From Sun to Savings 4 Types of Solar Panels that Fit For You

Not every solar panel will meet your needs. To achieve better results in terms of electricity production, savings on electric bills, and maintenance, it’s crucial to explore the various types of solar panels available. Several environmental and infrastructural factors must be taken into account when purchasing solar panels.

If you have a limited budget but ample space with direct sunlight, such as agricultural land, polycrystalline solar panels are a suitable choice. Conversely, if your home’s roof is congested and you require consistent results even on cloudy days due to limited exposure to sunlight, monocrystalline panels are the way to go. Each option offers distinct advantages, depending on your specific circumstances.

Finally, if you’re operating an industrial business with high electricity consumption, opting for a solar system installation will be a wise decision. As per industry experts, such buildings/areas must be equipped with bifacial solar plates. Such panels absorb sunlight from both sides (directed and reflected), thereby increasing efficiency and output.

In rest of the blog, we will dive into the leading solar panels and their available types. We will explore types of solar panels that fit for you.

Mono Silicon Crystalline Solar Panels

Mono silicon crystalline solar panels are a popular choice for generating clean energy due to their impressive performance and durability. These panels are crafted from highly pure silicon sliced into thin wafers. While the silicon itself cannot generate electricity, mixing it with impurities creates a semiconductor that can convert sunlight into electricity. This conversion efficiency, ranging from 15% to 22%, is one of the highest among solar panel types.

Efficiency and Cost

Monosilicon panels also boost excellent longevity, lasting for 25 years with minimal performance degradation (guarantee varies based on the manufacturer). Additionally, their better performance in low light conditions makes them suitable for diverse climates and environments.

However, this impressive performance comes at a cost. These panels are generally more expensive than other types, ranging from $1 to $1.5 per watt globally due to their complex manufacturing process. Despite the higher initial cost, their high efficiency, long lifespan, and reliable performance make them a worthwhile investment for residential, industrial, and utility-scale applications. The market demand for these panels is steadily increasing as individuals and organizations seek sustainable and reliable energy solutions.

Composition

Monosilicon panels are made from high-purity silicon crystals. These crystals are produced by melting high-purity silicon and then slowly cooling it to form a single large crystal structure. This process results in a uniform and consistent crystal lattice structure.

Appearance

Monosilicon panels typically have a uniform dark color and rounded edges.

Poly Silicon Crystalline Solar Panels

Polycrystalline silicon solar panels, also known as multicrystalline, offer a more affordable alternative to their high-performing mono-crystalline counterparts. Made from melted and molded silicon, these panels are sliced into thin wafers and function similarly to mono-crystalline panels with a conductive layer and an encapsulating layer for protection. By the way, I also installed polycrystalline solar panels. I had a budget constraint.

Efficiency and Cost

While their efficiency is slightly lower, ranging from 13% to 16%, they still deliver reliable power generation. The biggest advantage of polycrystalline panels lies in their cost-effectiveness. Their simpler manufacturing process translates to a lower price tag, typically between $0.90 – $1.50 per watt globally. This makes them a good investment for residential, agricultural, commercial, and utility-scale projects, especially where budget is a major concern. While their return on investment may be slightly lower than that of monocrystalline panels due to the efficiency difference, they remain a valuable option for sustainable energy generation. The market demand for polycrystalline panels is also on the rise due to their affordability and reliable performance.

Below is the composition, performance, and market value of these panels:

Composition

Polysilicon panels are made from polycrystalline silicon. Instead of a single crystal structure, they consist of multiple small silicon crystals. This is achieved by pouring molten silicon into molds and allowing it to cool rapidly, resulting in multiple crystal structures.

Appearance

Polysilicon panels often have a speckled or mottled appearance due to the presence of multiple crystals.

Thin Film Solar panels

In comparison to mono-crystalline and poly-crystalline solar panels, thin-film solar panels generally have lower efficiency but can offer cost advantages. Their manufacturing process requires less material and energy, leading to potentially lower production costs ($0.50 – $1.50 per watt). Additionally, thin-film panels are often lighter and more flexible, allowing for easier installation and integration into various surfaces. Despite their lower efficiency, thin-film panels can be economically viable alternatives, especially for large-scale installations or applications where weight and flexibility are important factors.

