Solar Panels – What Types of Solar Panels Are Right For Your Home?

The sun’s immense power is a natural resource that can reduce our dependence on traditional energy sources. Solar panels are a great way to harness that power.

Learn about the most common solar panel types, and how to determine what size system will generate enough electricity for your home. Check out your state’s energy rates to see how much you could save with a solar system.

Monocrystalline

Monocrystalline solar panels use a single, pure form of silicon to convert sunlight into energy. They’re the most efficient solar panel technology when it comes to electricity production, but are more expensive than polycrystalline models (about $1 per watt before installation).

The manufacturing process involves a crystal rod that’s dipped into molten silicon then pulled and rotated, growing into a single-crystal ingot. The ingot is then cut into thin discs known as silicon wafers. These are shaved into an octagonal shape that allows electrons to move more freely and generate more power.

Because they’re made from a single silicon ingot, monocrystalline solar panels are more reliable and durable. They’re also more likely to have a 25-year warranty than polycrystalline solar panels. However, they will eventually lose efficiency over time and require replacement.

Polycrystalline

Polycrystalline solar panels have a robust structural frame that affords support, protection, and durability. Their sturdy framework fortifies them against the elements, including gusts of wind and heavy snowfall, which can cause damage to other solar panel variants.

This makes them ideal for use in colossal utility-scale solar farms and off-grid setups, such as cabins and remote communication stations. Generally speaking, they’re less expensive than monocrystalline solar panels and offer higher efficiency rates.

The main difference between the two solar panels is that monocrystalline uses a single silicon crystal to generate electricity, while polycrystalline uses many silicon fragments that are melted together. While this does make a difference in the stats, it doesn’t have much bearing on whether or not you should choose them for your home.

Thin-Film

Thin-film solar panels are lightweight and easy to install. However, they are less durable than mono and polycrystalline solar cells and are susceptible to damage. Fallen limbs or tree debris can cause damage, which will result in decreased energy performance and electrical issues.

This type of solar panel uses a layer of semiconductor material to absorb light and convert it into electricity. The semiconductor is deposited onto a base of glass, metal, or polyamide. This allows thin film solar panels to be flexible, which makes them ideal for curved roofs and other surfaces. Thin-film solar panels are also less likely to lose power generation when temperatures rise, which can be a problem for silicon-based solar panels. Thin-film solar panels also have a shorter energy payback time than crystalline silicon solar panels.

Black Back Sheets

Modern solar panels are made from silicon crystals that absorb and convert sunlight into electricity. The color of the panel depends on how these crystals interact with light, as well as how they’re arranged. Black back sheets provide a uniform look to the panel and help them blend with dark roof materials. However, they do trap heat, which may lower the panel’s efficiency.

All-black solar panels use black anodized aluminum frames to achieve a sleek appearance. They also use a black glass to cover the solar cells. The frame and the back sheet protect the inner components from a variety of weather conditions, including rain and humidity.

The back sheet helps the panel resist corrosion and stains and prevents water from seeping into the solar cells. It also reduces the amount of UV radiation that penetrates the cell and causes degradation.

Warranty

Solar panels will degrade over time due to a phenomenon called Light Induced Degradation (LID). Most manufacturers offer a 25-year performance warranty on their top-performing solar modules. This warranty ensures that your solar system will produce a minimum amount of energy throughout its lifespan. A good performance warranty will guarantee that power output won’t decline more than 2% in the first year and then no more than 0.5% each subsequent year.

A product and workmanship warranty protects against any damage or problems caused during manufacturing. Choosing a contractor who is dedicated to quality installation and adheres to industry standards can also improve the longevity of your solar panel warranty. Many installers offer their own installation warranties in addition to the manufacturer’s products. Choosing one that does so can add up to significant savings.

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