- Fast facts
- Key features
- Pros and cons
- How do Sharp SunSnap ND-F2Q235 panels work?
- Sharp versus its competitors
- How much do Sharp SunSnap ND-F2Q235 solar panels cost?
- Quotation and installation
- Solar panel maintenance
- What the experts say
- Customer reviews
- Our recommendation
- How we chose the best solar panels in the UK
- Solar panel FAQs
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The Sharp SunSnap ND-F2Q235 solar panels are one of the top five solar panel products in the UK, offering one of the best seamless designs and easy installation. What’s more, Sharp’s products are slightly cheaper than its competitors—which might lead customers to question how good they really are.
To solve this query, our unbiased Sharp SunSnap ND-F2Q235 solar panels review covers how this product works and how its quality compares to others on the market. We analyse everything from cost and installation to efficiency and design. We also look at what the experts say, as well as previous customers, to help us offer our honest recommendation.
History of Sharp
Sharp is a long-standing brand that has been around for 110 years, making it one of the world’s most trusted and reliable solar panel suppliers. The company has been manufacturing solar photovoltaic (PV) panels for 60 years and is still one of the leading brands on the market.
Sharp has a wide-ranging solar technology portfolio for residential, commercial, and free-field installations. Its PV panels offer 30 years of excellent performance, so if you’re looking for a long-lasting solution, Sharp is the right brand.
Since Sharp began making solar panels, the brand has produced 15.4 gigawatts of power. This has led to a total of 168 megatons of carbon dioxide avoidance. Sharp’s solar panels are certified by a range of respected organisations, including Germany’s Association for Technical Inspection (TUV) and the Association of German Technical Engineers (VDE), showcasing the brand as a respected solar panels supplier.
Fast facts about Sharp SunSnap ND-FQ235 solar panels
- Range: 235 W
- Maximum module efficiency: 14.4%
- Number of cells: 60-cell panel design
- Power tolerance: Positive only power tolerance of +5% (+11.75 W)
- Warranty: Limited peak power warranty of 25 years
- Weight: 21.2 kg
- Dimensions: 994 mm x 1640 mm x 53 mm
- Cost: From £300 per panel
Key features
- Overall cost: From £5,400 for 14 panels without installation on an average roof
- Type: Polycrystalline silicon solar panels with a Zep Compatible frame design
- Aesthetic: Sleek black frame with rail-free mounting
- Power output guarantee: 25 years
- Materials and workmanship guarantee: 10 years
Upsides and downsides of Sharp SunSnap ND-FQ235 solar panels
Before deciding on which solar panels to purchase, it is important to understand the pros and cons of each model. Here are the upsides and downsides of the Sharp SunSnap ND-FQ235 that we found during our research.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
Discreet, versatile design |
Not the most powerful solar panels on the UK market |
|
Trusted brand |
No add-on options |
|
Straightforward installation |
Power degradation is high with the output dropping by 4% in the first year |
|
No need for mounting rails |
Expensive compared to similar models |
How do Sharp SunSnap ND-F2Q235 panels work?
Homeowners favour the best-selling Sharp SunSnap ND-F2Q35 solar panels for the sleek, rail-free mounting system, which blends seamlessly with any roof. The SunSnap panels also have a durable Zep Compatible frame, which eliminates the need for mounting rails, improving the appearance and offering grounding connections and theft resistance.
These solar panels have a 60-cell polycrystalline panel design, producing 235 W of power. The module efficiency, which is the percentage of electricity converted when the sun hits the panels, can reach 14.4%. It’s not the best rating on the market compared to other brands, which offer up to 25% efficiency.
The SunSnap system provides a positive only power tolerance level of +5%. Power tolerance measures how much electrical power is produced from solar panels above or below the rated capacity, so with the SunSnap panels you can rest assured that you will get all the wattage you pay for.
The Sharp SunSnap panels are protected with a power output warranty of up to 25 years, plus a 10-year warranty on materials and workmanship.
Sharp versus its competitors
Here we compare Sharp with some of the best solar panel suppliers in the UK. While they’re behind in terms of efficiency, the Sharp SunSnap ND-F2Q335 solar panels are the heaviest option, making them one of the most durable. They are also the most aesthetically pleasing solar panels, with a discreet rail-free design. In addition, they’re one of the easiest solar panel systems to install, due to the drop-in and quarter-turn connections that can be fitted much more quickly than other panels.
| Product | Maximum output | Warranty | Efficiency | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sharp SunSnap ND-F2Q235 |
235 W |
25 years |
14.40% |
21.2kg |
|
SunPower Maxeon 3 |
400 W |
40 years |
22.60% |
19 kg |
|
Project Solar Evolution Elite |
415 W |
Lifetime |
19.34% |
20 kg |
How much do Sharp SunSnap ND-F2Q235 solar panels cost?
UK homeowners should expect to pay anywhere between £900 for a one-bedroom property with six panels and £5,400 for 14 solar panels for a home with five bedrooms. This includes materials and labour, and is based on Sharp SunSnap’s starting price of £300 per panel.
The cost may vary depending on the type and size of your roof, as this may affect how long it takes to install the panels. The roof shape and direction are other factors, along with the energy required to power the home.
Sharp’s SunSnap solar panels feature an easy-fit design, making them much quicker and therefore possibly cheaper to install.
