Explore The Different Types Of Solar Panels For Home
Renewable energy and sustainability are important for power and planet conservation and its resources. Energy crises are a growing issue, and solar panels have become one of the most trusted alternatives for homeowners to tackle energy crises.
Solar panels provide a way for a developed source of electric energy which is clean and efficient. There are several types of solar panels, which often leads to confusion about which one you should buy.
In this article, we will dive deep into specific kinds of solar panels for your home, their functions and how to choose the right one.
4 types of solar panels
- Monocrystalline Solar Panels
In homes, the maximum solar panels are Monocrystalline solar panels. They are constructed from a single crystal structure and are most commonly silicon wafers, making them the most effective in changing sunlight into electricity.
The monocrystalline types are known for their improved visual aesthetic and robustness over the lifespan of the solar cells. They work in low light conditions, making an excellent choice for city dwellers. They offer superior quality compared to their more affordable counterparts.
- Polycrystalline Solar Panels
These latest technology panels are indeed fabricated from many small pieces of silicon, creating a consequence of an inconsistent look that may have a bluish tinge.
Two advantages of polycrystalline solar panels are their price and good performance under excessive temperature conditions. Yet, they are less efficient against monocrystalline cells, which may require more wiped surface area as the latter produces the same amount of electricity.
- Thin-Film Solar Panels
Thin film solar panels are a newcomer in the solar technology department and can be easily customised – compact and lightweight against the conventional ways of solar energy collection.
The metal or glass panels are produced by a thin-line metal deposition process. A thin coating of panels is accredited for their flexibility and simplicity of installation. They can be sinking into construction, like roofs or windows, thus giving homeowners a sleek and stylish look.
Nevertheless, since the thin-film module has lower efficiency compared to the crystalline module, a larger surface area is necessary.
- Bifacial Solar Panels
Bifacial solar panels are among a class of solar panels that can generate electricity from the two reversed sides of the panel. The transparent backsheet of these panels can be seen through and sunlight traverses to the rear side of the panel.
This way, the panels can capture the sun’s reflection from the ground, and they get more energy produced. Bifacial panels will be most efficiently used where the systems have surfaces that reflect, like a white rooftop or a white area with snow. To that end, the installation phase of the system will add more complexity and the higher cost can be a subject of thought for the homeowners.
How to choose the right solar panel
You must consider multiple factors before you get solar panels for your home.
- Efficiency: How much power can a solar panel generate based on the given volume of sunlight? This measures its quality. More efficient panels cost more but eventually produce more power in the same given space.
- Cost: The cost of solar panels tremendously depends on the model and brand of the panels themselves. It is equally important to keep the upfront cost in mind along with considering long-term savings and durability of the panels.
- Space Availability: Examine the potential roof space suitable for installing solar panels. Depending on your solar panel system requirements, you may require more space than others to create enough electricity to meet demands.
- Durability and Warranty: Find panels with a good reputation for durability and a warranty that lasts long enough to be of value. This ensures optimal return for your investment.
- Aesthetics: You may consider thin-film or bifacial panels if the aesthetics of solar panels are important to you. Those panels are integrated into the building wall and other materials.
Conclusion
Deciding to get solar panels for your home is arguably the biggest decision you’ll make because it affects your energy price and the environment.
Factoring in energy efficiency, operational cost, space availability, durability and design, you can make a reasonable decision considering your aspirations or current constrained finance.
By adopting solar, you can reap the benefits of this inexhaustible renewable energy source and pave the way towards a sustainable living for your dwelling and the whole planet.
