3 Common Types of Solar Electricity Panels: A Closer Look

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3 Common Types of Solar Electricity Panels A
Closer Look
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Installing solar electricity panels in your home
is a great way to reduce your monthly electric
bill and at the same time, minimise your carbon
footprint. It has many long-term benefits and
although it can be relatively expensive at first,
your initial investments will definitely pay off
in no time. Whats more, unlike traditional
sources of energy, solar power is greener and
renewable. It doesnt cause air or noise
pollution, which is why more and more people
across the globe are using solar for home.
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If you live in an area that receives lots of
sunlight all throughout the year, you should
consider setting up a panel system in your home.
This way, you can produce greener energy for your
daily needs. However, if you have no prior
experience with solar electricity panels,
choosing the right solar cells for home use can
be confusing for you. Therefore, it is best that
you equip yourself with proper knowledge before
you make a purchase.
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Today, there are different types of solar panels
that are available on the market. The most common
of them are crystalline silicon panels, thin-film
panels, and building integrated photovoltaics.
Each type has its own strengths and weaknesses.
As such, its best that you determine exactly
what your needs are before you make a purchase.
 This way, you can install a system that fits
your budget and take full advantage of using
solar energy at home.
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Crystalline silicon panels, or c-Si, are perhaps
the most popular among those who are using solar
for home. According to recent reports, over 90
of shipments of crystalline silicon panels made
by US manufacturers in 2011 are for the
residential sector. There are two types of c-Si
panels monocrystalline and polycrystalline.
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Monocrystalline panels are said to be the most
efficient when it comes to converting solar
energy to electricity. Because they are made of
the highest grade of silicon, they require the
least amount of roof space. Its downside,
however, is that monocrystalline panels can be
more expensive than other types of solar panels.
Polycrystalline panels, on the other hand, have
an efficiency rate of 13 to 16. They are less
expensive and more aesthetically pleasing.
However, they require more roof space.
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Thin-film solar cells, meanwhile, are made of
several thin layers of photovoltaic material.
This particular type of solar electricity panels
is said to be easier to produce, which is why it
is considerably cheaper than crystalline-based
solar cells. However, thin-film solar cells are
not really that suited for home use, especially
if you live in the suburbs, because they need
more open space to set up
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As the name implies, building integrated
photovoltaics or BIPV can be built within your
home. They can replace the walls, roofs, and
windows of your house. While they look good and
can help you save space, many homeowners tend to
shy away from them. As you might have probably
guessed, youll need a huge amount of money to
integrate these solar electricity panels in your
home.