Aug. 25, 2025
If you’re new to the world of solar power, it can be daunting to take that first step. Massive leaps in innovation have pushed the industry forward, creating more accessible options for consumers than ever before. Thanks to increased adoption and economies of scale, solar technology is now an affordable, accessible, eco-friendly choice. But with so many options, it’s hard to know where to begin.
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The first step in switching to solar is identifying what type of solar panels you need. There are many different models of photovoltaic solar panels on the market today, each with unique benefits, downsides, and characteristics. Here’s a rundown of the four major types to help you make the right choice for your family’s energy needs.
Monocrystalline PV panels get their name from the design of the solar cells.
Monocrystalline photovoltaic cells are made from a single lab-grown crystal of purified silicon.
Manufacturers achieve this uninterrupted internal structure by processing polycrystalline silicon and shaping it into ingots.
The pure ingots of pure silicon are then sliced into wafers and precision cut into the desired size and shape.
After a lengthy manufacturing process, monocrystalline PV cells are combined and framed into a photovoltaic module such as a solar panel.
A 400W rigid solar panel typically contains around 60 monocrystalline solar cells framed under a transparent surface like tempered glass and surrounded with a durable metal such as stainless steel or aluminum.
By eliminating impurities and optimizing the photovoltaic material, monocrystalline solar panels deliver much greater efficiency than cheaper polycrystalline panels.
One downside of monocrystalline PV panels is that the production process generates more waste. Up to 50% of the raw materials like silicon are discarded to produce a single solar cell.
For some eco-minded people switching to solar energy, that may be a turn-off. However, because these panels boast higher efficiency than polycrystalline or thin film options — meaning they generate more electricity per square meter — many believe the trade-off is worthwhile.
Over the long term, monocrystalline solar panels can reduce your reliance on utility grid electricity generated by fossil fuels and increase your solar return on investment.
Another common type of solar panel on the market today is the polycrystalline panel. This variety isn’t as aesthetically desirable or efficient as its monocrystalline counterpart. Because of its construction, it doesn’t have the signature all-black look of a monocrystalline panel. That said, it’s more affordable and still gets the job done.
Polycrystalline panels are recognizable by their rectangular shape and blue finish. Because they contain many silicon crystals in every cell, they have a speckled, twinkling appearance when the sun reflects off them.
Polycrystalline panels are sometimes called multi-crystalline panels because of their construction. These PV panels use silicone, similar to monocrystalline cells. However, they consist of many polycrystalline fragments melted together, giving them their characteristic checkerboard appearance.
During construction, manufacturers melt raw silicon and pour it into square molds. The molds remove the additional step required with monocrystalline cells to cut their ends. Polycrystalline panels come out of the molds in their final shape.
In the last step, manufacturers will assemble smaller individual squares into one larger panel. This process creates less waste and has a smaller footprint for material use, making them a more environmentally-friendly choice than monocrystalline panels — at least up front.
Polycrystalline panels are between 15-17% efficient. They’re in a lower tier than monocrystalline options when it comes to efficiency. They also have a shorter lifespan. Because there are many individual crystals in each cell, there is less freedom for electrons to move around. All this means that they don’t generate as much electricity or for as long.
While they can’t boast the high efficiency of monocrystalline panels, they’re still a decent option to get the most bang for your buck in the short term. Because their construction is less resource-intensive than monocrystalline models, they can be a cost-effective option for those trying to switch to solar on a budget.
The slight increase in efficiency provided by the additional steps and materials used in PERC solar panel manufacturing doesn’t impact the rated power output per square meter sufficiently to change the dimensions of residential PV modules.
The rated power output and efficiency is far more impacted by the use of monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon wafers in PERC cell construction.
If you can get PERC monocrystalline solar panels for the same price or lower than traditional mono panels, it’s worth considering.
Evaluate the rated power and efficiency of each module and use that plus any difference in cost to inform your purchase decision.
Thin-film panels apply sheets of photovoltaic material mounted atop a substrate. Believe it or not, they’re approximately 350 times thinner than monocrystalline and polycrystalline modules.
