There are many types of solar panels. They come in all shapes and sizes. How do you tell which one you’re dealing with? This is a great question — one I didn’t know the answer to when I first got acquainted with solar panels.
Let’s start off and discuss the three main types of photovoltaic (PV) panels:
I talk a lot about efficiency above. I want to note that I am referring to efficiency per square foot. A 200 Watt Monocrystalline panel will generate as much electricity as a 200 Watt Polycrystalline panel or four 50 Watt Thin Film Panels. The main difference would be size.
So how can you tell which type of solar panel is which? It’s easy to tell the difference between monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels versus thin film panels. Monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels are rigid and much thicker than thin film. Thin film panels are flexible and they are, well, “thin.” Thin film also has a mostly uniform color.
Now let’s talk about the visual differences between monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels. Polycrystalline usually have a shattered glass look. This is because polycrystalline panels are made up from many different crystals put together. Monocrystalline panels tend to have more of a one-color look to them because they come from one crystal.
Brightstar Solar is a Massachusetts solar company specializing in residential and commercial installations. We can help you determine which type of solar panel is right for your project. Please contact us for a free solar evaluation of your home or business in Massachusetts.