Our experts review REC’s solar panels, comparing their performance and efficiency with similar products from other manufacturers. We also examine pricing policies, warranties, and customer reviews, providing the information you need to choose the best solar panels for your home.
REC overview
Founded in 1996 in Norway, Renewable Energy Corporation, commonly known as REC, is one of Europe’s largest solar panel manufacturers. It operates under the ownership of Reliance New Energy Solar and has headquarters in Norway and Singapore, with offices across Europe, Asia, Australia, and the United States.
REC specialises in designing and producing solar panels suitable for both residential and commercial properties. To date, it has produced over 46 million panels, providing power to approximately 20.5 million people in their homes.
Governed by its management system for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), REC’s solar panel manufacturing process has reduced the use of hazardous materials, such as lead, and recycles as much water as possible. Its panels are designed to be easily recycled, and REC claims to only work with companies whose values align with its clean energy commitment.
According to its website, REC’s internal testing is up to three times as stringent as industry standards, and its panels have consistently earned recognition as Top Performer in the DNV-GL Module Reliability Scorecard since 2016. DNV GL, a global authority in PV module testing, publishes an annual report identifying the industry leaders among solar panel manufacturers.
In 2022, the REC Alpha Pure series was honoured with the Inter Solar Award, a prestigious recognition presented to solar companies demonstrating innovative technological advancements.
Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) has listed REC as a Tier 1 solar panel manufacturer accredited by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). The company has also designed its own REC Certified Solar Professional Programme for installers, ensuring they have the knowledge and best practices to install REC solar systems.
REC stands as a front-runner in adopting innovative solar panel technology, with its most recent series – REC TwinPeak 5 – utilising a twin design that delivers more power per square metre, even in shaded conditions. This results in fewer necessary panels, quicker installation times using a smaller labour force, and reduced costs for the homeowner.
How much do REC solar panels cost?
REC offers three solar panel series for residential installations – its Alpha Pure and Pure R and the TwinPeak 5 models, and all are competitively priced within the solar market.
Although there are less expensive panels, such as Jinko Solar or Qcells, REC’s innovative twin-panel design offers an increased power output per square metre of panels installed, even in shady conditions, meaning fewer panels for the same power output. They also weigh less than the average panel. This could result in a cheaper installation.
| Solar panel company | Price range | Power output range | Product warranty range |
|---|---|---|---|
| REC | £165.60 to £260.80 | 365W 430W | 20 to 25 years |
| JA Solar | £188.40 to £262.80 | 365W to 420W | 20 to 25 years |
| Jinko Solar | £141.60 to £177 | 415W to 470W | 12 to 25 years |
| Suntech | £103.20 to £232.80 | 400W to 555W | 12 years |
| Qcells | £146.40 to £190.40 | 345W to 410W | 12 to 25 years |
| SunPower | £200.28 to £614.40 | 330W to 440W | 25 to 40 years |
What are REC’s best solar panels?
Our researchers considered many factors to identify the best solar panels from REC’s three-tier product range. These factors included power output, efficiency, innovative technologies, and the panels’ cost effectiveness.
Best all-rounder: REC TwinPeak 5 410W
Highlights
✓ Twin panel design
✓ Optimised for shaded situations
✓ 100% potential-induced degradation (PID) free
Essential features
- Power output: 410W
- Efficiency: 20.8%
- Warranty: 20-year product warranty (25 years if installed by a REC Certified Solar Professional installer), 25-year performance warranty, 25-year labour warranty if installed by a REC Certified Solar Professional
- Cost per panel: £165.60
REC’s TwinPeak 5 410W is available in a standard half-cut monocrystalline cell and black frame design or a fully black variant for aesthetic appeal.
The TwinPeak 5 panels feature additional support bars across the reverse, significantly enhancing their strength and durability. This design enables them to handle loads of up to 7,000 Pa, substantially surpassing the 5,400 Pa that most conventional panels offer.
The panels are also 100% potential-induced degradation (PID) free. PID can markedly diminish the power output of a solar panel, with losses reaching up to 70% within the initial 18 months of operation due to stray currents within the panel.
Pricing
At £165, REC’s TwinPeak 5 panels are more expensive than others with the same power output. They also are less efficient.
| Panel name | Efficiency | Power output | Approximate cost per panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| REC TwinPeak 5 | 20.80% | 410W | £165.60 |
| JA Solar Mono MBB MC4 | 21% | 410W | £109.20 |
| Longi 54c HiMo5 | 21% | 410W | £133.20 |
Efficiency
The TwinPeak 5 410’s 20.8% efficiency is considered average compared to other panels from leading manufacturers, and with a power output of 410W, while this is a good panel, it’s not outstanding. However, the unique twin design, which divides the panel into two sections, enables an enhanced energy yield, even in partially shaded conditions; combined with the PID-free technology, this makes the panel stand out from its competitors.
Consider this panel if…
The TwinPeak 5 panel is suitable for most medium-sized properties.
Avoid this panel if…
Households with high energy demands should look for a panel with a higher power output.
