Renewable Energy
Ultimate Guide To Understanding Every Type Of Solar Panel
Are you thinking of switching to solar but feeling overwhelmed by the wide range of panel options available in the market?
You’re not alone, as many others feel the same way.
In a sun-drenched country like Australia, where electricity prices seem to climb every year, more households are turning to solar as a smart, sustainable solution.
The reason for this energy transition is apparent: harnessing clean, renewable energy gives you energy freedom, saves you costs on electricity bills, and reduces your reliance on fossil fuels, lowering your carbon footprint.
Moreover, solar panels are not only good for the planet; they’re an investment for your future!
But with so many types of solar panels, how do you know which one is right for you?
- Which panels perform best in Australia’s diverse climate?
- What type suits your roof, your budget, and your energy needs?
- And most importantly, are they really worth the cost?
Well, in this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain the above questions and everything you need to know about solar panels in Australia.
From solar panel types to benefits and efficiencies, this ultimate guide on all types of solar panels in Australia will help you find the most suitable panels for your home and financial needs.
So, tag along to learn more details!
In this blog post:
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Why Do We Need to Clean Solar Panels?
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Are Your Panels Dirty? | 6 Signs Your Solar Panels Need Cleaning
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DIY Solar Panel Cleaning: Must-Have Tools & Safety Tips!
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Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Solar Panels Safely on Your Roof
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How Often Should You Clean Solar Panels in Australia?
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Does Rain Really Clean Solar Panels? Find out!
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Common Mistakes to Avoid While Cleaning Solar Panels
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Additional Tips for Long-Term Solar Panel Care
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Looking for a Professional? Contact Cyanergy Today!
What Are Solar Panels? | Breaking Down the Power of the Sun!
Let’s begin by addressing a very basic question: What is a solar panel, and how does it work?
A solar panel is a device that converts sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells. Instead of burning fossil fuel, these different types of solar panels generate clean, renewable energy with Australia’s abundant sunlight.
How Solar Panels Work: A Simple Breakdown!
At the core of every solar panel, there is a set of photovoltaic (PV) cells. These cells are responsible for converting sunlight into usable electricity.
When sunlight hits these cells, it excites electrons within the silicon-based material, creating an electric current. This current is then captured and converted into alternating current (AC) through an inverter, making it suitable for household or commercial use.
However, solar panels cannot store energy for later use. Therefore, you might need to add battery storage to keep your home illuminated at night or during low-light hours.
Are They Worth It for Australians?
Solar panels are generally a smart investment for most Australians due to the country’s high solar exposure, government incentives, and rising electricity costs.
With abundant sunshine, households in most Australian cities can generate a significant portion of their electricity needs from solar. This energy switch can be a significant key to reducing power bills while enhancing grid stability.
For example, a 6.6 kW solar system can save households $1,000–$2,500 per year, depending on usage and feed-in tariffs. They can reduce your power bills by up to 70%
Moreover, the federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), energy-saving schemes and various state rebates and incentives significantly reduce the upfront cost of solar systems.
So, with all these long-term savings, generous incentives, and positive environmental impact, solar panels offer a sustainable solution, making them a worthwhile financial and environmental investment for all.
What Are the Most Popular Types of Solar Panels Available in Australia?
Australia’s strong solar market offers various solar panel options tailored to different needs, budgets, and property types. Homeowners can access high-quality solar technologies from both local and international manufacturers, creating a global bond.
However, instead of making a blind choice, it’s wise to understand the different types of panels, as each has different efficiency, durability, and cost advantages.
So, before moving further, let’s have a glimpse at the most popular types of solar panels currently available in Australia:
Monocrystalline Solar Panels: Premium Efficiency and Longevity
Monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient type of solar panel. They are made from a single, pure crystal structure, which allows electrons to move more freely, resulting in higher efficiency.
These panels are easily recognizable by their dark black color and rounded edges. While they are more than other types, their high efficiency and longevity make them a great investment.
What are the Pros?
- High performance in low-light and high-temperature conditions.
- Sleek, modern look.
- Lower long-term cost per watt.
- Best for homeowners with limited roof space.
- Incredible longevity and efficiency.
Talking about Cons:
- Monocrystalline panels are expensive.
- The manufacturing process results in silicon waste.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels: Reliable and Cost-Effective
Polycrystalline solar panels are made from multiple crystal structures, which gives them a blue hue with a speckled look.
They are less efficient than monocrystalline panels but are also less expensive. These panels are great for those with ample roof space and a tighter budget.
