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The decision to go solar is an easy one for many homeowners . Ultimately, reducing dependence on fossil fuels is a no-brainer. Unfortunately, the science involved is not that easy to understand, and solar panel research involves a lot of technical terms and concepts that we don't encounter in our busy day-to-day lives.
We understand that you want to know which type of solar panel will work best, reduce your carbon footprint and save you money on your energy bill. That's why we researched the best solar installation companies in the United States and in the solar industry in general. This guide will demystify the jargon surrounding the main types of solar panels and explain the design, materials and efficiency ratings to help you choose the best solar panel for your home.
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What are the different types of solar panels?
Now that you know the science behind solar panels, read on to learn more about the most popular types of solar panels when shopping for a solar system.
Monocrystalline panel
Monocrystalline solar panels are one of the most popular solar panel options. This type of panel currently has the highest efficiency rate , an average of 24%, and an average lifespan of between 25 and 40 years, longer than other solar panels.
Monocrystalline solar cells follow a manufacturing process that produces pure, non-toxic and stable blocks of silicon. This single crystalline silicon is cut from the ingot to produce a silicon wafer. This process results in a very efficient and environmentally friendly product.
Monopanels, as they are often called, have a dark black color, which makes them easy to integrate into the color palette and design of your home. For example, if you are interested in tile or solar roofs, you will probably choose monocrystalline panels.
Polycrystalline panel
Polycrystalline solar panels are made up of several silicon crystals rather than just one. Bits of silicon are melted and cast into molds, creating limited waste, to produce polycrystalline solar cells.
However, because they use less pure silicon, they are more efficient than monocrystalline panels. This panel has an average efficiency of around 20%. Other disadvantages of polycrystalline include low heat tolerance and a short average lifespan of 25-35 years.
The polycrystalline panels can be recognized by their blue color. If you choose polycrystalline solar panels, you will need a larger roof because they require more space than monocrystalline solar panels.
Thin film panel
Thin film panels are a new type of solar panel that are less commonly used than monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Thin film solar panels are less efficient, with an average efficiency of 19% and last between 10 and 20 years.
Thin film panels get their name from the thin layer of semiconductor material they use . Ingredients include silicon, cadmium telluride and copper, indium and gallium selenide . These materials spread in the form of a film on a surface. Companies often sell thin film panels in standard sizes of 60, 72 and 96 cells .
Thin film panels are black, flat and flexible in shape and size, and have the sleekest appearance of the three panel types. However, because they are much less efficient, you will need much more of them to generate enough electricity for your home. However, companies usually sell at lower prices .
There are three types of thin film panels:
- Amorphous silicon ( a-Si ): The silicon in this type of solar panel is not structured at the molecular level, as is the case with mono- or polycrystalline panels. This design gives a-Si cells relatively low efficiency figures. This thin film solar panel is best suited for projects such as small homes or solar powered workplaces.
- Cadmium telluride ( CdTe ): CdTe has the lowest carbon footprint, water requirement and energy payback time of all solar panel types. However, CDT releases toxic cells when inhaled or ingested. This problem makes recycling expensive and complicated.
- Copper, Indium, Gallium Selenide (CIGS): CIGS panels use layers of copper, indium, gallium and selenium on glass or plastic. The combination of these materials achieves the highest efficiency among thin film panels, but still lacks efficiency compared to crystalline silicon panels.
How do solar panels work?
A solar panel is a device that collects the sun's energy and converts it into electricity through another device called an electrical signal .
Solar cells make up solar panels . Each solar cell consists of a layer of silicon. This layer of silicon creates an electric field from the electrons inside the solar panel , which creates direct current (DC). This conversion of electrons from solar energy into electricity is called photovoltaic .
The direct current then passes through the solar system 's inverter and is converted into alternating current (AC) . AC electricity powers your home's electrical systems and appliances.
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Other factors to consider
Other factors can influence which type of solar panel is best for your home:
- Temperature: The maximum efficiency of monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels is between 59° F and 95° F. Areas with high summer temperatures where a solar panel can reach indoor temperatures above 100° F may experience reduced performance.
- Light Induced Degradation (LID): TAPAK refers to a measure of performance degradation that occurs with a crystal panel within the first few hours of exposure to sunlight . Sunlight reacts with oxygen left over from the manufacturing process to form silicon. LID typically represents an efficiency loss of between 1% and 3%.
- Fire Rating: Solar panels match the roof's fire rating under international building codes to ensure they do not accelerate the spread of fire. You will find that different panels have a fire rating from Class A to Class C. Class A offers the best protection in the event of a fire as flames cannot spread more than six feet. Class B guarantees a spread of no more than eight feet and Class C guarantees a spread of no more than 13 feet.
- Hail: Crystal panels are best suited for areas prone to heavy hail as they can withstand hail up to 50 mph. Thin film solar panels are not ideal against hail due to their thin design.
- Hurricanes: There is no official classification or rating system for hurricanes and solar panels. In general, a solar system that uses brackets, bolt modules , or a three-frame rail system is suitable for homes that can withstand hurricanes or tropical storms.
Our recommendation
In general, monocrystalline panels are the best choice among residential solar panels on the market today. However, you can consider polycrystalline or thin film solar panels depending on the size and other needs of your solar system. For example, if you have a lot of space and want to save money, you can pre-purchase the system and install less efficient but cheaper polycrystalline panels. In addition, thin films can be a good option if you want to use solar energy for a small building.
We recommend that you get three quotes from solar installation companies in your area before deciding which provider to use. You can use our tool below to determine what type of solar company services your home.
Frequently asked questions about types of solar panels
What type of solar panel is best?
In general, monocrystalline solar panels are preferred for their long life and high efficiency.
What is the difference between black and blue solar panels?
Some solar panels are blue due to the anti-reflective coating. This coating helps to improve the absorption capacity and efficiency of the solar panel. You will often find this blue coating on polycrystalline panels. Black solar panels, which are usually monochrome panels, are often more efficient. In fact, black surfaces naturally absorb more light.
Can solar panels break?
A common misconception about solar panels is that they are fragile and break easily. In fact, the photovoltaic module glass used in solar panels is commercial-grade tempered glass, which is durable and strong. It is more resistant to breakage than standard home window glass. However, solar panels can still fail in extreme weather conditions or if used incorrectly.
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