10 Types of Solar Panels in India: Cost, Efficiency & Power
Solar energy is booming across India. As more homes and businesses explore solar power, it’s important to understand the types of solar panels (solar pv panels types) available, how they differ, and which ones best suit different use cases. In this blog, we’ll dive into 10 different types of solar panels, their costs, efficiencies, and where they are typically used from small rooftop systems to big commercial setups. Why Knowing Solar Panel Types Matters Choosing the right solar panel isn’t just about slapping some modules on your roof. Your decision impacts: How much electricity you can generate How long your system lasts The total cost (installation + maintenance) Whether you go for an On-Grid Solar System or Off-Grid Solar System How well your rooftop (or land) space is utilized What Are the 10 Types of Solar Panels? Based on current technologies widely used or emerging in India, here are the 10 types of solar panels you should know about, along with their costs, efficiency, and ideal use. 1. Monocrystalline Solar Panels Overview: These are made from a single silicon crystal. They have high purity, and their cells are usually uniform and black. Efficiency: Generally around 18–22%, depending on the panel. Cost (India): About ₹35–₹45 per watt as of 2025. Lifespan: 25–30 years or more. Best For: Residential rooftops where space is limited and efficiency matters most. Because they generate more power per square meter, they are highly suitable for commercial rooftop systems or dense urban areas. Pros & Cons: Pros: High efficiency, long lifespan, sleek design. Cons: Higher initial cost, slightly more expensive installation. 2. Polycrystalline Solar Panels (sometimes called multi-crystalline) Overview: Made by melting multiple silicon fragments and forming them into wafers. They typically look speckled blue. Efficiency: Generally between 15–17%. Cost (India): Around ₹25–₹32 per watt, though some sources mention up to ₹38 per watt. Lifespan: About 20–25 years. Best For: Larger rooftops, ground-mounted solar farms, and off-grid solar PV systems where land or space is not a constraint. Pros & Cons: Pros: Budget-friendly, well-tested technology. Cons: Lower efficiency, needs more space, less ideal for tight rooftop areas. 3. Thin-Film Solar Panels Overview: Thin-film panels are very different from traditional silicon panels. They use very thin layers of photovoltaic material (like amorphous silicon, Cadmium Telluride, or CIGS) deposited on a substrate. Efficiency: Typically lower: in the range of 6%–13% depending on the material. Cost (India): Often ₹20–₹28 per watt, making them one of the cheaper options. Lifespan: Roughly 10–20 years, depending on the specific thin-film technology. Best For: Large industrial roofs, flexible or curved surfaces (like vehicles, glass facades), or temporary setups. They’re less common for standard home rooftops because of the lower efficiency. Pros & Cons: Pros: Lightweight, flexible, low cost, good in diffuse light. Cons: Requires more area, lower power output, often shorter warranty/lifespan. 4. PERC Solar Panels (Passivated Emitter Rear Contact) Overview: PERC is actually a cell technology rather than a completely separate panel type. PERC cells include an extra passivation layer on the rear of the cell, which helps reflect unused light back into the cell and reduce recombination losses. Efficiency: Often more efficient than standard mono or poly, around 19–23%, depending on quality. Cost (India): This depends on the grade and type, but PERC panels are in the “medium to high” cost bracket compared to basic mono. Lifespan: Often around 25+ years. Best For: Roof spaces where you want higher efficiency without moving to super-premium module types. Good for both residential and small commercial systems. Pros & Cons: Pros: Improved efficiency, good performance in low light, better energy yield per panel. Cons: Slightly more expensive than basic monocrystalline; cost may not always justify for very large installations if space is not limited. 5. Bifacial Solar Panels Overview: These panels generate power from both the front and back sides. The rear side captures reflected light (albedo), which increases total output. Efficiency: When installed optimally, bifacial panels can effectively reach up to ~22–27% (combined), depending on how much reflected light they receive. Cost (India): Generally higher than regular mono or poly. For instance, some sources mention bifacial modules costing ₹55–₹70 per watt. Lifespan: Long, often 25+ years. Best For: Commercial rooftop systems, ground-mounted systems, or open-space PV farms where sunlight can reflect off a surface (like white concrete) back onto the panel. Also increasingly used in on-grid solar system setups to maximize output. Pros & Cons: Pros: Higher energy yield, more efficient land or roof usage, better ROI in right conditions. Cons: Need special mounting, more expensive, performance depends heavily on installation design and albedo. 6. Mono-PERC Half-Cut Panels Overview: These are PERC panels where each solar cell is “half-cut”, meaning the cell is cut into two smaller pieces. That reduces resistive losses and improves durability under shading or partial coverage. Efficiency: Typically similar or slightly better than full-cell PERC, often around 20–22% or more depending on manufacturing. Cost (India): Because of the advanced design, these cost more than standard PERC or mono panels. Exact prices vary by manufacturer and module wattage. Best For: Rooftops with partial shading (trees, chimneys) or for maximizing output on limited roof area. Also useful in commercial rooftop systems where module failure risk needs reducing. Pros & Cons: Pros: Better shade tolerance, slightly higher reliability, improved performance under real conditions. Cons: More expensive, slightly more complex to manufacture, may require good-quality inverters. 7. Mono-PERC Half-Cut Bifacial Panels Overview: This is a combination: half-cut PERC cells + bifacial design. You get the advantages of both technologies. It’s one of the more advanced and efficient solar pv panel types. Efficiency: Very high potential efficiency, sometimes up to ~22.5% or more, depending on setup and albedo. Cost (India): Higher-end among solar modules. Since you’re paying for bifacial + half-cut benefits, the cost is usually premium. Best For: Ideal for high-output residential systems, commercial rooftop systems, and ground-mounted systems where maximizing power per square meter is crucial. Pros & Cons: Pros: High energy yield, better shade handling, longer-term value. Cons: Costlier, needs good