Monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient type of solar panel currently on the market. The top monocrystalline panels now all come with 22% efficiency or higher, and manufacturers are continually raising this bar.
As researchers keep developing photovoltaic cells, the world will have newer and better solar cells. Most solar cells can be divided into three different types: crystalline silicon solar cells, thin-film solar cells, and third-generation solar cells. The crystalline silicon solar cell is first-generation technology and entered the world in 1954.
When acquiring new solar panels, customers consider aspects like power output, efficiency, aesthetics, and even solar cell technology like Interdigitated Back Contact (IBC) or Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact (PERC), but few pay attention to the inner layers of the cell that constitutes an N-type or P-type solar panel.
Therefore, they are currently a more expensive option Hybrid photovoltaic solar cell Hybrid silicon Typical efficiency 18%. The most expensive but also most efficient type of photovoltaic cell on the market uses a combination of monocrystalline and amorphous cells for maximum efficiency.
So, what types of solar cells power the UK’s solar panels in 2024? Below, we’ll unpack three generations and seven types of solar panels, including monocrystalline, polycrystalline, perovskite, bi-facial, half cell and shingled.
There are a variety of hybrid cell types that are still in the research and development stage. Therefore, they are currently a more expensive option Hybrid photovoltaic solar cell Hybrid silicon Typical efficiency 18%.