Are you considering installing solar panels on your house? You’re not alone because, according to research, almost 4% of homes in the United States have solar panels installed.
Having a solar panel system installed in your home comes with several benefits. You save on energy bills, your home value increases, and you can keep your lights on during power outages.
However, you can choose between a few types of solar panels, and knowing your options before spending money is essential. For example, some panels are more cost-effective, and others are more efficient.
If you’re interested in learning more, then keep reading. This blog looks over the three primary types of solar panels.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Monocrystalline solar panels are the most common type of home solar panels installed, and you’ve probably seen them on many residential roofs. These panels’ semiconductor material is pure silicon. These panels are known for being highly efficient, but unfortunately, they do come at a higher cost.
The high cost is primarily due to the manufacturing process because their solar cells are made from a single silicon crystal. This means that the manufacturer has to absorb the costs when making these. It’s an intensive process that results in wasted silicon. However, this waste can be used later to create another type of solar panel: polycrystalline.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Polycrystalline solar panels are made from silicon fragments instead of single silicon crystals. This material and simpler manufacturing process lower the cost of manufacturing, so these types of solar panels are typically affordable for most. However, it’s worth noting that polycrystalline solar panels aren’t as durable as other types and may not have the same lifespan.
Unfortunately, these types of solar panels are less efficient than other options. They also have a lower heat tolerance, so they may not be the best solar panels to install if you live in a high-temperature area. If you want to learn more about installing a solar energy system, find more information here.
Thin-Film Solar Panels
Our third type of solar panel you can install in your home is a thin-film solar panel. These types of solar panels are made from different materials and are available in three different variations, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
They are:
- Amorphous silicon (a-Si)
- Cadmium telluride (CdTe)
- Copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS)
CdTE panels have the lowest carbon footprint, energy payback time, and water requirement than all the others. CIGS panels are the most efficient out of the thin-panel types. Finally, a-Si panels cost the least to manufacture but are less efficient than other solar panel options.
Understand the Different Types of Solar Panels Before Purchasing
There are many benefits to installing solar panels on your roof, from energy savings to a higher home value. However, choosing the best types of solar panels can be tricky if you don’t know your options. Polycrystalline solar panels are the most cost-effective, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient, and thin-film are less expensive to install.
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