Skip to main content

Types of Solar Panels: A Comprehensive Guide For Choosing the Right Solar Panels for Your Home & Office

As the world grapples with climate change, there is a dire need for alternative energy for power generation. Solar Energy is abundant in nature and is completely replenishable. Solar power has emerged as a leading choice for homeowners seeking sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions. Solar panels serve the best purpose for converting sunlight into usable electrical energy. There are multiple types of solar panels available on the market. Selecting the right solar panels for your residence is a crucial step in harnessing this renewable resource efficiently. This comprehensive guide explores the various types of solar panels available, their unique characteristics, and essential considerations to help you make an informed decision for your home and office [1].

Solar Photovoltaic Cell Basics

Solar Panels work on the principle of the Photovoltaic Effect, that's why they are also called Photovoltaic Modules (PV modules). The photovoltaic process is defined as the generation of electric current and voltage when a specific material is exposed to sunlight. The generated electricity is Direct Current (DC), which is usually utilized by various DC-operated devices and can be stored in Batteries. Solar Panels comprise solar cells, which are made from semiconductor material. There are various types of semiconductor materials available in nature, and the most common of them used in making PV panel manufacturing is Silicon. PV Modules consist of multiple solar cells connected in series and parallel connection configurations. Multiple Solar Panels or Modules are arranged in groups to form Solar Arrays. Multiple arrays are interconnected in series and parallel connection configurations to form a Solar PV System. The following diagram shows the configuration of solar cells, modules, arrays, and solar power systems [2], [3].

From Solar Cells to Solar PV System

From Solar Cells to Solar PV System

Silicon

Silicon is by far the most prevalent semiconductor material utilized in solar panels, accounting for roughly 95% of the modules sold today. It is also the second most abundant element on Earth after oxygen and serves as the most widely used semiconductor in computer chips. Crystalline silicon cells are composed of silicon atoms that are bonded together to create a crystal lattice. This lattice offers an organized framework that enhances the efficiency of converting light into electricity. Currently, silicon-based solar cells deliver a mix of high efficiency, affordability, and longevity. These modules are anticipated to have a lifespan of 25 years or more, still generating over 80% of their initial power after that period [4].

The 3 Main Types of Solar Panels

The type of solar panels required by a consumer depends upon the type of system you want to install. The type of solar panel that is most appropriate for your residential or commercial setup will depend on your personal preferences and the unique characteristics of your property. There are typically three major types of solar panels available on the market: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film panels [5]:

Pros & Cons of Different Types of Solar Panels

Solar Panel Type

Pros

Cons

Monocrystalline

High Efficiency & Long-Lasting

Higher Price

Polycrystalline

Lower Price

Low Efficiency & Performance

Thin-film

Flexible & Easy to Install

Low Efficiency & Performance


1. Monocrystalline Solar Panels

Monocrystalline solar panels are also referred to as single-crystal panels since they are made from a single pure silicon crystal that has been cut into several wafers. The utilization of pure silicon during the manufacturing process makes monocrystalline solar panels durable and long-lasting among other solar panel types. These solar panels are highly efficient but come with a higher tag price.

2. Polycrystalline Solar Panels

Polycrystalline solar panels, as connoted by their name, are made from multiple silicon crystals. These panels are manufactured by melting multiple silicon fragments and then poured into a square mold. They are less efficient than monocrystalline solar panels but come with a lower price tag. The durability and longevity of polycrystalline solar panels are lower, which makes them less efficient in higher-temperature environments.

3. Thin-film Solar Panels

Thin-film solar panels are made up of extremely thin layers that allow them to be flexible. These panels do not need a supportive frame, which makes them lighter and simpler to install. In contrast to crystalline silicon panels, which are available in standard sizes of 60, 72, and 96-cell configurations, thin-film panels can be produced in various sizes to meet specific requirements. However, they tend to have lower efficiency compared to conventional silicon solar panels.

Solar Panel Types by Efficiency

Different kinds of solar panels differ in their power generation capabilities. If your roof space is restricted, opt for a high-efficiency solar panel to maximize the output of your system. We can divide solar panel types by efficiency into two main classes [6], [7]:

  1. Crystalline Solar Panels

Monocrystalline solar panels have the highest efficiency and power-generating capability. They have maximum efficiency levels of 22% and are typically available above 20% efficiency. Monocrystalline solar panels produce peak power between 350 Watts and 550 Watts. Conversely, polycrystalline solar panels are less efficient than monocrystalline. They are available in the efficiency range of 15%–17%. The power-generating capacity of polycrystalline solar panels is less than 350 Watts.

