Key takeaways
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Different types of solar panels vary in efficiency, cost, and ideal application.
In addition to current popular types of solar panels, there are several emerging technologies that show lots of promise for the future.
Monocrystalline solar panels are usually the best option for residential solar purposes.
As solar panel technology has matured, it has also diversified and become more specialized. The result is a growing number of types of solar panels, each with distinguishing features that make them better for some uses than others.
In this article, we go over the main types of solar panels you have to choose from for your system. You’ll also learn about developing solar panel technology that could soon compete with the options that currently dominate the market.
Solar panels come in several types, each with unique solar panel materials and efficiency levels to suit different needs. Monocrystalline panels use single-crystal silicon, giving you high efficiency and a sleek look. Polycrystalline panels are made from multiple silicon fragments, making them cheaper but slightly less efficient. Thin-film panels use layered materials, so they're lighter and flexible, though you’ll get lower efficiency. Your choice depends on your space, budget, and energy requirements.
FactorMonocrystallinePolycrystallineThin-FilmMaterialSingle-crystal siliconMulti-crystal siliconAmorphous silicon, CdTe, or CIGSEfficiencyHigh (18% to 22%)Moderate (15% to 17%)Low to moderate (10% to 13%)AppearanceBlack, uniform lookBlue with speckled patternSolid black or dark, often matteCostHighestLower than monoLowest (per watt, but varies by type)WeightStandardStandardLightestLifespan25 to 30+ years20 to 25 years10 to 20 years (some shorter)Temperature toleranceGood (low degradation with heat)ModerateExcellentPerformance in low lightGoodModerateBest in diffuse or shaded lightSpace efficiencyHigh (more power per square meter)ModerateLow (requires more area)Installation flexibilityLimited to rigid, fixed mountsLimited to rigid, fixed mountsHighly flexible (can be curved or surface-mounted)Best use casesResidential rooftops, space-limited installationsBudget-friendly residential or large land-based installationsPortable systems, irregular surfaces, building integrationKeep in mind solar panels are just one component of a solar system. You'll also need an inverter, mounting racks, batteries (optional), a charge controller (for batteries), and wiring.
The overwhelming majority of residential solar panels are made from silicon crystal cells. These photovoltaic (PV) cells consist of silicon layers doped with boron (p-type) and phosphorus (n-type) to create an electric field that enables the conversion of sunlight into electricity.
There are two types of silicon crystal solar panels:
Monocrystalline solar panels: Monocrystalline panels use a single piece of silicon in their PV cell layer, which makes them more efficient and longer-lasting than other types.
Polycrystalline solar panels: Polycrystalline solar panels are made by fusing smaller pieces of silicon into a single layer, resulting in lower efficiency but a more affordable price compared to monocrystalline panels.
Another popular type of solar panels is thin-film technology. The PV layer in these panels is made from one of the following materials:
Amorphous silicon (a-Si)
Cadmium telluride (CdTe)
Copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS)
Organic photovoltaics (OPV)
Thin-film solar panels aren’t typically as efficient as silicon crystal panels, but they have other advantages. These panels are usually lighter and more flexible, making them useful for purposes like portable and mobile applications or smaller consumer goods.
Passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC) solar panels have gained in popularity in recent years. They employ a specialized layer on the back of the PV cell that reflects uncaptured sunlight back to the cell. This makes them more efficient at generating energy compared to traditional single-sided cells. PERC solar panels are a developing technology and still more expensive than other types of solar panels, but are beginning to emerge as a true competitor in the consumer marketplace.
Another emerging technology in the field is n-type solar panels. These panels use n-type silicon crystals as the PV cell layer, which carry a negative charge due to being doped with phosphorus. Compared to traditional solar cells, n-type cells can be more efficient. However, a more substantial difference between the two is that n-type solar panels are more resistant to heat degradation, meaning they are able to maintain their efficiency at higher temperatures. This also affords them superior longevity.
There are a few other types of solar panel technology that are in use in the solar industry. These technologies are less far along in development than the more popular types, but could well gain market share as development advances.
Traditional solar panels are designed to capture light only from above, directly from the sun. However, you can now buy bifacial solar panels that have PV cells on the rear of the panel to capture sunlight reflected from the mounting surface. While not as efficient as light that enters directly from the sun, reflected light can still generate meaningful amounts of energy using bifacial panels.
Aesthetics have long been a sticking point for potential solar energy system buyers, with many not liking the look of solar panels or owning homes in neighborhoods with HOA restrictions against them.
Some companies have begun producing solar panels that function as architectural elements, integrating with the design of a building. One popular example of this is solar shingles, which are small solar panels cut in the shape of traditional shingles. These preserve the look of a home while still providing the benefits of solar energy.
If you're interested in solar shingles for your home, several brands offer options to choose from.
