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Sharp makes highly efficient mono panels, including the Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235. (Credit: Sharp)
Sharp has been a trusted name in the solar industry for about 60 years. The Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235, introduced to the market in 2012, is one of the best-selling solar panels worldwide because it features a rail-free mounting system. Not only does this mean the panels are much easier to install, but it also ensures they blend in with your roof seamlessly. Sharp has also streamlined and simplified the wiring to make installation easier.
These solar panels are popular among homeowners thanks to the brand’s reputation. Sharp is known for producing high-quality panels and selling them with a generous 25-year guarantee. In the first year, the panels have a guaranteed output of 98% and a minimum of 85% by year 25. The maximum annual degradation after one year is 0.54%.
This 60-cell panel design delivers 14.4% efficiency and a power output of 235 W. This makes it a good option for homeowners with limited energy needs.
The Sunsnap’s half-cell technology also makes it suitable for different weather conditions. If your panels are covered halfway, perhaps because of snow, they can still absorb sunlight and generate electricity. In terms of wind resistance, the Sunsnap measures up to the industry standard due to its robust frames and auto-grounding connections.
Technical information
The Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 features monocrystalline silicon solar cells with half-cells. This design guarantees energy production even if half the panel is covered, providing optimal performance and value for customers. The solar module features a rail-free mounting assembly from Zep Solar for easy and low-cost installation.
- Power: 235 W
- Efficiency: 14.4%
- Warranty: 10-year limited warranty on materials and workmanship; 25-year limited warranty on power output
- Cost per panel: From £300 (excluding installation)
Key features
- Highlights: The Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 solar panel is a cost-effective and buildable introduction to solar energy and is versatile enough for any property and roof type.
- What it does: The panel uses monocrystalline half-cells to increase sunlight absorption and provide high performance even on cloudy days.
- Warranty: This solar panel is covered by Sharp’s 10-year warranty on workmanship and materials, as well as a 25-year limited warranty on power output.
- Cost: These panels cost about £300 each, depending on where you buy them. You’ll also need to factor in installation costs and your home’s energy needs.
Pros and cons
All solar panels have pros and cons you should be aware of before making a purchase.
Here are the advantages of choosing the Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235:
- Low-profile design: These solar panels are known for being discreet, low profile and attractive. They easily blend in with any roof and they’re easy to install. This makes them ideal for listed buildings.
- Long warranty period: These solar panels have a 10-year limited warranty on materials and workmanship and a 25-year limited warranty on power output. By year 25, the power output should be at least 85% of what it was originally.
- Durability: Thanks to their design, these Sharp solar panels can withstand potential-induced degradation. Their coating protects them from salt corrosion and rust – ideal for coastal homes.
- Heritage brand: Having been in operation for several decades and being the first company to develop solar cells, Sharp has an excellent reputation for producing quality solar products and supporting customers in different regions.
- Adapts to different weather conditions: The Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 solar panel is efficient in all weather conditions. Its anti-reflection material increases light absorption even on cloudy days and the cells produce energy even when they are half covered by snow.
The Sunsnap does have some potential disadvantages, including:
- Efficiency: These panels have an efficiency rating of 14.4%. Other brands sell more efficient products.
- Costly: Compared to similar solar panels on the market, the Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 is expensive at £300. You might be better off choosing a cheaper alternative if you have a limited budget and need a lot of panels.
- Power output deterioration: The Sunsnap’s power output drops significantly in the first year (by up to 0.54%) and continues to reduce annually, which is not ideal if you are looking for a long-lasting solar system.
How does the Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 work?
The Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235’s solar photovoltaic cells convert sunlight into electrical energy. The panels are made from monocrystalline cells and thin-film, which makes them highly flexible. This means they can be installed either in landscape or portrait orientation, which is ideal for roofs that are small or complex.
Each module works on its own, so you only need one panel to kickstart your conversion to solar energy. This is ideal if you’re on a tight budget, as you can grow your system over time.
How does the Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 compare to other solar panels?
In many ways, the Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 is outperformed by other solar panels on the UK market, such as the Longi HiMo4 and the SunPower Maxeon 3. These panels are more efficient and generate more power output. They also degrade less over the years.
