With people transitioning from traditional energy to solar panels, it is imperative to know which type of solar systems are available. Because they are reliable in certain outages and can even help you to save money. There are different types of solar panels available, such as monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin film, and more.
So, in this guide, we will explore different types to help you select the one that best meets your needs. These differences in their needs are critical to understanding so households and businesses can use energy to their best advantage and achieve a more sustainable future.
Different Types of Solar Panels in Pakistan
While there are many types of solar panels in Pakistan, we are going to discuss the main ones. These include:
- Monocrystalline Solar Panels
- Thin-Film Solar Panels
- Polycrystalline Solar Panels
- Bifacial Solar Panels
- PERC (Passivated Emitter & Rear Cell) Solar Panels
- HJT (Heterojunction Technology) Solar Panels
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
The best way to capture solar energy in Pakistan is through monocrystalline solar panels. These are the best types of solar panels because of the amount of best solar panel power that they generate. They are made from a single piece of silicon and are efficient at converting sunlight into electricity at rates of 20-22%. That makes them perfect for small spaces, like rooftops in cities.
Monocrystalline solar panels tend to last a long time, 25 years or more, and have performance warranties. They also produce power on gloomy days when the monsoon season starts. Also, this works well in Pakistan’s hot climate and they stay as efficient as they can in very high temperatures.
However, they are costlier than other types of solar panels, such as polycrystalline panels. They are also more delicate and demand special attention during installation and upkeep. But even with cost and fragility higher, monocrystalline solar panels are a popular choice among people in Pakistan – for their excellent performance and durability.
Thin-Film Solar Panels
Thin-film solar panels are a modern type of solar technology that has unique benefits for various applications, whether it’s for your home or a business. They are different from monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels, as thin film panels are applied by placing a thin layer of photovoltaic material on any surface, such as glass or metal. They are lightweight, flexible, and frequently cheaper because of this manufacturing method.
The smooth, even appearance of these panels is far from traditional panels that have individual cells. They can be dark brown to bluish-black, making it easy for them to blend into all environments. Thin film solar panels are lightweight, which makes them an easy cell to handle and install. Also, their structure is flexible, and they are flexible enough to bend and fit uneven, curved surfaces.
Thin-film panels perform effectively in low-light conditions, although they have lower efficiency rates ranging from 10% to 12%. Their solar panel design allows them to cover more surfaces, which makes huge solar installments easier. While they are cost-effective, you should keep in mind that generally, they live 10–20 years, and their performance may deteriorate quicker than others.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Polycrystalline Solar panels are nowadays popular in Pakistan both for homes and businesses due to their polycrystalline variant. They are special, formed of many silicon crystals that have melted together, and they have a very blue, speckled look. However, they generate less power than monocrystalline panels but are more affordable.
Polycrystalline panels have a distinctive appearance as one of their key features. Their mottled blue color is from the multiple crystals they used in their production. Because they are cheap and efficient, providing efficiencies in the range of 15 to 18 percent, they are a good option for converting sunlight into energy. For budget-minded people, choosing polycrystalline panels can be a good decision.
In addition, these panels last over 25 years and are also durable with proper maintenance. They work well in different weather conditions so they can produce energy reliably. But keep in mind though that they need more space to be installed in size.
Also in Pakistan, where temperatures can soar, polycrystalline panels may lose efficiency in that hot heat. They are overall a cost-effective solution, but it is advisable to take into consideration how well they perform in your particular locale.
Bifacial Solar Panels
Bifacial solar panels are an emerging type of solar technology that will have a big impact on energy production in Pakistan. These panels are special because they can catch sunlight from both sides. What sets this apart is that unlike traditional types of solar panels, which absorb sunlight only from the front, bifacial panels have a transparent back to allow them to make use of reflected light from the ground or nearby buildings.
Bifacial solar panels have one of the main advantages of generating 5-30% more energy than regular panels. They also perform well in low light conditions and are good for Pakistan’s climate with cloudy days. Their sleek, modern design also gives that aesthetic appeal to installations and can be a great advantage to residential as well as commercial properties.
Also, in regions of high surface reflectivity, such as around bright surfaces or even snow, bifacial panels can perform very well. But keep in mind that they can be more expensive at first because of their high tech. Along with that, reflective surfaces and more space are needed during the installation, which can prove to be a challenge in densely populated regions. Overall, bifacial solar panels seem to be a promising model for improving solar energy efficiency in Pakistan.
PERC (Passivated Emitter & Rear Cell) Solar Panels
PERC solar panels are an advanced type of technology that is used in solar panels, especially in sunny areas like Pakistan. They improve how much electricity solar panels can produce when added to both monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels which gives buyers more choices.
PERC Panels convert more sunlight into electricity than regular panels, which is one of the main benefits. On the back of the solar cells, they have a special layer that reduces energy loss and lets them capture more sunlight. This is perfect for Pakistan’s various weather because it means they work well even when it’s cloudy and can handle high temperatures.
In general, PERC solar panels will last around 25 to 30 years and retain visible performance. But they’re more expensive than normal solar panels because they’re more advanced. Also, it may become harder to find them in some areas as they become more popular. In general, PERC panels are a smart decision for anyone in Pakistan who wants to maximize their solar energy system.
HJT (Heterojunction Technology) Solar Panels
Heterojunction Technology (HJT) Solar Panels are a modern alternative to solar electricity. Also, they offer high efficiency as well as flexibility with a combination of the best features of thin film technology and traditional silicon panels. HJT panels are well known for their superior performance and high energy output in Pakistan.
These panels are unique because of their high efficiency, which converts sunlight to electricity by up to 25%. This means they can take in power from both the front and back, which helps them collect more energy. In addition, HJT panels work well when it is cloudy, so even on overcast days, the panels perform well.
Moreover, HJT solar panels are designed to last more than 30 years and to have minimal performance decline. For homes with limited (or unique) roof space, or unique energy needs, they are a good choice. But remember that HJT solar panels can be more expensive than other options alike because of their complex tech. They can also become less available as high-efficiency types of solar panels become increasingly in demand.
Final Thoughts
If you are a resident of Pakistan and searching for a cost-efficient way to help the pollution and save money on energy costs, solar panels are a smart choice. There are many different types of solar panels from which you can choose, such as monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and more. But, they all provide different benefits. So, it’s necessary that you choose what suits you best. Your choice can depend on many factors, such as space, budget, requirements, etc. Also, here at SunnyPath Energy, we’re here to help you choose the right solar solution for you. We offer our support to allow you to enjoy the advantages of solar energy whilst being a contributor to a better future for our planet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 4 types of solar panels?
The four major types of solar panels include:
- Monocrystalline Panels: Excellent for small places, very efficient.
- Polycrystalline Panels: It’s less efficient but more affordable than monocrystalline.
- Thin-Film Panels: Not as efficient, lightweight, and flexible.
- Bifacial Panels: Receive more energy from both sides.
How many types of solar panels are there in Pakistan?
There are several types of solar panels in Pakistan. But, the main types of panels include monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin film, bifacial, and PERC. Also, each type has its particular features and advantages, so you must get the one that meets your requirements best.
Are there any budget-friendly solar panel options?
Yes, polycrystalline and thin-film solar panels are usually affordable. These options can be a good choice for anyone looking for solar panels while staying within a budget.
