The different types of solar panels you can choose from

If you are thinking about installing solar panels in your home, you have many decisions ahead of you. You must think about the cost, efficiency, as well as aesthetics. But one of the main things you need to worry think about are the three different types of solar panels that exist where one of them will be the right one for you. How can you make a decision that’s as important as that one? Well, you can start by reading our brief overview of the three different solar panel types that we here at Consumer Opinion Guide have composed, after which you can discuss your options with your family and make the best decision.

Why do you need solar panels?

Let’s put it like this – there are many pros of solar panels and virtually no cons. They are so useful that every household that can afford them should install solar panels. Us saying that you should install them doesn’t mean much. So here are some clear-cut benefits of using solar panels as your main source of energy.

• Solar panels produce renewable energy.
• They don’t release any harmful emissions into the air when producing electricity.
• The process that transforms sunlight into electricity entails no costs.

Other than the initial investment, solar panels will produce all the electricity you need at zero costs. So if you can afford that initial investment, we advise you to think about solar panels. This is not a decision that you will regret. And to help you make it, we offer our list of solar energy companies that can handle everything for you, from consults to installation and maintenance.

What are the three different types of solar panels?

You should bear in mind that each of these three solar panels certainly has its pros and cons. The goal is to find the option that best fits your situation and needs, and where pros by far outweigh the cons. Unfortunately, this might not be an easy decision nor it’s a decision you should take lightly. Considering the investment, it would be best to think long and hard before making the final decision.

Monocrystalline Solar Panels

If you are looking for the oldest type of solar panels, then you are definitely looking for monocrystalline solar panels. Not only are they the oldest type of solar panels, but they are also the most developed ones. These panels are made from around 40 monocrystalline solar cells which are made of pure silicon. When you take a look at a house that has these panels installed, it might appear to you that they are black. That color is due to the reaction of the interaction between sunlight and solar cells.

The cells of monocrystalline solar panels might be black, but you can choose among different designs for the back sheets and frames. You should also have in mind that these cells are shaped like a square and they have their corners removed. That’s why they have very small gaps between the cells. Overall, monocrystalline solar panels are a great option when you are looking for something traditional, reliable, and quite developed. But hold your horses – you are yet to discover two other types of solar panels!

Polycrystalline Solar Panels

Polycrystalline solar panels are the up-and-coming version of solar panels that is gaining popularity by the minute. Just like the previous type of solar panels, polycrystalline cells are also made of silicon. The difference is that, unlike monocrystalline cells, polycrystalline cells aren’t pure silicone. They are made from fragments of silicon crystal melted together. And that’s why they appear blue instead of black. Sunlight simply reflects much differently than it does with pure silicon.

Polycrystalline solar panels usually have back frames and frames that are silver, but you can find many different variations. It’s also worth mentioning that the cells of the polycrystalline solar panels are shaped like a square and they don’t have any gaps between the cells. Even though efficiency should be the main criteria on which you base your decision, we also can’t deny the importance of aesthetics. Especially if you have invested many years in the interior and exterior design of your home. It’s normal that you don’t want your work to go to waste.

Thin-Film Solar Panels

Thin-Film Solar Panels are definitely the newest addition to the market. As their name suggests, the main characteristic that sets them apart from other solar panels is the fact that they are much thinner than some different types of solar panels. In fact, they are approximately 350 times thinner than their counterparts. However, thin-film frames can sometimes be very thick and bulky, which gives them an overall appearance that is similar to polycrystalline and monocrystalline ones. The frames that are used for this type of solar panel can be either black or blue, which depends on the material they are made of.

What makes thin-film solar panels so revolutionary is the material that they are made from. They aren’t exclusively made from silicon. A variety of materials is used for the production of these solar panels. You place the main material between the thin sheets of conductive material with a layer of glass on top for protection and, voila – you get thin-film solar panels. Our Consumer Opinion Guide team is always interested in innovation. And this type of solar panel is definitely a revolutionary invention.

How do you choose among the different types of solar panels?

Well, the answer is simple, even though you might not like it. The best way to choose among the different types of solar panels is by looking into your individual situation. What’s the most important thing for you? Is it aesthetics? The cost? Do you like to try out the newest thing on the market or do you prefer to stick to basics? The right type of solar panel for you will be based on the answers to the questions that you ask yourself. Once again, this isn’t an easy or simple decision. Think hard before investing in solar panels as you might not have the means to replace them anytime soon.