Solar energy powers about 18.6 million homes in the US. Besides, home solar panels are increasingly becoming popular. By the end of the first quarter in 2021, the USA had installed 5 gigawatts of solar photovoltaic system capacity.
This accounted for nearly 58% of new electricity-generating capacities. Moreover, we anticipate that the country will add up to 160 gigawatts of solar energy generating capacity within the next five years.
Reasons that could prompt you to install residential solar panels include lower energy costs and reliability. However, there are different types of solar panels depending on energy efficiency, brand, and design.
Different solar options attract varying acquisition and installation costs. Also, each option has its pros and cons. Here is a quick guide highlighting different types of home solar panels.
- Monocrystalline Home Solar Panels
Monocrystalline is the prevalent type of solar panel. Every time you a black solar panel, there is a high likelihood it’s monocrystalline.
This is because their solar cells feature pure silicon crystals. Pure silicon crystal appears blackish when sunlight reflects on it.
However, monocrystalline solar panels have different frame and back sheet colors. They can be white, black, or silver. The color option here depends on your aesthetic preferences.
Reach out to https://blueravensolar.com/kentucky/ for a variety of monocrystalline home solar panels.
- Thin Film Types of Solar Panels
Thin-film residential solar panels are a go-to option if you prefer aesthetics. These solar panels have a slim, low-profile design. Generally, their solar cells are up to 350 times thinner than traditional solar panels.
There are two types of thin-film home solar panels, including framed and adhesive. The latter has frames of about 50mm thickness but guarantees high performance.
On the other hand, adhesive designs fit as close as possible to the roof surface. Also, they are relatively durable.
- Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Polycrystalline designs are the latest types of solar panels in the industry. They are growing in popularity, thanks to their energy efficiency.
These solar panels also feature silicon cells. However, unlike monocrystalline, they have silicon crystal fragments melted together.
These home solar panels have a bluish hue. This is because of the varying reflective properties of fragmented silicon and pure monocrystalline silicon. In most cases, polycrystalline solar panel frames are silver, while the back sheets are white or silver.
- Bifacial Solar Panels
As the name suggests, bifacial solar panels capture sunlight energy from either side of the panel. Thus, a small-sized bifacial solar panel generates more electricity than traditional, sizeable solar panels. Most bifacial solar panels feature monocrystalline solar cells.
What’s the design of bifacial solar panels? These solar panels come with a transparent back sheet. Sunlight energy penetrates the upper surface before bouncing back into the solar cells from the lower surface. This technology is ideal in areas with minimal sunshine coverage.
Choose the Best Solar Panels for Your Residence
Buying solar panels could be the best decision ever to make these days. Switching to solar energy is the surest way of combating greenhouse gas emissions.
Research these types of solar panels to determine which option suits your residential energy needs. Check more blogs on this site for in-depth information on home solar panels.