Unlike other types of PV panels, thin-film uses various materials in their construction, including silicon, copper indium gallium selenide, and cadmium telluride. The silicon used in thin-film panels differs from that used in monocrystalline and polycrystalline modules. Instead of being solid, it is a non-crystalline type of silicon.
In construction, manufacturers put a layer of glass on top to capture sunlight. Beneath it, there is a semiconductor layer between two layers of transparent conduit.
The thing that sets thin-film panels apart from the pack is their flexibility. Unlike the rigid PV panels suited for rooftop installations, the ultra-thin construction of thin-film panels means they can bend and fit the surface that you fix them to without breaking. Because of this flexible construction, these panels are often mounted on RVs or other vehicles with curved surfaces or incorporated into wearable or handheld devices.
Thin-film panels are available in a variety of sizes. This variety is one feature that draws people to thin-film panels, as it allows for their use in many different locations. However, the lack of standard sizing also makes it harder to quantify their power capacity. The size of the panel will largely determine the power capacity.
That said, thin-film panels generally have a lower power capacity than monocrystalline and polycrystalline modules of the same size. While this is a downside for some buyers, the flexible application of these panels means it’s possible to harness solar energy in places that aren’t accessible to panels with rigid construction.
The efficiency of a thin-film solar panel is significantly lower than other crystalline panels. On average, efficiency gets up to around 11%. Because of this, you would need a large amount of surface area to generate a substantial amount of solar energy using thin-film panels alone.
It’s also worth noting that thin-film tends to degrade faster than other types of panels because of their flexibility and thin construction. Unfortunately, this often means that products are not under warranty for as long. Before purchasing thin-film solar panels, ask the manufacturer or installation company about their warranty policy to ensure you can get the most out of your investment.
How each of the four types of solar panels are designed varies by model. Right off the bat, monocrystalline panels are designed to be much smaller than other options because they’re more efficient per area.
In contrast, thin-film panels require a larger surface to offer efficiency. Monocrystalline panels are black and more uniform with sharp corners, while polycrystalline has a checkerboard look due to the crystal fragments melted together to form the shape.
Thin-film panels also stand out with a uniform surface comprised of layers of solar photovoltaic material. Depending on the material composition, they can look blue, black, or grey.
Another key difference among the options is price. Polycrystalline panels are the cheapest, while both monocrystalline and thin-film panels are more expensive. Polycrystalline are cheaper and quicker to make, so they’re more affordable and fall in the range of $0.90 to $1.00 per watt produced.
Monocrystalline panels require more intensive materials and production, so they’re much more costly and cost in the range of $1.00 – $1.50 per watt produced. However, due to their increased efficiency, this higher cost up-front translates to more savings down the road.
Thin-film panels are also a high-end option, costing you around the same amount as monocrystalline panels, around $1.00 – $1.50 per watt produced.
While this tends to reflect general trends in pricing, there may be exceptions, especially if you find panel options on sale. Whatever panel you end up choosing, make sure you look into what government incentives are available!
The efficiency of solar panels greatly impacts cost, especially for monocrystalline and polycrystalline options. Monocrystalline panels cost more because they work more efficiently (around 20%), while polycrystalline panels are a more affordable option because they won’t work quite as well (efficiency is typically between 10-15%).
Thin-film panels, however, typically have efficiency ratings between 7-18% yet are still costly.
If you’re looking to save money on initial installation costs, polycrystalline can be a good option, but if you want the most energy-efficient choice, that would be monocrystalline panels, as they’ll save you more on electricity costs over time.
Thin-film panels are best used to augment monocrystalline or polycrystalline arrays by affixing them to curved or irregular surfaces where rigid panels aren’t an option. While they do offer a lower efficiency, when you’re dealing with abnormal or irregular surfaces, they allow you to maximize your surface area.
Each panel type is constantly being researched and improved upon over time, and options today are more efficient, affordable, and aesthetically pleasing than ever. While thin-film options are still working toward efficiencies closer to those of poly and mono panels, their performance will certainly improve as more innovations are developed.