Our score
| Efficiency | ★★★ |
| Power output | ★★★★ |
| Value for money | ★★★½ |
| Overall | ★★★½ |
Best for larger homes: REC Alpha Pure-R 430W
Highlights
✓ Gapless cell design
✓ Lead-free to RoHS standards
✓ Twin panel design
Essential features
- Power output: 430W
- Efficiency: 22.3%
- Warranty: 20-year product warranty (25 years if installed by a REC Certified Solar Professional installer), 25-year performance warranty, 25-year labour warranty if installed by a REC Certified Solar Professional
- Cost per panel: POA
The Alpha Pure-R panels have lead-free panel components, including cell connections, cross connectors, and junction box soldering, demonstrating REC’s commitment to reducing its impact on the environment.
The Alpha Pure-R uses a gapless cell layout to increase the panel’s active area, boosting power to 223W/m², with panel output reaching 430W. REC has also taken its twin panel design one step further, dividing the module into four sections, producing even more energy in shaded conditions.
Pricing
Unless you accept a quote, the prices per panel are unavailable. REC’s installations are bespoke to each property, considering the household’s energy needs and the building design. However, some degree of price transparency would be helpful.
| Panel name | Efficiency | Power output | Cost per panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| REC Alpha Pure-R 430W | 22.30% | 430W | POA |
| Trina Vertex S | 21.80% | 425W | £117.60 |
| SunPower Maxeon 3 | 22.80% | 435W | £614.40 |
Efficiency
The REC Alpha Pure-R 430W boasts a peak efficiency of 22.3%, outshining panels from some of the top manufacturers, including Project Solar, Suntech, and SunPower.
It uses a gapless cell layout to increase the panel’s active area, boosting power to 223W/m², with panel output reaching 430W. REC has also taken its twin panel design one step further, dividing the module into four sections, producing even more energy in shaded conditions.
Consider this panel if…
REC’s Alpha Pure-R 430W is a good option for medium to large-sized properties that require more energy.
Avoid this panel if…
The panel’s 430W output may not be enough for extensive family homes.
Our score
| Efficiency | ★★★★ |
| Power output | ★★★½ |
| Value for money | N/A |
| Overall | ★★★★ |
Best for small houses: REC Alpha Pure 390W
Highlights
✓ Environmentally-friendly manufacturing
✓ Twin panel design
✓ All-black design
Essential features
- Power output: 390W
- Efficiency: 21.01%
- Warranty: 20-year product warranty (25 years if installed by a REC Certified Solar Professional installer), 25-year performance warranty, 25-year labour warranty if installed by a REC Certified Solar Professional
- Cost per panel: £190
Featuring a fully black aesthetic, with near-invisible wires, and REC’s innovative twin panel design, the Pure Alpha panel employs the gapless cell technology that REC’s other panels boast. This increases the panel’s active area, enabling it to capture more sunlight whilst retaining a compact module size.
The discreet support bars protect cells and glass from bending under loads of up to 7,000 Pa, while the 30mm frame height makes the panels easier to handle, requiring fewer installers, even for larger projects, and thus reducing costs.
Pricing
Although many of REC’s prices are unavailable without committing to a solar system quote, our researchers found the cost for the Alpha Pure 390W online. At around £190, the panel is competitively priced.
| Panel name | Efficiency | Power output | Cost per panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| REC Alpha Pure | 21.01% | 390W | £190 |
| Q Cells Q Peak ML-G9PLUS | 20.01% | 380W | £170.40 |
| Jinko Tiger Neo TOPCon | 21.30% | 425W | £168 |
Efficiency
As with REC’s other solar modules, the efficiency is similar to its competitors at 21.01%, while it has a power output of 390W, making it ideal for one or two-person households.
Consider this panel if…
The Alpha Pure 390W solar panel is designed for smaller properties with homeowners looking to save money on energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint.
Avoid this panel if…
The module wouldn’t suit large energy-hungry families.
Our score
| Efficiency | ★★★ |
| Power output | ★★★ |
| Value for money | ★★★ |
| Overall | ★★★ |
REC solar panels FAQs
REC solar panels are designed to be durable and long-lasting. They come with a 25-year product warranty covering defects in the panels. This warranty period indicates the confidence REC has in the longevity and reliability of its products. This warranty period drops to 20 years if a REC Certified Solar Professional installer does not install the panels.
In addition to the product warranty, solar panels typically have a performance warranty that guarantees a certain output level for a specific period. In REC’s case, it’s 25 years.
REC has manufactured more than 43 million solar panels at its state-of-the-art factories in Norway and Singapore and continues to do so.
Contacting authorised REC dealers and distributors in the UK can provide accurate pricing and special offers or discounts. They can be found on the official REC website or through an online search.
To benefit from REC’s extended warranties, any installer should hold a REC Certified Solar Professional accreditation.
Katharine brings over a decade of writing and research expertise, collaborating with some of the UK’s top organisations, such as the Independent, the Federation of Master Builders, Architectural Digest, and Cuvva Car Insurance. Her areas of specialisation include renewable energy, advanced technologies, and various aspects of home improvement, like kitchen renovations, combi boilers, and double glazed windows.
