Different solar panel types explained

There are 9 different types of solar panels, each with unique characteristics, production methods, and applications.
  • Posted by Emily Jade
  • 10 min read (1340 words)
  • Last updated 17 Apr, 2024
  • Category: Solar PV

Solar panels are one of the most popular renewable energy technologies, offering a sustainable solution to power generation. There are 9 different types of solar panels, each with unique characteristics, production methods, and applications.

What are the different types of solar panel?

The nine different types of solar panels are:

  • Monocrystalline
  • Polycrystalline
  • Concentrator Photovoltaics (CPV)
  • Passivated Emitter
  • Perovskite
  • Rear Contact (PERC)
  • Solar Thermal
  • Solar Tile
  • Thin Film
  • Transparent

Monocrystalline solar panels

How are monocrystalline solar panels made?

Monocrystalline solar panels are made from high-purity silicon ingots which are sliced into thin wafers. These wafers are then assembled into cells, which are interconnected to form a panel.

Pros of monocrystalline solar panels

  • Best efficiency of commercially available solar panels
  • Average break-even point of 14.1 years
  • Cuts the typical electricity bill by 64%
  • Sleek, modern and subtle look
  • Good performance in low light conditions
  • Long lifespan, often 25 years +

Cons of monocrystalline solar panels

  • Can be more expensive than other solar panels

Polycrystalline solar panels

How are polycrystalline solar panels made?

Polycrystalline solar panels are made by melting silicon crystals and pouring them into a square mould to form ingots. This creates the panel’s blue mosaic look.

Pros of polycrystalline solar panels

  • Often cheaper than other types of solar panel
  • Slightly more eco-friendly, as less silicon is wasted in the manufacturing process

Cons of polycrystalline solar panels

  • Higher cost per watt of power output
  • Less efficient than monocrystalline solar panels
  • Blue hue may not appeal to all homeowners

Concentrator Photovoltaics (CPV)

How are concentrator photovoltaics systems made?

CPV systems use lenses or mirrors to concentrate sunlight and direct it onto small, high-efficiency solar cells, which are made from materials such as gallium arsenide. They are mostly found in hot regions of countries like South Africa and Spain, and are usually owned by energy companies.

Concentrator photovoltaic system pros

  • CPV systems can achieve up to 50% efficiency
  • Well-suited for regions with high solar irradiance
  • Can generate energy with very little light

Concentrator photovoltaic system cons

  • Not currently available for households
  • Very expensive
  • Less suitable for lower light conditions or locations with frequent cloud cover

Passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC) solar panels

How are passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC) solar panels made?

PERC solar panels are based on crystalline silicon technology. The rear side of the panel is reflective, bouncing back any unabsorbed light back through the solar cell.

Pros of passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC) solar panels

  • More efficient than traditional crystalline silicon panels
  • Less likely to lose efficiency from overheating

Cons of passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC) solar panels

  • Increased production costs
  • PERC panels may be more prone to degradation
  • Less efficient than market-leading panels

Perovskite solar panels

How are perovskite solar panels made?

Perovskite is a synthetic material inspired by the crystal structure of a mineral with the same name. This material is layered on top of standard silicon. Silicon can absorb the red end of the solar spectrum, and perovskite can absorb the blue end.

Pros of perovskite solar panels

  • Higher efficiency than any solar panel on the market
  • Takes up the same space as monocrystalline panels

Cons of perovskite solar panels

  • Not yet commercially available
  • Despite promising performance in lab settings, cells face challenges with stability, scalability, and toxicity of materials
  • Will likely be more expensive than other panels when made available

Solar thermal panels

How are solar thermal panels made?

Solar thermal panels, also known as solar water heaters or solar collectors, do not generate electricity. Instead, they use the sun’s rays to heat your domestic hot water. They consist of evacuated tubes or flat-plate collectors containing a mixture of water and glycol, which is heated by the sun before flowing to the heat exchanger inside a hot water tank, transferring its warmth to your water supply.

Pros of solar thermal panels

  • Easy to install
  • Relatively cheap
  • Can reduce your heating bills

Cons of solar thermal panels

  • Provides hot water, not electricity
  • Can’t usually provide 100% of domestic hot water

Solar tiles

How are solar tiles made?

Solar tiles work like solar panels, and are typically made by embedding solar cells into traditional roofing materials such as concrete, ceramic or glass. They are designed to look like roof tiles.

Pros of solar tiles

  • Aesthetically appealing alternative to solar panels
  • Provide both electricity generation and roofing functionality
  • Can often be installed on listed buildings and in conservation areas

Cons of solar tiles

  • Less efficient than solar panels
  • More expensive than solar panels
  • Individual tile replacements can be difficult

Thin film solar panels

How are thin film solar panels made?

Thin film panels are made by placing several thin layers of photovoltaic material, such as amorphous silicon, on top of each other.

Pros of thin film solar panels

  • More flexible than solar panels – doesn’t require a flat roof surface
  • Can be installed on mobile homes and sheds
  • Cheaper than other domestic solar panels

Cons of thin film solar panels

  • Lower efficiency rating
  • Low power output
  • May degrade faster over time and need more frequent replacement

Transparent solar panels

How are transparent solar panels made?

Transparent solar panels are usually made using transparent conductive materials, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), deposited onto a transparent substrate. Photovoltaic materials are then applied to capture sunlight. These panels can be placed on top of glass, allowing you to generate solar electricity while letting light into your home.

Pros of transparent solar panels

  • Can be integrated into windows, skylights and building facades without obstructing views
  • Generates electricity while still allowing natural light to pass through

Cons of transparent solar panels

  • Bad efficiency rating
  • Can be expensive to install
  • Savings on energy bills are generally lower than with other panel types

Which is the best type of solar panel?

The overall best type of solar panel is monocrystalline, giving the best efficiency of commercially available panels combined with a subtle appearance and good pay-back time. This may change in the future, as other types of solar panel become commercially available.

HeatElectric specialise in installing Qcells monocrystalline solar panels. With sleek, all-black surface and zero gap cell layout, Qcells are the best in solar systems. Their modules boast innovative, all-weather technology and a 25-year product and performance guarantee. Get in touch today to find out more and to take the first step towards a greener future.

ELKATHERM
Sunamp
Fondital
Samsung SDI
Q-Cells
Which?
MCS
HIES
Trustmark