The percent decrease in your solar panel’s productivity for each degree (Celcius) increase in temperature over 25ºC (77ºF) is known as the temperature coefficient. The lower the coefficient, the less productive they’ll be as the temperature rises over this baseline level.
For instance, let’s say your solar panel has a temperature coefficient of -0.3%/ºC. In that case, your solar panels would become 0.3% less efficient for each increase of the temperature of one degree Celsius over 25ºC (77ºF).
The coefficient for monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels is around -0.3 and -0.5%/ºC. For thin-film panels, the temperature coefficient is only around -0.2%/ºC.
What does this mean? Thin-film solar panels will remain more efficient in hotter weather than either type of crystalline panel; however, most areas won’t be significantly impacted.
It’s important for your solar panels to be able to withstand the conditions they’ll be exposed to. Regarding durability and weather resistance, crystalline panels are the most withstanding, while thin-film panels are more likely to sustain damage from bad weather, especially hail. And between mono and poly, you can trust monocrystalline panels to be highly durable in nearly all weather conditions. Polycrystalline panels are still durable to weather, but they tend to have more sensitivity to heat.
You can often find special features or ratings to help determine whether the panels you’re considering are fire-, hail-, and hurricane-resistant.
The photovoltaic PERC solar panels are made from either monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon.
Additional materials and processing are needed for a slight uptick in efficiency.
If you’re looking for the most efficient PV modules available, a mono-perc solar panel may offer a minimal increase in performance over a traditional monocrystalline panel.
However, a traditional monocrystalline solar panel will significantly outperform a PERC polycrystalline solar panel every time — unless the mono panel is of inferior manufacturing quality.
The minimal gain in performance with mono-PERC vs. monocrystalline solar panels may not justify the increased price.
Another critical factor when deciding which type of solar panel is best for you is the installation cost. As this can increase the overall cost of converting to solar, it’s worth your careful consideration.
On average, installation costs range from $15,000 and $25,000. Typically, hotter, sunnier climates have larger solar markets because there’s greater competition. The labor cost is often more affordable than in cold places with fewer peak sun hours where solar energy isn’t as plentiful.
Keep in mind that government incentives may be able to help you save substantially on equipment and installation costs.
Want to save some cash? One option to forgo installation and labor costs is to use portable solar panels. These don’t require expert installation; you merely set them up on the foldable kickstand that doubles as a case for easy transport and no-installation use anywhere there’s sunlight.
Which of the 4 Main Types of Solar Panels Are the Most Efficient
Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient option available compared to polycrystalline and thin-film options because of the materials and process used to manufacture them, polycrystalline panels are the second-most efficient option, and thin-film panels fall last. PERC PV modules also use crystalline silicon and may offer slightly higher efficiency than traditional silicon solar panels — at a higher price.
What Is the Most Effective Type of Solar Panel?
While all panel types are effective at generating solar energy, monocrystalline panels are the most efficient. Monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic modules are the best choice to maximize solar electricity production because they offer the highest rated power output per square meter (surface area) compared to polycrystalline and thin-film options.
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What Are the Main 4 Types of Solar Panels?
The four main types of solar panels include monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film, and PERC, which stands for Passive Emitter and Rear Cell. PERC panels are a newer option looking to make solar more efficient at a low cost.
Home solar power gives you autonomy over your energy in a way that the traditional electricity grid never can. Ultimately, only you can decide what type of panel will suit your needs.
However, if you need some help, consulting with an expert at a solar installation company can ensure you make the best choice. When you pick the right type of solar panels for your needs, you’ll be ready to harness the sun’s power for years.
Finding the right panels for your needs at a price that fits your budget is the first step to realizing the benefits of solar. EcoFlow offers high-quality monocrystalline solar panel options at various wattages to meet your needs, whether you want solar power for on-the-go hikes, campouts, RV trips, outdoor events, or even to power your whole home. We even offer flexible panels that can be mounted on a range of surfaces, so you don’t have to sacrifice quality for the logistics of your setup.
