Types of Solar Panels: Which Should You Choose?

The current focus on renewable energy resources has led to widespread solar adoption. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), system installation has grown at an average yearly rate of 28%, with homeowners and businesses across the country embracing it for residential and commercial use. 

Once you’ve decided to install solar panels for your home or business, the next question is: which should you choose? There are three main types on the market today - monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film panels- and each one will impact the system's appearance, the amount of energy it produces, and how much you spend up front.  In this guide, we’ll outline what you need to know so that you can make the best choice for your needs and budget.

What Are Solar Panels Made Of?

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells. These cells are most commonly made from silicon, a material that produces an electric current when light hits its surface. The way that silicon is handled during manufacturing (either pulled from a single crystal or poured into molds) affects how efficiently the panel generates power and how much it costs to produce.

Each panel is built to withstand years of outdoor use. A layer of tempered glass shields the PV cells from hail, debris, and extreme weather, while beneath the cells, a backing sheet blocks moisture and gives the panel added strength. Conductive wires connect the cells in a series and direct the electricity toward an inverter, which turns the current into power you can use inside your home or facility. A metal frame holds the entire panel together and allows it to be securely attached to rooftops, carports, or ground-mount structures.

While most panels share these core components, their performance depends heavily on how the materials are combined and sealed. Panels that manage heat well tend to last longer and produce steady output across more seasons. Differences in cell layout, surface coating, and internal wiring also affect how much power each panel delivers per square foot.

Comparing Panel Types at a Glance

With several solar panel options available, it helps to compare them side by side. Each type offers a different mix of performance, price, appearance, and best-use scenarios. This table gives you a quick view of how the main types stack up:

Type	Efficiency	Cost	Appearance	Best For
Monocrystalline	High	High	Black, uniform finish	Limited roof space, maximum output
Polycrystalline	Moderate	Medium	Blue, speckled	Larger roofs, balanced investment
Thin-Film	Low	Low	Matte black or blue	Flat roofs, barns, and large buildings
Bifacial	High	High	Glass on both sides	Ground mounts, reflective surfaces
BIPV	Low to Moderate	Very High	Seamless integration	New builds, design-driven projects

This snapshot isn’t a replacement for a site assessment, but it gives you a starting point when comparing your options. The best choice depends on your roof size, your energy goals, and how much space you have available.

Monocrystalline Solar Panels

Monocrystalline panels are crafted from a single, continuous crystal structure, giving them their distinctive black color and uniform appearance. To create these cells, manufacturers grow large cylindrical silicon ingots, which are then sliced into thin wafers. This process yields the most efficient type of solar panel available for residential and commercial use, often reaching conversion rates of 20% or higher.

Because of their high efficiency, monocrystalline panels produce more electricity in a smaller footprint. This makes them especially valuable if you have limited roof space or want to maximize output in tight areas. Their performance advantage also means you may need fewer panels overall to meet your energy goals, potentially simplifying the installation process and reducing balance-of-system costs.

While the manufacturing process is more resource-intensive, resulting in higher upfront costs, monocrystalline panels offer excellent durability and long-term performance. Most come with 25- to 30-year warranties and degrade more slowly over time compared to other types. If you’re aiming for maximum energy production and plan to stay in your property long-term, these panels provide a reliable, high-performance solution.

Polycrystalline Solar Panels

Polycrystalline panels are made by melting fragments of silicon and pouring them into square molds, which are then sliced into thin wafers. This manufacturing method produces cells with a blue, marbled surface and slightly uneven grain patterns. Because the silicon isn't drawn from a single crystal, the internal structure creates more resistance to the flow of electricity, which lowers the panel’s efficiency compared to monocrystalline options.

The benefit of this method is lower production cost. Polycrystalline panels require less silicon waste and involve fewer steps during fabrication. That makes them more affordable, especially when purchasing large systems. If you have a spacious roof or ground area, these panels can provide the same total output as higher-efficiency models, as long as you're able to install more of them.

