The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Solar Panels for Your Home or Business

Are you thinking about installing solar panels? These eco-friendly and ultra-efficient solutions can reduce your dependence on the electricity grid and save you money on your energy bills. There are many things to consider when installing solar panels, including the type you choose.

In this guide, we’ll discuss the different types of solar panels available and review each so you can choose the right solution for your home or commercial building.

Let’s get straight to it.

Monocrystalline Solar Panels

Monocrystalline solar panels are first-generation systems that use single-crystal silicon. Manufacturers melt the silicone into bars and then apply an anti-reflective coating, which gives these panels their trademark dark appearance.

The coating also plays a key role in achieving high efficiency levels—but you’ll pay more to install it. Depending on the size of your property and the number of panels you need, the cost will range from £4,000 to £10,000.

Pros:

• Monocrystalline panels have efficiency rates of around 22%, making them more efficient than many other types of solar panels.
• The average household can install fewer panels due to the higher efficiency rates.
• Monocrystalline panels have long lifespans, with many exceeding 25 years.
• The panels will perform well in low-light and cloudy conditions.

Disadvantages:

• The panels are more expensive due to the manufacturing process.

Polycrystalline Solar Panels

Polycrystalline solar panels, which use multiple silicon fragments moulded together, are often used as more affordable alternatives to monocrystalline panels.

While they’re cheaper to install than their monocrystalline counterparts, they’re also less efficient. However, larger homes can install more panels to achieve similar efficiency rates.

Advantages:

• A simpler manufacturing process means higher savings.
• These panels are also eco-friendly.
• The average lifespan of polycrystalline panels is around 20 to 25 years.

Disadvantages:

• Polycrystalline panels aren’t as effective in low-light conditions, but they’ll still generate reliable electricity.
• You might need to install more panels to increase efficiency.

Thin-Film Solar Panels

Thin-film solar panels are second-generation systems, and they’re one of the most affordable options for budget-conscious homeowners. Manufacturers produce thin-film solar cells by placing photovoltaic materials onto substrates.

They’re easy to produce, which translates into higher savings for households, and they require less material than first-generation systems. There are three main types of solar photovoltaic systems:

Type	Efficiency	Cost	Advantages	Disadvantages
Amorphous Silicon	7-9%	£	Advanced technology, Affordability	Low efficiency
Cadmium Telluride	10-12%	££	More efficient than amorphous silicon,Affordability	Cadmium telluride is a toxic material
Copper Indium Gallium Selenide	12-14%	£££	They’re highly energy efficient	You’ll pay more to install them
Gallium arsenide	20-25%	££££	These panels are the most efficient photovoltaic systems you’ll find	They’re very expensive

Advantages:

• Solar PV systems are lightweight and easy to install.
• They maintain performance in cloudy weather or shaded areas.
• There’s a lot of flexibility in terms of design and styles.

Disadvantages:

• Thin-film panels generally have 10% to 12% efficiency ratings, but some reach 18%.
• They have a shorter lifespan than first-generation systems.
• You might need to install more panels to achieve optimal efficiency ratings.

Bifacial Solar Panels

Bifacial solar panels are a unique solution, as they capture and convert sunlight from both sides. These panels can increase efficiency and ensure smaller buildings generate electricity. Most bifacial systems use polycrystalline or monocrystalline cells and a dual-glass or transparent design.

Installing them can produce more energy and a longer lifespan, making these panels popular for commercial buildings.

Advantages:

• The dual design can produce more energy (up to 30%) than other panels.
• Glass on both sides can shield the panels from environmental damage.
• They’re ideal for sandy and snowy environments with high reflectivity.

Disadvantages:

• Bifacial solar panels are usually more expensive than traditional first-generation systems.
• The panels are only effective when mounted at an angle or on reflective surfaces.

PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) Solar Panels

PERC solar panels include a passivation layer on the cell’s rear side of the solar cell, which can optimise energy generation. This extra addition can prevent significant energy loss and enhance the efficiency of your solar panels.

The panels absorb light but also reflect it to the cells, improving performance and generating more solar power. These panels are popular for large-scale and commercial applications.

Advantages:

• They have efficiency rates of around 22%, with some modern systems achieving even higher rates.
• PERC systems are effective in hot climates.
• The average lifespan is 25 years and over.

Disadvantages:

• You’ll usually spend more than with monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels.
• The manufacturing process is complex.

Which solar panels suit your needs?

Knowing which one suits your needs can be challenging, given the many solar panel types available. Working with a professional installation service simplifies things, as our experts will assess your property and budget and then advise on the solution that provides the best ongoing support.

Here’s what to consider when choosing solar panels:

• Budget: Is cost a significant concern? Cheaper panels like thin-fil or polycrystalline can save money and provide reliable electricity.
• Space: Bifacial and monocrystalline panels are ideal if you have limited roof space. Most modern solar panels are highly efficient, which means you can have a smaller system.
• Aesthetic Preferences: Appearance shouldn’t be at the top of your priority list, but it still matters. Thin-film and monocrystalline panels are probably the sleekest options available.
• Energy Requirements: The output of your solar panels should align with your energy requirements. Larger properties have higher energy needs than smaller homes, so bifacial or monocrystalline panels might be the best solution.

Discover solar panels with Hometree

Solar PV technology continues to evolve, and today’s options are more capable than ever. From solar thermal panels that can give your home access to hot water to transparent panels that look great on any building, the choices are endless.

We are one of the UK’s most trusted solar panel installation services. We know the type of solar panel you choose can significantly impact your energy savings, efficiency, and overall sustainability.

Working with us gives you access to bespoke solutions and advice tailored to your property’s unique needs.

Please get in touch today if you’d like more information.