Can anybody help with which are the most reliable and efficient batteries they have found to use with a roof mounted solar panel system.  any help greatly appreciated

I'd go for deep cycle lead acid gell cells myself. They seem to have the highest energy density. If too expensive then any deep cycle (or "traction") battery. Don't bother with the convnetional car "starter" batteries, they are designed to give a burst of high amperage to the starter motor but will fade quickly in constant demand uses.
As to the brand??? yes well any.....

thanks foryour help, greatly appreciated

Really the pleasure is all mine