Have you ever wondered if there were multiple types of solar panels? There are 3 main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film. Many of the options depend upon what kind of property you own, and installation costs. If you are interested in weighing the costs and benefits of the different kinds of solar panels you want to have, then keep reading.
Monocrystalline
Most solar panels that look black are monocrystalline. They can, however, have back sheets and frames that come in a variety of other colors. This type of solar panel typically has the highest efficiency and power capacity out of the other two types. Being cut from a single crystal of silicon, monocrystalline solar panels are more likely to cost you the most due to the way they are manufactured. Their cost should not scare you off too much since you are receiving the highest performing solar panel compared to the others.
Thin-film
Thin-film solar panels have the lowest power capacity and efficiency compared to polycrystalline and monocrystalline. Their installation is not very intensive either, so the overall cost to install thin-film solar panels is lower. Thin-film can come in a diverse amount of sizes, unlike the more standardized options like the other two. As the name suggests, thin-film panels are more low profile and thin. Their hue can also be blue or black in appearance. These types of solar panels boast strengths in flexibility and portability.
Polycrystalline
Polycrystalline solar panels give off a bluish hue, which is caused by the way polycrystalline panels are manufactured. Unlike monocrystalline, this type of solar panel has fragments of silicon crystals that have been melted together. Polycrystalline solar panels come in more standard size options and are cheaper to install than monocrystalline solar panels. The cost is the result of the manufacturing and solar installation process being simpler than monocrystalline panels.
Recommendations
If you have limited space available, then getting solar panels that are monocrystalline would be the best option due to their high efficiency. If you are looking to be more cost-effective and you have more space to fill, then polycrystalline is for you. Thin-film is appealing for aesthetic reasons but is not the most practical option for residential properties. Instead, you will find thin-film solar panels mostly on commercial properties since they offer more open areas to fill.
Resource
If you are looking for solar panel installation estimates in Idaho or California, then Pell Solar can provide you with more specific answers. Now that you know more about the different types of solar panels, you can help combat climate change and save on utilities.
