Solar Panel System GuideNot all solar panels are built the same way, and the type affects how much power a panel makes and where it fits best. EnergySage reports that monocrystalline panels are the residential standard at 20 to 23 percent efficiency. This guide compares the three main panel types so you can tell them apart.
Monocrystalline Panels
Monocrystalline panels lead the residential market. EnergySage states they are the most efficient and today's residential standard, with typical efficiencies of 20 to 23 percent.
Their construction sets them apart. EnergySage notes monocrystalline panels have black-colored cells made of a single silicon crystal and usually carry a higher efficiency rating, which makes them a strong fit when roof space is limited and maximizing savings is the goal.
Polycrystalline Panels
Polycrystalline panels were once the budget option. EnergySage reports they usually have efficiencies between 15 and 17 percent, lower than monocrystalline.
You can spot them by color. EnergySage notes polycrystalline panels have blue-colored cells made of multiple silicon crystals melted together. EnergySage adds that this type has largely been phased out of new installations as monocrystalline became both more efficient and more cost-effective over time.
Thin-Film Panels
Thin-film panels serve a different niche. EnergySage reports they typically offer efficiency between 7 and 15 percent, the lowest of the three types.
Their strength is form factor. EnergySage notes thin-film panels are made from a variety of materials that tend to be more lightweight and flexible than typical silicon panels, which makes them the right call for portable and DIY setups such as RVs and boats rather than most home rooftops.