Solar panel types & technology
Monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film and efficiency, enough hardware literacy to read a proposal without nodding along.
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FAQ
Common questions
What's the difference between mono and poly panels?+
Monocrystalline cells are cut from a single crystal and usually run higher efficiency in less space. Polycrystalline are cheaper per watt and fine on large unshaded roofs.
Does higher efficiency always mean better value?+
Only when roof space or shade is tight. On a large clear roof, cost per kilowatt-hour produced matters more than percent efficiency.
Are thin-film panels worth considering for homes?+
Rarely for standard rooftops. They need more area and most US residential installers stick to crystalline silicon.
What is PERC?+
Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell technology. It is the mainstream residential cell architecture in 2026, typically 20.5% to 22% module efficiency.
How many solar panels does a typical home need?+
Most US homes land between 15 and 25 panels (roughly 6 to 10 kW), depending on usage, roof space, and local sun hours.
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