Types of solar panels
One of the most common questions we hear from customers at the beginning of their solar journey is “what are the different types of solar panels?”. This is because a lot of the information out there related to solar panels aims to explain what they do, rather than considering the actual piece of tech that’s going on a roof.
That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide to explain the different types of solar panels which are available in the UK, as well as how they work, and which is best suited for you.
What are the different types of solar panels?
While the vast majority of solar panels in the UK are monocrystalline solar panels, there are actually three types of solar panels available on the market: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film solar panels. Solar tiles are another solar power option which operate slightly differently to their traditional counterparts.
Polycrystalline solar panels
These blue-tinted panels are manufactured by fusing together tiny silicone crystals which catch light photons and create electricity. While polycrystalline solar panels are cheaper and easier to manufacture, you’re unlikely to see them on the roofs of many homes in the UK these days. Traditionally, polycrystalline panels are more commonly used as part of large-scale solar installations, including those on solar farms. However, most modern solar farms opt for monocrystalline panels.
Due to their low efficiency levels of between 14% and 19%, polycrystalline solar panels have largely been replaced in domestic solar energy systems by more efficient and reliable options such as monocrystalline panels.
Monocrystalline solar panels
Over 30% more efficient than polycrystalline solar panels with an efficiency rating of 23%, monocrystalline panels are found across many modern homes. These panels are made up from single silicon crystals split up in layers, so that energy can pass through the panels much faster. While monocrystalline panels may be more expensive to produce, they take up much less space compared to bulkier, older alternatives.
These days, most monocrystalline panels are Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) panels, which offer superior efficiency to other alternatives. Wickes Solar use DMEGC 450W bifacial panels, which are monocrystalline PERC panels with an efficiency of 23%.
Monocrystalline solar panels have also replaced polycrystalline panels as the go-to due to their longer lifespan- monocrystalline panels will yield energy for 25-30 years.
Thin-film solar panels
While offering less efficiency than modern monocrystalline panels, thin-film solar panels can wrap around objects, meaning they can be effective in scenarios where traditional panels would struggle to produce electricity. Often used on top of motorhomes, narrowboats, and caravans, they offer a low-weight solution perfect for less conventional solar setups. However, their efficiency is sat at around 8% to 18%, meaning they’re only preferred in situations where other panels would be logistically impossible.
Solar tiles
Rather than being an addition to your roof, solar tiles are designed to replace the whole exterior. By incorporating monocrystalline solar technology into standard roof tiles, solar tiles offer the renewable energy of solar power without compromising on aesthetics. However, they aren’t as efficient as standard solar panels and typically cost around 50% more than a monocrystalline solar system.They can also only be installed on pitched roofs. These limitations mean that their applications are minimal and their availability in the UK is currently scarce.
Can you mix different types of solar panels?
While you can have a combination of different types of solar panels on your roof, it’s not recommended because the voltage must be the same across all panels or else you risk your panels losing between 10% to 40% of their efficiency. Not to mention, having different types of panels may require separate strings which can be costly. Therefore, it's always recommended that your panels are uniform.
Which solar panels are best for me?
When selecting the best solar panel for your property, there’s several factors which you must consider; including the price, efficiency, climate, and the type of building you’ll be installing them on.
Which solar panels are best for domestic installations?
Monocrystalline panels are the best for domestic installation. They’re the most efficient for the price, with polycrystalline panels offering an efficiency rating of around 18% to 22%, and monocrystalline panels operating at around 23% efficiency. More efficiency means fewer panels too, so that makes mono systems the preferred choice for rooftop installations.
Which solar panels are best for commercial installations?
While the monocrystalline panels are more efficient, they’re also more expensive which means for larger scale, commercial solar installations, initial cost-saving measures may need to be taken. This is why historically most solar farms were constructed using polycrystalline panels. Some commercial installations may also use thin-film panels if the area where they’re being mounted is awkward or curved.
Best panels for high and low temperature
Electricity moves more freely at lower temperatures. This means that as the heat increases inside the photovoltaic cell, it becomes less efficient. Polycrystalline solar panels have a higher temperature coefficient than monocrystalline panels which means that heat affects the efficiency more than it would in a monocrystalline panel.
All solar panels are designed to perform in even the most extreme weather with monocrystalline panels having an acceptable maximum temperature of 85 °C and a minimum temperature of -40 °C. This means they’re more than suitable for the UK.
Which solar panels are the most durable?
Like any other technology designed to go on the exterior of your home, solar panels have to be capable of withstanding high levels of wear and tear. All our solar panel offerings are designed to last, with a lifespan of around 25 years. Check out our guide to learn more about the lifespan of solar panels.
Why does cell count matter for solar panels?
Another factor to consider when selecting the right solar panel for you is the cell count. Cell count is essential for determining the output for each individual solar panel. 60 and 72 count solar panels are the most commonly used for domestic installations, whereas 108 cell panels are a new development in the industry, offering even more efficiency through more cells.
You don’t have to break the bank to upgrade your house with the latest in solar technology. With Wickes Solar, you can spread the cost of your solar panels with our flexible finance options and our hassle-free, no obligation quotes make it simple to start your solar journey today.
