The Switch to Solar Panels

Written by Claire Shi

What are Solar Panels?

Solar panels are a forefront technology in the renewable energy sector. They primarily function to convert sunlight into electricity. In just the year 2025 alone, the global prospective utility-scale solar capacity had grown by over 17%, exceeding 2.2 terawatts. As of now, China continues to dominate global solar panel installations, as they currently account for almost 60% of new capacity. The United States is currently the second-largest market globally, installing 43.2 GWdc of solar capacity in 2025. With the global solar panel market valued at $194.8 billion in 2025, it is expected to grow to $306.68 billion by 2026.

 How do Solar Panels Work?

Solar panels work by converting sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic cells, which are usually made with silicon. An electric current is generated when sunlight hits these cells and excites electrons. From there, this direct current is converted into an alternating current, which can be used in homes and businesses alike. Any excess electricity can be stored in batteries or fed back into the grid, making it a very sustainable option!

Types of Solar Panels

1. Monocrystalline Solar Panels

   1. Monocrystalline solar panels are made from a single, pure silicon crystal, with a sleek black design. They are currently the highest among commercial panels in terms of efficiency, with an efficiency of around 15 to 22%. They also have the longest lifespan of 25 to over 30 years. However, with these benefits and exemplary performance, they are also typically the most expensive due to their manufacturing process. These types of solar panels would be best suited for rooftops with limited space or when maximum efficiency is necessary.

2. Polycrystalline Solar Panels

   1. These solar panels differ in that they are made from melted silicon fragments rather than a single crystal, giving them a less uniform and blue appearance. Slightly lower than monocrystalline solar panels, polycrystalline solar panels typically have an efficiency of around 13 to 16% and a lifespan of around 20 to 25 years. However, they are more affordable than monocrystalline solar panels and are best suited as budget-friendly options with more space available. 

3. Thin-Film Solar Panels

   1. Thin-film solar panels are made from layers of photovoltaic material. This material can include amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride, or copper indium, as a couple of examples. They are pretty flexible and lightweight in terms of their physical attributes. Additionally, their efficiency is around 10 to 13%, and their lifespan is around 15 to 20 years, both of which are the lowest compared to the other two types of solar panels. However, similar to the polycrystalline solar panels, this is a tradeoff between quality and pricing. Thus, they are the cheapest option of the three as well and best suited for projects where weight is a concern.

Overall, although they are not 100% efficient yet, they are a great step towards sustainable energy and lifestyle. With only around 20-30 panels needed to cover a typical household’s energy needs, we encourage all to consider making the switch!