Solar energy is on the upswing in America. In Q3 of 2021, enough solar panels were installed to power 21.8 million homes! If joining the solar movement is interesting to you, now may be the time.
Wondering what types of solar panels you can install on your home? Keep reading to discover some facts about solar panels to help you make a decision! We’ll explain the makeup of each panel and which ones might be best suited for your home.
Types of Solar Panels
The benefits of going solar power are relatively obvious, and there are four types of solar panels on the market for you to choose from. As solar technology has evolved over the years, so have the panels you can install. There are even panels that mimic roof shingles!
How do you choose the home solar panels that will work best for you? It’ll depend on a few factors like roof space, amount of sunlight on your property, cost, and how efficient you’d like your system to be.
Polycrystalline
All solar panels are made up of crystalline cells, and polycrystalline cells were the first on the market. They tend to be less expensive than solar panels made of monocrystalline cells. If you are looking to install solar panels on a budget, these are the ones for you!
These cells tend to have a bluish hue and are rectangular. They are not as heat tolerant as other solar panel types and tend to be less efficient.
Monocrystalline
Monocrystalline cells are made from a single silicon crystal, and polycrystalline cells are made up of fragments of silicon cells melted together.
A solar panel made up of monocrystalline cells tends to be higher efficiency than its polycrystalline brother. This type of solar panel tends to be more expensive than other types, but they last longer too.
Thin-Film
This type of solar panel is newer and becoming more popular. They are made from various materials and rolled out into a film.
Thin-film solar panels tend to be less efficient than crystalline solar but are inexpensive and more flexible, making them great for use in solar shingles.
Solar Shingles
Solar shingles are relatively new to the solar market but are growing in popularity due to their look. They look very similar to your typical asphalt shingles and are as durable when installed.
Despite their benefits, solar shingles are more expensive than a traditional roof, and depending on what types of shingles you go with, it may require you to build an entirely new roof. Not every solar installer will have these shingles available either because they are still relatively new on the market.
Now You Know Your Solar Panel Options
Luckily the amount of residential solar panels on the market continues to grow. Take a look at the types of solar panels out there and pick the ones that work best for you! Speak with local solar companies to find a system that works for your needs. They’ll help you along the way and make sure you are buying solar panels that work for your home.
If this article helped you decide on solar panels, why don’t you read some of the other articles on our blog? We cover so many topics; you are almost guaranteed to find something else interesting to read right now!