What are the Pros?
- More affordable than Monocrystalline panels.
- Leaves less waste during production.
- Offer decent performance for residential use.
- Easier manufacturing process.
Talking about Cons:
- Less efficient.
- Require more space than Monocrystalline panels.
- Lower the aesthetic appeal of homes.
Thin-Film Solar Panels: Lightweight and Versatile
Thin-film solar panels are the most affordable but least efficient type, with energy efficiency ranging from 7% to 18%. They are made by layering photovoltaic materials onto a surface.
These panels are flexible, lightweight, and ideal for industrial and commercial use in Australian landscapes.
The types include:
- Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) Panels
Cadmium telluride is the most common thin-film panel, constituting about 5% of solar panel sales. These panels can achieve an efficiency rating of 9% to 15%.
They are made from cheaper, toxic materials such as cadmium telluride and cadmium sulphide, which can pose environmental and health risks.
- Amorphous Silicon (A-Si) Panels
Amorphous silicon panels use a different technology that makes them very flexible. Instead of using crystalline silicon wafers, these panels use a thin silicon strip with a rubber-like texture.
These panels are incredibly lightweight, versatile, non-toxic, and cheap, but have a low efficiency rating of about 7%.
- Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS) Panels
CIGS panels are the most efficient thin-film panels available. They are composed of copper, gallium, indium, and selenide layers placed on a base of steel, glass, plastic, and other materials.
These panels can be installed where standard panels cannot fit. They have a high enough efficiency rating of 12% to 15%.
Bifacial Solar Panel: Power from Every Angle!
Bifacial solar panels can generate power from both sides, capturing sunlight that hits the front of the panel and light that reflects onto the back. It’s like double the sides, double the Power!
This can increase energy production by up to 30%. They are ideal for ground-mounted solar systems or buildings with reflective roofing.
Concentrated PV Cell (CVP)
Concentrated PV cells are the most efficient type of solar panel available today. They use lenses or curved mirrors to focus sunlight onto a small area of high-efficiency solar cells.
However, they require direct sunlight and a cooling system to function effectively. They are more suitable for large-scale commercial projects in sunny locations.
Solar Panel Types by Efficiency and Longevity: A Detailed Comparison
| Type | Efficiency | Lifespan | Perfect for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monocrystalline | 18–22% | 25+ years | Homeowners with limited roof space or those prioritizing efficiency and longevity. |
| Polycrystalline | 15–17% | 20–25 years | Budget-conscious users with ample roof space. |
| Thin-Film | 10–13% | 10–20 years | Large buildings, factories, and unconventional surfaces like car roofs or windows. |
5 Factors to Look for While Installing a Solar Panel in Australia
Choosing the right panel is just half the job, where installation quality and system design play a huge role in overall performance.
So, here we’ve listed what to consider before installing a solar panel on your property:
1. Sun Exposure and Roof Orientation
Proper sun exposure is a significant factor for maximizing energy production. In Australia, a north-facing roof typically captures the most sunlight.
Also, ensure your roof is free of large trees, chimneys, or other shading.
2. Solar Panel Efficiency
3. Durability and Warranty
Look for panels that offer 25-year performance warranties and 10–15-year product warranties.
These warranties can provide long-term peace of mind and potentially save you significant repair or replacement costs.
4. Installer Credentials
Once you decide to install solar, choose Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited installers.
They’ll help make sure your system follows Australian rules and let you know about rebate eligibility criteria.
5. Proper Installation and Aftercare
Lastly, the installer will mount the solar panels on your roof and connect them to a solar inverter.
After the installation, the system will need to be inspected by a certified electrician. Then, a monitoring app will track how much electricity your system produces and how much you use.
Some Other Hidden Factors That Might Impact Your Solar Setup!
While planning a solar installation, most people focus on the obvious elements like panel type, system size, and cost.
However, beyond these core considerations, there are several lesser-known factors that can quietly influence the efficiency, longevity, and overall success of your solar setup.
This includes:
- Hail Rating of the Panel
This rating indicates how well solar panels can withstand hail impacts. Panels are typically tested by firing ice balls at them to simulate hail.
A higher hail rating means better durability in hail-prone areas, reducing the risk of cracks and performance loss. Crystalline panels can handle hail hitting speeds up to 50 mph, while thin-film panels are thinner and less resistant.
- Temperature Tolerance of the Panel
Solar panels become less efficient at high temperatures. Temperature tolerance, often measured as a temperature coefficient, tells you how much performance drops per degree above 25°C.
