If you want to get the most out of your solar panel, then choosing the right kind of make and model is pretty important.
Apparently, there are several types of solar panels each built for a separate cause. As such, there are several factors worth taking into account before making a final order.
After all, a solar panel is supposed to give you a healthy return on your investment.
Better known as EROI or Energy Return on Investment, it is the ratio of the cost of installation and energy spent against the amount of energy produced.
With an astounding 26% of energy offset, solar power is clearly at the top. It is far too cheap and way more efficient than other fossil fuels such as coal which is at a mere 11%. Plus, it is cleaner than the latter.
All the more reasons to go with a solar panel.
Choosing the Right Solar Panel
Solar panels are based on several factors including the number of cells/layers, cost, appearance, type of material, and most importantly efficiency.
Yet when it comes to choosing the right one for your home or workspace, it all boils down to one- the location.
That’s right, the location, or the place and climate is perhaps the most important aspect of setting up a solar plant.
For starters, it gives you an idea as to how much sunlight you may get. And secondly, a sense of material and make you may need to meet the energy it will take. All-in-all, understanding this simple fact will help you big time in figuring out the best type of solar panel for your rooftop.
Types of Solar Panels
At present, there are 4 common types of solar panels that you can get your hands on. A few more are on the way but still might take some time before tested OK.
To make the best of what we have though, here are your options:
1. Mono-crystalline (Mono-SI)
When we talk about crystalline solar panels, mono-crystalline are perhaps the purest. Albeit a little costly, Mono-SI solar panels offer the highest efficiency rate of 15-22%.
They also have higher heat resistance, meaning they can produce more energy under more sunlight. And because they are made from a single silicon cell/crystal, they are quite easy to identify and have a peculiarly dark appearance for better functionality especially in low-light conditions.
No wonder why they are the most commonly used type of solar panels in residential spaces!
2. Polycrystalline (Poly-SI)
Next up in our conventional line of solar panels, we have poly or multi-crystalline panels that are made from multiple silicon crystals.
As such, the manufacturing process involved here is much more simpler and cost-effective, making them affordable to all kinds of end-users.
Although not so efficient under high temperatures; they still maintain a good efficiency rate of 15-17%, which is quite impressive given the lower installation cost and over-all price.
3. Thin-Film Solar Cells (TFSC)
Thin film solar panels are not the same as crystalline panels since they are not made from pure silicon.
Instead, a combination of low-cost photovoltaic materials such as cadmium, amorphous silicon, and copper is used to create a multi-layered but flexible film of tiny solar cells.
As a result, these types of solar panels are rather spacious. At the same time, lightweight, thus portable and easy to handle.
TFSCs are also quite efficient in terms of high temperatures despite having a lower efficiency of about 11% under normal sunlight.
Further, depending on the type of material used, these solar cells can be used in a variety of settings. For instance, from a tiny pocket calculator to large-scale solar utility projects.
4. Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC)
Mono-PERC is the most efficient and advanced type of solar panel currently available.
In contrast to traditional solar panels, they have an added layer on the back of the solar cells which helps them absorb more sunlight and generate more power. And hence, they’re also referred to as “rear cells”.
Being the most efficient of them all, PERC solar panels are also the most expensive.
Conclusion
While the latter is certainly the most efficient type of solar panel, choosing the one that fits your budget, needs, and property is what matters