Are the Components in Your New Solar Panel System Reliable?

Not all solar systems are created equal,  and more often than not, the difference lies in the quality of the components. Panels, inverters, and batteries each play a critical role in your system’s performance, longevity, and return on investment.

If you’re considering solar panel installation or comparing quotes, it’s vital to look beyond price tags and ask: are the components reliable — and will they still perform a decade from now?

Let’s take a closer look.

Solar Panel Installers might get you a great price but what about the products they install? We ask, are the components in your new solar panel system reliable?

Solar Panels: More Durable, More Efficient — But Not All Equal

The core of any solar PV system is, of course, the panel itself. Modern solar panel technology has come a long way, from bulky, low-efficiency modules to today's sleek, high-yield, glass-glass or half-cut cell panels.

Most panels now offer conversion efficiencies above 20%, with warranties of 25 years or more. But these warranties only mean something if the manufacturer is still around to honour them. Unfortunately, we’ve seen plenty of systems installed with no-name panels from unknown suppliers that are now impossible to trace — and impossible to replace.

At Wright Renewables, we only specify panels from well-established brands with a proven track record, robust UK support, and independently verified performance claims. We also avoid panels with plastic back sheets, which are more prone to moisture damage and degradation.

🔗 Learn more about our solar PV systems

Inverters: The Silent Workhorse of Every System

The inverter is the most complex and hardest-working part of a solar system. It converts DC electricity from your panels into usable AC for your home — and quietly handles all the power balancing in the background.

Cheaper inverters can be a real weak link. They may run hot, suffer frequent faults, or underperform in partial shading conditions. And as inverters tend to last 10–15 years, choosing a poor-quality one means you could be facing a replacement bill far sooner than you expected.

Technology has also moved on. Today’s premium inverters offer smart monitoring, hybrid battery inputs, and modular scalability. Not only are these new systems offer better efficiency, but provide peace of mind with UK support and active software development.

Our advice? Make sure your inverter is fit for future upgrades — including the addition of a battery — and has a strong warranty from a recognisable brand.

Batteries: The Fastest-Evolving Component

Battery technology has seen the most dramatic evolution in recent years, from clunky lead-acid boxes to sleek lithium-ion and LFP units with full app control and smart charging capabilities.

But with rapid change comes a wide range of quality. Some battery brands are optimised for short-term gain, promising big savings but delivering poor lifespan, unreliable apps, and minimal support. Others have limited compatibility, locking you into one manufacturer’s ecosystem.

Reliable battery systems today should offer:

  • Long cycle life (ideally 6,000+ cycles)
  • UK-based support and certification
  • Integration with grid services
  • Scalable storage if your needs grow

We install systems from brands that are leading the way, not just riding the trend.

Why It All Matters

Choosing a system with reliable, proven components doesn’t just reduce the risk of failure. It:

  • Improves long-term energy yield
  • Minimises downtime and costly replacements
  • Increases property resale value
  • Ensures eligibility for future grid incentives or upgrades

At Wright Renewables — part of the Wright Group of Companies, established in 1986 — we’ve built our reputation on only specifying products we’d be happy to install in our own homes. We’re not interested in the latest fad or the cheapest deal. We’re here to design systems that just work, year after year.

Want Peace of Mind?

Let us review your solar quote or help you plan your system from scratch. We’ll talk you through the components, explain the pros and cons, and make sure you’re set up for a bright, reliable future.

Get in touch – no pressure, just proper advice.

Thank you! We will reach out soon

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form