These panels perform well in direct sunlight and are built to handle outdoor conditions for decades. While they may degrade slightly faster than single-crystal panels, many models still come with 25-year power output guarantees. You’ll often see polycrystalline panels used on barns, warehouses, and homes with wide, unobstructed roofs. If you're aiming to keep equipment costs down without giving up reliability, this option offers a balanced way to generate solar power.

Thin-Film Solar Panels

Thin-film panels are built by depositing photovoltaic materials onto a solid backing, such as glass, plastic, or metal. These materials may include cadmium telluride, copper indium gallium selenide, or amorphous silicon. Because they don’t rely on rigid silicon wafers, thin-film panels have a smooth, uniform surface and a low profile. Their flexible construction allows them to bend slightly, which opens up more mounting options compared to traditional rigid panels.

One of the trade-offs is space. Thin-film panels don’t convert sunlight into electricity as efficiently as crystalline models, so you need more surface area to produce the same amount of power. That makes them better suited for large buildings, warehouses, and agricultural sites where space is available and weight limits are important. Their lightweight design also reduces load on older roofs and structures that may not support heavier panel systems.

These panels usually carry a lower cost per watt, which can reduce total installation expenses for large-scale projects. However, they tend to have shorter operational lifespans and warranties that reflect that difference. Despite this, thin-film performs reliably in low-light conditions and at higher temperatures, which can help maintain steady output in cloudy or hot regions. If you’re working with a wide footprint and want to keep initial costs down, this type of panel offers a practical alternative.

Bifacial Solar Panels

Bifacial panels are designed to capture sunlight on both sides of the module rather than just the front. They feature a transparent or semi-transparent backsheet that allows reflected light to reach the rear cells, boosting overall energy production. When installed over bright surfaces like white membranes, gravel, or reflective ground coatings, bifacial panels can generate up to 5–30% more electricity than conventional monofacial modules.

Structurally, bifacial panels often use monocrystalline cells encased between dual layers of tempered glass, enhancing durability against environmental stressors such as wind, moisture, and UV exposure. This robust construction can also extend the panels’ lifespan, with many manufacturers offering extended warranties that match or exceed those of traditional monocrystalline systems.

Because of their dual-sided generation, bifacial panels are commonly used in ground-mounted arrays, solar carports, and commercial installations where reflected light can be maximized. While they carry a higher initial cost, the increased energy yield and durability can improve return on investment over time. If you have a site with ample reflective surfaces and want to harness every bit of available sunlight, bifacial panels provide a smart, future-focused option.

Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)

Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are solar components that become part of the structure itself rather than being installed on top of it. These systems replace conventional materials in parts of the roof, windows, or walls with ones that can generate electricity. Instead of adding separate panels after construction, BIPV allows solar to be built into the property from the start.

The most common type is the solar shingle, which looks like a standard asphalt or composite roof tile but includes thin photovoltaic layers. These shingles connect to each other in a circuit, delivering electricity while also shedding water like a regular roof. Solar glass is another example, used in skylights or curtain walls to let in light while producing power. These products are often selected for their clean, low-profile appearance, especially in homes or buildings where traditional panels may not be preferred.

While BIPV can enhance the look of a property, it tends to produce less energy per square foot compared to standard panel systems. These materials are also more expensive to manufacture and install, partly because they’re built for both structural and electrical performance. Once in place, they’re harder to modify or upgrade without altering the structure around them. That said, if you're planning a new build or full-scale renovation and want solar power integrated into the layout, BIPV offers a way to do so without altering the exterior design.

How to Choose the Right Solar Panel for Your Home or Property

Choosing the right panel starts with your available space and how much energy you want your system to produce. 

• If you have a small or shaded roof, you'll likely benefit from monocrystalline panels, which deliver more output per square foot. These panels are well-suited for tight layouts and can help you meet your energy goals with fewer units. They're also a good match for higher-end properties thanks to their clean, black finish.

• If you have a larger roof or an open area on your land, you may want to consider polycrystalline or thin-film panels. These options deliver solid performance at a lower cost but need more space to produce the same output as monocrystalline panels. Polycrystalline panels work well for standard rooftops with plenty of surface area, while thin-film panels are often used on barns, warehouses, or flat commercial roofs. 

