to ensure a smooth process.I would strongly recommend this company.
Tom WoodTom Wood
11:13 30 Jul 24
Fantastic company to deal with. Contacted them on the strength of positive reviews left by others and was thankful I did. I dealt with Steve who was extremely helpful and attentive throughout in guiding me to the correct (and not the most expensive) setup to meet our needs. The team had the DNO done, scaffolding up and job fully completed within 2 weeks of ordering despite my location being some 2.5hrs away from their base in Essex. Highly recommended if you’re thinking of going solar like we did. Thanks Nxt Gen!
Kerrie BolingbrokeKerrie Bolingbroke
20:30 12 Jul 24
Great customer service from pre-sale to after sale. Competitive prices and friendly fitters.
graham younggraham young
17:48 17 Jun 24
If you are considering installing a solar panel and battery system you should definitely give this company ago. My faith in getting great service has been restored when I used NXTGEN energy.From the very beginning talking to steve the consultant in my area who was very knowledgeable and offered to quote like for like so I could compare systems and prices fairly. The purchasing on line was easy and straightforward. Once the permissions were received the installation date was agreed and a few days later Nxtgen scaffolding team arrived bright and early and put up the scaffolding ( on a Saturday). They were great and within 2 hours had the complete scaffold erected. On the Monday the electrical team and panel team arrived to install the system, 11 panels, inverter and 2 batteries and water booster. Harrison,Louie,Craig and Aden worked as a team and installed the complete system in one day. Harrison was very helpfuland commissioned the system and explained how the system worked. These teams are a credit to Nxtgen and were true expert tradesmen. I can highly recommend NXTGEN.
DanielDaniel
12:43 23 May 24
Faultless from start to finish. Couldn't have received a better service!I started looking into solar panels and a battery and stumbled across NXTGEN from Facebook. I reached out to them and dealt with Bobby, Bobby is incredibly knowledgeable and a genuinely nice guy. He answered lots of questions, designed multiple options for me, but most of all he listened and offered his professional opinion.Unlike other companies I spoke to Bobby understood why we wanted solar, why we wanted the givenergy battery and our budget to design a system that would work brilliantly.NXTGEN offered a personal service rather than the generic 4 bed hour is 12 or 16 panels etc, they listen and come up with the best solution.After we settled on the set-up we were passed to Kelly. Kelly handled all the admin side and seemed to always want to help. There were no delays on NXTGENs side and managed to get all our certificates etc quicker than expected.Once it was all agreed, deposit paid etc it came onto the installation.NXTGENs scaffolding arm came and put up the scaffolding on Wednesday, lovely chaps all very polite , respectful and friendly.Thursday the solar team turned up and set straight to work fitting the 20 panels, inverter and battery. Yet again, a lovely bunch of guys who were all polite, respectful and friendly. It was a two day install and they completed it on Friday. They showed me the whole system got it all up and running, apps connected etc.I would genuinely recommend them to everyone and have already passed on their details to my work and friends. They offer a great service at a very competitive price.Solar feels like the new double glazing sales where you get pestered and pushed into options. However that is completely not how NXTGEN operate, they are the complete opposite.We opted for 20 panels, 5kwh inverter and a 9.6kwh battery. While the inverter is slightly undersized, we achieve great energy even in cloudy conditions, we only lose out on super sunny days and it wasn't worth for us to get the bigger more expensive inverter.
Brian AingerBrian Ainger
08:43 01 May 24
Choosing a solar installer is a nightmare, we are so glad that we found NXTGEN. From the initial contact with Steve, the quote from Bobby and the installation by Connor and his team this has been seamless and stress free. They supplied quality equipment at a reasonable price, excellent technical knowledge and advice, all supplied and installed on time. As anyone knows its so difficult to choose a company as there are so many pitfalls , we cannot recommend NXTGEN highly enough so pleased we chose you.