The performance of monocrystalline solar panels is higher than polycrystalline due to their high efficiency. They have higher temperature coefficients and work better in warmer climates. The typical size of both monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels is the same. Both types are available in 60, 72, and 96 silicon cell options.

  1. Thin-Film Solar Panels

Thin-film solar panels typically have lower efficiencies and power outputs than monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels. Efficiency levels differ based on the specific materials utilized in the cells, but thin-film solar panels generally achieve an efficiency of about 11%. The sizes of thin-film solar cell technology are not standardized. The power capacity can vary significantly from one thin-film panel to another, mainly depending on its dimensions. In general, the power output per square meter of thin-film panels is lower than that of monocrystalline or polycrystalline solar panels.

Solar Panel Types by Cost

Different types of solar panels are available in variable price ranges. This price difference occurs due to the purity of the raw materials used and the manufacturing process applied. Below is the comparison of three different solar panel types by cost [5], [6]:

  1. Monocrystalline Solar Panels

Monocrystalline solar panels are the most expensive type of solar panels available on the market. The higher price of monocrystalline solar panels is due to the manufacturing process applied. The process for producing monocrystalline solar panels is known as the Czochralski process. This process is highly energy-intensive, and a large amount of silicon is wasted in the making of monocrystalline cells, even sometimes reaching over 50%.

  1. Polycrystalline Solar Panels

Polycrystalline solar panels are cheaper crystalline-type panels because most of these panels are manufactured from the remains of crystal fragments during monocrystalline production. This makes the manufacturing process of polycrystalline modules quite simpler with lesser production costs. 

  1. Thin-film Solar Panels

Although the cost of thin-film solar panels is less than that of crystalline solar panels, the final price of thin-film solar cells mostly depends on the type of thin-film material used. There are various types of thin film panels available in the market, namely: Cadmium telluride (CdTe), Amorphous silicon (a-Si), and Copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS). Among all thin-film solar panels, CIGS is the most expensive, followed by CdTe and then a-Si. Besides lower acquisition costs, thin-film solar panels are easier to install due to their lightweightedness and flexibility, which further saves the cost of labor.

Solar Panel Types by Look

Want solar panels that also add a good look to the building's architecture? Then every type of solar panel differs in its look and appearance. Some solar panels' look and appearance depend on the different types of materials used and the production process applied. Some solar panels look better than others in different colors of shingles. Below we have explained the difference in looks for different types of solar panels [6], [8]:

  1. Monocrystalline Solar Panels

Since monocrystalline solar cells are cut from a single pure silicon crystal, the solar panels made from these cells exhibit a dark black color with a rounded corner square shape. Although most of the monocrystalline solar panels look black, they can have a variety of black shades depending on the back sheet placed beneath the solar panel, which are usually black, silver, or white. Moreover, the frames of these types of solar panels are typically black. 

  1. Polycrystalline Solar Panels

Polycrystalline solar cells are manufactured in a way that is cut in exact squares. These solar panels are usually blue or dark blue due to the light reflecting from variations in silicon fragments. Similar to monocrystalline solar panels, polycrystalline solar panels exhibit different shades of blue color depending on whether the back sheets are either silver or white. The frames of most of these panels are silver in color. 

  1. Thin-film Solar Panels

Thin-film solar panels maintain minimum visibility and are thinner than crystalline-type solar panels. They are available in both blue and black hues, which depends on the composition of the materials used. Thin-film solar cells are approximately 350 times slimmer than the crystalline wafers found in monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels. Nonetheless, a complete thin-film panel can be about the same thickness as a monocrystalline or polycrystalline solar panel if it features a thick frame. There are adhesive thin-film solar panels that attach closely to a roof's surface. However, more robust thin-film panels can have frames that are as thick as 50 millimeters.

Which Type of Solar Panel Should You Choose?

All three types of solar panels have some pros and cons, but the choice of a solar panel depends on the specific requirements of the building and your energy-saving goals. The two common considerations for deploying solar panels are limited space and ease of use [5], [6]:

Limited Space

For smaller rooftop sizes in residential and commercial properties and more energy-saving goals, monocrystalline solar panels are the best choice for delivering maximum power in a limited space. For larger properties where a maximum rooftop footprint is available for solar panel installation along with your upfront cost-saving goals, polycrystalline solar panels are the best choice. 