Remember, you need a power station or solar generator to store captured solar energy for future use. EcoFlow Solar Generators combine portable power stations and solar panels to allow you to create and store your own electricity. If solar is the right fit for your home, EcoFlow is here to help. With efficient, convenient, and competitively-priced products, you’re sure to find your perfect fit in our selection.
One of the biggest barriers to installing solar panels is the significant upfront cost. In , the average price of a solar installation is about $21,816 before any incentives are applied. While this $3.03 per-watt price tag is lower than solar panels have cost in the past, it’s still a significant upfront investment.
Cutting corners can help you save money, but you don’t want to sacrifice quality when it comes to a big investment like a home solar installation. To help narrow your search, we’ve compiled a list of solar panels that come at a low cost per watt, but still check off all the boxes when it comes to good performance. Here are our picks of the best affordable solar panel brands of :
Solar panel brand
Module
Avg. cost (per watt)
VSUN (Vietnam Sunergy)
VSUN460N-96BMHR-D
$2.92
Hyundai
HiS-S410YH(BK)
$2.93
JA Solar
JAM54D40-460/LB
$2.94
Trina Solar
Vertex S TSM-NEO9RC.05
$2.95
Mission Solar
MSE PERC 108HC
$2.97
Find out how much solar panels will cost for your specific homeOur experts reviewed solar panels from reliable brands to find which ones have the best value. Keep in mind, cheap doesn’t always mean good! There may be cheaper modules out there, but the quality would likely be low.
Why we chose them: Aside from being the cheapest solar panels on this list, there’s plenty to like about VSUN solar panels. VSUN is cranking out residential solar panels with some of the highest-efficiency ratings in the industry.
You’ll need fewer of these panels on your roof to meet your energy needs, thanks to their 460 W wattage rating, which helps lower your overall solar equipment costs. VSUN’s 12-year product warranty and performance warranty that promises 89.4% operating power after 25 years aren’t breaking any records, but these solar warranties still offer solid protection.
Why we chose them: Hyundai Energy Solutions is a solar panel manufacturer based in South Korea and has grown into a global supplier in the solar energy industry. The company’s new YH(BK) panels are monocrystalline bifacial solar panels that are a great, low-cost option for homeowners.
With a 25-year warranty for product and performance, these panels have good coverage for your peace of mind. This module offers efficiency levels of up to 20.5%, which is considered relatively low by today’s standards. Still, when you look at this solar panel as a whole, it remains a solid and reliable option.
Why we chose them: JA Solar not only offers solar panels at a great low value, but its panels are also a perfect example of not sacrificing quality for a lower price. JA Solar has landed on our Best Solar Panel Brands list for two consecutive years thanks to its performance, availability, and reputation.
JA Solar’s newest monocrystalline panels reach up to 23% efficiency, which is great, especially when you consider how budget-friendly they are for home solar panel system installations. With a solid warranty to back up their great performance, JA Solar is one of the best affordable solar brands on the market.
Why we chose them: Trina Solar is another affordable solar panel brand that has consistently cranked out high-performing solar technology. Trina also appears on our Top Solar Panel Brands list for .
With an efficiency rating up to 21.5%, Trina’s Vertex S 430 watt solar panel falls within industry standard, with some competitors outperforming them. On the positive side, Trina panels have excellent performance scores under PVEL testing, so you can trust that they’ll be a reliable panel for your roof.
Why we chose them: Although Mission Solar was not a part of our Top Panel Brands list for , that shouldn’t overshadow the fact that this is a strong company that makes solid solar panels for residential use. These American-made solar panels utilize half-cut cell technology to boost performance.
The panel has a solid 25-year product and performance warranty, but comes with a higher degradation rate than others on this list, promising 84.8% operating efficiency after the warranty period. It also has a slightly lower efficiency rating of 20.5%, but as a whole, Mission is a trustworthy company that offers great solar panels at an excellent value.
It’s also worth noting that Mission’s panels might become an even more affordable option if the Trump Administration institutes new tariffs on imported goods like solar panels and cells. While some of the components that go into Mission’s panels might be impacted, the total cost could be lower than competitors that manufacture overseas.
