Thin-film solar installation prices

How much do thin-film solar panels cost? A 3.5 kilowatt peak (kWp) thin-film solar panel system costs about £3,500, which is around a third of the cost of a traditional solar panel system of the same size.

Thin-film solar panels are one of many different types of solar panels that can help cut costs and emissions. They have been around for more than four decades – and they're more accessible than ever. Their thinness gives them a unique advantage over standard solar panels, though that doesn't mean they're perfect.

Installing thin-film solar panels is usually a breeze - for most types, you can just peel off the protective backing and stick them wherever you please. But depending on the specific type of thin-film solar panel and its location, it may need drilling into place.

Here are a few companies that provide thin-film solar panels. Midsummer Energy sells a range of thin-film solar panels, from 70 watts up to 500 watts. Prices start at £185 for its 70-watt Peel-and-Stick panels, which are ideal for caravans and narrowboats.

Thin film solar cells typically cost $0.50 to $1 per watt on average, but they typically have a shorter lifespan of 10-20 years compared to other types of solar panels. In contrast, monocrystalline panels generally last 35 to 50 years, and polycrystalline panels around 25 to 35 years. What are Thin-Film Solar Cells?

This, combined with the fact that most people need multiple panels to meet their needs, can lead to a wide cost range. The national average cost for installing thin film solar panels is $3,000 to $7,000, with most people paying around $5,000 for 10 installed amorphous silicon panels.