Marcin GajdowskiMarcin Gajdowski
21:36 08 Apr 24
I am very happy with the solar panels and battery system. Excellent customer services, Instalation. Highly recommend
Martin YeungMartin Yeung
11:14 31 Mar 24
Fantastic experience from start to finish ! Bobby was extremely helpful and always available to answer any questionsThe guys that came to fit were polite and tidied up after themselves, we couldn't have asked for more.From start to finish it was done within a week... so no hanging about like waiting weeks or months and getting stressed.. so all in all, im very happy to have chosen NXT GEN
Martin PattinsonMartin Pattinson
15:09 26 Mar 24
We initially used NxtGen for our consultation and this went really well. NxtGen then subcontracted to Cozy Energy, which again was fine. The installation went well. It was then that things started to go awry. Cozy failed to supply us with a guarantee, MPAN or MCS certificate. Over a period of approximately six months, we were promised that "this was being dealt with", or "someone would get back to us", but nothing was resolved. It was then that we re contacted NxtGen and they could not have been more helpful. Whilst it did take a while, all of the issues have been resolved and Kelly at NxtGen could not have been more helpful. I would thoroughly recommend NxtGen.
Luke BrassingtonLuke Brassington
11:27 26 Mar 24
Really happy to give the NxtGen team a 5-star review.Stuart on the sales team was fantastic in the build up, Kelly in the office was always there to support and the team who did the install were fantastic (and even interacted with my very interested children)Very happy with the whole process
Rob JonesRob Jones
07:59 14 Mar 24
After some initial hiccups, really pleased with the service from nxtgen, specially Kelly who smoothed everything out
Malcolm TaitMalcolm Tait
10:51 08 Nov 23
Very good customer service all the way and they provide a great all round solar installation provision. Glad we used them from start to finish and after care👍.
Silnicorp Web DesignSilnicorp Web Design
15:56 17 Oct 23
Excellent price and service. Would recommend for sure.
frank edenfrank eden
08:24 02 Oct 23
If your in the market for a Solar installation then I can really highly recommend Nxtgen.We researched the technology and got several quotes from other companies most of which were located much closer to us.Nxtgen came out on top on price , specification and delivery.Once we made the decision to proceed the whole process took less than a week from placing the order to complete installation.The scaffold was erected at the front and back of our house on the Wednesday,on the Thursday the installation team arrived at 8.30 sharp , having driven from Essex to Oxfordshire, (which is about a 3 hour drive) and after a quick cup of tea the 3 chaps got straight to work, by the end of the day the whole system was in place and commissioned and up and running. To install 6 panels on front roof plus 6 panels on the back roof CW birdguard with the inverter and battery in the loft,They tidied up and left around 7 in the evening with another 3 HR drive in front of them I have to say they did a fantastic job , I take my hat off to them, they are a credit to Nxtgen.Darren and Kelley from the Sales and admin team at Nxtgen are very helpful and accomodating and made the whole process very easy with prompt responses to any queries we have had along the way,although it's early days and the system only 2 days old the savings are already racking up.Well pleased , I'd post 6 stars if I could, well done Nxtgen
Ash VAsh V
09:13 14 Jul 23
A wonderfully efficient installation with a genuine pre-quote discussion of my needs prior to offering advice on the best solution to meet them. Very happy with the service.
Matt AlexanderMatt Alexander
10:37 15 Jun 23
I chose NxtGen to install our solar and battery system having received 12 quotes from various companies and couldn’t be happier with either the service or the resulting system.I work in the renewables industry and so came to my own project with a reasonable amount of knowledge, not that I made that clear to any of the installers who called me back.I had spoken with 7 installers by the time Stuart at NxtGen called me, and it was immediately obvious that I was speaking to someone knowledgeable, honest and who was genuinely interested in designing a system specific to my own needs and preferences.Having reviewed all 12 quotes, NxtGen was jumped out above all others based on knowledge, helpfulness, quality of the kit being offered and even price. I wouldn’t have picked a quote based purely on price, but the fact NxtGen was also the most competitive of the 12 I had received meant a great deal.I was kept informed throughout the whole process, Stuart responding quickly and usefully to all my email queries. Once contracts had been signed, Kelly picked up the baton and gave me regular updates on our DNO notification, all the way through to the installation.With DNO approval in hand, we waited just 10 days for the scaffolding to be put up, which was done within a couple of hours and to a very high standard. Plenty of care was taken to protect our new patio, and I was left confident in a job well done.Installation happened just a few days later, and again, it couldn’t have gone any smoother. The 3 installers were all helpful, knowledgeable, friendly and keen to do a good job. The work has been completed to a very high standard, with all wiring very neatly finished and the panels tightly aligned to the exact centre of our roof. The inverter and batteries were also installed incredibly neatly, with all cables hidden. The installers did a great job tidying up on the day and the left us with nothing other than a very positive experience.I was genuinely hopeful that the brilliant first impression I got when I spoke with Stuart would be reflected throughout the entire install, and so I’m beyond delighted that proved to very much be the case.Stuart, Kelly, the scaffolders and the installers should take a great deal of pride in being part of such an excellent team.Thank you to the whole team, I couldn’t be happier and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend NxtGen.