Lower coefficients mean better performance in hot climates. So, here are the temperature coefficients for different panel types:
- Monocrystalline: -0.3% to -0.4% / °C
- Polycrystalline: -0.4% to -0.5% / °C
- Thin-film: -0.2% to -0.3% / °C
- Fire Rating of the Solar Panel
Solar panels and mounting systems must meet fire safety standards. The fire rating is usually classified in Class A, B, or C, reflecting the system’s resistance to fire spread and ignition.
Class A is the most fire-resistant, which is crucial in wildfire-prone regions like Australia.
- Light-Induced Degradation (LID)
LID (Light-Induced Degradation) is a common issue in crystalline solar panels, where they lose about 1–3% of their performance during the first few hours or days of sun exposure.
It happens when sunlight reacts with tiny amounts of oxygen left in the silicon during manufacturing.
This reaction slightly disrupts the silicon structure, reducing the panel’s efficiency.
How to Choose the Right Solar Panels for Your Property?
Every home has different setups, so the solar panel installation process also varies from home to home. Here’s a stepwise checklist to help tailor the perfect setup:
Step 1: Assess Your Energy Needs
Before choosing solar panels, look at how much electricity your home uses. Check your electricity bills to calculate your average daily usage in kWh
If you’re planning to expand or add things like an electric vehicle or a home addition, consider how that might increase your energy needs in the future.
Step 2: Evaluate Roof Size and Position
In Australia, your roof’s position and condition matter greatly for solar energy generation. Therefore, while installing the panel, you should consider:
- Roof orientation, as south-facing roofs typically capture the most sunlight.
- Proper tilt and shading for minimal shading from trees, chimneys, or nearby buildings.
- Larger roofs offer more installation space, while older roofs may need repairs, so check the roof size and condition first.
However, if you have limited space, go for high-efficiency monocrystalline panels, and Polycrystalline might be a better value for plenty of space.
Step 3: Set a Budget
Solar Power System prices vary widely from place to place. But with our 440W Tier-1 Panels and 5kW Wi-Fi Inverter in a 6.6kW Solar Power System, you can enjoy the benefits of solar power without a hefty price tag.
- For 6.6 kW System:
Original Price starts from $3,690.00
Cyanergy’s VIC Offer Price starts from $890.00
- For 10.12kW System
Original Price starts from $5,770.00
Cyanergy’s VIC Offer Price starts from $2,970.00
- For 13kW System
Original Price starts from $7,130.00
Cyanergy’s VIC Offer Price starts from $4,330.00
Step 4: Find a Trustworthy Installer & Factor in Rebates
Federal STC rebates and various state-based incentives can save you thousands off your upfront cost, so look for a certified, experienced installer who can help you claim them.
So, Which Solar Panel Type Should You Use?
Honestly, there is no specific answer to this question. The panel type and effectiveness depend on several factors, including your installation location, budget, and aesthetic preferences.
However, here we’ve shared a quick guide based on different situations to make your purchase decision easier:
| Different Scenarios | Recommended Type |
|---|---|
| Limited roof space or rental property | Monocrystalline |
| Tight budget with big roof space | Polycrystalline |
| Flexible portable solutions | Thin film |
| Need long-term high output | Monocrystalline |
| Off-grid or rural installations | Thin-Film or Hybrid |
Some of the Best Solar Panels in Australia (2025 Edition)
When choosing the best solar panel brands in Australia, performance, durability, and warranties matter most.
- SunPower
- Efficiency: Up to 22.8%
- Warranty: 40 years (industry-best!)
- Why Choose: Premium performance and extreme durability
- REC Solar
- Efficiency: Up to 21.9%
- Warranty: 25 years
- Why Choose: Excellent value for performance, strong Australian support
- Q CELLS
- Efficiency: Up to 21.4%
- Warranty: 25 years
- Why Choose: Robust tech with good performance in varying light conditions
- Jinko Solar
- Efficiency: Up to 21%
- Warranty: 25 years
- Why Choose: Jinko’s solar panels are affordable and widely used across Aussie homes
- LONGi Solar
- Efficiency: 20%
- Warranty: 25 years
- Why Choose: Solid mid-range performer, good balance of cost and quality
For any queries, contact Cyanergy. Here, our solar experts will provide the best solution based on your preferences.
Remember, with the right panel type, a trusted installer, and a bit of planning, you can enjoy decades of clean, affordable electricity.
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