Did you know that the cost of going solar has dropped by more than 70% over the last ten years?
Home solar panels are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while also saving – and sometimes even making – money. As buying solar panels becomes more accessible and affordable, more and more options are available for smart homeowners.
This guide outlines the different types of home solar panels on the market today. We’ll go through the benefits of each to help you make the best possible choice.
Read on for everything you need to know before buying solar panels.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Monocrystalline solar panels consist of monocrystalline cells. Each cell consists of a single, synthetic silicon crystal. These solar cells are arranged to fit as many solar cells into the array as possible. Monocrystalline solar panels are ideal for places with limited space since they generate more power per footage.
Because of the way light interacts with pure silicon crystals, monocrystalline panels appear black.
While the cells are black, the back sheets and frames of monocrystalline solar panels are available in a range of colors. The back sheet is usually black, silver, or white. Check out gofloridasolarpanels.com to browse their wide range of solar solutions.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Polycrystalline solar panels consist of multiple polycrystalline solar cells.
As with monocrystalline arrays, polycrystalline cells are composed of silicon crystals. The distinction is that the silicon crystal fragments naturally, rather than isolating a single ingot.
These pieces are melted and processed, creating an amalgam made up of numerous distinct crystals. Because it is a less demanding manufacturing process, polycrystalline panels can be produced faster and at a lower cost.
These cells have a bluish tint to them and are available in a range of different back sheet colors.
Thin-film Solar Panels
Thin-film solar panels are composed of thin sheets of photovoltaic materials mounted on a substrate. These layers contain numerous light-absorbing sheets. As a result, the panels can be up to 300 times smaller than a standard silicon solar panel.
They are the most lightweight panels available due to the compact size of each cell. Thin-film solar cells are the easiest types of solar panels to build. Their cost reflects this.
Thin-film is not usually used for residential solar panels since it requires a large surface area to be effective. They are more suited to commercial applications where there is room for a larger-scale array.
Types of Solar Panels Explained
As a consumer, installing solar panels puts the power back in your hands. Which types of solar panels are best for you will depend on the specific features of your site.
By doing your research on solar panel options beforehand, you’ll make a purchase that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
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