Efficiency and Cost

In comparison to mono-crystalline and poly-crystalline solar panels, thin-film solar panels generally have lower efficiency but can offer cost advantages. Their manufacturing process requires less material and energy, leading to potentially lower production costs (0.50-1.50 per watt). Additionally, thin-film panels are often lighter and more flexible, allowing for easier installation and integration into various surfaces. Despite their lower efficiency, thin-film panels can be economically viable alternatives, especially for large-scale installations or applications where weight and flexibility are important factors.

Composition

Thin film solar panels are composed of three layers

• Top layer: The basic function of this layer is to provide the conduction of sunlight to generate electric current. Commonly it’s made up of FTO(Fluorine-doped tin oxide) and ITO(indium tin oxide). It is applied to the top of the solar panels avoiding the inner layer from the damage due to dust, moisture, and other environmental factors.
  
• Active layer: The main functioning layer of thin layer solar panels is active layer that is in between the top and base layer.
  Three types of materials are used in this layer named as:
  * Amorphous Silicon(a-Si)
  * Cadmium Telluride(CdTe)
  * Copper Indium Gallium Selenide(CIGS)
  
• Base layer: This is the 3rd and the last layer which provides protection, electrical conductance, and mechanical support to the active layer. Materials used to make this layer are glass, metal, and polyamide.

Appearance

Thin film solar panels have a distinct appearance characterized by their dark color, smooth texture, and flexibility.

Bifacial Solar Panels

Bifacial solar panels, a cutting-edge innovation in the solar industry, offer a compelling alternative to traditional monofacial panels. These panels have the unique ability to capture sunlight from both the front and rear sides, maximizing energy production. Similar to their monofacial counterparts, bifacial panels are typically made from silicon wafers, often polycrystalline or monocrystalline, which are sliced from ingots produced by melting and molding silicon. They feature a conductive layer and an encapsulating layer for protection, ensuring durability and efficiency. This dual-sided functionality makes bifacial panels particularly advantageous in environments with reflective surfaces, such as snow or sand, as well as in installations with elevated mounting structures, where sunlight can be reflected onto the rear side of the panel, further enhancing energy output.

Efficiency and Cost

Bifacial panels offer the potential for higher energy yield compared to monofacial panels by capturing sunlight from both the front and rear sides. However, their efficiency can vary depending on factors such as installation orientation and reflective surfaces. On average, bifacial solar panels may cost anywhere from 10% to 30% more per watt compared to monofacial panels.

Composition

Below are the components and features commonly found in bifacial solar panels:

Double-duty Cells

Unlike traditional panels, bifacial panels boast front-side and rear-side photovoltaic cells. These cells, often made from silicon or thin-film materials, are the workhorses, capturing sunlight from both directions.

Transparent Protection

A special transparent encapsulant layer coats both sides of the panel, safeguarding the cells while letting light through.

Support System

A sturdy frame and mounting system provide the panel with the necessary support and protection.

Optional Backsheet

For added security, some bifacial panels include a backsheet on the rear side.

Electrical Hub

The junction box gathers and routes electrical connections, ensuring smooth power flow.

Double-Sided Glass (Optional)

For maximum durability and light transmission, glass covers can be added to both sides of the panel.

Appearance

Bifacial solar panels look like regular solar panels with a dark front surface, but they also have cells on the back that capture sunlight, without the protective layer seen on the front.

Conclusion – Types of Solar Panels that Fit For You

The choice between monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film, and bifacial solar panels depends on various factors, mainly including:

• Performance requirements
• Budget constraints
• Available space
• Specific project goals
• Environmental factors

Each type of panel offers its own set of advantages and considerations, and it’s essential to evaluate these factors carefully when selecting the most suitable option for a particular application.
Below is a table summarizing common examples of solar panels to help you choose the right option for your installation, based on my industry observations:

Factors	Mono crystalline	Poly Crystalline	Thin Film	Bifacial
Vast space, less budget (e.g. agriculture land)		✔
Congested roof, more performance, ample budget, and better ROI (return on investment)	✔
Sensitive roof (e.g. glass or tin is used)			✔
Commercial building, clear space, more performance, ample budget, fast ROI				✔

Below is the general comparison of the return on investment (ROI) for different types of solar panels under ideal conditions:

Solar Panel Type	ROI (Years)	Remarks
Monocrystalline	5-10 years	Higher efficiency may lead to faster ROI
Polycrystalline	6-12 years	Lower upfront cost but slightly lower efficiency
Thin film	7-15 years	Lowest upfront cost but lower efficiency
Bifacial	5-10 years	Potential for increased energy production

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)