Making the switch to solar power is exciting, but you’ll have to do some research first. There are different variations of solar panels that offer various pros and cons. Check out this guide to understand the different types of solar panels to make the best decision for your home or business.
What Are the Three Types of Solar Panels?
Solar panels accomplish one job — they turn sunlight into electricity. However, people need different things from their installation and usage. Experts created three types of solar panels to serve those needs:
- Monocrystalline solar panels are made from a single crystal of silicon, which gives them a higher efficiency than polycrystalline panels. However, they are also more expensive.
- Polycrystalline solar panels are made from multiple crystals of silicon, which makes them less expensive than monocrystalline panels. However, they are also less efficient.
- Thin-film solar panels are made from a thin layer of semiconductor material, such as amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride, or copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS). They are the least expensive type of solar panel, but they are also the least efficient.
In addition to the three main types of solar panels, there are also a number of other types of solar panels available, such as:
- Concentrating solar power (CSP) panels use mirrors or lenses to focus sunlight onto a small area, heating a fluid that generates steam to turn a turbine. CSP panels are more efficient than traditional solar panels but are also more expensive and require more land.
- Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) panels are solar panels that are integrated into the design of a building. BIPV panels can be used to generate electricity, provide shade, and improve the appearance of a building.
- Floating solar panels are solar panels that are installed on bodies of water. Floating solar panels can help to reduce evaporation and provide shade for fish and other aquatic life.
It may be challenging to spot the difference between these panels visually, so it’s best to understand why they may or may not be suitable for your house or business.
What Are Their Advantages?
These are the most significant advantages of each type of panel. Depending on how you use them, they can transform any house or business into a climate-friendly property.
Advantages of Monocrystalline Solar Panels
- High-efficiency: Properties that use intense amounts of electricity daily need the most efficient panels possible. Monocrystalline tops the charts with 15-20% efficiency at optimal conditions, so you’ll get the most use for your investment.
- Long lifespan: Monocrystalline solar panels have a long lifespan, with warranties of up to 25 years. This means that you can be confident that your solar panels will continue to generate electricity for many years to come.
- Space-efficient: Monocrystalline solar panels are more space-efficient than other types of solar panels. This is because they are made from a single crystal of silicon, which allows for more efficient use of space.
- Durable: Monocrystalline solar panels are durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions. This makes them a good choice for areas with hot, sunny climates or areas with cold winters.
- Aesthetically pleasing: Monocrystalline solar panels are available in a variety of colors, including black, blue, and silver. This makes them a good choice for homes and businesses that want to add a touch of style to their solar installation.
Advantages of Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Cost-effective: Polycrystalline is more budget-friendly. The material is less costly during production, so consumers reap the rewards when placing orders. These panels also work with most of the eight standard solar panel installation methods, which include:
- Roof mounts
- Ground mounts
- Pole mounts
- Solar shelters
- Solar shade awnings
- Parking lot solar canopies
- Building-integrated systems
- Detached garages
They serve residential and commercial purposes well because they minimize costs and fit with however consumers want to install them.
Other benefits include:
- Versatility: Polycrystalline solar panels can be used in a variety of applications, including residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar projects.
- Reliability: Polycrystalline solar panels are reliable and can withstand harsh weather conditions. This makes them a good choice for areas with hot, sunny climates or areas with cold winters.
- Long-lasting: Polycrystalline solar panels have a long lifespan, with warranties of up to 25 years. This means that you can be confident that your solar panels will continue to generate electricity for many years to come.
Advantages of Thin-Film Solar Panels
Thin-film panels are flexible and lightweight. They power many Eco-friendly structures by attaching to the client’s roof, even if it has a custom shape. It’s an excellent choice for anyone with limited roof space or angular pitches.
What Are Their Disadvantages?
Keep these essential factors in mind when purchasing your future solar panels to get the best panels for your green energy needs.
Disadvantages of Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Due to their material and efficiency, monocrystalline panels are the most expensive option. They may not be the best choice for anyone looking to create a solar farm or cover the roof of a manufacturing plant.
Disadvantages of Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Polycrystalline panels are less efficient than monocrystalline alternatives. They typically aren’t the first option for consumers looking to make the most significant difference in their carbon footprint.
They also require more extensive surface areas for installation. Smaller homes and businesses may find better paneling options in monocrystalline or thin-film products.
Disadvantages of Thin-Film Solar Panels
Due to their use of thin sheets of photovoltaic cells and silicon, thin-film panels will degrade more quickly than other models. They’ll withstand varying weather conditions but may have a shorter life span if you live in an area with extreme weather patterns.
If none of these options fit the budget for your residential solar panel project, free solar programs could accomplish the same job at no cost to you. You can join other families in preventing 315,000 tons of greenhouse gases from poisoning the atmosphere every year.
What Does Each Type Look Like?
Monocrystalline panels have black cells that often blend into traditional roofing materials like asphalt shingles. They can have frames in different colors but most often come in white, black, or silver varieties.
Polycrystalline panels appear more bluish in hue. The silicon reflects light differently because each cell has a different structure than monocrystalline wafers within those panels. You can also order back sheets and frames in different colors.
Thin-film solar panels are easy to morph into various shapes. The material is flexible, so consumers often order them in flat sheets or cylindrical panels.
How Much Do They Cost?
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is a non-profit organization that collects data regarding the development and use of solar technology. They recently found that an average six-kilowatt (kW) residential system costs around $18,000 for materials and installation, but how does that differ per type?
Anyone purchasing a monocrystalline panel will pay $1-1.50 per watt for their project’s scope. If you’ll need the standard six-kilowatt system, that would total $6,000-9,000.
Consumers interested in polycrystalline will pay less for the more affordable materials. A single watt from this type of solar panel will cost $0.90-1 each, leading to a final installation fee of $5,400-6,000.
Thin-film panels condense their technology, so they fall in the middle of these estimates. Eco-friendly buyers often receive quotes for $1-1.20 per watt, but prices can be higher in different regions. It depends on where you live and who you choose as your supplier.
Remember each paneling type’s various efficiency rates and coverage capabilities while comparing their estimated fees. The best option will consider your budget, your daily energy usage, and how much surface area you need to cover.
Understand Different Solar Panels
People may think that understanding the different types of solar panels is tricky, but it’s much easier when you break them down into pros, cons, and costs.
Think about how you’ll use your solar panels, how much you can afford for your project, and where the installation will happen to determine the best equipment for the job.