• Bifacial panels can be a great choice if you're installing a ground-mounted system and have a reflective surface nearby, like gravel or white membrane roofing, to capture extra sunlight.

Weather conditions, shade from trees or nearby buildings, and local permitting rules can also affect what system works best. When you meet with a solar advisor, bring your utility bills, photos of your roof, and any concerns you have about performance or appearance.

Performance and Warranty Considerations

When reviewing panel options, take time to compare warranty terms, degradation rates, and manufacturer track records before you make a decision. For example, all panels lose a small amount of output each year, but the rate of decline varies by type and brand. Monocrystalline panels tend to hold their performance longer than polycrystalline or thin-film models, which means you’ll get more consistent energy production year after year.

Most solar panels come with two warranties: one for equipment and another for power output. The equipment warranty covers defects in materials or manufacturing and usually lasts between 10 and 25 years. The power output warranty guarantees that the panel will still produce a certain percentage of its original capacity (normally around 80 to 85%) after 25 years.

Higher quality panels may lose output at a slower rate, keeping your system closer to its original performance for longer. That can add value over time, especially if you're trying to offset a large portion of your electric bill. 

Our Recommended Solar Panels (and Why)

At Solair Green Energy Advisors, we install panels that combine long-term reliability, strong energy production, and dependable manufacturer support. We usually recommend REC solar panels because they perform well in the Mid-Atlantic climate, resist heat stress, and maintain output across a range of roof conditions. REC panels are monocrystalline panels. Their sleek black design also blends easily with residential rooftops, which many homeowners prefer.

REC panels are built with half-cut cell technology, which helps reduce energy loss and improve performance under shade or in cloudy weather. These panels tend to lose power at a slower rate than many others, which means you continue to see value from your system year after year. With a 25-year warranty that covers both equipment and power production, you can expect consistent output with minimal upkeep.

We install Enphase microinverters alongside REC panels to help you get the most from your setup. These inverters work on a per-panel basis, so if one panel receives less sunlight due to shade or roof angle, the others aren’t affected. This setup can improve daily output and make it easier to track performance through a user-friendly monitoring app. Our goal is to install equipment that works well under real conditions, handles seasonal changes, and provides strong returns for your property.

Financing and Incentives

The cost of your solar system depends on the type of panels you choose, how many you install, and how complicated the job is. That said, many homeowners, farmers, and business owners reduce upfront costs through a mix of tax credits, grants, and performance-based programs. These savings can make a higher-efficiency panel more accessible without raising your final out-of-pocket total.

One of the most widely used programs is the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC), which allows you to claim a percentage of your system’s cost on your income tax return. In addition to that, some states offer cash rebates or solar renewable energy credits (SRECs), which can provide ongoing payments based on the power your system produces. For agricultural and rural business properties, USDA REAP grants can also cover a portion of your installation cost.

At Solair, we walk you through these options to help you get the best return from your system. We assist with paperwork, timelines, and eligibility requirements so you can take advantage of available funding. If you're unsure how to pay for your system or want to see if a higher-output panel fits your budget, we’re here to help you compare solutions that fit your needs.

Let Solair Help Install The Right Panels For Your Property

Each type of solar panel offers a different balance of output, size, appearance, and price. Monocrystalline panels work well when roof space is limited and strong performance is a priority, while polycrystalline and thin-film panels are better suited for larger surfaces where you can install more units to meet your power needs. Bifacial panels can increase total output on reflective surfaces, and BIPV offers a way to integrate solar directly into new construction. Being aware of these differences can help you avoid overpaying or installing a system that doesn’t match your setup.

At Solair Green Energy Advisors, we install panel systems that match the layout, usage, and conditions of each property. We’ll review your roof or open space, your current power use, and your budget to recommend a setup that makes sense. We also help with tax paperwork, rebate forms, and grant applications. If you want a system that performs well, lasts for decades, and is built around the real conditions on your site, please fill out a contact form or call 302-841-1108 to schedule a free consultation today.