E.ON is well known as a major energy supplier in the UK and many other countries. But you may not be aware it also installs solar panels through a network of partner contractors.
There’s no doubting the quality of the solar panels it sources from major manufacturers. However, E.ON’s installation services attract some negative feedback.
Is this a fair reflection of the company’s home solar operations? Find out in our guide, which explains everything you need to know about E.ON solar panels.
E.ON Company Profile
The E.ON Group of energy companies has more than 50 million customers in over 30 countries. It includes a major UK energy supply, infrastructure, and sales business. This produces and distributes electricity and gas and provides other energy-related products and services.
The company was established in 2000 with the merger of two German energy companies: VIAG ((Vereinigte Industrieunternehmungen AG) and VEBA (Vereinigte Elektrizitäts- und Bergwerks Aktiengesellschaft).
E.ON UK is based in Coventry in the West Midlands. It acquired the Npower electricity and gas supplier in 2019 and the Powergen UK electricity business the following year. E.ON began installing solar panels in 2011.
Key Features Of E.ON Solar Panels
- Quality panels from top solar manufacturers.
- High panel efficiency ratings of 20 percent and above.
- Above-average retention of power output.
- Installation costs starting from under £5,000.
- 30-year performance warranty.
E.ON Solar Panel Manufacturers
E.ON currently uses solar panels manufactured by Tier 1 companies JinkoSolar and JA Solar and works solely with installers accredited by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme. Tier 1 solar manufacturers are classed by Bloomberg New Energy Finance as having the most trusted financial stability.
The independent Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) ensures solar panel installers and their products meet industry standards.
JinkoSolar
Founded in 2006, JinkoSolar (JKS) is based in Shanghai, China, and is a leading global solar panel manufacturer, with factories throughout the world. It produces high-efficiency solar panels through extensive research and development, and a streamlined manufacturing process keeps retail costs down.
In 2023, Jinko Solar Co Ltd won the Solar Power World magazine award for leadership in solar energy.
JA Solar
Like JinkoSolar, JA Solar Holdings is headquartered in Shanghai. The company was established in 2005 and has manufacturing facilities dotted around South East Asia. It’s one of the world’s largest solar panel manufacturers, producing an extensive range of products.
JA Solar consistently figures in the Fortune China 500 and Global Top 500 New Energy Enterprises lists.
Jinko Solar Panels
Jinko solar panels are designed with the latest solar cell technology and fall in the low to medium price bracket. Jinko Tiger Neo solar panels are among the most powerful and efficient on the market.
TIGER NEO MONO 54 HC MODELS
| Max Power Output | 430-450 W |
| Max Efficiency | 21.52-22.52% |
| Weight | 21.0 kg |
| Dimensions | 1762 x 1134 x 30 mm |
| Number of Cells | 108 (54 x 2) |
TIGER NEO MONO 54 HC ALL BLACK
| Max Power Output | 425 – 445 W |
| Max Efficiency | 21.27-22.27% |
| Weight | 21.0 kg |
| Dimensions | 1762 x 1134 x 30 mm |
| Number of Cells | 108 (54 x 2) |
JA Solar Panels
JA solar panels are considered a budget brand but are still highly efficient, with options that meet varying household energy needs.
The JA flagship range is the DeepBlue series, which includes 340W and 420W panels with advanced solar cell technology and efficiency levels up to 21.5 percent.
JA 340W SOLAR PANEL
| Cell | Mono |
| No. of cells | 120 (6×20） |
| Rated Maximum Power (Pmax) | 340W |
| Maximum Efficiency | 20.2% |
| Junction Box | IP68 |
| Maximum System Voltage | 1000V/1500V DC |
| Operating Temperature | -40℃～+85℃ |
| Connectors | MC4 EVO2/ QC4.10-35 |
JA 420W SOLAR PANEL
| Cell | Mono |
| No. of cells | 108 (6×18） |
| Rated Maximum Power (Pmax) | 420W |
| Maximum Efficiency | 21.5% |
| Junction Box | IP68,3 diodes |
| Maximum System Voltage | 1000V/1500V DC |
| Operating Temperature | -40℃～+85℃ |
| Connectors | MC4 EVO2/ QC4.10-35 |
E.ON Solar Panel Installation Services
E.ON has installed thousands of solar panels across the UK. It ensures its MCS-accredited partner installers meet contractor safety engagement (CSE) checks, and their work is covered by the Home Insulation and Energy Systems (HIES) guarantee.
The E.ON rooftop solar panel installation process entails:
- Home survey and quote, on site or by phone.
- Explanation of payment options.
- Erection of scaffolding.
- Installation of solar panels and an inverter to convert direct current (DC) electricity into alternating current (AC) for use in the home.
- Installation of solar battery (optional).
- Connection of the solar panel system to the household electricity consumer panel.
