Types Of Solar Panels: What You Must Know in 2023

If you are wondering what types of solar panels are on the market and what is the difference between them, you came to the right place.

We all know that solar energy is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to power our homes. But with so many different types of solar panels available, it can be difficult to decide which type is right for you.

In this article, we’ll explore the different types of solar panels available and the pros and cons of each, so you can make an informed decision when it comes to choosing the right type of solar panel for your home solar system.

We will attempt to discuss these issues with a bit of humor, to brighten up your day (pun intended), without much industry specific lingo. So pull up a chair and lets jump on in.

5 Main Types of Solar Panels

Although newer technologies are being developed, there are 3 main types of solar panels being used today for home solar systems. There are also 2 adaptations to these panels that present their own pros and cons. Lets discuss these 5 and some of the benefits of each.

Monocrystalline Solar Panels

Monocrystalline solar panels are made up of a single silicon crystal and are the most efficient and expensive of the three main types of solar panels. They have a distinct dark blue color and are small in size. Monocrystalline solar panels have an average efficiency of 17-22%, which is higher than the other 3 main types of solar panels. They also have a longer lifespan of up to 25 years. The main upside to monocrystalline solar panels is their efficiency and long lifespan, but their downside is their high cost and their tendency to be less tolerant of shading and higher temperatures.

Polycrystalline Solar Panels

Polycrystalline solar panels are made up of multiple silicon crystals and have a distinctive blue-green hue. They are slightly less efficient than monocrystalline solar panels, with an average efficiency of 15-17%, but they are also less expensive.

Polycrystalline solar panels are also slightly larger in size than monocrystalline solar panels and have a shorter lifespan of around 15-20 years. The main upside to polycrystalline solar panels is their lower cost and higher tolerance of shading and higher temperatures. The downside is their lower efficiency and shorter lifespan.

Thin-Film Solar Panels

Thin-film solar panels, AKA flexible solar panels, are made up of multiple thin layers of photovoltaic material and are the least efficient and least expensive of the three types of solar panels. They have a unique color due to their thin layers of material and are much larger in size than monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels.

Thin-film solar panels have an average efficiency of 8-11%, and have a shorter lifespan of around 10-15 years. The main upside to thin-film solar panels is their lower cost, lightweight and ability to be placed in irregular locations. The drawbacks are their lower efficiency and shorter lifespan.

That means you’ll need more of them to generate enough power for your home, but they do come at a lower cost. Now a days, thin film solar panels are typically not used to power entire houses. They are most commonly used to power small cabins, RV’s, Boats, or appliances when off the grid.

These panels get their name from the thin layers of semiconductor materials used in them, commonly silicon, cadmium telluride, and copper indium gallium selenide.

There are three types of thin-film solar panels to choose from, lets take a quick look at all three.

• Amorphous Silicon (a-Si) has a low efficiency rate, so it’s best suited for smaller homes or projects, such as a solar-powered workshed.
• Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) has the lowest carbon footprint, water requirement, and energy payback time of all solar panel types. Unfortunately, these panels release toxic cells when inhaled or ingested, making them expensive and difficult to recycle.
• Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS) are more efficient than a-Si, but you will still need multiple panels to generate enough power for your home. On the plus side, many companies sell them at a lower cost.

The following 2 Types of Solar Panels use newer technologies in order for the solar panel to capture more sunlight and produce more power.

PERC Solar Panels

PERC solar cells are one of the latest revolution in solar technology. Not only do they produce 6 to 12 percent more energy than conventional solar panels, but they’re also incredibly easy to manufacture. That’s because PERC solar cells are just modified conventional cells, meaning they can be made using the same equipment, no specialized tools required!

The secret to their increased efficiency lies in the extra layer on the back of each cell. This layer reflects some of the sun’s rays back into the cell, giving them another chance to turn into energy. So with PERC solar cells, you get more bang for your buck, which means fewer panels needed to produce the same amount of electricity.

Bifacial Solar Panels

Bifacial solar panels are a type of solar panel that can absorb light from both sides. Unlike traditional solar panels, which are limited to capturing light from one side, bifacial solar panels have the ability to generate electricity from both the front and back of the panel.

Bifacial solar panels are more efficient than traditional mono-facial panels. Studies have shown that bifacial solar panels can be up to 30% more efficient than traditional mono-facial panels. This is due to the additional energy captured from the reflected light.

If you are more of a visual learner, feel free to watch the video below to learn the basics about the different types of solar panels.

