There are more than just one use of solar power systems. Solar power systems are made using solar panels; they are used to generate electricity, heat, light. There is no use of fossil fuels in the process of generating electricity through solar power systems. This makes solar energy one of the best sources of electricity. Solar panels can be installed at home and to do that, it is important to know the types they are available in.

You can install the solar panels on the roof of yours house and save lot of money on your energy bills. You will find three types of solar panels – Mono-crystalline silicon solar panels, polycrystalline silicon solar panels, and thin film solar panels. The solar panels are divided into three different types based on their requirement for large or small-scale installation and cost. Read on to know more about the different types of solar panels.

Mono-crystalline silicon solar panels
These are also known as single crystal silicon solar panels. They are efficient when it comes to electricity generation, and are one of the expensive solar panels. They are made from mono-crystalline solar cells that are round are prevailed from a single silicon crystal.

These solar panels are long-lasting; they last for over 25 years. There is approximately 16% electric rate return from mono-crystalline silicon panels. There is not much space required for these solar panels. This makes mono-crystalline solar panels one of the most efficient types of solar panels.

Poly-crystalline silicon solar panels
Multi-crystalline silicon solar panels is another name for poly-crystalline silicon solar panels. There are made from silicon crystals cells and by pouring hot silicon over them to create a mold so that a panel is formed. Though these solar panels generate less electricity as compared to mono-crystalline silicon solar panels, they do require less space for installation.

These solar panels also last for over 25 years. The electricity generated is approximately 13%, and it is less expensive as compared to the former.

Thin film solar panels
Thin film solar panels are the cheapest types of solar panels as they are made from steel or glass with a fine layer of non-crystalline silicon, copper indium, or amorphous. Since they are cheaper than the previous two solar panels, they are less efficient too in comparison.

The electricity return rate is approximately 11%. They are easy to use as they are light and flexible. They are however not as durable as the previous two solar panels and only last for a few years.

You can do a thorough research on solar energy and solar panel and build your own solar power system and generate electricity.