The Longi HiMo4 has an efficiency of 19.5–21.0%, much higher than the Sunsnap’s 14.4%. Longi guarantees the HiMo4 will generate 84.8% of its original power output after 25 years, which makes it a good investment considering its low price of £100 to £165.
The other alternative is the SunPower Maxeon 3. This option is ranked as one of the most efficient solar panels on the market at 19.8–22.8%. The Maxeon 3 is also more cost-effective in the long term because it’s more efficient and has a 40-year guarantee. While the Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 has a 0.54% annual degradation after the first year, SunPower’s Maxeon 3 degrades by just 0.25% annually.
Despite these comparisons, the Sunsnap is still a great option for specific homeowners as it offers so much flexibility when it comes to installation.
How much does the Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 cost?
In addition to the cost of your solar panels, you also need to think about the price of hiring a professional installer. On top of that, you may need to buy equipment components and battery storage.
The Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 costs about £300, but your energy requirements will determine how many panels you need.
Let’s compare how the price of this solar panel compares to others on the market.
| Manufacturer | Price | Power output |
|---|---|---|
| Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 | From £300 | 235 W |
| Longi HiMo4 | From £100 to £165 | 350–380 W |
| SunPower Maxeon 3 | From £350 | 355–430 W |
How to install the Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 solar panel
The Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 is incredibly easy to install thanks to its frame design and module mounting system. When designing the Sunsnap, Sharp simplified and streamlined the positioning, mounting and wiring. Installing the Sunsnap will cost less than other solar systems.
How to maintain the Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 solar panel
These solar panels are easy to maintain. If they are covered by debris, dust or dirt, you can easily clean them from the ground using a hose. You can also use a sponge or soft cloth and water to wipe away dust.
Ensure you clean your Sunsnap panels every six months to keep them running optimally. When cleaning, avoid using chemical detergents that would affect the surface of the panels. If you need help with maintenance, talk to a certified installer.
What the professionals say
“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.”
“Sharp is a safe bet, and discreet solar panels are particularly good for anyone in a listed building or a neighbourhood with strict aesthetics.”
“Sharp’s panels offer standard performance with 14.4% efficiency and 235 W production for 60 polycrystalline cells but stand out with 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.”
What customers say
“I am slowly building a solar backup system. I made no mistake in ordering these panels. They are very good, and they came to me in a special delivery truck with no other items in the back. Outstanding.”
- Desert, Amazon
“No one tells you about the need to get up and clean bird poop and other things that stick to the panel surface to maintain efficiency.”
- Stephen, Solar Quotes
“Require annual cleaning to maintain peak performance.”
Heather, Solar Quotes
Final recommendation
The Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 is an ideal option for many homeowners, particularly those with limited budgets and specific aesthetic requirements. They adapt well to different weather conditions and can be installed with ease and flexibility. They also come with a 25-year warranty on power output.
Sharp is a trusted name in the solar industry, but the Sunsnap range is outperformed by other products on the market in terms of power output, efficiency and degradation. However, these panels will appeal to homeowners with specific requirements and low budgets. For example, you might only be able to afford to install one module at a time, and the Sunsnap system lets you do this. Or perhaps you have a listed property that necessitates a discreet and subtle solar panel aesthetic.
As always, we recommend weighing up the pros and cons and considering other solar panels on the market before making a final decision.
Our methodology
To create this Sharp Sunsnap ND-F2Q235 solar panel review, we analysed the product’s technical specifications as well as multiple customer reviews, forum contributions and media articles. We then created a 100-point scoring system to rate the Sharp Sunsnap solar panel.
- The power rating of the solar panel, for a maximum score of 10 points;
- The efficiency of the solar panel, for a maximum score of 15 points;
- The pricing of each solar panel, for a maximum score of 10 points;
- The length of the warranty, for a maximum score of 10 points;
- Service and support, for a maximum score of five points;
- Durability, for a maximum score of 15 points;
- Design, for a maximum score of five points;
- Performance, for a maximum score of 15 points; and
- Online ratings and reviews, for a maximum score of 15 points.