Switching to solar power is not a passing trend. With electricity prices on a continual rise in Australia, coupled with the burden that production of artificial energy poses on the environment, more and more people are looking to reduce their carbon footprint while making long-term cost savings. However, once you choose to go solar powered at your residence, you will quickly realise that this change is not merely about hiring an electrician and purchasing the first solar panels that you come across. Instead, you need to consider the various types of solar panels in the market carefully so that you can make an informed decision based on what capabilities would be best suited to your household. If you have been under the impression that the only difference among solar panels is their appearance, you are mistaken. Read on to learn about just a couple of options when deliberating on solar panel installation.
Solar shingles
If aesthetic appeal is a crucial factor for you when investing in solar panels, the shingle variety will be right up your alley! Although these types of solar panels are the fastest innovation in the industry, they have taken Aussie by storm as homeowners seek to enhance the visual appeal of their roof. As the name suggests, these types of solar panels are designed to mimic the appearance of traditional roofing shingles while providing solar energy to the residence. In addition to this, they are just as enduring as the asphalt shingles that inspire their design. Therefore, you will not have to be concerned about roof shingles and subsequent solar panel replacement in the near future. The main drawback to solar shingles is that they happen to be the priciest in the market.
Polycrystalline panels
As the name implies, these types of solar panels comprise a multitude of crystalline cells. They are manufactured from silicon, which is melted and poured into rectangular moulds. The manufacture of these solar panels is quite efficient since there is minimal wastage of silicone. As a result, the cost of polycrystalline panels is quite affordable, making them a top option for homeowners that want to save on costs. The main drawback of this type of solar panel is they are not as efficient as other options in the market. This inefficiency is attributed to their heat intolerance, as they do not maximise on the absorption of solar energy, irrespective of the amount of sunshine they receive. Thus, it is best to install polycrystalline panels if you do not intend on your household being fully reliant on solar energy.