4 Different Types of Solar Panels

Globally, solar power accounts for 4.4% of energy leading to significant positive environmental impact. PV systems come in various types and are gaining popularity due to their affordability and clean energy generation. Let us explore the different types of solar panels and compare them based on efficiency, look and cost.

What are the Types of Solar Panels?

They are monocrystalline, polycrystalline, mono-PERC and thin-film each of them serving distinct purposes and locations based on specific requirements. Take a look at the comparison of different types of solar panels and their efficiency cater to specific needs:

Parameters	Monocrystalline	Polycrystalline	Mono-PERC	Thin-Film
Efficiency	Around 20% or more	15-17%	5% higher than monocrystalline	Around 7%-to 10%, can vary depending on the variant
Appearance	Black/ Darker colour with an octagonal or round shape	Blue colour with square edges	Black and rounded edges	Depends on the variant CIGS: 13-15% CdTe: 9-11% a-Si: 6-8%
Advantages	Energy efficient, Heat resistant and less expensive alternative to PERC panels without the passivating layer	Mid-tier choice in terms of cost, efficiency and power capacity.	The most efficient requires the least space and highest power capacity	Lowest installation cost and lightweight
Disadvantages	Expensive, high carbon footprint and low yield in the manufacturing process	Low heat resistance, lower energy efficiency and not suitable in hot environments	Most expensive initially and some earlier panels suffered from light and elevated temperature-induced degradation	A shorter lifespan than crystalline panels require more space and least efficient
Cost	High	Medium	Highest	Lower

Note: Solar panel options parameters may vary depending on differences in quality, manufacturing processes and market conditions.

There are 2 methods to divide the PV panels, as mentioned below:

• Generations – This classification focuses on the efficiency and materials of various types of solar panels. It includes 1st, 2nd, or 3rd generations.
• Junctions – This is about the number of layers on solar panels and includes single-junctions or multi-junctions.

The major types of panels we all are familiar with are Mono-SI, Poly-SI, PERC, and TFSC.

1. Monocrystalline Solar Panels (Mono-SI) – 1^st Gen

They are also known as single-crystal panels since made from a single pure silicon crystal that has been separated into numerous wafers, giving them a deep black colour. This purity contributes to their higher space efficiency and durability when compared to other types of solar panels.

2. Polycrystalline Solar Panels (Poly-SI) – 1^st Gen

These panels stand out with their shape and blue-speckled look crafted by melting raw silicon to create diverse crystals that are then poured into a square mould. This method reduces waste and shapes it uniquely while affecting its energy conversion and space efficiency by lowering silicon purity and construction quality.

3. Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) Panels 

These panels represent an advancement in standard monocrystalline cells and have a passivation layer on the rear surface that improves efficiency by reflecting light back into the cell, improving solar radiation absorption, and minimizing electron recombination, facilitating electron flow. 

Moreover, it allows for higher wavelength light reflection, preventing the cell’s metal back sheet from heating up and sustaining efficiency. These solar panels capture more sunlight in a smaller area making them perfect for tight spaces.

4. Thin-Film Solar Cells (TFSC) – 2^nd Gen

They are manufactured by layering photovoltaic materials such as silicon, cadmium or copper onto a substrate. They are easy to install due to their flexibility and lightweight design with less material requirements. However, their efficiency is lower when compared to standard silicon different types of solar panels.

A. Amorphous Silicon Solar Cells (A-Si): These cells with their triple-layered design and reduced efficiency are affordable for low-power applications like pocket calculators. Amorphous silicon solar cells with a thickness of just 1 millimetre use a fraction of it in standard cells, resulting in cheaper production costs.

B. Cadmium Telluride Solar Cells (CdTe): These panels offer low production costs, a short energy payback time along with requiring minimal water for production. However, it raises concerns due to cadmium’s toxicity, and recycling it adds to the cost.  

C. Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS): They consist of a thin layer of copper, indium, gallium, and selenium which is deposited on a backing material. They offer higher efficiency compared to other thin-film types but lack overall efficiency compared to crystalline silicon panels.

You can also check out Most Common Solar Panel Problems With Solutions.

Talking about categorising them as per generation, they are as follows.

• 1st Generation is mostly used in conventional setups and includes the traditional ones made from monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon.
• 2nd Generation includes various types of thin film solar cells that are commonly used for power stations and integration in buildings or small PV systems.
• 3rd Generation includes a variety of thin-film technologies that are still in research or development stages. Few of them use organic or inorganic substances (CdTe) for generating electricity.

Since we covered Gen 1, 2 and CdTe from Gen 3, let us read more about the lesser known 3rd generation panels.

5. Biohybrid Solar Cell

A team of experts at Vanderbilt University developed biohybrid solar cells that are still in the research phase. It is generated to take advantage of the photosystem 1 and apply the natural process of photosynthesis.

Most materials used in this cell are the same as traditional ones that are combined with multiple layers of photosystem 1. This increases the efficiency of conversion, making it up to 1000 times more effective than 1st generation panels.

6. Concentrated PV Cells (CVP and HCVP)

They work similar to the conventional systems but have an efficiency rate of up to 41%. Concentrated PV cells may seem the next best, but they need to face the sun at a perfect angle. Moreover, they need to be paired with solar trackers to deliver full efficiency.

Cross-reference: Overview of Concentrated Photovoltaic (CPV) Cells

Capacity of Different Types of Solar Panels

Before we discuss the capacity of different types, let’s take a look at the solar energy capacity for the last decade.

Solar panels can be categorized based on the power capacity.

1. Highest Power Capacity

• Monocrystalline Panels: They have the highest output and power capacity because of their greater efficiency per square foot, which typically ranges from 300 to 320 watts.
• PERC Panels: They have a similar power output to monocrystalline panels since they are essentially modified versions of the same materials and production procedures.

2. Mid Power Capacity

• Polycrystalline Panels: Their power output with a typical 60-cell panel ranging from 240 to 300 watts, making it suitable for most household electrical systems.

3. Lowest Power Capacity

• Thin-Film Panels: These are mostly used in large utility-scale power plants and have lesser power capacity than crystalline panels because of their thinner build, fewer semiconducting components, and lack of pure silicon.

Also See: Top 20 Solar Panel Manufacturers in the World

Cost of Solar Panel Types

The average 6KW system price including only materials ranges from $6,000 to $9,000. However, installation and labour fees could increase the total from $2.50 to $3.50 per watt. Below is an approximate breakdown of the solar panel types by cost per watt:

Note: Solar panel options vary in cost depending on quality and market conditions.

Which Type of Solar Panel is Best for Home Use?

The selection among different types of solar panels is based on requirements, taking into account factors such as space availability and budget limits. Homes with limited room require small systems like monocrystalline panels which are extremely efficient but come at a higher cost. However, for bigger rooms choose the larger array of polycrystalline panels which are cost-effective. For more such solar related content, check out the dedicated category.