Jill HarrisonJill Harrison
18:09 08 May 23
We had Stuart as a project manager who was super. We had solar panels and a house battery fitted and they are excellent. The process was quick and professional and Stuart was super responsive to any questions or emails I sent. The electricians were also excellent. Thank you
Alastair AstonAlastair Aston
12:26 24 Apr 23
Great experience on a 7KW solar installation in Hampshire. I sought quotes from many installers beforehand and this was one of the most reasonable. (theres a lot of opportunists out there who'll happily charge a few K more!) Really good decision - Sean managed the whole process end to end, great communication & a quality job that looks great and delivers ample power. Much recommended to anyone taking their first step on the Solar journey.
Joe FletcherJoe Fletcher
17:36 04 Apr 23
Like most people I sat other fence for aged, I only wish I had jumped months ago. NXT GEN were by far te out competitive qoute that fulfilled my requirements.Sean arranged installation quickly without any hassle or pressure, the installation was done in one day by a very knowledgeable skilled team who just got on with installing the system.Totally happy with how it's been so far as it's only been 6 days sonce installation yet I've already seen substantial savings on electricity costs.My advice would be just give NXT GEN a call when seeking quotes.
Ronald WaggRonald Wagg
15:58 30 Mar 23
With the energy crisis starting to bite (autumn 2022). We did some research on the various options available we decided that we wanted to install solar panels to ease our energy bills. We obtained three quotes. Nxtgenenergy ticked all of the boxes as far as we were concerned and did happen to be the cheapest. We were helped all the way from quotation to the final installation by Stuart and Sean and at no time did we feel under any pressure. As the system was only installed two days ago we have yet to discover the full potential of the system, but we are encouraged by the performance seen so far. I will be honest and say that my prime concern is to save money, I am sure that my installation will not save the planet. From the projections given to me by Stuart I may be able to achieve a return on my investment of up to 10% per year compared to the small returns I could get if I kept my money invested elsewhere.I look forward to monitoring the system performance over the coming months / years.
Derek SouthgateDerek Southgate
20:26 23 Jan 23
Really positive experience with Nxtgen. In danger of becoming a solar power evangelist. We needed our roof replaced as well and they handled everything. New roof is first class and I can't stop looking at the app to see how much we are generating. Sean made the system selection clear. Already considering another battery!
Victor SimonisVictor Simonis
15:06 05 Sep 22
I dealt with Sean at NXTGen over a six month period due to a complicated installation. I only have praise for Sean who kept to his word throughout the entire job which is now running satisfactorily. I recommend this company amidst the many that are in the same business knowing you will be supported through the planning and installation stages.
Clive WestClive West
13:00 24 Aug 22
In looking to install solar and battery this year, Nxtgen were by far the most responsive and helpful company. They had a lot of options compared to other companies, which is good but worth swatting up before so you know whats, what. Ended up with a good sized system, inc battery storage, installed quickly at a good price that so far is working well. This is impressive as demand is so high for this at present, some companies wait lists are months and months!
Geoff DoggettGeoff Doggett
14:19 25 Jul 22
I had a solar installation planned and installed in March 2022. The quotation was accurate and understandable and so I went ahead. The installers were quick and did a good job including the electrical work and inverter/battery installation. The system has been working well according to the app I have. I wholeheaartedly reccommend Next Generation - they are experienced and their customer care is excellent. Good to know I am in safe hands in the future!