Ease of Installation

If you want to avoid heavy labor costs and prefer DIY-type solar panels for easy installation, then thin-film solar panels are the best choice. Thin-film solar panels are also a good choice for outdoor portable installations like RVs or boats. For older buildings that can’t bear the load of heavy solar panels with frames, thin film serves the best purpose because they are lighter in weight.

References

[1] DSG Energy, “Types of Solar Panels,” DSG Energy. [Online]. Available: https://dsgenergy.com.pk/types-of-solar-panels/

[2] Wikipedia, “Photovoltaic effect,” Wikipedia. Oct. 01, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Photovoltaic_effect&oldid=1248812653

[3] Wikipedia, “Solar panel,” Wikipedia. Feb. 15, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Solar_panel&oldid=1275854415

[4] US DOE, “Solar Photovoltaic Cell Basics,” United States Department of Energy. [Online]. Available: https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/solar-photovoltaic-cell-basics

[5] Aurora, “Comprehensive Guide to Solar Panel Types,” Aurora Solar. [Online]. Available: https://aurorasolar.com/blog/solar-panel-types-guide/

[6] J. Marsh, “Types of Solar Panels: What You Need to Know,” EnergySage. [Online]. Available: https://www.energysage.com/solar/types-of-solar-panels/

[7] A. Vourvoulias, “How Efficient Are Solar Panels in February 2025?,” GreenMatch. [Online]. Available: https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/2014/11/how-efficient-are-solar-panels

[8] Exeo Energy, “Solar Panel Aesthetics,” Exeo Energy. [Online]. Available: https://www.exeoenergy.co.uk/solar-panels/solar-panel-aesthetics/
Labels:
Location: Karachi, Pakistan

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

3 Main Types of Power Protection Devices – Their Advantages and Disadvantages

If you use electrical equipment, you know how important it is to protect it from power problems that can damage or destroy your appliances. Power problems such as voltage fluctuations, power surges, and power outages can occur at any time and for various reasons. They can cause overheating, fire, explosion, data loss, or a reduced lifespan of your equipment. That's why you need power protection devices that can prevent or mitigate the effects of these power problems. This blog post covers three key types of power protection devices: fuses, circuit breakers, and surge protection devices. Fuses Fuses are a fundamental, low-cost form of overcurrent protection that operates by melting a thin metal strip when currents exceed a certain threshold. This breaking action interrupts the flow of electricity, preventing damage from overloads. While reliable, fuses must be replaced after each fault and cannot protect against all power issues, such as voltage surges. They are best suited for appl...
Post a Comment
Read more

UPS Buying Guide - 4 Key Factors to Consider When Buying a UPS for Your Home or Business

  An UPS (uninterruptible power supply) is a device that provides backup power and protection for your electronic equipment in case of power problems, such as blackouts, surges, brownouts, voltage sags, over-voltage, and frequency noise. A UPS can prevent data loss, damage, and downtime caused by unexpected power disruptions. But how do you choose the right UPS for your needs? Here are four important factors to consider before buying a UPS. 1. Determine The Load Size The first step is to identify the devices that you want to connect to the UPS and calculate their total power consumption. This will help you determine the capacity of the UPS that you need. The capacity of a UPS is measured in watts (W) and volt-amperes (VA). Watts measures the real power drawn by the devices, while VA measures the apparent power that the UPS needs to supply. The ratio of watts to VA is called the power factor and is usually expressed as a percentage. For example, a device with a power factor of 80% d...
Post a Comment
Read more

UPS Battery: Types and Applications

An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a device that provides backup power to the connected equipment in case of power disturbances such as blackouts, surges, or fluctuations. A UPS is essential for protecting critical data and equipment from damage or downtime. However, a UPS is only as reliable as the batteries that support it. Therefore, choosing the right type of battery for your UPS is an important decision that depends on several factors, such as cost, performance, lifespan, and maintenance. This article will explain the types of batteries available on the market, their benefits, and applications [1] . UPS Battery Types There are three main types of batteries used in UPS systems: lead-acid, lithium-ion, and nickel-cadmium. No one type of battery is the ‘best’ for UPS. The choice of battery depends on the application and usage. Below is the further explanation of each battery type: Lead-Acid Batteries Lead-acid batteries are the most common type of UPS batteries and have been a...
Post a Comment
Read more