What Are the Different Types of Solar Panels That Exist Today?

According to the SEIA, the cost of installing solar power is now 60% cheaper than it’s been for the last ten years. That’s thanks to rapidly advancing technology in the industry.
Solar power is the ultimate solution when it comes to reducing carbon emissions and your electricity bills.
Nowadays, solar panels are more efficient than ever, but you must choose the right ones if you truly want to save with solar power.
These are the types of solar panels available nowadays for your residential solar system.

Monocrystalline Solar Panels

Monocrystalline panels comprise solar cells sliced from a single silicon crystal. These black-on-black PV panels are your top choice when installing solar panels for home use. 

They’re the most efficient as well as the most expensive panels available nowadays, and convert around 15 to 20% of the sunlight they capture into electricity.

PERC Panels

Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact cells are a type of monocrystalline solar panel. These PV panels use reflective technology to ensure the highest efficiency of all solar panels, at around 25%.
They’re still relatively uncommon in the marketplace.

Polycrystalline Solar Panels

This type of solar energy system uses leftovers from the monocrystalline manufacturing process. Manufacturers melt these shards of silicon and mold them into ingots, which they slice into solar cells.
Polycrystalline panels are less efficient than the monocrystalline variety, with an efficiency rating of 13 to 16%. They’re also cheaper than the other types of crystalline solar panels.

Thin-Film Solar Panels

These panels are around 350 times thinner than regular solar panels. Thin-film solar panels come in three main varieties. These are:

Cadmium Telluride (CdTe)

These panels comprise a layer of CdTe placed between transparent conducting layers. They have an additional glass layer on the top to protect the solar panel.

Amorphous Silicon (a-Si)

These types of silicon panels comprise non-crystalline silicon, placed on top of a metal, glass, or plastic sheet. Like most thin-film solar panels, these panels are only around 13% efficient.

Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS)

CIGS panels feature all the above four elements placed between two glass, steel, plastic, or aluminum conductive layers. Electrodes at the front and rear of this material capture the electrical current.

Other Types of Solar Panels

The solar industry comes up with new types of solar panels all the time. Nowadays, you can even buy solar panels that generate electricity at night.
Solar shingles are well-known, but did you know you can also get solar fabric comprising extremely thin solar panels. Even thinner, solar paint is ideal for coating unusually shaped objects and using them to generate solar power.

Get the Most Out of Emerging Technologies

Professional solar advice is the best way to cut your costs and maximize your savings when you install solar.
When you work with the best solar company in your area, they’ll visit your home to advise you about the best types of solar panels for your needs.
Thanks to rapid advancements in solar and other forms of technology, there’s always a way to save money nowadays. Browse our blog for more information on how technology can enhance your life.