Rick ExtonRick Exton
10:23 25 Jul 22
Great system installed and working perfectly as expected. System design was changed at my request numerous times effortlessly. On day of install engineer suggested better location (loft) for inverter and battery pack meaning no unsightly cables were seen. Great customer service throughout. Getting MCS certification was a bit slow but not the fault of the company. I would definately recommend. Great company and top spec system at a good price.
Dawn MortonDawn Morton
09:17 22 Jul 22
From start to finish this company's professional standards were excellent. Once the acquisition of the materials had been confirmed, the installation and customer service was fantastic and would highly recommend.
Gary CaleyGary Caley
11:15 07 Mar 25
My main point of contact has been Bobby and he has been brilliant from start to finish, was happy to send a quote to me online, explained everything to me so i understood it and has been available to me at any time to answer queries.My install was performed by Phil and his team, they arrived on time and only took 3 hours to do the whole job!Phil was great at showing me how to use the app and explaining what would happen going forward.My last point of contact has been Kelly, she sent me all my documents for my energy supplier within 3 working days which was brilliant, again i had some questions and she has been more than happy to help me.If anyone is reading this thinking about getting solar then stop thinking and just do and us Nxtgen it really is a no brainer, they all make the whole process so easy i cannot thank them enough.
Prabath KannangaraPrabath Kannangara
11:26 05 Mar 25
I had my solar done by these guys. It was Stuart who dealt with it from start to finish. I was explained very clearly and payments taken in steps. Very professional and highly recommended. Other working guys were also very professional. Work was very neat and tidy. Service was Next level. Highly recommended. Thanks.
Naga TatipalliNaga Tatipalli
20:08 18 Feb 25
Exceptional service from start to finish! The entire process from the initial proposal to after-sales support, was seamless and professional. The team provided clear communication, addressing all our questions and ensuring we had the best solution for our solar needs. Installation was quick and efficient. Even after the installation, their support has been prompt and helpful. Highly recommend the company for quality and reliability!
Barry JenkinsBarry Jenkins
13:52 18 Feb 25
From the very first interaction, NxtGen has been entirely professional, with Bobby the salesman and Kelly managing the administrative tasks. I couldn't find any faults with their service. There was no aggressive selling; they addressed all my questions and provided the most suitable solar solution for our needs. Every appointment at our home was punctual, and all the tradespeople were courteous. Aside from the solar panel and battery installation, you wouldn't have noticed they had been there since they left no mess behind. Anyone in search of solar panels should definitely reach out to NxtGen, as they will take good care of you and offer the best solution for your requirements. I am a very satisfied customer, and I particularly enjoy watching the app that displays the system in action (I think I might be addicted to it, LOL).
P PP P
17:58 02 Dec 24
Really happy end to endReally happy with the end to end process with Bobby art the start and Kelly keeping me informed al the way through.The panels are working albeit that we are now in December.Looking forward to higher power generation once the days start to get longer and lighter!
Philip LennardPhilip Lennard
14:36 15 Aug 24
I recently ordered a 12 panel Solar system plus Inverter and iBoost plus Car Charger. All went really well except for a couple of, what I would call very minor hiccups.As soon as superstar Kelly got involved, hiccups went away. As if by magic!!!The whole team, to include Conner, Ben, the install team were excellent.They did everything that was "on the tin", thanks, Phil
Bob “Mkbob” JamesBob “Mkbob” James
12:22 05 Aug 24
The installation was quick and efficient. The installation of the inverter and battery in the garage was very neat.The team were very friendly and quick to answer all the questions I asked.They explained the process from start to finish and gave me great confidence in the Company.My contact at the company had an excellent customer centred manner and went the extra mile to ensure a smooth process.I would strongly recommend this company.
Tom WoodTom Wood
11:13 30 Jul 24
Fantastic company to deal with. Contacted them on the strength of positive reviews left by others and was thankful I did. I dealt with Steve who was extremely helpful and attentive throughout in guiding me to the correct (and not the most expensive) setup to meet our needs. The team had the DNO done, scaffolding up and job fully completed within 2 weeks of ordering despite my location being some 2.5hrs away from their base in Essex. Highly recommended if you’re thinking of going solar like we did. Thanks Nxt Gen!
