Over the past few years, solar energy utilisation in India has increased. The distinctive mechanism of these panels is blamed for the rise in demand. Data show that since 2021, solar panels have become much more popular for use in homes, businesses, and offices. By 2027, the market size for the solar energy sector is anticipated to increase by about 34%. The statistics indicate a rise in public interest in microgrid deployment and renewable energy sources. This blog is about Solar Panels for Home: Definition, Types, and Price Range.
Why adopt solar panels for homes?
Solar panels are installed on the roof of your home to capture solar energy and use it for domestic needs. Alternating current (AC) is created by solar panels using energy from the sun, the highest energy source. This energy can safely power your home or other locations.
Homes with rooftop solar panels will use electricity more efficiently. You can, therefore, control and reduce your energy use and electricity consumption. Additionally, reputable brands’ solar panels are very tough. Therefore, there is a lower likelihood of service disruption.
Solar panels for home: Mechanism
Solar power is converted into electricity by all varieties of solar panels. A solar panel is made up of various solar cells. The most popular solar panel sizes are 60 cells (1.6m x 1m) and 72 cells (2m x 1m).
The solar cells are made of silicon, boron, and phosphorus. Similar to this, sunshine comprises several energy sources called “photons.” When photons strike solar panel surfaces, they dislodge silicon’s electrons, starting a directed electric current flowing through silver fingers and busbars. As a result, solar panels are used to generate energy. The photovoltaic effect is the name of the procedure. In this blog, we will see Solar Panels for Home: Definition, Types, and Price Range.
Solar panels for home: Advantages of Adoption
Solar energy has various benefits when used for home purposes. Some of them are listed below:
- Solar power is green and clean. As a result, it produces zero pollutants while producing electricity.
- The demand for natural energy sources is lessened because it is independent of all other energy sources. Both the environment and you would benefit from having solar panels installed in your home.
- Solar power panels require little upkeep. They only need to be cleaned twice a year. However, only experts should handle the cleaning process.
- Solar electricity is a safer alternative to AC for maintenance and repair.
- It may be utilized all over the world and is an endless source of energy.
- Your electricity bill will be significantly decreased if you use solar energy exclusively.
- Even in places without electricity, it can deliver electricity. For both domestic and commercial use, as well as for everyday tasks, clean water can be provided using solar energy.
Solar panels for home: Different types and their characteristics
There are four types of solar panels for homes in India. These are commonly used in homes, factories, offices and other buildings. They are-
- Monocrystalline solar panels
- Polycrystalline solar panels
- Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact cells (PERC) solar panels
- Thin-film solar panels
The type of solar panel is defined based on the solar cells present in it. Each cell functions and looks different from one another.
Solar panels for home: Monocrystalline solar panels
Single-crystal solar panels, or monocrystalline panels, are another name for them. They are created using pure silicon crystals that are divided into several wafers to make cells. The octagonal shape that these wafers are subsequently cut into gives them their consistent color and distinctive appearance. They are frequently black and blue since they are constructed of pure silicon.
Half-cut cell technology makes monocrystalline solar panels well-known. In the feature, square-cut cells are divided in half, providing twice as many cells. The panel’s top and bottom half each contain a specific set of cells. As a result, these panels may generate power even when one-half of them is in the shade.
These are incredibly effective when the solar panel is not fully exposed to the sun. They are the most commonly used solar panels for homes.
Characteristic of Monocrystalline solar panels for home
- Since single silicon crystals make up monocrystalline solar panels, there is more room for electrons to flow around, increasing kW/hour output. Because of this, adding these solar panels to your home will enable a bigger electrical backup.
- Compared to other solar panels, they are more heat-resistant. This indicates that their ability to produce energy is unaltered by heat and that they operate more effectively at greater temperatures.
- These panels typically cost more because of the more difficult production process.
Solar panels for home: Polycrystalline solar panels
Multiple silicon crystals are used to make polycrystalline panels. It is necessary to melt and pour silicon shards into molds to create polycrystalline panels. The crystals are then placed so they can cool. After finishing, these are divided into tiny wafers and put together to create the polycrystalline panels. These are also referred to as multi-crystalline panels.
