Solar Panels

Reduce your electricity costs and secure the future

There are many different types of solar panels available now in the UK and these range from standard solar panels to solar film. They all harness the energy from the sun to provide electricity or heat using thermal energy.

Knight & Day Solar Installations are looking to offer a stress free, fully managed installation of solar panels and battery storage including the correct advice on which panels allow for the optimum solar generation. Solar panels have become increasingly more efficient which means that the wattage they generate per square metre has increased immensely allowing for more solar energy production.

This is ideal for homeowners and property owners alike offering a reduced requirement for solar pv coverage and also a greater production per area. The costs of solar panels has also greatly reduced making them more affordable and combined with battery storage a great option.

Enquire Now
house solar
big house

Solar PV installation without the hassle

Solar panels come in various types, each with distinct features, efficiency levels, and applications. Here's an overview:

1. Monocrystalline Solar Panels

  • Description: Made from a single, pure silicon crystal, giving them a uniform, dark appearance.
  • Efficiency: High efficiency (15-22%) due to better electron movement in pure silicon.
  • Lifespan: Long lifespan, typically 25+ years.
Advantages:
  • High performance in low-light conditions.
  • Space-efficient due to higher output per square foot.
Disadvantages:
  • Higher cost compared to other types.

2. Polycrystalline Solar Panels

  • Description: Made from multiple silicon fragments melted together, resulting in a bluish, speckled appearance.
  • Efficiency: Moderate efficiency (13-18%).
  • Lifespan: Typically 20-25 years.
Advantages:
  • Lower production costs make them more affordable.
  • Less waste during manufacturing compared to monocrystalline.
Disadvantages:
  • Less efficient in high-temperature and low-light conditions.

3. Thin-Film Solar Panels

  • Description: Made by layering thin sheets of photovoltaic materials (e.g., cadmium telluride, amorphous silicon) onto a substrate.
  • Efficiency: Lower efficiency (7-13%), but improving with advancements.
  • Lifespan: Shorter lifespan (10-20 years) compared to crystalline panels.
Advantages:
  • Lightweight and flexible, ideal for unconventional surfaces (e.g., curved roofs, vehicles).
  • Better performance in high-temperature environments.
Disadvantages:
  • Requires more space to generate the same power as crystalline panels.

4. Bifacial Solar Panels

  • Description: Capture sunlight from both sides of the panel, using reflective surfaces to increase efficiency.
  • Efficiency: Higher efficiency compared to monofacial panels due to dual-sided generation.
  • Lifespan: Typically 25+ years.
Advantages:
  • Increased energy yield in reflective environments (e.g., snow, sand, or white roofs).
Disadvantages:
  • Higher upfront costs.

5. PERC Solar Panels (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell)

  • Description: An enhanced version of monocrystalline panels, with an additional layer to improve light absorption.
  • Efficiency: High efficiency (16-23%).
  • Lifespan: Similar to monocrystalline panels (25+ years).
Advantages:
  • Improved performance in low-light and high-temperature conditions.
Disadvantages:
  • Slightly higher cost than traditional monocrystalline panels.

6. Concentrated Solar Panels (CSP)

  • Description: Use mirrors or lenses to focus sunlight onto small, high-efficiency solar cells.
  • Efficiency: Very high efficiency (30%+ in some cases).
  • Applications: Primarily used in large-scale solar farms.
Advantages:
  • Extremely efficient in direct sunlight.
Disadvantages:
  • Requires precise solar tracking and high direct sunlight, limiting use to specific locations.

7. Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)

  • Description: Solar panels integrated into building materials like windows, facades, or roof tiles.
  • Efficiency: Varies depending on the material and design.
Advantages:
  • Aesthetic integration into buildings.
  • Dual-purpose as both energy generators and structural components.
Disadvantages:
  • Higher installation and material costs.

8. Hybrid Solar Panels

  • Description: Combine photovoltaic cells with solar thermal systems to generate electricity and heat simultaneously.
  • Efficiency: Higher combined efficiency compared to standalone PV systems.
Advantages:
  • Efficient use of available space.
  • Ideal for applications requiring both electricity and hot water.
Disadvantages:
  • More complex installation and higher initial costs.

Summary of Suitability

Residential Use: Monocrystalline, polycrystalline, PERC, or BIPV.

Commercial/Industrial: Monocrystalline, bifacial, PERC, or CSP.

Specialized Applications: Thin-film for portability or flexibility, hybrid for dual energy needs.

Choosing the right solar panel depends on your specific needs, budget, and the installation environment.

Find out more

Community Engagement from Solar Energy UK

Click here

Your energy created and managed

Click here