Kerrie BolingbrokeKerrie Bolingbroke
20:30 12 Jul 24
Great customer service from pre-sale to after sale. Competitive prices and friendly fitters.
graham younggraham young
17:48 17 Jun 24
If you are considering installing a solar panel and battery system you should definitely give this company ago. My faith in getting great service has been restored when I used NXTGEN energy.From the very beginning talking to steve the consultant in my area who was very knowledgeable and offered to quote like for like so I could compare systems and prices fairly. The purchasing on line was easy and straightforward. Once the permissions were received the installation date was agreed and a few days later Nxtgen scaffolding team arrived bright and early and put up the scaffolding ( on a Saturday). They were great and within 2 hours had the complete scaffold erected. On the Monday the electrical team and panel team arrived to install the system, 11 panels, inverter and 2 batteries and water booster. Harrison,Louie,Craig and Aden worked as a team and installed the complete system in one day. Harrison was very helpfuland commissioned the system and explained how the system worked. These teams are a credit to Nxtgen and were true expert tradesmen. I can highly recommend NXTGEN.
DanielDaniel
12:43 23 May 24
Faultless from start to finish. Couldn't have received a better service!I started looking into solar panels and a battery and stumbled across NXTGEN from Facebook. I reached out to them and dealt with Bobby, Bobby is incredibly knowledgeable and a genuinely nice guy. He answered lots of questions, designed multiple options for me, but most of all he listened and offered his professional opinion.Unlike other companies I spoke to Bobby understood why we wanted solar, why we wanted the givenergy battery and our budget to design a system that would work brilliantly.NXTGEN offered a personal service rather than the generic 4 bed hour is 12 or 16 panels etc, they listen and come up with the best solution.After we settled on the set-up we were passed to Kelly. Kelly handled all the admin side and seemed to always want to help. There were no delays on NXTGENs side and managed to get all our certificates etc quicker than expected.Once it was all agreed, deposit paid etc it came onto the installation.NXTGENs scaffolding arm came and put up the scaffolding on Wednesday, lovely chaps all very polite , respectful and friendly.Thursday the solar team turned up and set straight to work fitting the 20 panels, inverter and battery. Yet again, a lovely bunch of guys who were all polite, respectful and friendly. It was a two day install and they completed it on Friday. They showed me the whole system got it all up and running, apps connected etc.I would genuinely recommend them to everyone and have already passed on their details to my work and friends. They offer a great service at a very competitive price.Solar feels like the new double glazing sales where you get pestered and pushed into options. However that is completely not how NXTGEN operate, they are the complete opposite.We opted for 20 panels, 5kwh inverter and a 9.6kwh battery. While the inverter is slightly undersized, we achieve great energy even in cloudy conditions, we only lose out on super sunny days and it wasn't worth for us to get the bigger more expensive inverter.
Brian AingerBrian Ainger
08:43 01 May 24
Choosing a solar installer is a nightmare, we are so glad that we found NXTGEN. From the initial contact with Steve, the quote from Bobby and the installation by Connor and his team this has been seamless and stress free. They supplied quality equipment at a reasonable price, excellent technical knowledge and advice, all supplied and installed on time. As anyone knows its so difficult to choose a company as there are so many pitfalls , we cannot recommend NXTGEN highly enough so pleased we chose you.
Marcin GajdowskiMarcin Gajdowski
21:36 08 Apr 24
I am very happy with the solar panels and battery system. Excellent customer services, Instalation. Highly recommend
Martin YeungMartin Yeung
11:14 31 Mar 24
Fantastic experience from start to finish ! Bobby was extremely helpful and always available to answer any questionsThe guys that came to fit were polite and tidied up after themselves, we couldn't have asked for more.From start to finish it was done within a week... so no hanging about like waiting weeks or months and getting stressed.. so all in all, im very happy to have chosen NXT GEN
Martin PattinsonMartin Pattinson
15:09 26 Mar 24
We initially used NxtGen for our consultation and this went really well. NxtGen then subcontracted to Cozy Energy, which again was fine. The installation went well. It was then that things started to go awry. Cozy failed to supply us with a guarantee, MPAN or MCS certificate. Over a period of approximately six months, we were promised that "this was being dealt with", or "someone would get back to us", but nothing was resolved. It was then that we re contacted NxtGen and they could not have been more helpful. Whilst it did take a while, all of the issues have been resolved and Kelly at NxtGen could not have been more helpful. I would thoroughly recommend NxtGen.
