Texas homeowners have expressed an increased interest in solar power, and energy experts agree that going solar is worth it. Short-term and long-term savings can greatly affect your family’s financial stability.
When you’re considering buying solar panels, there is a lot to consider upfront. While most Dallas homes do get enough direct sunlight to fuel solar panels, you may have to evaluate the current state of your roof and other logistical concerns.
You may want to learn about the types of solar panels available in Dallas today. We’re here to make that process easier.
Read on to learn about the types of solar panel options to choose from and how to make the right choice.
What Are Solar Panels?
Solar panels are devices used to collect the energy emitted from the sun that, once converted into usable energy, can power your house. Solar panels are usually installed on rooftops, although you can also install them in fields or on detached posts. The way that solar panels work is complex, but thanks to decades of development, they are much easier to install and come at a much lower price.
If you’re looking for solar panel installation Dallas, we recommend finding a top-rated contractor with years of experience. While some homeowners pursue DIY solar panel installation, it’s often not worth the hassle. Not only are solar panels difficult to install without the right tools and expertise, but improper installation can lead to inefficient energy conversion, solar panel damage, and more.
Types of Solar Panels
Now, let’s talk about the types of solar panels you can choose from today. Solar panels have evolved over the years to become more efficient and powerful. In the process, manufacturers developed several different types of solar panels, some of which are more popular with homeowners than others.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Some manufacturers call this type of solar panel the single-crystal panel. These panels are made from one silicone crystal that is divided into several layers or wafers. You can identify monocrystalline solar panels by their dark black color, which results from using pure silicone.
Monocrystalline solar panels are popular because they are space-efficient and tend to last the longest of all solar panel options. However, a ton of silicone is lost in manufacturing these solar panels. As a result, they create a ton of waste, and manufacturers make up for that loss by charging a hefty price for these panels.
In other words, they’re great space-savers and built to last, but they are the most expensive option on the market.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
As you may have guessed, polycrystalline solar panels are made up of several silicone crystals instead of one single crystal. Manufacturers melt the silicone crystals into a liquid and pour that liquid into a panel-shaped mold. You can identify polycrystalline solar panels by their square shape.
Because no silicone is lost in manufacturing these panels, they are much more affordable than monocrystalline panels. This affordable price tag makes polycrystalline solar panels some of the most popular on the market.
However, they also aren’t as efficient in energy production because the silicone purity is compromised during the melting process. They also have a low heat tolerance, which makes them an inadvisable choice in a city like Dallas.
In other words, they’re more affordable but don’t convert solar energy into usable energy as efficiently, and they sustain damage in high temperatures. While the price tag is appealing, you may not want to invest in polycrystalline solar panels in a city like Dallas.
PERC Panels
PERC stands for passivated emitter and rear cell, which refers to the complicated solar panel science that makes the PERC panels function. Many experts consider PERC panels an improvement on the monocrystalline panels. For example, the PERC panel reflects light back into the internal cells, increasing the energy stored and generated.
Because these panels are more efficient, you can use fewer of them to yield results. You’d need fewer PERC panels to power your home than other types of panels. As a result, these are ideal for homes with small roofs or limited yard space.
Are PERC panels more expensive? They don’t cost much more to make than traditional solar panels, which keeps their cost relatively low. Thanks to their efficiency, they may even cost less per watt than other options.
Because they’re on the newer side, they’re not always as easy to secure. However, we expect that to change as demand increases.
Thin-Film Solar Panels
As the name suggests, thin-film solar panels are made up of very thin layers of silicone. Unlike other panels, they don’t require a frame backing. Due to these two qualities, thin-film solar panels provide unique flexibility.
You can also purchase thin-film solar panels in a larger variety of sizes and shapes than other panels. However, they are the least efficient of the bunch. As of right now, thin-film solar panels are the least popular option on the market, which may not change much in the coming years.
Which Solar Panels are Right for You?
If you’re a Dallas homeowner looking to go solar, you’re not alone. Homeowners all over the state have shown an increased interest in solar power thanks to rising energy costs. Which types of solar panels are you interested in installing on your property?
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