What kind of solar panels are best for your home?

So you’re ready to take the solar energy plunge. You’ve decided to give into purchasing those sleek rectangles of sheeted silicon that sunbath uniformly on your roof. But how do you know which solar panel is the best option?

The truth is there really is no drastic difference between solar panel technology.

However, we will say this: understanding the basics of solar panels can sometimes be overwhelming. This is why we pulled together a list of rooftop solar panel fundamentals.

There are five main types of rooftop solar panels: monocrystalline silicon (“mono”), polycrystalline silicon (“poly”), thin film, solar thermal panels and building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV).

• Monocrystalline silicon has been around more than 30 years and is known as the original solar energy producer. It is also historically recognized as being the most efficient in converting the sun’s rays into electricity.

• Polycrystalline silicon panels are known to be a bit more affordable than their monocrystalline brothers, mostly because they are less expensive to manufacture. OneRoof Energy works with major solar panel vendors, like Hanwha, to supply both mono and poly panels for our customers.

• Thin-film solar panels are made of flexible, layered materials that can be manufactured in bulk inexpensively. They are often larger than silicon panels and can frequently be found used in commercial solar projects.

• You also have solar thermal panels which actually supply hot water for your home, not electricity. Water gets pumped through your solar panels, which trap the sun’s heat. The water can then be pumped to your hot water cylinder to be used.

• And relatively new to the industry, building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) are panels that can be integrated seamlessly into your house design – they can look like rooftop shingles.

Now that we’ve squared off on the types of solar panels, here is a list of common questions folks ask when looking to choose the right option for their house:

1. What solar panels are the best?

There are relatively minor differences between solar panels because the industry has matured so rapidly within the past five years. Instead, what you should be asking yourself is, “What’s the best solar panel option for my rooftop?” The type of panel you pick should depend on the solar system design and the layout of your roof. Our energy consultants will help you choose the best panels for your needs and that work for your budget.

2. What are solar panels made of?

Solar panels are made of many materials, including amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride and copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS). Did that bring you back to your high school chemistry class?

3. What do the solar panels look like?

Solar panels mostly look the same, although there are some minor differences depending on what materials they are made of. Solar panels can vary in color, like black or blue. They can even be made to resemble your rooftop shingles (like BIPV panels which we talked about earlier).

4. Are solar panels weatherproof?

Yes. Most panels are designed to withstand blows from hail stones falling at more than 50 mph speeds. Solar panels also work in cloudy conditions and even under snow (In this post, we debunk the weather myth.). This is another reason why solar energy is becoming a viable option for homeowners in New England states, like New York and Massachusetts.

5. Can I install the solar panels myself?

If you are willing to hire a licensed electrician you can buy solar panels and have them installed on your own. However, this may void any installation warranties that may have been included with your panels. While we understand the pride that comes with task you complete yourself, why worry about any problems that could arise when you could go with a one-stop shop like OneRoof Energy?

Armed with this knowledge, choosing your solar panels should be a bit easier. If you want to really do your research, here is an in-depth article from the National Renewable Energy Lab which takes a closer look at questions you might ask yourself as you pick out your solar energy system.

For more information on how to choose the right solar panel options for your home, contact OneRoof Energy at 855-697-2348.