3 Common Types of Solar Electricity Panels: A Closer Look

Installing solar electricity panels in your home is a great way to reduce your monthly electric bill and at the same time, minimise your carbon footprint. It has many long-term benefits and although it can be relatively expensive at first, your initial investments will definitely pay off in no time. What’s more, unlike traditional sources of energy, solar power is greener and renewable. It doesn’t cause air or noise pollution, which is why more and more people across the globe are using solar for home.

If you live in an area that receives lots of sunlight all throughout the year, you should consider setting up a panel system in your home. This way, you can produce greener energy for your daily needs. However, if you have no prior experience with solar electricity panels, choosing the right solar cells for home use can be confusing for you. Therefore, it is best that you equip yourself with proper knowledge before you make a purchase.

Today, there are different types of solar panels that are available on the market. The most common of them are crystalline silicon panels, thin-film panels, and building integrated photovoltaics. Each type has its own strengths and weaknesses. As such, it’s best that you determine exactly what your needs are before you make a purchase.  This way, you can install a system that fits your budget and take full advantage of using solar energy at home.

Crystalline silicon panels, or c-Si, are perhaps the most popular among those who are using solar for home. According to recent reports, over 90% of shipments of crystalline silicon panels made by US manufacturers in 2011 are for the residential sector. There are two types of c-Si panels: monocrystalline and polycrystalline.

Monocrystalline panels are said to be the most efficient when it comes to converting solar energy to electricity. Because they are made of the highest grade of silicon, they require the least amount of roof space. Its downside, however, is that monocrystalline panels can be more expensive than other types of solar panels. Polycrystalline panels, on the other hand, have an efficiency rate of 13% to 16%. They are less expensive and more aesthetically pleasing. However, they require more roof space.

Thin-film solar cells, meanwhile, are made of several thin layers of photovoltaic material. This particular type of solar electricity panels is said to be easier to produce, which is why it is considerably cheaper than crystalline-based solar cells. However, thin-film solar cells are not really that suited for home use, especially if you live in the suburbs, because they need more open space to set up

As the name implies, building integrated photovoltaics or BIPV can be built within your home. They can replace the walls, roofs, and windows of your house. While they look good and can help you save space, many homeowners tend to shy away from them. As you might have probably guessed, you’ll need a huge amount of money to integrate these solar electricity panels in your home.