The first thing that comes to our mind when we hear of a solar system is Solar Panels. No matter whether you know how they operate and the role they play in making up for your system, as long as you see a good set of panels on a roof, we assume the household to be saving massively on electricity. Unfortunately, I wish it was this simple. Apart from their job to make your house look great, they withstand tremendous external loads. From harsh Victorian winters to scorching heat let alone the occasional hail, dust, and bird dirt. Most panels manufacturer today claim their product to be “weather-proof” and when you put that besides an attractive warranty, you are a victim of an astute marketing ploy.
It does not mean that you are wasting money by getting the most branded, top-of-the-range panel. This also does not mean that all panels perform equally and there are no superior or inferior quality panels. After discussing with technicians and engineers from these manufacturers and my experience, below are the three criteria you must answer to identify and select your next panels. Put the panels you like or have been offered by putting it through these criteria and I am sure you will get the answer- you do not have to be a Solar Genius for that.
| Questions you must ask | Answers you want |
| 1. Are the cells in the panels Monocrystalline? | Yes |
| 2. How long has the manufacturer been in the business? | Longer than the performance warranty they are offering |
| 3. Is the manufacturer Tier 1 rated according to Bloomberg’s report? | Yes |
| 4. How long is the product warranty and what is covered within? | At least 15 years of Product |
It’s an important question because the solar panels you choose will determine how much energy you can generate and how efficiently your solar system will work.
So, let’s take a look at the different types of solar panels on the market and see which ones are best for your needs.
Solar panels come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and prices. There are monocrystalline solar panels, polycrystalline solar panels, thin film solar panels, and even solar shingles.
Monocrystalline solar panels are made from a single crystal of silicon and are the most efficient type of solar panel on the market.
Polycrystalline solar panels are made from multiple silicon crystals and are less efficient than monocrystalline panels.
Thin film solar panels are made from a thin layer of photovoltaic material. They are the least efficient type of solar panel, but they are also the most flexible, which makes them ideal for use on curved surfaces.
Solar shingles are a new type of solar panel that looks like traditional roof shingles. They are less efficient than other types of solar panels, but they are easier to install and can be integrated into your existing roof.
So, which solar panels are right for you? The answer depends on a few factors, including your budget, the climate you live in and your energy needs.
As you’re choosing the type of solar panel you’d like for your system, much of your decision will come down to the specifics of your property and situation. Monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film panels each have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the solution you should move forward with depends on your property and your goals for the solar project.