You may have noticed solar panels popping up in your neighborhood, as homeowners turn to this technology to be more environmentally friendly and offset their electric bills. What you may not have noticed is that there are different types of solar panels you can have installed on your home. We will cover the pros and cons of the two most common residential types, Monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels.
- Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Monocrystalline solar panels are made from a single crystal of silicon and are black and have rounded edges. These panels are more efficient than polycrystalline and thin-film panels, with an efficiency rating of 22%.
The large price tag of Monocrystalline panels can be a drawback for some considering solar panels. Another potential drawback to moncrystalline panels is that their efficiency can decrease in high temperatures, making them less effective in peak summer months. Although there are some potential downsides, many customers prefer their high efficiency and sleak design over the other options.
- Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Polycrystalline solar panels are made up of multiple crystals of silicon and are recognized by their blue, speckled appearance and squared edges. These panels have a slightly lower efficiency rating at up to 20% than monocrystalline panels, but also have a slightly lower price tag too, making them a more cost efficienct option for many homeowners.
Another mark in the pro column for polycrystalline panels is that they are less sensitive to temperature changes than monocrystalline panels, making them a good choice for hotter climates. Even though this is they are less sensitive to temperature changes, they are still less efficienct so you would need more to generate the same amount of electricity at monocrystalline panels. This can also be a limiting for smaller installs.
There are many factors to consider when determing what solar panels will best suit your needs. You need to think about cost vs efficiency, climate, roof space and appearance. If you do your research we are sure that you will be able to find a suitable solar panel for your specific home electric needs.