Why does the type of solar PV panel matter?

Thanks to advances in technology, many photovoltaic panels are excellently designed to efficiently generate enough electricity to meet your energy needs.

Here is a guide to the different types of panels and how to choose them.

What types are they?

There are three main types of solar photovoltaic panels: single crystal, polycrystal and thin film solar photovoltaic panels.

The price to buy solar panels depends on appearance, efficiency ratio, composite materials and design, and different types of solar panels have advantages and disadvantages.

Before deciding which solar PV panel to use, you must consider such factors as roof area, aesthetics, temperature resistance, warranty period, budget and investment expectations of upfront cost and return.

More expensive systems can generate more energy or provide higher long-term reliability than cheaper, more affordable PV systems, thus providing better returns over their operable life.

Single crystal solar photovoltaic panel

Single crystal solar photovoltaic panels are made of single crystal silicon cut into thin wafers. They were the most efficient, ranging from 15 percent to 24 percent. The average cost of the panels is between 3.6-4 yuan per watt, but prices can vary by location.

Their aesthetic appeal comes from their all-black appearance.

Several types of single crystal panels, such as photovoltaic roof tiles, IBC, PERC, and double-sided photovoltaic panels. These different types of single crystal panels have unique advantages and vary in cost, efficiency and application, some of which are more suitable for ground mounted systems.

Photovoltaic roofing tiles: They are expensive, but they have the best aesthetic and maximize the fill factor.

IBC: They are durable and efficient because there is no obvious connection line on the front of the battery.

PERC: These solar PV panels have been modified to produce 6 to 12 percent more energy than conventional solar PV panels.

Double-sided: These solar panels capture sunlight from both sides (front and back), and they are popular in ground-mounted systems.

Single crystal panels have a moderate temperature coefficient and typically have a 25-year service life. Single-crystal solar panels offer a better return on investment over their 25-year life because they can generate more electricity and save more on electricity bills compared to the upfront cost.

In addition, whether the goal is to maximize solar power coefficient, enhance aesthetic appeal, improve efficiency or durability, a variety of single crystal panel types have their solutions.

Polycrystalline solar panels

Polycrystalline panels are popular with homeowners on a budget. Their efficiency is modest, between 15 and 17 percent. They cost between 3.2-3.50 yuan per watt.

Polycrystalline panels have a worse temperature coefficient than single-crystal panels, but they can still last up to 25 years. As a result, these panels are perfect for homeowners on a tight budget.

Thin-film solar panel

Thin-film solar panels are very inefficient, between 10 and 13 percent, making them the least efficient solar panels on the market. They have a shorter life span of 10 to 20 years and are rarely used for residential purposes.

The cost of this type of solar panel is around 1.70 yuan. Despite their inefficiency, room-taking and short lifespan, they have the best temperature coefficient and are aesthetically pleasing, with a thin, all-black appearance that some homeowners find appealing.