What type of solar panels should I get? Once you make up your mind about going solar, getting the deep, technical aspects of your solar system becomes an important part of your domestic life.
Even when such aspects are usually not heading your bucket list, at some point down the road you will find out how important it is to be aware of them. So let’s delve into them, without making it a lecture.
How Many Types of Solar Panels Exist?
There are three major types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin film.
Monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient and have the highest wattages. Polycrystalline solar panels are less efficient but also less expensive. Thin-film solar panels are best for unique installations like an off-grid cabin or RV.
What is the Difference Between Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline Solar Panels?
The main difference between monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels resides in the crystal purity of the panel cells.
In other words, monocrystalline solar panels have solar cells made from a single crystal of silicon, while polycrystalline solar panels have solar cells made from several fragments of silicon melted together.
In terms of efficiency, monocrystalline solar panels lead the race because of their composition of high-purity silicon and uniform color.
However, polycrystalline solar panels are less expensive because they are way easier to manufacture.
What is the Efficiency of Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline Solar Panels?
Some numbers won’t hurt you, especially if they help to figure out for yourself what efficiency means regarding energy production:
- Monocrystalline panels reach efficiencies between 15-20% on average.
- Polycrystalline panels only reach 13-16% efficiency.
In other words, if maximizing electricity generation and reducing costs is a priority for you, then monocrystalline is your winning guy here.
What about the Thin-film Solar Panels?
Thin-film solar panels are a type of solar panel made by depositing one or more thin layers of photovoltaic material onto a substrate.
There are four major types of thin-film solar panels. Examples are more useful than stats here:
1. Amorphous solar panels
They are more flexible but less efficient than other types of thin-film solar panels.
2. Cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar panels
This is the most popular material for manufacturers because it is nearly optimal for converting sunlight into electricity using a single junction. Also, it is lightweight and has high absorption rates.
3. Copper gallium indium diselenide (CIGS)
Copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) is the most efficient type of thin-film solar panel.
4. Organic solar panels
Organic solar panels are made from organic materials and are still in the experimental stage.
More Interesting Facts on Thin-film Solars
- Thin film solar is lightweight at 7-10 ounces per square foot.
- Thin film solar panels last 10–20 years, but have a quicker ROI than other types of solar panels.
- Metal roofs last 40–70 years before replacement compared to 12–20 years for an asphalt shingle roof.
What Other Aspects Should I Take Into Account Before Choosing The Right Type of Solar Panels for Me?
Climate and Weather
Climate and weather in your area can drastically impact your home’s solar energy production. Remember, solar energy relies on the sun to work.
Solar Panels’ Rule of Thumb
For homeowners who live in the Northern Hemisphere, the rule of thumb is that solar panels should be oriented toward the true South, while for those in the Southern Hemisphere, solar panels should be oriented toward the true North.
Getting the Best Team!
Powersmith provides you with the best type of solar panels you can get, and even further. Contact us and let us take care of those deep, technical aspects of your solar system so you can integrate them more easily into your domestic life.
We are here to walk you through every step of your solar shift. We are more than happy to explain in detail this and other aspects at your level, and without making it a lecture.