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Installers and EPCs face a straightforward question on every project: which type of solar panels will deliver the best results for the roof, budget, and schedule? Match the panel type to the roof type and project type, not just the price. This guide explains the main types of solar panels in clear, practical terms, with product picks from sun.store.
We focus on technology choices that impact efficiency, cost, capacity, power, energy yield, and lifetime risk. Choosing the right type for the right site type keeps designs simple and reliable.
What are the main types of solar panels?
Note that these technologies are not always mutually exclusive; a single high-performance module may be monocrystalline, n-type, TOPCon, bifacial, and use a half-cell design.
Monocrystalline solar panels
Standard monocrystalline solar panels
Monocrystalline solar panels utilise a single-crystal silicon wafer per cell and are the most common panel type on the market. A standard monocrystalline solar panel strikes a balance between efficiency and cost, making it a suitable choice for rooftops with limited space and serving as the default option for many residential and commercial arrays.
Recommended models:
- JA Solar JAM54S30-390 MR (mono PERC, half-cell): https://sun.store/en/product/ja-solar-jam54s30-390-mr-1000v-silver-frame-2524
- JA Solar JAM54S30-420 LR (mono PERC, half-cell): https://sun.store/en/product/ja-solar-jam54s30-420-lr-1500v-silver-frame-2491
PERC monocrystalline solar panels
PERC adds a passivation layer to the rear of the cell, reflecting unabsorbed light back into the silicon, which typically increases the conversion rate with a modest impact on cost. It’s a proven, distribution-friendly option with wide inverter compatibility.
Recommended models:
- JA Solar JAM54S30-390 MR (mono PERC, half-cell): https://sun.store/en/product/ja-solar-jam54s30-390-mr-1000v-silver-frame-2524
Bifacial solar panels
Bifacial modules convert light on the front and the rear. Where the underside “sees” a bright surface (white TPO, light gravel, concrete, snow, carports), the extra power and energy can reduce LCOE.
Recommended models:
- Trina Vertex N TSM-NEG19RC.20 615 W (n-type TOPCon, dual-glass): https://sun.store/en/product/trina-tsm-neg19rc.20-615-595-625-1500v-silver-frame-ts4-39955
- JA Solar JAM72D40-595/MB 570–595 W (bifacial, dual-glass, n-type): https://sun.store/en/product/ja-solar-jam72d40-595-mb-570-595-1500v-silver-frame-mc4-evo2a-40285
TOPCon technology
TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) on n-type mono improves carrier selectivity and reduces recombination for higher efficiency at competitive £/Wp.
Recommended models:
- LONGi LR8-66HGD-610M 595–625 W (n-type, bifacial): https://sun.store/en/product/longi-lr8-66hgd-610m-595-625-1500v-silver-frame-40136
- Trina Vertex N TSM-NEG19RC.20 615 W (n-type TOPCon, dual-glass): https://sun.store/en/product/trina-tsm-neg19rc.20-615-595-625-1500v-silver-frame-ts4-39955
Half-cell solar panels
Half-cell construction splits each cell to lower series resistance and improves tolerance to partial shading, which helps stabilise power output and reduce hot-spot risk.
Recommended models:
- Canadian TOPHiKu6 CS6.1-54TD 455 (450–455 W, half-cut, monofacial): https://sun.store/en/product/canadian-tophiku6-cs6.1-54td-455-1000v-mc4-evo2a-black-frame-25y-warranty-31506
Polycrystalline solar panels
Polycrystalline solar panels are now largely legacy products in mainstream distribution. Tier-1 manufacturers have phased out new polycrystalline production in favour of higher-efficiency mono lines, so availability is typically limited to old stock or replacement parts for existing arrays. If you encounter a legacy polycrystalline array, use like-for-like replacements only where required and prioritise a modern monocrystalline solar panel for new project.
Thin-film solar panels
Thin-film solar panels deposit absorbers on glass or flexible substrates. The main materials are CdTe (cadmium telluride), a-Si (amorphous silicon), and CIGS (copper indium gallium selenide). Thin-film availability varies by region and channel. Thin-film lead times can also fluctuate.
Cadmium telluride (CdTe)
Known for short energy payback and stable high-temperature behaviour; distribution inventory can be sporadic in EU/UK channels.
Amorphous silicon (a-Si)
Flexible options exist, but mainstream distribution is limited.
Copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS)
CIGS balances efficiency, weight, and aesthetics; some legacy and niche stock appears in EU marketplaces.
Experimental and high-efficiency solutions
Biohybrid solar cells
Research compounds biological light-harvesting with inorganic conductors. Educational only; not a distribution product.
Concentrated PV systems
Optics concentrate sunlight onto multijunction cells for very high efficiencies under high-DNI sites with precision tracking; rarely used on rooftops.
How do different types of solar panels compare?
