.jpeg?width=1200&auto=webp&trim=44%2C0%2C46%2C0)
This Perlight Black Grid review explores why this panel is a top choice for homeowners seeking both long-term performance and an extended warranty.
It’s part of our expert-reviewed guide to the best solar panels for UK homes. If you're weighing up whether solar panels are worth it, this review — and our full guide to the best solar panel installers — will help you make an informed decision.
The Perlight Black Grid solar panel stands out in a crowded market, not only for its sleek design and solid efficiency but for offering one of the longest warranties available.
Choosing the best solar panels for your home involves more than just headline specs, especially as installation is often the most expensive part of the total cost of solar panels. That's why long-term durability matters.
While solar panel prices have dropped dramatically, thanks in part to China’s manufacturing scale and innovation, installation costs remain high due to labour, scaffolding, and system integration. So it’s worth considering the total system cost, not just the price per panel, when selecting the best panel for your home.
Why choose the Perlight Black Grid?
- Price, installed: £895 to £1,195 per kW
- Efficiency: 26 per cent
- Wattage per panel: 500W
- Type: N-Type
- Made in: China
- Degradation: 87.4 per cent after 30 years
- Warranty: 30 years
Founded in 2006, Perlight is a Chinese manufacturer of solar panels with a long track record. Its Black Grid solar panel offers an impressive 30-year warranty — five years longer than the industry standard — making it ideal for those looking to maximise long-term savings and reduce replacement concerns.
This longer guarantee can offer extra peace of mind, particularly if you're financing your solar panel system over time or plan to remain in your home for decades. That said, many panels rated for 25 years will likely keep performing beyond their warranty period.
In terms of performance, the Perlight Black Grid solar panel also offers better efficiency and a higher power rating, delivering 500W per panel, than other solar panels on our list. While the degradation rate is slightly lower than other top-tier models, it still holds up well, retaining nearly 87 per cent of output after 30 years.
The company is also somewhat shy about filing facts about itself compared to its competitors, although it passes all the necessary regulatory hurdles.
One downside is that Perlight isn’t a Tier-1 manufacturer, meaning BloombergNEF hasn’t ranked it for financial transparency and bankability.
However, it has a long track record and its global footprint — shipping to over 100 countries — and compliance with international standards suggest a reliable product.
Here are some of the more technical details:
- N -type Mono-crystalline, 120 cells arranged 12x10
- Dimensions in mm: 1908 x 1134 x 30
- Maximum Power Current: 10.66A
- Maximum voltage: 35.91V
- Operating Temperature (℃): -40 to +85
- Max. Test Load, Push/Pull (Pa) front 5,400 / back 2,400
- Certifications:
- Ammonia Corrosion Test: IEC 62716,
- Salt Mist Corrosion Test: IEC 61701
- Dust & Sand IEC 60068
The panels are built with high pressure resistance, which should help them withstand the UK’s often unpredictable weather over several decades.
You will see that they are slightly longer than most, coming in at 1.9m compared to the 1.76m of most panels.
Like most solar panels on the market today, these are manufactured in China, which has invested heavily in clean energy production and now dominates the global solar supply chain. China's lead in silicon refinement and solar R&D means many of the world’s best solar panels come from Chinese firms.
While the cost of panels has fallen by about 90% since 2000, installation costs have risen due to labour and inflation, so total system cost still needs careful budgeting.
In terms of durability, they can withstand forces of 5,400 pascals on the front and 2,400 pascals on the back face. If GCSE physics was not your strong subject, 5,400Pa is the same as 550kg of force per square metre.
Pros:
- 30-year warranty
- High efficiency and power output
Cons:
- Not a Tier-1 manufacturer
- Degradation could be better compared to the highest performers
A 30-year product warranty is hard to come by in any product but Perlight offers one of the longest warranties available in the market
How we compiled our guide
To compile our list, we spoke to experts on the ground and have broken down the top-performing brands based on real-world value, not just technical specs.
We’ve prioritised long-term performance, value for money, and the reputation of the best solar panel installers in the UK. And if you’re wondering if solar panels are worth it for your home, this guide is designed to help you make a smart, informed decision that pays off over time, whether you’re upgrading an old array or fitting solar panels for the first time.
Most panels are guaranteed for 25 years and offer similar power output, size, efficiency and looks.
So we’ve weighted our judgement towards cost and degradation, which describes how much power the cells will provide after a number of years. The higher the percentage, the better.
Much of your decision will also depend on which installer you go with, as many have preferred brands they work with due to bulk purchasing. You’ll also see a lot of unfamiliar Chinese names as you do your research, but many of these are Tier-1 manufacturers in clean energy with strong track records in quality and durability.
Why trust us
The Independent has been reporting on green energy and climate matters since it was founded in 1986. Since then, we have written hundreds of reviews and news stories on energy, including the best window fitters, the best window finance and other guides on green power.
The solar panel market is increasingly competitive, with many unfamiliar brands offering similar features. But selecting the right system involves more than just choosing the panel with the highest efficiency or longest warranty.
What to look for
Many solar panels now come with comparable specs, including 25- to 30-year lifespans, high wattage, and sleek all-black designs. But with installation being the largest part of the overall cost of solar panels, and British weather posing its own set of challenges, it makes choosing a durable, efficient panel even more important.
The rise of commercial solar farms has accelerated innovation and brought down manufacturing costs, particularly with China's leading role in the global supply chain. However, labour, scaffolding, and integration with your home electrical system remain key cost factors, so it’s essential to look at total system cost, not just the panel price, when evaluating the best solar panels for your home.