You can monitor your solar energy use with E.ON’s Home Energy Management System (HEMS). This comes in the form of a free app that combines energy management with smart home functionality.
E.ON Smart Export Guarantee Tariffs
Under the government-backed Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), energy providers buy surplus electricity generated by home solar panel systems.
Electricity suppliers set their own tariffs, and E.ON claim theirs are a market leader, paying up to 21p a kilowatt hour (kWh) for solar energy exported to the National Grid.
E.ON Solar Panels Cost And Savings
Pricing of E.ON solar panels starts from £4,995 for a six-panel system. More powerful 12-panel installations cost from £7,003.
If you want to spread the cost of your solar panels, finance options are available with monthly interest-free payments over three years. For example, you’d pay £138.75 a month for a six-panel system.
Households can make total savings on energy bills of around £500 to over £1,000 a year, depending on the size of the solar installation.
E.ON SOLAR PANEL SAVINGS (WITHOUT SOLAR BATTERY)
| Number of panels | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 |
| kWp | 2.61 | 3.48 | 4.35 | 5.22 | 6.09 | 6.96 |
| Annual bill saving | £273 | £326 | £351 | £380 | £414 | £454 |
| SEG payment | £278 | £404 | £553 | £700 | £841 | £978 |
| Total Savings | £551 | £730 | £904 | £1,080 | £1,255 | £1,432 |
E.ON Solar Batteries
E.ON solar panel systems come with an optional battery from Staffordshire-based energy storage specialist GivEnergy. These batteries come in a broad range from 2.6 kWh to 9.5 kWh – sufficient to cover the solar energy storage needs of most households.
Founded in 2018, GivEnergy is the largest British-owned manufacturer of home and business battery storage systems. Pricing of solar batteries starts from £96.33 a month over three years, with 0% APR.
Solar Panel Grants
E.ON is one of the big energy suppliers that fund the government Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme. The initiative provides solar panels for free or at a significantly reduced cost for households that meet ECO funding criteria.
The fourth and final phase of the scheme – ECO4 – runs until the end of March 2026, with £4 billion available to households in England, Scotland and Wales on means-tested state benefits.
ECO Flex – Local Authority Flexible Eligibility – extends solar funding to include households who don’t receive a means-tested benefit. Local councils set their own eligibility conditions for low-income individuals and families.
E.ON Solar Panels Pros And Cons
E.ON solar panels look to be a sound choice for homeowners wanting high levels of energy efficiency without venturing into the more expensive, premium brands.
These panels have good power output and energy efficiency ratings. They’re installed by qualified contractors and come with a 30-year performance warranty.
E.ON says its solar panels reduce household electricity costs by at least several hundred pounds a year, taking into account SEG payments.
But E.ON solar panel installation services appear to attract more negative customer feedback than usual. And although E.ON residential solar panels are above average standards, you’ll be hard pressed to find them on any best solar panel lists.
E.ON Solar Panel Customer Experiences
Positive reviews of E.ON solar panels point to the company’s strengths, particularly supportive and well-informed staff. But other customers are more critical.
Some have complained about shading issues with E.ON’s entry-level 2.61kWp (kilowatt peak) solar panels for small homes. In fairness to the company, it does point out that these panels are designed for roofs with no shading.
Other customers have reported long delays in panel installation, and some question why product warranties are shorter than industry standard.
Limited availability of E.ON solar panels appears to be another concern. Although the company supplies energy to customers nationwide, its solar panel services aren’t available in some locations, according to some sources.
E.ON Solar Panels FAQs
Which solar panel brands does E.ON offer?
At the moment, the solar panels E.ON installs come from two major Chinese solar manufacturers who’re global leaders in their field. As Tier 1 solar companies, these manufacturers are established and trusted in the industry and ensure the highest standards, quality and efficiency of their products.
Like most solar panel installers, E.ON may periodically change its suppliers as new models become available. Check stock availability to find out which solar brands may be on offer in the future.
Can I change my solar loan repayments?
Monthly repayments are fixed for the duration of E.ON solar panel financing deals. You can make a one-off payment or pay off the balance early anytime.
How do I sign up for E.ON SEG payments?
An exclusive E.ON Smart Guarantee Export Grant application form will be included in the handover pack you’ll be sent shortly after your solar panel installation.
Final Thoughts On E.ON Solar Panels
E.ON is an experienced energy company. Since entering the solar market, it’s sourced high-efficiency, quality solar panels in the budget to medium price range, and uses reputable, qualified solar installers.
Some customers are highly satisfied with their E.ON solar panels. Others, not so much.
Each household has varying needs and expectations when going solar, so it’s worthwhile comparing E.ON solar panel installation services with those of other solar companies. And don’t forget, we offer a comprehensive installation package for solar customers right here at Effective Home, and we even have solar finance packages available to help spread the cost of your switch.
Speak to a member of our team today.