By using the average 7.2 kilowatt (kW) installation, we’re able to come up with estimated installation prices for each brand, before incentives. Using an affordable brand of solar panels like VSUN can save you hundreds of dollars on installation costs on average.
It’s important to realize that even cheap solar panels will still require a substantial upfront investment. Solar panels account for just 12% of a solar installation’s total costs, so even choosing more affordable solar panels only lowers the price by a few hundred dollars.
You could opt for solar panels that are even cheaper than the ones on our list to see bigger savings in upfront costs. There are plenty of lesser-known solar manufacturers that make panels at a lower cost, but we don’t believe the cost savings are worth sacrificing quality.
There are a number of ways you can make going solar more affordable. Here are our expert tips on how to make going solar cheaper without sacrificing quality.
Right now, the best incentive for homeowners who go solar is the federal solar tax credit, which equals 30% of installation costs and reduces what you owe in federal income taxes by thousands of dollars.
The average homeowner will receive a federal tax credit of about $6,500, which directly reduces their income tax liability.
Different states, municipalities, or utility companies may offer incentives for going solar that can help reduce solar installation costs. This can come in the form of a tax credit, upfront rebate, or performance-based incentive.
Local incentives are also available to those who install solar battery storage with their installation, and low-income solar programs are also available to help qualifying households go solar for cheap.
Net metering is the utility billing practice that makes solar such a good investment. With net metering, you use the solar energy your panels produce to power your home, and any excess electricity gets sent to the utility grid in exchange for a bill credit. When you use energy from the grid later, those bill credits cover the costs, saving you money!
Through net metering, you can save additional money on your electricity bills and contribute towards a shorter payback period of your solar system. Net metering policies differ depending on state regulations and who your utility provider is. You can learn about your local net metering policy by visiting your utility’s website.
Comparing solar quotes is a great way to educate yourself on what you're getting out of a solar installation, but it can also help you get solar panels for around 20% cheaper!
We recommend obtaining at least three solar quotes from local installers to compare the best price for your budget. Looking at fewer solar quotes could mean paying more for a service that another company may be charging less for!
If you’re interested in solar but aren’t ready to make the leap to a rooftop solar system just yet, consider starting small. There are plenty of portable solar panels and power station options that you can use on the go, in your backyard, or have on hand during a power outage to keep your essentials running.
For example, you can get a small solar generator and solar panel set up for under $1,000 and have it handy to charge your when the utility goes down or when you’re on a camping trip. Some specialty RV solar panel kits are designed to power a mobile home, so you can cover more of your power needs when you’re on the road. Even something as simple as a solar-powered charger can help keep you charged up on the beach or in your backyard.
These small-scale solar devices let you experience some of the benefits of solar before you dive into a full-blown home solar installation.
You can find cheap solar panels from private sellers online that can save you hundreds on solar materials. If you want to invest in solar power, used solar panels can be a solid option for off-grid DIY projects, like a solar-powered greenhouse or a solar gazebo.
We don’t recommend purchasing used solar panels for a rooftop solar installation that powers your whole home. Instead, consider looking into refurbished solar panels; they have been restored to an acceptable working condition and are a more trustworthy option.
Community solar is a great way to reap the benefits of solar energy without needing an installation. Community solar programs use a subscription model, where customers pay for a portion of their power to come from solar farms.
With no upfront investment or installation necessary for this option, it’s a great option for renters looking to go solar, low-income residents, or those who simply just want to save money on a solar installation.
If you plan on choosing a full-service installer for your solar system, you might find there’s only a 5% to 10% price difference between the “cheap” option and the industry standard. Ultimately, it’s up to you to figure out if those savings are worth it to you.
Cheap solar panels can be good quality if you seek out the right brand. When it comes to performance and overall quality, there are plenty of solar panels out there that come at a lower price than the national average but still perform well.
Unsure if a solar panel installation is right for your specific home? Put your information into our solar calculator to learn more about solar costs and savings to make informed decisions.
Curious about buying low-cost solar panels and beginning your solar journey? Here are some frequently asked questions you might want to know.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of PERC Mono Solar Panel PERC(ur,es,el). Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
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