Characteristic of Polycrystalline solar panels for home
Polycrystalline solar panels are less efficient than monocrystalline ones. This is owing to the panels’ numerous silicon crystals, which hinder the passage of electrons due to a lack of available space.
Polycrystalline panels can be recognized by their square-shaped cells, straight edges, and gleaming blue color.
Given that they are easier to manufacture and waste less silicon than monocrystalline panels, they are more inexpensive in terms of price.
Solar panels for home: Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact cells (PERC) solar panels
PERC Rear cells are another name for solar panels. The solar panels are constructed using cutting-edge technology, and an extra layer is added to the rear of the solar cells to maximise the amount of sunlight that passes through them. Traditional solar panels let some light through while absorbing part of it. However, the extra layer of PERC panels guarantees complete energy retention. PERC panels are more effective as a result.
Recently, manufacturers have begun merging monocrystalline cells and PERC technology to provide even better efficiency. These Mono-PERC panels are often utilized in commercial settings and produce the most electricity.
Characteristic of PERC solar panels for home
Due to better sunlight absorption, PERC solar panels are more efficient than conventional panels.
The panel’s extra layer at the back traps the sunlight for complete absorption.
Solar panels for home: Thin-film solar panels
Different from monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels are thin-film solar panels. These solar panels are produced using photovoltaic materials, including amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride, copper, indium gallium selenide, and more. It is lighter and simpler to install because these pieces are put on a solid surface like metal, glass, or plastic.
There are several categories of thin-film solar panels, including:
- These panels are made of amorphous silicon (a-Si), which is silicon that is not structurally organized at the molecular level.
- The least carbon-dioxide-emitting material is cadmium telluride (CdTe), although cadmium is poisonous and can eventually affect the environment.
- When making GICS panels, a thin coating of indium, copper, selenium, and gallium is deposited on a glass or plastic sheet. This material is known as copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS). The process and higher absorption abilities make them the most efficient among other thin-film panels.
Characteristic of Thin-film solar panels for home
- Thin-film solar panels are more adaptable, lighter, and simpler to install than conventional panels.
- Solar panels made of silicon crystalline are more effective than those made of thin films. These, however, cost less money and leave less of a carbon footprint.
- The panels are appropriate for locations with expansive spaces or massive rooftops.
Solar panels for home: Comparison table
| Aspect | Monocrystalline | Polycrystalline | Mono-PERC | Thin-film |
| Affordability | Low | Medium | Lowest | High |
| Efficiency | High | Medium | Highest | Low |
| Characteristic | Octagonal shape with a black or darker color | Square edges with blue color | Rounded edges with black color | Differs as per the variant |
| Pros | Heat-resistant, energy-efficient | Less wastage | Functions in less space, more efficient | Lightweight, lesser installation cost |
| Cons | High carbon footprint, expensive to install | Low energy efficiency and heat resistance | Very expensive to install | Lower efficiency and shorter lifespan |
Solar panels for home price
A customized design is needed to install solar panels in India. The roof, structure, shading, specs, and utility will all affect which type of solar panel is best for your home.
Below is the estimated price range for solar panels of different capacity-
| Size of solar panel for home | Estimated price range |
| 1kW | Rs 75,000 to Rs 85,000 |
| 2kW | Rs 1,50,000 to Rs 1,70,000 |
| 3kW | Rs 1,90,000 to Rs 2,15,000 |
| 4kW | Rs 2,50,000 to Rs 2,85,000 |
| 5kW | Rs 3,15,000 to Rs 3,50,000 |
| 10kW | Rs 5,30,000 to Rs 6,00,000 |
Solar panels for home: Conclusion
Analyse every aspect of switching to solar energy that may influence your wallet, including location-specific factors, governmental incentives, and solar component types. It can be difficult to choose the correct kind of solar panel for your home, but it becomes simpler once you have all the information you need. Before making a decision, weigh the advantages and disadvantages. In this way in this blog we see about Solar Panels for Home: Definition, Types, and Price Range.
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