When comparing each type, look beyond headline efficiency and annual energy and list the actual capacity, energy output at NOCT, and the cost per installed watt for the whole system. For client education, summarise why a given solar panel type fits the roof type and local exposure.
| Type | Typical efficiency range | Usual price position | Pros | Cons |
| Monocrystalline (standard) | ~19–22% | Mid to high | High energy per area; mature supply; wide inverter compatibility | Higher cost than polycrystalline; heat can lower output |
| Monocrystalline PERC | ~20–22% | Mid | Better low-light/temperature behaviour than older mono; strong availability | LID/LeTID risk on some p-type cells; manage with binning |
| Bifacial (often n-type TOPCon) | ~21–23% front-side; rear-side adds site-dependent gain | Mid | More energy on bright ground; dual-glass robustness | Yield depends on albedo/height; heavier modules |
| Polycrystalline | ~15–17% | Low | Cost-effective; good for revamps | Lower energy per m²; less common in new builds |
| Thin-film (CdTe/a-Si/CIGS) | ~10–18% | Varies | Lower weight or better shade/heat tolerance; fast energy payback (CdTe) | Limited availability; specific BOS needs |
Quick spec decoder for installers
When you read a solar panel datasheet, anchor the comparison on the solar panel type, module dimensions, and the intended string layout. A solar panel rated for higher current may limit string length; another solar panel with slightly lower current can allow longer strings and simpler wiring. The right solar panel type should minimise junction boxes, adaptors, and reruns. If a roof is complex, a solar panel that uses half-cut cell design across cells can keep strings stable when partial shade occurs. On lightweight roofs, select a solar panel type that respects the structure without pushing handling risks.
What materials are used in solar panels?
Most solar panel designs use crystalline silicon wafers with front and rear contacts forming a p-n junction. Doping such as boron (p-type) and phosphorus (n-type) sets carrier type; some lines use gallium to mitigate light-induced degradation. A solar panel stacks tempered glass, encapsulant, cells, interconnects, and a backsheet or second glass layer in an aluminium frame. For crystalline solar panels, the front glass is usually tempered with an anti-reflective coating; encapsulant choice (EVA vs POE) influences PID/moisture; backsheets are PET/PVF composites, while dual-glass builds add rigidity. Frames are typically anodised aluminium; junction boxes are IP68 with bypass diodes and MC4-compatible connectors; multi-busbar/round ribbons across cells cut resistive loss. Thin-film categories deposit absorbers on glass or polymer, tuned for conversion rate and durability.
Which type of solar panel is best for your needs?
Note that “best” is project-specific. A single high-performance module may combine monocrystalline, n-type, TOPCon, bifacial, and half-cell features — choose based on roof geometry, electrical limits, logistics, and budget rather than one label alone.
Best residential solar panels
Select a solar panel type to match the roof type and expected loads and capacity target. For limited roof area, monocrystalline PERC or n-type TOPCon maximises energy per m² and power density; full-black monofacial models help with aesthetics and heat tolerance. Balance capacity against inverter MPPT windows and confirm string lengths versus short-circuit current limits.
Best commercial solar panels
Commercial briefs often prioritise installed cost and schedule. Choose a solar panel type that simplifies logistics while delivering the power and energy the site needs and the capacity the brief requires. For C&I rooftops and carports, bifacial dual-glass modules can lower LCOE where albedo is good; otherwise a standard monocrystalline solar panel often wins on logistics and availability. For open-rack layouts, check clamp zones, wind/snow ratings, and weight. Commissioning notes: verify power at NOCT and nameplate power rating, confirm telemetry, and record serials so lifetime energy can be tracked against the design assumptions.
Implementation notes for designers and estimators
A solar panel is more than a part number: match module dimensions to rail spans, and keep cells within current limits. Choose the right solar panel type based on roof type, array geometry, and the required capacity. In most layouts the limiting factor is current and voltage, so confirm string power against inverter MPPT windows and site temperature. On compact roofs, a higher-efficiency monocrystalline type can deliver the same energy with fewer modules, which cuts balance-of-system cost. On carports and trackers, a bifacial design can raise yield if albedo is high.
What to consider when choosing solar panels?
Choosing modules is a funnel: start with the roof and layout, translate those constraints into electrical design and capacity planning, then sanity-check procurement and warranty. The factors below interact — a change in format, current, or weight can ripple into string lengths, rail spacing, and delivery plans — so use this list as a quick pass to de-risk selection.
- Roof area and array geometry (cable paths, shading, parapets, tilt).
- Module dimensions, weight, and clamp zones; verify rail spacing and fixings.
- Temperature coefficient, efficiency at NOCT, and nameplate power; consider seasonal energy.
- Degradation and warranty (product years vs performance years).
- Inverter MPPT range, string length, and current limits.
- Procurement realities: lead times, supplier SLAs, packaging, and price stability.
- Sustainability: recycling options, carbon footprint, and material composition.
Future trends in solar panel technology
Expect continued migration from p-type PERC to n-type TOPCon and heterojunction as manufacturers chase higher efficiency. Bifacial half-cell formats remain standard in mainstream supply. Materials work targets better passivation layers, lower silver use, improved encapsulants, and heat tolerance. Thin-film R&D pursues higher conversion rates and durability for lightweight or flexible applications. On the research side, multijunction cells and concentrator optics push record performance, but crystalline silicon products carry the bulk of supply.
FAQ – types of solar panels
How long do solar panels last on average?
Most solar panels last 25–30 years; check the manufacturer’s warranty and expected degradation.
Do solar panels work on cloudy or rainy days?
Yes. A solar panel continues to generate electricity under diffuse light, though power is lower than in full sun.
Can solar panels be recycled?
Yes. Silicon-based modules are mostly glass and aluminium; CdTe and CIGS require specific processes. Many manufacturers and recyclers now offer take-back programmes.
What maintenance do solar panels require?
Routine visual checks, cleaning if soiling is significant, and periodic torque and cable inspections. Follow the maintenance plan.
How many solar panels do I need for my home?
Size depends on annual energy consumption, roof area, peak power capacity, and budget. Installers translate kWh into panel count.
Can I install solar panels myself or do I need a professional?
A professional installer is recommended for safe, compliant solar panel installation.
