What Are The 3 Types of Solar Panels?

What Are The 3 Types of Solar Panels? If you’re like many consumers today, you’re probably trying to become more sustainable in your purchasing. One of the greatest uses of energy, particularly for homeowners, is the energy necessary to power a home and appliances.

There are many forms of sustainable energy on the market, from hydroelectric to nuclear, wind to geothermal, but solar energy continues to command a considerable share of the renewable energy market.

Because of its relative affordability and applicability, solar panels continue to inspire homeowners to move in a greener direction. Solar panels are not a one-size-fits-all product, however.

For those interested in investing in solar energy, it’s important to know the difference between the types of solar panels on the market and how solar panels function.

Monocrystalline solar panels

Also known as single crystalline panels, monocrystalline panels are the most efficient solar panels due to their being made from one, whole silicon ingot.

Monos, as they are referred to in the solar industry, are capable of absorbing 20 percent of the sun’s energy due to their composition. This higher efficiency absorption allows monocrystalline panels to function in low light settings as well as high-temperature settings, allowing greater versatility in where you can use them.

Many also consider them more aesthetically pleasing because of the uniform, black color of the panels. However, because of their higher efficiency, monocrystalline solar panels are the most expensive of all the solar panel options.

Because of their high efficiency and high costs, monocrystalline panels are most often used in residential installations, especially if there is only a small space that has sun exposure. If installed and properly maintained, monocrystalline panels can last upwards of 25 years.

Their longevity helps to offset their higher costs for production and installation.

Polycrystalline panels

They are made of many pieces of silicon that are melted and molded together into small, rectangular cells. Interestingly, the silicon used for making polycrystalline panels often comes from the byproducts of monocrystalline panel production.

Polycrystalline panels often come in a blue hue based on the reflective capacity of the silicon used. Because polycrystalline panels are composed of multiple fragments and multiple cells, they are less efficient than monocrystalline panels.

One of the benefits of this lower efficiency is that these panels are less expensive than monocrystalline panels. For installations that have more space and do not require high efficiencies, such as on a factory or commercial property, you are better off using polycrystalline panels to make the installation more cost-effective.

Like monocrystalline panels, polycrystalline panels have a lifespan of at least 25 years, making them a sound investment for commercial applications and comparable to monocrystalline panels in terms of long-term efficiency.

Amorphous solar panels

Also known as thin-film solar panels, amorphous solar panels are the newest solar panels on the market. They are composed of different photovoltaic substances applied to a glass-like, flexible substrate.

The photovoltaic substances used include amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride, and copper indium gallium selenide. The photovoltaic materials are placed between layers of the substrate materials, which are attached to glass, plastic or metal frames.

Because the thin-film panels are not made from various forms of silicon wafers, they are much thinner and more flexible, which provides a different range of applications. Although the least efficient in absorbing sunlight, their lower mass allows you to use thin-film solar panels in installations where the equipment necessary to attach and secure mono- or polycrystalline panels would not function properly.

Also, because they weigh less and are more flexible, their installation often costs less because of reduced labor costs. Thin-film solar panels have the lowest lifespan of the three solar panel options, as they often last between 10 and 15 years.

Although not as long-lived, their lower cost and constant development make thin-film panels a sensible investment for budgeted or shorter-term solar installations.

What Are The 3 Types of Solar Panels? – Conclusion

Overall, manufacturers have developed and improved solar panels substantially. It’s important to know the capacities and merits of each type of solar panel, and between monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film solar panels, there are a variety of applications that can take advantage of each panel’s merits.

As renewable energy continues to gain popularity in the energy marketplace, solar panels will continue to grow in popularity. Whether you decide to use monocrystalline, polycrystalline or thin-film, there’s no reason you can’t take advantage of the sunny days in your future!