Tesla
CertainTeed
Timberline Solar (GAF Energy)
SunTegra
Luma Solar
Perovskite cells are one of the newer technologies to emerge in the solar panel industry. They use what are known as perovskite-structured materials in their solar cells. These materials have a different crystal structure from silicon crystals, which have been shown to be more efficient at converting sunlight into energy.
Perovskite solar panels show a lot of promise for the future. Early development has revealed that, in addition to energy efficiency advantages, perovskite cells do not require the raw materials to be as pure as the 99.99% purity required for traditional silicon crystal solar panels.
Another promising technology is concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) technology. These panels replace some of the PV cells with lenses and mirrors that concentrate sunlight before reaching the PV layer, increasing how much energy they can generate. However, CPV solar panels will likely only offer advantages in high-irradiance zones, or places with an abundance of direct sunlight, as they cannot use light that is diffused by clouds or precipitation.
Jiwei contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.
https://poweroutage.us/solar/reasons-not-to-get-solar-panels">Not everyone will benefit from solar panels, so it’s worth considering if they’re the right fit for your home before making a decision.
You’ve got different types of solar panels to choose from if you’re thinking about adding them to your energy system. For most homeowners with standard residential needs, monocrystalline solar panels usually hit the sweet spot between cost and efficiency. Still, solar panel technology keeps advancing, so some of the newer options out there might soon become a better choice for certain situations.
Below are a few frequently asked questions about solar panel types:
The four main types of solar panels on the consumer market are monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film, and passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) panels. Other emerging technologies are likely to gain market share in the coming years.
The most efficient type of solar panel currently widely available is the monocrystalline panel. These solar panels use a single piece of silicon to form the photovoltaic cell layer, enabling them to achieve solar efficiency levels of up to 22%.
N-type and P-type solar panels are types of solar panels whose photovoltaic cell layers carry either a negative (N-type) or positive (P-type) charge. These are created by doping individual silicon layers in phosphorus to create a negative charge and boron to create a positive charge.
The best type of solar panel for most residential applications is the monocrystalline panel. Compared to other options on the market, monocrystalline solar panels offer the best combination of efficiency, longevity, and price.
You’ll also need equipment to manage and transport the electricity in your solar energy system. Equipment like a solar charge controller and an inverter are critical components of both grid-connected and off-grid solar energy systems.
For the PV Module Buyer’s Guide, we sent a questionnaire to every major solar panel manufacturer. This Guide is a snapshot of their global and U.S. capacity, what’s new this year, and their top product lines. Click products to expand for more information.
The solar module market is more competitive than ever in terms of pricing and power rating. So, what else should residential and commercial solar installers and procurement teams consider when selecting solar modules?
“With the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) expected to accelerate residential and C&I solar deployment, thanks to more certainty around the long-term extension of the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), demand for high-power and high-efficiency modules with long-term warranties will grow more competitive. Installers must ensure they have access to a dedicated module supply to avoid project delays, procurement problems, and customer dissatisfaction,” – Melissa Cavanagh, Marketing Manager, North America, Trina Solar.
“The variety of solar modules available in the U.S. market, from both established and new players, is growing. Installers know that not all modules are created equal, and selecting a relatively unknown module company comes with risks in terms of warranty, reliability, performance and customer service. Established, bankable brands – whose modules go through rigorous third-party testing by labs like PVEL and RETC – offer peace of mind and a proven track record,” Elena Zhang, General Manager of DG North America for LONGi Solar.
“As the solar industry grows in importance, so does our responsibility to become more sustainable too. Consumers are far more cautious about the environmental footprint of the products they are buying and want to make more responsible choices. Installers must be aware of sustainable aspects of their modules’ portfolio, on top of technical features.” – Cary Hayes, President, REC Americas.
Other key trends to note when scrolling this year’s PV Module Buyer’s Guide:
What’s new? Since its founding 25 years ago, accumulative shipments of Trina Solar’s modules totaled 140 GW, while 210mm module shipments exceeded 65GW by Q1 , ranking first globally. As the first mover of 210mm modules, Trina recently put 210mm n-type capacity into mass production, reinforcing the company’s competitiveness with next-generation n-type cell technology. Trina’s newly upgraded n-type i-TOPCon modules with Vertex 210R (rectangle cells) n-type 605W and Vertex 210 (square cells) n-type 695W modules, with up to 22.4% efficiency. The company’s newest facility has already begun production of 210mm monocrystalline ingot and will have 20GW of planned capacity once fully operational. Trina’s 6.5GW wafer facility in Vietnam marks the milestone of a completely restructured and independent supply chain.
Where to buy: Utility-scale and C&I Customers can contact the Trina Solar US sales team here. Residential Customers can find a distributor here.
What’s new? LONGi continues to be one of the world’s leading solar technology companies. The company has once again been ranked in the highest AAA category in the latest edition of the PV ModuleTech bankability ratings (Q1, ), marking its 13th consecutive AAA ranking and consolidating the company’s leading position among the world’s module manufacturers.