Main Factors When Deciding What Type Of Solar Panel Is Best

If you’re looking to install solar panels and get on the clean, green, energy train, the type you choose will depend on your specific needs and circumstances. Let’s look at three key factors that will affect your decision:

• Cost: Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient and most expensive, polycrystalline panels are slightly less efficient but less expensive, and thin film solar panels are the least efficient but the cheapest.
• Size of your roof or area you can use for solar panels: If you have a limited space, you may want to go for the most efficient solar panel option. But if you have more space, it might be more cost-efficient to use lower efficiency panels.
• How much solar power you need: Are you trying to power your entire house, save a bit of money on your power bill, or just do your part in saving the environment? If you are wondering how much power does a solar panel produce, click the link to read more. Your specific goals will dictate the types of solar panels you need.

Other Considerations

There are a couple more considerations when deciding which solar panel is best for you. Some of the following details might seem minor, but they could be the difference in needing costly repairs to your solar panels and having your solar system continue operating efficiently.

• Temperature- As temperatures rise, solar panels may produce less energy. The impact of temperature on energy output can vary depending on the type of panel used.
  
  Monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels experience a decrease in energy output of between -0.3% to -0.5% for every 1°C rise over 25°C (77°F). On the other hand, thin-film panels are more resistant to temperature change and have a temperature coefficient of -0.2% / °C.
  
  So, if you’re looking for a solar panel for a hotter environment or place that receives more sunlight throughout the year, thin-film panels could be a great option!
• Fire Rating- Are you aware that if you install solar panels on your roof, you’ll need to make sure that they match the fire rating of your roof? That’s because international building codes require it to ensure that the panels don’t accelerate the spread of flames.
  
  Different panels come with a fire rating ranging from Class A to Class C. Class A provides the most protection against fire, with flames not able to spread more than 6 feet. Class B ensures flame spread will not exceed 8 feet and Class C ensures flames will not spread beyond 13 feet. That’s why it’s important to choose the right solar panel for your roof – to make sure your home is safe and secure!
• Hail Rating- Solar panels are put through the ringer to make sure they can handle whatever Mother Nature throws at them! If you don’t pay attention to the hail rating of your type of solar panel, you might end up in a hail of a situation.
  
  All solar panels must meet the UL 1703 and UL 61703 standards, which require that panels withstand hailstones dropping from a height of 51 inches and being fired at the panel from a pneumatic cannon with 1-inch ice balls. Crystalline panels are incredibly durable and can take on hailstones flying at a speed of up to 50mph, while thin-film solar panels, due to their thin and flexible nature, have a lower rating. So, no matter the weather, you can rest assured that your solar panels are ready to take it on!
• Hurricane Rating- The Department of Energy recently expanded their recommended design specifications to safeguard your solar panel system from severe weather. These new recommendations will help your solar panel system better withstand wind and snow loading, as well as other forces.
  
  For example, they recommend the use of true locking fasteners based on DIN 65151 standards, and 3-frame rail systems for improved rigidity. Plus, they suggest using tubular frames instead of open-shaped C channels, and perimeter fencing to slow down wind forces. We know installing a solar panel system is an investment, and these updated design specifications are here to make sure your solar setup is as safe and secure as possible.
• Light-Induced Degradation (LID)- This is a loss in performance commonly seen in crystalline panels during the first few hours of sun exposure. What’s happening? Sunlight is reacting with oxygen traces left over from the manufacturing process, which affects the silicon lattice structure.
  
  This can cause a reduction in performance of up to 3%. The good news? LID loss is directly tied to the manufacturing quality, so buy the best quality solar panels available and you won’t have much to worry about.

Solar Tracking Systems vs Fixed mounted

Solar trackers are designed to track the sun’s movement and adjust their angle throughout the day to capture the most energy possible. This allows for higher efficiency and more energy production than fixed-mounted panels. Solar trackers are also built to last longer and stand up to extreme weather better than fixed-mounted panels that may not have as much protection from the elements.

However, this increased efficiency comes at a cost. Solar trackers are much more expensive than fixed-mounted panels and require more complex installation and maintenance. They can cost 40-100% more than fixed mounted systems. That said, the higher efficiency of solar trackers can offset the higher cost if the energy produced is used to its full potential.

When it comes to how much more energy solar trackers can produce than fixed-mounted panels, studies have shown an increase in efficiency of 30-40%. That means that solar trackers can generate 30% more power than fixed-mounted solar panels, which can be a huge benefit to those looking to maximize their solar energy production.

Overall, it really comes down to what your specific needs and budget allow. If you’re looking to maximize the energy production from your solar system, solar trackers are the way to go. However, if cost is the main factor, fixed-mounted solar panels can still be a great option.

Conclusion

Solar panels are an excellent way to save money and help the environment at the same time. With so many different types of solar panels available, it is important to do your research and consider the different options in order to find the best type of solar panel for your specific circumstances.

Whether you go with monocrystalline, polycrystalline, PERC, bifacial, or thin-film solar panels, you can be sure you’ll be making an environmentally friendly and cost-effective choice! Thanks for reading! we hope this information has been helpful in helping you make the best solar panel choice for you.