Despite material shortages and logistical delays, solar installations are still around 60% cheaper than they were 10 years ago, according to statistics from the SEIA.
That doesn’t imply your solar installation won’t cost you a pretty penny. Yet, it does mean you’ve got a lot more options when it comes to a cost-effective installation nowadays.
These are the types of solar panels you can choose from today, to help you save with solar from the start.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
These black solar panels comprise solar cells sliced from a single crystalline ingot. When combined into arrays and arranged into rows and columns beneath a glass sheet, these cells generate electricity.
Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient and most expensive type of residential solar panels. Since they’re more powerful than other types of solar panels, they’re great for small roofs or those in shadier locations.
PERC solar panels are a type of monocrystalline PV panel that uses a passivation layer at the back of the panel to increase electricity production even more.
It doesn’t cost much more to produce these solar panels than it does to make ordinary monocrystalline panels. Yet, they produce more electricity.
Unfortunately, these panels aren’t widely available as yet, but they’re something to watch for the future.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Polycrystalline panels use slivers of silicon sliced from multiple silicon crystals molded together. This makes them a lot cheaper to produce.
They aren’t as efficient as monocrystalline panels. Yet, they’re a good substitute for these more expensive panels if your roof receives full sunlight all day.
Thin Film Solar Panels
Thin-film solar panels comprise materials other than silicon. The most common combinations are:
- Amorphous silicon (a-Si)
- Copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS)
- Cadmium telluride (CdTe)
They’re the most affordable and also the least efficient type of solar panel available today. They also require less equipment and are the easiest to install.
These types of panels are best known for their portable solar capabilities. Yet, according to gpelectric.com, you can even get a complete monocrystalline solar energy system for portable power during an RV adventure nowadays.
Other Types of Solar Panels
Even the long-maligned solar shingle is coming down in price as technology evolves. These whole roof installations involve replacing your regular roof materials with hundreds of small solar panels.
In this way, they provide a two-in-one solution for new builds or roof replacements.
Other incredible solar panel innovations include flexible solar fabric, solar roads, and solar panels that can generate electricity at night.
Get on Board With Solar and Save
With so many types of solar panels available, there’s bound to be a solution available to help you cut out fossil fuels at home and on the road.
Solar power helps protect the environment from the carbon emissions generated by burning fossil fuels. In this way, it’s one way you can help slow global warming and contribute to a better future for us all.
Would you like to find out more ways to make the most of your travels? Browse our blog for the best information on all kinds of vehicle accessories.