Did you know that more than 2 million homes in the United States of America got solar panels installed in 2019? Solar energy is one of the most effective ways to make use of renewable energy sources to continue providing electricity to homes nationwide.

The technology behind home solar panels continues to grow, which means that you have many types of solar panels to choose from. Having options is always a good thing, but it also means that you have some extra homework to do when you set out to choose the best type of solar panel for your home.

The good news is that you’re in the perfect place to learn more about the solar panel types that are a good fit for your home’s roof. Keep reading this article to learn more today!

Solar Panel Shingles

The biggest trend when it comes to home solar panels in 2022 is the option of getting solar panel shingles on your home’s roof. Solar panel shingles are a popular option because they can replace the asphalt shingles on your home to give it a uniform look while also collecting energy from the sun.

These shingles will look quite similar to asphalt shingles from afar, but you’ll get the best of both worlds since your home will use renewable and sustainable energy to meet your electrical power needs. A big concern that people might have about these solar shingles is a fear of their durability.

How will they stand up to heavy rains and high winds? Will they crack in a hail storm? These are valid questions, but the truth is that these solar shingles can stand up to Mother Nature just as well as your traditional asphalt shingles.

Your average solar panel shingle will have no problem collecting up to 67 watts of energy on a daily basis. Keep in mind that the cost of installation will be a bit higher if you opt to get solar panel shingles rather than asphalt shingles.

Polycrystalline Solar Panels

Another option when it comes to solar panel types is the polycrystalline solar panel. These panels are made using a bunch of crystalline cells, and most rooftop solar panels contain around forty of these cells.

It’s easy to get polycrystalline solar panels confused with their monocrystalline cousins, but there are some important differences to note. Polycrystalline solar panels were the first solar panels developed and their cells have a famous rectangular shape.

These cells get made by pouring melted silicon into molds that help them retain their rectangular shape. The manufacturing process wastes as little silicon as possible, which makes these solar panels an affordable option for the average homeowner.

There are some downsides that are worth noting about polycrystalline solar panels if you’re set on getting home solar panels this summer. These solar panels aren’t as tolerant of high temperatures as monocrystalline solar panels are.

They also don’t generate as much electricity as their monocrystalline rivals. That is a big factor to consider if you plan on selling your surplus electricity. You can collect more than you need and sell it to your local electric company for passive income thanks to the folks at Yes Solar Solutions.

Monocrystalline Solar Panels

If you’re all about efficiency when it comes to the types of solar panels then monocrystalline solar panels might be your best bet. These are the most efficient home solar panels on the market since they use pure silicon.

They tend to have a nice appearance due to the uniformity of color throughout the panel. This is a big deal if you plan on putting solar panels on your roof. Make sure that you look into your solar sun score before getting solar panels installed at your home. Your solar sun score will help you understand how much electricity you’ll collect with your system.

The manufacturing process for monocrystalline solar panels is much more involved but it gives you more efficient solar panels. You’ll save money by getting fewer solar panels installed.

One thing to keep in mind is that you’ll end up spending a lot more money if you go with this option. The manufacturing process requires precision, which raises the price.

You’ll get good value for your money because these solar panels have a long lifespan. You can expect to get great performance over multiple decades. You’ll also get a warranty that covers these solar panels for up to 25 years.

These solar panels bring some versatility to the table. You’ll get the option of installing them on your roof or on mounts in your yard.

Thin-Film Solar Panels

Thin-film solar panels are another newer option on the market for the types of solar panels in 2022. They’re not as popular with homeowners as monocrystalline solar panels, but they’re becoming more widespread.

These solar panels use layers of thin semiconductor materials that get rolled in a film onto the surface of the panel. They’re not as efficient as your crystalline solar panel options and they require a lot of space on your roof to work.

They also don’t have lifespans that are as long as crystalline solar panels. This results in shorter warranties, which means you won’t get as much value.

Still, they’re more flexible than other types of solar panels which makes them great for forming them into roof shingles. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a solar panel option that isn’t as harsh on the eyes.

There are also potential rebates through your local government that could help you save money to get roof solar panels. It’s a great option if you want an affordable option for renewable energy.

Start Shopping for These Types of Solar Panels

There is no better time to start shopping for the different types of solar panels if you want to live a green lifestyle than this summer. There are plenty of great options for home solar panels and it all comes down to your needs and preferences. Solar roof shingles are an unobtrusive way to collect solar energy, while monocrystalline solar panels are your most efficient option.

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