Luke BrassingtonLuke Brassington
11:27 26 Mar 24
Really happy to give the NxtGen team a 5-star review.Stuart on the sales team was fantastic in the build up, Kelly in the office was always there to support and the team who did the install were fantastic (and even interacted with my very interested children)Very happy with the whole process
Rob JonesRob Jones
07:59 14 Mar 24
After some initial hiccups, really pleased with the service from nxtgen, specially Kelly who smoothed everything out
Malcolm TaitMalcolm Tait
10:51 08 Nov 23
Very good customer service all the way and they provide a great all round solar installation provision. Glad we used them from start to finish and after care👍.
Silnicorp Web DesignSilnicorp Web Design
15:56 17 Oct 23
Excellent price and service. Would recommend for sure.
frank edenfrank eden
08:24 02 Oct 23
If your in the market for a Solar installation then I can really highly recommend Nxtgen.We researched the technology and got several quotes from other companies most of which were located much closer to us.Nxtgen came out on top on price , specification and delivery.Once we made the decision to proceed the whole process took less than a week from placing the order to complete installation.The scaffold was erected at the front and back of our house on the Wednesday,on the Thursday the installation team arrived at 8.30 sharp , having driven from Essex to Oxfordshire, (which is about a 3 hour drive) and after a quick cup of tea the 3 chaps got straight to work, by the end of the day the whole system was in place and commissioned and up and running. To install 6 panels on front roof plus 6 panels on the back roof CW birdguard with the inverter and battery in the loft,They tidied up and left around 7 in the evening with another 3 HR drive in front of them I have to say they did a fantastic job , I take my hat off to them, they are a credit to Nxtgen.Darren and Kelley from the Sales and admin team at Nxtgen are very helpful and accomodating and made the whole process very easy with prompt responses to any queries we have had along the way,although it's early days and the system only 2 days old the savings are already racking up.Well pleased , I'd post 6 stars if I could, well done Nxtgen
Ash VAsh V
09:13 14 Jul 23
A wonderfully efficient installation with a genuine pre-quote discussion of my needs prior to offering advice on the best solution to meet them. Very happy with the service.
Matt AlexanderMatt Alexander
10:37 15 Jun 23
I chose NxtGen to install our solar and battery system having received 12 quotes from various companies and couldn’t be happier with either the service or the resulting system.I work in the renewables industry and so came to my own project with a reasonable amount of knowledge, not that I made that clear to any of the installers who called me back.I had spoken with 7 installers by the time Stuart at NxtGen called me, and it was immediately obvious that I was speaking to someone knowledgeable, honest and who was genuinely interested in designing a system specific to my own needs and preferences.Having reviewed all 12 quotes, NxtGen was jumped out above all others based on knowledge, helpfulness, quality of the kit being offered and even price. I wouldn’t have picked a quote based purely on price, but the fact NxtGen was also the most competitive of the 12 I had received meant a great deal.I was kept informed throughout the whole process, Stuart responding quickly and usefully to all my email queries. Once contracts had been signed, Kelly picked up the baton and gave me regular updates on our DNO notification, all the way through to the installation.With DNO approval in hand, we waited just 10 days for the scaffolding to be put up, which was done within a couple of hours and to a very high standard. Plenty of care was taken to protect our new patio, and I was left confident in a job well done.Installation happened just a few days later, and again, it couldn’t have gone any smoother. The 3 installers were all helpful, knowledgeable, friendly and keen to do a good job. The work has been completed to a very high standard, with all wiring very neatly finished and the panels tightly aligned to the exact centre of our roof. The inverter and batteries were also installed incredibly neatly, with all cables hidden. The installers did a great job tidying up on the day and the left us with nothing other than a very positive experience.I was genuinely hopeful that the brilliant first impression I got when I spoke with Stuart would be reflected throughout the entire install, and so I’m beyond delighted that proved to very much be the case.Stuart, Kelly, the scaffolders and the installers should take a great deal of pride in being part of such an excellent team.Thank you to the whole team, I couldn’t be happier and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend NxtGen.
