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Types of Solar Panels

Silicon-based solar panels are called photovoltaic panels, and there are two main types: crystalline and thin film.

Crystalline Solar Panels
These traditional solar panels can be either monocrystalline or polysilicon.

Monocrystalline panels are made from a large, single silicon crystal and have a patchwork pattern. Polysilicon panels are made of lots of tiny silicon crystals and have a geometric pattern. While monocrystalline panels are more efficient than polysilicon ones, they are also more expensive. The efficiency of crystalline panels range from 12% to 20%, and they are almost always the best choice for a home solar system.

Thin Film Solar Panels
Amorphous photovoltaics, or thin film silicon panels cost much less to produce, but they are also much less efficient. The silicon in thin film panels is printed on a flexible backing material. The efficiency of thin film panels ranges between 6% and 10%. Thin film panels take twice as much space to make the same amount of energy as crystalline panels.

Note: 'Thin film' is a catch-all phrase and some thin film solar panels aren't silicon based. Some use other semiconductors such as cadmium telluride (CdTe) or copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS).

BIPV Solar Panels (Solar Roof Shingles)

A further innovation on thin film solar panels is Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV). BIPVs are small thin film solar panels that are the same size and shape as roofing shingles, allowing them to be seamlessly integrated with the other shingles on your roof. BIPV panels are more expensive and somewhat less efficient than traditional solar panels, but many consumers consider them to be the best-looking option on the market. Sunrun certified installer PetersenDean is an expert in integrated solar tiles.

Many companies are researching alternatives to solar panels or photovoltaic panels, but it will be a long time before these technologies are available, tested and commercially viable to be a good option for your home. Don't wait. Request a free solar consultation with Sunrun today.