Where to buy: LONGi modules are available via the leading DG distributors in the US and Canada. For direct sales inquiries, contact the sales team at .
What’s new? In the past year, Panasonic released two new lines of all-black compact EVERVOLT solar modules. Developed with performance, accessibility, flexibility and pleasing aesthetics in mind, the 400W/390W HK Black Series modules provide eco-conscious homeowners with a greater range of solar options at a more accessible price point. Additionally, Panasonic released the Panasonic 370W/360WPK Black Series modules, both of which are Panasonic’s first panels made with Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact (PERC) technology. The sleek all-black modules are made with 60 half-cut cells and PERC technology, have module efficiency of 20.3 percent and 19.7 percent, respectively, and guarantee power output of at least 86 percent in the 25th year after installation.
Where to buy: Installer | Panasonic North America – United States
What’s new? Founded in in Vietnam, Boviet Solar is part of Boway Alloy and a global Tier 1 solar technology company that specializes in the manufacturing of Monocrystalline PERC cells, Gamma Series Monofacial and Vega Series Bifacial PV modules, as well as solar project development. The company works with IPPs, EPCs, project developers, solar installers, and contractors to deliver top-performing PV modules for utility-scale, commercial, industrial, and residential solar projects. Boviet Solar has maintained its position as a BloombergNEF Tier 1 solar module manufacturer and supplier since . The company offers financial stability, technological know-how, manufacturing excellence and supply chain transparency. Boviet Solar’s PV Modules have been rated as top performers on the PVEL module reliability scorecard since . Boviet Solar’s has offices in USA, Germany, and its global headquarters are in Vietnam.
Where to buy: visit here for further information.
What’s new? Qcells is investing more than $2.5 billion to build a complete solar supply chain in the United States. The company’s commitment to the clean energy economy in America will create nearly 2,500 direct jobs in Georgia. The announcement marks the largest investment in the history of American solar and sets Qcells up as the only company in the U.S. to establish a fully-integrated, silicon-based solar supply chain from raw material to finished panel.
Where to buy: Through distribution or contact Qcells directly right here
What’s new? JinkoSolar has deployed more than 130 GW in 160 countries globally, including 18 GW in the U.S. EAGLE Modules come from facilities in Malaysia and Florida. EAGLE Storage brings together the best energy storage technology for turnkey hardware and energy storage services. Publicly vetted by trusted industry third party laboratories and top financial institutions, JinkoSolar has more than 300 employees based in San Francisco, CA and Jacksonville, FL offices to provide timely, local service.
Where to buy: ABC Supply Co., Greentech Renewables, Inter-Island Solar Supply, McNaughton & McKay, The PowerStore, R&R Solar Supply, Sonepar, Van Meter
What’s new? In March, , Silfab Solar announced a second investment round by ARC Financial Corp. to help fund the next expansion of made in America technology to include 1 GW cell production and over 1 gigawatt of solar module production within an additional location in the USA.
Where to buy: Silfab Solar is primarily sold through national and regional certified distributors across North America such as Greentech Renewables, Krannich, Baywa r.e. Platt, WTS and some select large volume national direct partners.
What’s new? REC continues to focus on advanced heterojunction technology (HJT). REC’s latest innovation and top performing product is the REC Alpha Pure-R: With up to 430 Wp of power in compact 20.77 ft2, the ‘REC Alpha Pure-R’ offers efficiency of 22.3%. The ‘REC Alpha Pure-R’ is one of the few modules with heterojunction cells in the large G12 format for the residential rooftop segment and lead-free according to RoHS. In addition to the G12 cells, the Alpha Pure-R module uses the four-part junction box, which takes the groundbreaking REC Twin Design a step further.
Where to buy: REC modules are available nationally in the US from major distributors including Greentech, Renewables, Wesco, and Sonepar companies. For a complete list of our US distribution partners, click here
What’s new? Heliene owns and operates the newest and second largest solar module manufacturing factory in the U.S., and has been producing solar modules in North America since . A partnership with Canadian Premium Sands that will supply Heliene facilities with their solar glass for panel manufacturing.
Where to buy: Plant in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario or Mountain Iron, Minn., :
What’s new? Last October, Mission Solar announced plans to expand capacity to reach 1 GW annually in . These plans are underway, including the construction of a 200,000SF storage facility. Expansion of the Mission Solar facility began in Q4 . The increase in capacity is directly related to the company’s sourcing strategy. OCI Company Ltd., the module manufacturer’s parent company in Seoul, South Korea, will play a vital role providing polysilicon for Mission modules.
Where to buy: List of distributors here
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Tags: Boviet Solar, Heliene, JinkoSolar, LONGi Solar, Mission Solar Energy, Panasonic, QCells, REC Group, Silfab Solar, Trina Solar