What Kind of Solar Panel Should You Choose

So you’ve decided to make the switch to solar power for your home, but when you begin to do research, suddenly your choices are overwhelming. While the options might seem complicated, there are really three main types of solar panels you can choose from. Each has its own set of benefits and considerations, so let’s look at which one might be best for you.

The original type of panel which started it all is the monocrystalline method of construction. These panels are made up of cells, and each cell is in the shape of a wafer. When you combine these wafers, made from silicon, you create a solar panel. You’ll find that these types of panels are constructed very well, and have long warranties due to their exceptional performance. Yet as with most things, high quality translates to a high cost. Monocrystalline panels are expensive, and aren’t optimal for all weather conditions. As temperatures get cooler, the panels don’t respond quite as well.

Another silicon type of panel is one called polycrystalline. Instead of making the panel out of multiple pieces, the silicon is poured into a mold to make one solid panel. This type of manufacturing is more efficient, which means a bit of a price break on the consumer end. However, polycrystalline panels aren’t quite as effective as monocrystalline models, and take up more space for installation.

Newer technology has developed a third type of panel, called the thin-film solar panel. Just like their name, these are constructed by layering very thin layers of a photovoltaic material. While these panels can be mass produced at a cheaper rate, they have a lot of downsides. They aren’t as resilient as their counterparts, so don’t last as long when exposed to the elements. They are the least efficient of the three options when it comes to solar conversion, and take an immense amount of space to be truly effective.

Now that you know what your options are, it’s time to contact a solar installation professional to get the process started!