The table below sets out a cost comparison between the Sharp SunSnap ND-F2Q325, the SunPower Maxeon 3, and Project Solar’s Evolution Elite solar panels.
| Product | Overall cost (14 panels) | Cost per panel |
|---|---|---|
|
Sharp SunSnap ND-F2Q235 |
£5,400 |
From £300 |
|
SunPower Maxeon 3 |
£6,170 |
From £355 |
|
Project Solar Evolution Elite |
£8,000 |
Per-panel price not given |
If the Sharp SunSnap solar panels are not within your budget, but you still want to benefit from solar technology, you should look at what grants might be available to you. The UK Government is offering solar panel grants to vulnerable and low-income households as part of the ECO4 initiative, which includes £4 billion spread across four years, from 2022 to 2026. Eligibility will be decided by local councils.
Quotation and installation
Sharp is known for its excellent sales process, high-quality customer service, and quick installation. The process from getting a quote to installation follows these steps:
Solar panel maintenance
The Sharp SunSnap solar panels are fairly low-maintenance—they only need to be cleaned every six to 12 months to improve efficiency. You may need to hire a professional to do this more often if you live in a high-pollution area. We recommend contacting Sharp, as they provide a solar panel maintenance service, which includes washing the panels with purified water to ensure optimum efficiency.
If your panels are not working as efficiently or you notice a build-up of debris, you can use a hose to clean off the debris without having to climb on the roof. However, professional cleaning is also important, as this will help you improve your panels’ energy output.
What the experts say
Here are some expert reviews on Sharp’s SunSnap panels:
“While not the most cost-effective option on this list, Sharp’s 235 Watt SunSnap ND-F2Q235 is one of the most sold panels in the world and one of the favourite high-end options for homeowners. Sharp’s panels offer standard performance with 14.4% efficiency and 235-watt production for 60 polycrystalline cells. This product stands out with the Zep Compatible frames for rail-free mounting (so the panels have a lower profile), sleek appearance, and backskin to ensure that the panels blend in with roofs. This makes Sharp’s SunSnap an ideal solution for homeowners in search of quality solar panels with a low profile that won’t greatly affect the appearance of the home.” —Expertsure
“Sharp is another long-standing brand in the solar and consumer electronics markets, and this reputation, coupled with its 25-year warranty, makes it a safe bet. You know what you’re getting with Sharp, and its discreet, rail-free mounting system is perfect for anyone in an urban area—and those living in a listed home or in a neighbourhood with strict home aesthetic requirements.” —EcoWatch
“Sharp is a safe bet, and discreet solar panels are particularly good for anyone in a listed building or neighbourhood with strict aesthetics.” —Green.Car
Customer reviews
Sharp has 30 ratings with a score of 4.2 out of 5 on Solar Quotes. Most reviews are positive, although there are some negative reviews that focus on maintenance and the solar panels’ low maximum wattage.
“Only wish we had installed more.” —Alison via Solar Quotes
“Performance certainly reduces on really hot days, but I think this might be common. [The] best I have seen is just over 1600 watts on a cold but clear day.” —Ken via Solar Quotes
“After [two] years, the max. wattage never appears to go above 1300 watts (from a 1.5 kw system), and right now in September, it is 1150 to 1200.” —Donald via Solar Quotes
Our recommendation
After producing PV modules for 60 years, Sharp is one the most respected brands in the solar industry, so it’s no wonder this product is considered one of the best solar panel options on the market. Sharp’s SunSnap solar panels have become popular due to their low price tag and discreet design.
If your priority is aesthetics rather than performance, the Sharp SunSnap ND-F2Q235 panels are ideal. Their rail-free mounting system and sleek appearance blend seamlessly with any roof type. The Zep Compatible system also ensures quick and fuss-free installation, which not only saves time but also reduces labour costs.
How we chose the best solar panels in the UK
We conducted thorough research and compared some of the top-rated solar panels UK suppliers to help us offer an honest and informative Sharp SunSnap ND-F2Q235 solar panels review. To do this, we looked at costs, product quality, warranty terms, customer reviews, and expert opinions. This enabled us to develop our own view of Sharp’s SunSnap solar panels system.
Frequently asked questions about solar panels
How do solar panels work?
Most residential solar panel systems utilise something called the photovoltaic effect. Solar panels are constructed of cells made with semiconducting materials such as silicon. When light hits the cells, photons in the electromagnetic radiation from the sun heat them up, which causes electrons to start moving. This movement creates an electric current, which is then captured by plates and wires within the solar panel in the form of a direct current (DC) electrical charge. An inverter connected to the solar panels converts the DC into alternating current (AC), which can then be used to power all of the electric appliances in your house.
Are solar panels worth it?
In short, yes—solar panels can be a worthwhile investment thanks to a number of factors, including a decrease in cost over the last decade, the savings that can be made on rapidly rising energy bills, income from excess electricity sold back to the grid via the Smart Export Guarantee, and advancements in solar panel technology that have made them more efficient using less space. To find out if solar panels are worth it, read our guide here.
Do solar panels work in the UK?
While the amount of electricity that can be produced by solar panels varies in different parts of the UK—a system in the south of England will typically be more efficient than a system in Scotland, for instance—they do work well across the nation. It is said that if you can see outside without artificial light, your solar panels are working. This is because they do not need direct sunlight to work. This means solar panels work even in the rain, on cloudy days, and during the winter when it is snowing—all typical weather conditions seen throughout the UK.