Disclosure: FMB Home Picks is committed to delivering independent advice and reviews on home products and services. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more Contact us.
Sharp Sunsnap is an effective solar panel produced by a heritage company, but how does it stack up against other solar panel systems?
The average home can save more than £1,100 every year with solar panels!
Known for producing efficient photovoltaic (PV) panels, Sharp has long been a trusted name in the solar panel industry. However, other companies have surpassed Sharp’s solar panel prices and performance in recent years. Despite this, Sharp remains popular with homeowners, who appreciate the company’s solid 65-year reputation in the solar industry.
Sharp offers several solar panels for residential properties, including the Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 and the newer, more powerful NU-JC440. The latter delivers an output of 440W and has an efficiency of 22.53%. The 25-year product warranty and 30-year performance guarantee also help make Sharp modules some of the best solar panels on the market.
Sharp’s panels use N-Type TOPCon monocrystalline silicon solar cells, which make them more efficient than PERC panels, especially in low-light conditions. They also incorporate advanced wiring to improve their low-light performance and multi-busbar technology for enhanced power output, efficiency and reliability.
Highlights: Durable monocrystalline panels that will last long past their 25-year warranty.
Key benefit: The NU-JC440’s safety, quality and durability have been recognised by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The IEC tests cover resistance to hail, ammonia and salt mist.
Service: Sharp has a network of installers in the UK and other parts of Europe.
Warranty: A standard warranty of 25 years is available with all Sharp solar panels, and a 30-year performance warranty guarantees an output of 87.5% in year 30
Cost: At £300 per panel, the Sharp NU-JC440 is not the cheapest panel on the market.
A solar panel system is an expensive investment, so it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons carefully. The Sharp NU-JC440 offers several attractive benefits, including:
However, there are a few disadvantages to the Sharp NU-JC440 panel that you should take into account:
Sharp solar panels are flexible and light (image credit: Sharp)
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity using PV cells made primarily of silicon. When sunlight hits these cells, it excites the electrons, causing them to move and generate a flow of electric current. Sharp’s panels use multi-layered monocrystalline silicon to capture more daylight, enhancing their efficiency. Sharp’s technology includes anti-reflective coatings, efficient wiring systems and bypass diodes, which minimise energy loss due to shading, maximising the panels’ overall performance and reliability.
To enhance the system’s performance, Sharp’s half-cell panel modules include three junction boxes with a bypass diode.
Sharp’s NU-JC440 surpasses the Sunsnap module for power output, efficiency and overall performance. However, panels from several other brands challenge both Sharp modules. The table below provides a quick overview of how Sharp’s Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 and NU-JC440 solar panels compare to other brands on the market.
| Solar panel brand | Efficiency | Solar panel output | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharp Sunsnap ND F2Q235 | 14.40% | 325W | 25 years |
| Sharp NU-JC440 | 22.53% | 440W | 25 years |
| Sunpower Maxeon 6AC | 23% | 445W | 40 years |
| Project Solar Evo Max Super | 22.18% | 480W | Lifetime |
| JA Solar JAM73S30 | 22.1% | 585W | 12 years |
The SunPower Maxeon is a good option, as it has one of the highest efficiency rates on the market and comes with a generous 40-year warranty. The warranty even guarantees a power output of 88.3% in the 40th year, which means your solar panels will only degrade by 0.25% every year.
For energy-hungry households, JA Solar has designed a module that delivers 585W, which is one of the highest outputs for residential panels; however, JA Solar’s warranty is less than half that of a Sharp panel.
If you’re looking for a lengthy warranty, consider the Project Solar Evo Max. Project Solar UK is a popular choice for residential solar customers, as its panels have an output of 480W and a lifetime product and performance warranty. A project manager oversees each installation, and if you refer people to Project Solar and they complete installations through the company, you’ll receive up to £7,500 as a reward.
Sharp has been producing solar panels for 10 years (image credit: Sharp)
The Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 and the NU-JC 440 are two of the pricier models on the market. Here’s how they compare to other solar panels:
| Name | Output | Cost per panel |
|---|---|---|
| Sharp Sunsnap ND-FQ235 | 235W | Around £300 |
| Sharp NU-JC 440 | 440W | Around £300 |
| Panasonic HIT N 245W | 245W | From £250 |
| Project Solar Evo Max | 480W | Around £350 |
| JA Solar JAM72S30 | 585W | Around £100 |
Sharp solar panels don’t require much maintenance. If your panels become obscured by dirt, debris or dust, you can clean them from the ground with a hose. You can also use a soft cloth or a sponge and water, but you should avoid using chemical cleaners.
Sharp produces high-efficiency solar panels (image credit: Sharp)
You can expect your solar panels to pay back in 5 to 7 years, although the exact time varies depending on your location, installation cost, electricity use and whether you sell solar back to the grid.
If your solar panels generate enough electricity, they can be your sole energy source. However, factors such as cloudy days or increased power usage may mean you’ll need supplemental energy from the national grid.
Although solar panels may lose some efficiency after 30 years, most will still generate 85-90% of their potential. Warranties typically cover 20-25 years, guaranteeing 80% performance, and with proper care, panels can remain efficient for up to 40 years.
Solar panels don’t generate electricity at night, so you’ll need a battery to use stored energy. By investing in a battery, you can save daytime electricity and use it during the night.
To maximise savings, you should use as much of your generated power as possible. On days when your system produces excess energy, a solar battery can store it for later, boosting your savings and allowing you to sell surplus power back to the grid. However, solar batteries can be costly – ranging from £1,000 for a small 1.5kWh battery to a 5kWh battery for £4,000 – and they have a lifespan of about 10 years, so you should budget for future replacements.
