LONGi vs REC Solar Panels
Head-to-head comparison for UK homes in 2026.
| Spec | LONGi | REC |
|---|---|---|
| Country | China | Norway |
| Tier | mid-range | premium |
| Efficiency | 22.3% | 22.2% |
| Product Warranty | 15 years | 25 years |
| Performance Warranty | 25 years | 25 years |
| Degradation Rate | 0.4%/yr | 0.25%/yr |
| Price per kW (GBP, installed) | £1,425-£1,700 | £1,600-£1,950 |
| Panel Wattage | 445W | 430W |
| Cell Type | HPBC Monocrystalline | HJT Monocrystalline |
| Best For | Homeowners wanting top-tier technology at a mid-range price point | Quality-focused homeowners wanting premium European engineering |
LONGi
Pros
- + World's largest mono-silicon producer (vertically integrated)
- + Industry-leading efficiency
- + 15-year product warranty
- + Heavy R&D investment
- + Excellent degradation rate
Cons
- - Slightly more expensive than Jinko/Trina
- - Chinese-manufactured
- - Some installers prefer other brands for availability
REC
Pros
- + 25-year product AND performance warranty
- + Excellent low-light and temperature performance (suits UK weather)
- + Norwegian engineering, Singapore manufacturing
- + Lead-free, RoHS compliant
- + Favoured by premium installers
Cons
- - Premium pricing
- - Less widely available than Tier-1 Chinese brands
- - Fewer installer options