Jill HarrisonJill Harrison
18:09 08 May 23
We had Stuart as a project manager who was super. We had solar panels and a house battery fitted and they are excellent. The process was quick and professional and Stuart was super responsive to any questions or emails I sent. The electricians were also excellent. Thank you
Alastair AstonAlastair Aston
12:26 24 Apr 23
Great experience on a 7KW solar installation in Hampshire. I sought quotes from many installers beforehand and this was one of the most reasonable. (theres a lot of opportunists out there who'll happily charge a few K more!) Really good decision - Sean managed the whole process end to end, great communication & a quality job that looks great and delivers ample power. Much recommended to anyone taking their first step on the Solar journey.
Joe FletcherJoe Fletcher
17:36 04 Apr 23
Like most people I sat other fence for aged, I only wish I had jumped months ago. NXT GEN were by far te out competitive qoute that fulfilled my requirements.Sean arranged installation quickly without any hassle or pressure, the installation was done in one day by a very knowledgeable skilled team who just got on with installing the system.Totally happy with how it's been so far as it's only been 6 days sonce installation yet I've already seen substantial savings on electricity costs.My advice would be just give NXT GEN a call when seeking quotes.
Ronald WaggRonald Wagg
15:58 30 Mar 23
With the energy crisis starting to bite (autumn 2022). We did some research on the various options available we decided that we wanted to install solar panels to ease our energy bills. We obtained three quotes. Nxtgenenergy ticked all of the boxes as far as we were concerned and did happen to be the cheapest. We were helped all the way from quotation to the final installation by Stuart and Sean and at no time did we feel under any pressure. As the system was only installed two days ago we have yet to discover the full potential of the system, but we are encouraged by the performance seen so far. I will be honest and say that my prime concern is to save money, I am sure that my installation will not save the planet. From the projections given to me by Stuart I may be able to achieve a return on my investment of up to 10% per year compared to the small returns I could get if I kept my money invested elsewhere.I look forward to monitoring the system performance over the coming months / years.
Derek SouthgateDerek Southgate
20:26 23 Jan 23
Really positive experience with Nxtgen. In danger of becoming a solar power evangelist. We needed our roof replaced as well and they handled everything. New roof is first class and I can't stop looking at the app to see how much we are generating. Sean made the system selection clear. Already considering another battery!
Victor SimonisVictor Simonis
15:06 05 Sep 22
I dealt with Sean at NXTGen over a six month period due to a complicated installation. I only have praise for Sean who kept to his word throughout the entire job which is now running satisfactorily. I recommend this company amidst the many that are in the same business knowing you will be supported through the planning and installation stages.
Clive WestClive West
13:00 24 Aug 22
In looking to install solar and battery this year, Nxtgen were by far the most responsive and helpful company. They had a lot of options compared to other companies, which is good but worth swatting up before so you know whats, what. Ended up with a good sized system, inc battery storage, installed quickly at a good price that so far is working well. This is impressive as demand is so high for this at present, some companies wait lists are months and months!
Geoff DoggettGeoff Doggett
14:19 25 Jul 22
I had a solar installation planned and installed in March 2022. The quotation was accurate and understandable and so I went ahead. The installers were quick and did a good job including the electrical work and inverter/battery installation. The system has been working well according to the app I have. I wholeheaartedly reccommend Next Generation - they are experienced and their customer care is excellent. Good to know I am in safe hands in the future!
Rick ExtonRick Exton
10:23 25 Jul 22
Great system installed and working perfectly as expected. System design was changed at my request numerous times effortlessly. On day of install engineer suggested better location (loft) for inverter and battery pack meaning no unsightly cables were seen. Great customer service throughout. Getting MCS certification was a bit slow but not the fault of the company. I would definately recommend. Great company and top spec system at a good price.
Dawn MortonDawn Morton
09:17 22 Jul 22
From start to finish this company's professional standards were excellent. Once the acquisition of the materials had been confirmed, the installation and customer service was fantastic and would highly recommend.
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NXTGEN Energy Limited is a company registered in England and Wales. Company Registration Number: 13903765
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