Installing solar electricity panels in your home is a great way to reduce your monthly electric bill and at the same time, minimise your carbon footprint. It has many long-term benefits and although it can be relatively expensive at first, your initial investments will definitely pay off in no time. What’s more, unlike traditional sources of energy, solar power is greener and renewable. It doesn’t cause air or noise pollution, which is why more and more people across the globe are using solar for home.

1. 3 Common Types of
Solar Electricity Panels:
A Closer Look

2. Installing solar electricity panels in
your home is a great way to reduce
your monthly electric bill and at the
same time, minimise your carbon
footprint. It has many long-term
benefits and although it can be
relatively expensive at first, your
initial investments will definitely
pay off in no time. What’s more,
unlike traditional sources of energy,
solar power is greener and
renewable. It doesn’t cause air or
noise pollution, which is why more
and more people across the globe
are using solar for home.

3. If you live in an area that receives lots of sunlight all
throughout the year, you should consider setting up a
panel system in your home. This way, you can produce
greener energy for your daily needs. However, if you
have no prior experience with solar electricity panels,
choosing the right solar cells for home use can be
confusing for you. Therefore, it is best that you equip
yourself with proper knowledge before you make a
purchase.

4. Today, there are different types of solar panels that
are available on the market. The most common of
them are crystalline silicon panels, thin-film panels,
and building integrated photovoltaics. Each type has
its own strengths and weaknesses. As such, it’s best
that you determine exactly what your needs are before
you make a purchase. This way, you can install a
system that fits your budget and take full advantage of
using solar energy at home.

5. Crystalline silicon panels, or c-Si, are perhaps the most
popular among those who are using solar for home.
According to recent reports, over 90% of shipments of
crystalline silicon panels made by US manufacturers in
2011 are for the residential sector. There are two types
of c-Si panels: monocrystalline and polycrystalline.

6. Monocrystalline panels are said to be the most efficient
when it comes to converting solar energy to electricity.
Because they are made of the highest grade of silicon,
they require the least amount of roof space. Its
downside, however, is that monocrystalline panels can
be more expensive than other types of solar panels.
Polycrystalline panels, on the other hand, have an
efficiency rate of 13% to 16%. They are less expensive
and more aesthetically pleasing. However, they require
more roof space.

7. Thin-film solar cells, meanwhile, are made of several
thin layers of photovoltaic material. This particular type
of solar electricity panels is said to be easier to
produce, which is why it is considerably cheaper than
crystalline-based solar cells. However, thin-film solar
cells are not really that suited for home use, especially if
you live in the suburbs, because they need more open
space to set up

8. As the name implies, building integrated
photovoltaics or BIPV can be built within your home.
They can replace the walls, roofs, and windows of
your house. While they look good and can help you
save space, many homeowners tend to shy away from
them. As you might have probably guessed, you’ll
need a huge amount of money to integrate these
solar electricity panels in your home.