As more people around the world switch to renewable energy sources, solar power has become one of the most popular options for homeowners. Installing a solar system is an investment in the future because it could lower your energy bills, lower your carbon footprint and also raise the property value of your home.
However, not all solar energy systems are the same, and you must think carefully about which is best for your house. This article will discuss the different kinds of solar energy systems and help you choose the one that will work best for your home.
What is a Solar Panel?
A solar panel is a device that absorbs photons from sunlight and converts them into electricity. These photons knock the electrons in the solar cells, which generate electricity. As a result, it can be used to power electric appliances at home or business to reduce the energy sources and lower the electricity bill.
What are the Types of Photovoltaic Solar Panels?
There are three types of photovoltaic solar panels. These are – monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film. Now, we will explore each of these types with advantages and disadvantages so you can know which will suit you.
Monocrystalline Solar Panel
The monocrystalline solar panel is built with silicon wafer cells. They are easy to spot because they are black in color, where light interacts with pure silicon crystals.
Advantages
Good Efficiency: Monocrystalline panels have good efficiency rates of over 22% and provide 300 watts of power capacity. As a result, they make more power per square foot than other kinds.
Space Efficiency: These panels need less space to make the same amount of power as other panels. Also, they do not need a lot of space on the roof.
Longevity: These panels usually come with long warranties, which shows how long-lasting and well they work over time.
Disadvantages
Cost: As monocrystalline panels are harder to make, these are the most expensive choices among the other panels.
Performance in Shade: The performance drops a little when these are in the shade.
Polycrystalline Solar Panel
These panels are made of melted silicon crystals. The solar cells appear blue due to the reflection of light in the silicon fragments cell in different ways.
Advantages
Low Cost: Polycrystalline panels are less expensive, making them a better choice for people on a budget.
Solid Performance: They have solid performance, even though they are a little less efficient than monocrystalline panels. It can rarely exceed 17% efficiency but tends to have lower wattages.
Sustainability: Polycrystalline panels are better for the earth because they waste less material than monocrystalline panels.
Disadvantages
Less Efficient: Polycrystalline panels need more space to make the same amount of power than monocrystalline panels because they are less efficient.
Sensitivity: These are a little more sensitive to high temperatures, which makes them less useful.
Thin- Film Solar Panel
To make thin-film panels, thin layers of photovoltaic material are deposited onto a base material, which could be metal, glass, or plastic. People like them because they are flexible and light.
Advantages
Flexible: It can be used in many places, like on curvy surfaces or in buildings where regular panels might not fit.
Aesthetics: These panels have a uniform look when they are built into patterns.
Shade performance: Thin film panels work better than solid panels in low light and shade.
Disadvantages
Less-Efficient: Thin film screens have less efficient rates, around 10% to 12%. They need more rooms to make the same amount of power.
Short Lifespan: These panels last up to 10 years, less than the solid panel’s warranty period.
What is the Solar Panel Price in Bangladesh?
The price of solar panels depends on several factors, like wattage, efficiency, quality, and brand value. A 100-watt solar panel price bd costs around 4000 to 5000 BDT, whereas a 500-watt solar panel costs around 20000 to 25000 BDT. So, purchase solar panels according to your budget and preferences.
How to Choose the Best Home Solar Panels?
To choose which type of solar system will work best for your home, these are the following things –
Energy Needs: To find out how much power your home uses, you need to figure out how much energy you need from your solar system.
Roof Space: Make room for the solar panel on the roof where it can have available sunlight throughout the day.
Climate: The climate and environment greatly affect how the solar system works. The solar panels may work better in places with much sunlight than in colder regions.
Budget: Think about your budget for both short-term and long-term prices. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but cost more than the other panels.
Aesthetic Preferences: If the appearance of your home is a priority, then you can think about thin-film cells or building-integrated photovoltaics.
Final Words
Solar panel is a smart investment where you can get financial and environmental benefits. You can choose the best solar panel according to your needs, budget, roof space, and climatic changes.
It is a step towards a sustainable future, whether you are using highly efficient monocrystalline solar panels, low-cost polycrystalline panels, or portable thin-film panels.
