Sharp Sunsnap solar panels review

Sharp Sunsnap is an effective solar panel produced by a heritage company, but how does it stack up against other solar panel systems?

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.

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Technical information

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.

  • Range: 440W
  • Efficiency: 22.53%
  • Warranty: 25-year product and 30-year performance warranties
  • Cost per panel: Around £300 (excluding installation)

Key features 

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. 

Pros and cons

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:

  • Appearance: Sharp’s panels have an aesthetically pleasing all-black design.
  • Durability: Sharp built their solar panels to withstand potential-induced degradation, which is reflected by their warranty. The panels have a coating to protect them from rust and salt corrosion, making the NU-JC440a solid option for coastal homes.
  • Suitability for all weather: Sharp coats its solar cells with an anti-reflection coating to increase the absorption of light on cloudy days.
  • A heritage brand with a stellar reputation: Sharp has been in the solar industry for more than 60 years, providing great customer support across the UK and Europe.

However, there are a few disadvantages to the Sharp NU-JC440 panel that you should take into account:

  • Cost: The Sharp NU-JC440 costs £300 per panel, making it expensive compared with similar solar modules. 
  • Output: The Sharp NU-JC440 is not the most powerful on the market, delivering a maximum of 440W. Other models have higher outputs and lower price tags.

How the Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 and NU-JC440 solar panels work

sharp solar cells

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.

Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 and NU-JC440 add-ons

To enhance the system’s performance, Sharp’s half-cell panel modules include three junction boxes with a bypass diode.

How does the Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 solar panel compare to other solar panels?

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 brandEfficiencySolar panel outputWarranty
Sharp Sunsnap ND F2Q23514.40%325W25 years
Sharp NU-JC44022.53%440W25 years
Sunpower Maxeon 6AC23%445W40 years
Project Solar Evo Max Super22.18%480WLifetime
JA Solar JAM73S3022.1%585W12 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 solar panels installed on a house roof

Sharp has been producing solar panels for 10 years (image credit: Sharp)

What do the Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 and NU-JC440 cost?

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:

NameOutputCost per panel
Sharp Sunsnap ND-FQ235235WAround £300
Sharp NU-JC 440440WAround £300
Panasonic HIT N 245W245WFrom £250
Project Solar Evo Max480WAround £350
JA Solar JAM72S30585WAround £100

Maintaining Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 and NU-JC440 solar panels

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 solar panel product shot

Sharp produces high-efficiency solar panels (image credit: Sharp)

Solar Panels FAQs

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.

Rachel is a seasoned writer who has been producing online and print content for seven years.

As a home tech expert for Independent Advisor, Rachel researches and writes buying guides and reviews, helping consumers navigate the realms of broadband and home security gadgets. Rachel also covers home tech for The Federation of Master Builders, where she reviews and tests home security devices.

She started as a news and lifestyle journalist in Hong Kong reporting on island-wide news stories, food and drink and the city’s events. She’s written for editorial platforms Sassy Hong Kong, Localiiz and Bay Media. While in Hong Kong she attended PR events, interviewed local talent and project-managed photoshoots.

Rachel holds a BA in English Language and Creative Writing and is committed to simplifying tech jargon and producing unbiased reviews.