As we move away from our reliance on fossil fuels, solar panels are becoming increasingly popular. The power generated by the sun is green, free and renewable, and is a simple yet efficient way to provide energy for our homes. Previously, the issue with solar panels was that they only produced energy during daylight hours, when the majority of people were out of their homes. However, with the rise of battery storage solutions, such as our home battery storage this issue has now been solved. Investing in a home battery means that you can store the power generated by the sun throughout the day, and save it until you need it during the evening. Now that this is a possibility, more and more people are turning to solar panels as a feasible and practical way to provide energy for their homes. Solar panel technology has also improved and brought with it an array of different types of solar panels. Choosing the best type of solar panel for your home is important, to optimise your investment. Monocrystalline solar panels are generally considered the best choice for a residential property, however, there are other options which may be best for your home, depending on your set-up. We will take a look at the different types of solar panels, and which one will be best for your home energy needs.
What is a Solar Panel?
A solar panel converts energy from the sun into energy that can be used in domestic or commercial settings. When the sun shines on the solar panel, the solar energy, what we feel as heat, is absorbed by the cells on the panel. This energy creates electrical charges that move in response to an internal electrical field in the cell, causing electricity to flow. This electrical charge creates a direct current (DC) of electricity. We need this electricity turned into alternating current (AC) to use it in our homes, so the electricity passes through an inverter which turns DC to AC. Now the energy can be used in our homes, or stored until we need it. While there are different types of solar panels, the principles of how they work remain the same.
Main Types of Solar Panels
These are the main types of solar panels commonly used. As we become more and more interested in solar power, and the potential it has for us, research into our types of materials and construction for solar panels has increased. However, in a domestic setting, these are the standard types of solar panels used.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Made from monocrystalline silicon, these panels have a uniformly dark appearance, with rounded edges. They are one of the most efficient of the panels, with new models reaching an efficiency rate of 20%. They have a high lifetime value and can be optimised for commercial use. For residential properties, they are attractive as you receive an excellent space-to-efficiency ratio. Their main disadvantage is their cost.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Polycrystalline solar panels are blue in appearance and are made by melting raw silicon. They are a cheaper alternative to monocrystalline, however, they are less efficient, coming in at 15%, have a lower space ratio and are less tolerant of high temperatures giving them a shorter lifespan.
Thin-Film Solar Panels
There are different types of thin-film solar panels including Cadmium Telluride (CdTe), Amorphous Silicon (a-Si), and Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS). They are made by placing one or more films of photovoltaic material onto a substrate. They are easy to produce and economical, and have the advantages of being flexible. They are not as suitable for residential properties as they take up a lot of space, and also have a shorter lifespan.
Solar Tiles and Transparent Solar Panels
Solar tiles act as both a solar panel and a roof tile, giving a sleek and subtle finish. They can be a good choice for a residential property where the final aesthetics are key. They are not as efficient as mounted solar panels, due to the lack of airflow around the whole panel. They have a good life span, however. Transparent solar panels have similar pros and cons, being aesthetically pleasing, while not as efficient as standard solar panels.
Next-Generation Solar Panels
Research into solar panels is constantly evolving, and new technologies are being created.
Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact (PERC) Panels
PERC panels are modified conventional cells that enable the cells to produce 6 to 12 per cent more energy than conventional solar panels, for the same space. However, they are more vulnerable to damage and are more expensive initially.
Perovskite Solar Panels
Perovskite solar panels are made using a manmade material that imitates the crystal structure of the natural material perovskite. They are efficient, light and flexible. However, they have stability issues and aren’t presently available on the open market, but they have good potential for the future.
Concentrator Photovoltaics (CPV)
Concentrator Photovoltaics (CPV) have an impressive efficiency rate of up to 41%. This is due to the design technology such as their curved mirror cells, lens and even cooling systems, which enable them to optimise the power of the sun. They are being used in high-temperature areas to create commercial-scale energy setups.
Quantum Dot and Biohybrid Solar Cells
Currently, in the research phase, biohybrid solar cells offer many possibilities. The idea behind the new technology is to take advantage of the photosystem and thus emulate the natural process of photosynthesis. This could give an incredibly efficient solar panel in the future.
Other Emerging Technologies
Grätzel cells, which are old dye-sensitised solar cells, were recently discovered to be still active even though the electrolyte conducting electricity between the minus and plus poles had evaporated. They have been named zombie cells and could be an impressive development for the future. Organic photovoltaic (OPV) solar cells aim to provide a readily available, and low-energy-production photovoltaic (PV) solution. This technology also has the theoretical potential to provide electricity at a lower cost than first- and second-generation solar technologies.
Choosing the Right Solar Panel for You
Factors to Consider:
Various factors need to be considered when choosing the best solar panel for your needs. In a residential property, you will need to choose a solar panel that has a good space-to-efficiency ratio. If you have a large property or a vast amount of land your choice will be quite different to a standard townhouse. You need to choose a solar panel that is suitable for your local climate and fits in with your budget. You may choose to go for a more aesthetically pleasing solar panel if your budget allows.
Comparing Solar Panel Types
Always do your research into the best type of solar panel for your needs. You will need to compare efficiency, cost, lifespan, power capacity, and performance under different weather conditions. Bear in mind that cheaper solar panels will have a shorter lifespan and need to be replaced more frequently, so make sure that you factor this in when working out the best type of solar panels for your investment.
FAQs on Solar Panels
Which solar panel is most used? – Monocrystalline solar panels are the most popular solar panels used in residential properties today.
Which type of solar is best for your home? – Monocrystalline solar panels are generally considered the best type of solar panel for a standard home.
What type of solar panels are most efficient? – On a commercial scale Concentrator Photovoltaics (CPV) have the best efficiency rates at 41%, while monocrystalline panels give 20% efficiency in a residential property
Which solar panel is more powerful? – Concentrator Photovoltaics (CPV) are a very powerful panel, however new technologies are constantly emerging.
Duracell Energy Home Battery Storage
Whatever type of home solar panel you choose, the key is investing in a home battery storage solution so that you can save the energy produced by your solar panels during the day until you need to use it during the evening. Our home batteries are designed to fit seamlessly into your home and work with your solar panels. Duracell Energy home batteries, EV chargers, and inverters all work together with our impressive app to give you complete control of your entire household energy system. Embrace a greener tomorrow, with Duracell Energy home batteries today. Simply use our online quote calculator to help you choose the best solar battery storage set-up for your home.