Four Kinds Of Solar Panels

As of right now, there are four different varieties of solar powered panels that you can choose from. All of them can be easily installed at your home or business. But be sure to do plenty of research on these kinds of panels so you can choose the right fit for you and your needs!

• Monocrystalline Silicon Panels. These are also called “single crystal” panels. They have an electricity return of anywhere between 14% and 18%. These panels are made from one single continuous piece of silicon that has metal plates nailed to the ends in order to increase the connectivity of the panel. Generally, these are the most expensive and most effective kind of solar panel.

• Polycrystalline Silicon Panels. These have a return of anywhere between 12% and 18% on electricity and are made up of lots of individual PV cells of metal that comprise the panel. These units are less effective than the monocrystalline panels, but are cheaper to maintain.

• String Ribbon Silicon Panels. These have about the same electricity return rate as polycrystalline panels and are constructed in a similar fashion. The difference is that the PV cells are made of strips of silicon that attach to bars, which fasten the strips together to form a cell. Using strips of silicon makes their construction costs cheaper than polycrystalline panels.

• Amorphous Silicon Panels. These have the lowest electric return of any panel, due to the fact that they are not made with silicon, but rather semi conductive metal that has a layer of silicon on top. These are very cheap, but with a return rate of 5%-6%, you’ll need a lot, and a lot of space!

These are the main types of panels that you can choose from when trying to outfit your home with solar panels. There is a good fit for every level of electric return and every budget, so be sure to do your research before buying! Make sure you talk to a solar panel installation technician who is experienced with the type of panels you have purchased or plan to purchase.