6 Powerful Solar Panel Types in Pakistan – What’s Best?

The solar industry offers an extensive range of solar panel kinds, each with a unique set of benefits. The most common Solar Panel Types in Pakistan are mono-crystalline, poly-crystalline, thin-film, PERC, and bifacial panels
Monocrystalline panels are known for their excellent efficiency and ability to absorb more sunlight, but they tend to be more costly. On the other hand, polycrystalline and thin-film panels are less expensive and produce a lower level of efficiency, though they still perform well in specific settings.

Bifacial panels, being a newer technology, are mostly used for commercial projects, offering high efficiency by absorbing sunlight from both sides.

Solar Panel Types in Pakistan

In the local market, many opt for brands like Longi 545 watt, JA Solar, Jinko Solar, and Canadian Solar Panels, as they provide reliable solutions for both home and business use. Understanding the characteristics of each type of solar panel helps consumers invest in the best solar energy solution, contributing to an environmental and economical future. When getting a solar plate in Pakistan, it’s important to know the difference between these types to make an informed choice.

Also Read: Proven Methods for Solar Panel Verification in Pakistan

Mono-crystalline solar panels are manufactured using single-crystal silicon, which makes them a popular choice due to their high performance and durability. Although they are more expensive, their long-term performance often justifies the investment for many consumers. These panels are made through the Czochralski method, producing a well-structured panel from pure single-crystal silicon, which allows for the efficient movement of electrons. This enhances their ability to convert sunlight into usable energy more effectively.

The cell shape of mono-crystalline panels typically consists of small squares with rounded corners, and their signature black appearance comes from the N-type solar panel structure. These panels contain phosphorus in their composition, which adds an extra electron to the silicon, making the panels negatively charged. 

In contrast, P-type solar panels, made with Boron, have less electron density, resulting in a positively charged solar cell. The design of mono-crystalline panels helps in minimizing solar energy loss, making them highly efficient in converting sunlight into electricity.

Popular and widely used in Pakistan due to high efficiency and energy production, Requires less space, making them ideal for areas with limited installation room

Polycrystalline panels, also known as multi-crystalline panels, are made from multiple fragments of silicon by melting pieces of silicon together. The square-shaped panels with straight edges are formed without requiring precise cuts, which helps in avoiding waste and ensures limited waste production. 

This easy production process results in less wastage and makes polycrystalline panels more affordable, appealing to low-budget buyers. These panels have a distinctive blue-spotted appearance, caused by the arrangement of multiple silicon crystals, and they shine blue when exposed to sunlight.

While they are cheaper than monocrystalline panels, polycrystalline panels still offer respectable performance for various applications, making them a popular choice for those looking for cost-effective solar solutions.

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Thin film solar panels are a unique and innovative type of solar panel that differ from traditional monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels. These panels are made by applying a thin layer of photovoltaic material onto a conductive sheet, which is then covered by a protective glass layer. 

The photovoltaic material used can vary, including options like copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), cadmium telluride (CdTe), or amorphous silicon (a-Si). These panels are 350 times thinner than typical monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels, giving them a blue-black appearance when exposed to sunlight.

Thin film solar panels are manufactured using specific techniques and consist of components like glass, plastic, and metal, making them lightweight, flexible, and generally less expensive than crystalline silicon panels. While their efficiency tends to be low, they can still prove useful in various applications where flexibility and affordability are prioritized.

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PERC solar panels are a clever technology that represent a modified form of the monocrystalline solar panel. These panels feature an extra layer of monocrystalline silicon on the back side of the panel, which helps to reflect sunlight, allowing the solar cells to absorb more solar power and convert it into usable energy. 

This modification technology is used in both monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels, offering manufacturers and buyers an upgrade in efficiency. Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) panels are often compared to bifacial solar panels due to their extra back layer, which significantly boosts the panel’s overall efficiency.

The PERC solar panels consist of several parts and additional layers that help increase the efficiency of the solar cells to a great extent. This technology absorbs more light and improves electron capture, resulting in better performance, especially in hot weather and shady places, where traditional panels may struggle.

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Longi Solar is one of the most popular and reliable brands when it comes to solar panels in Pakistan. Known for their ability to withstand tough weather conditions, Longi Solar Panels are a go-to choice for many customers due to their reasonably priced options and long warranty. Whether you’re looking for monofacial or bifacial panels, Longi Solar offers different types to fit your needs.

A leading solar panel manufacturing company, LONGI Green Energy Technology, was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Xi’an, China. They have manufacturing plants not only in China but also in Malaysia and India, constantly updating their PV modules for higher efficiency. Models like the Hi-Mo X6, Hi-Mo X6 Max, and Hi-Mo 9 offer better conversion efficiency with features like a dust-proof structure.

When it comes to Longi Solar Panel prices in Pakistan, they have reduced compared to last year, but prices still depend on factors like taxes, supply, demand, panel type, and wattage. Since the market is dynamic, prices are changing frequently, so customers should stay updated on a daily basis.

Jinko Solar, a Chinese company founded in 2006 in Shangrao, China, has quickly become one of the top manufacturers of solar panels globally. By 2023, Jinko’s solar module shipments surpassed an impressive 200 GW, showcasing their reliable quality and continuous growth despite the increasing competition in the market. Known for their excellent customer service, Jinko solar panels are available in different sizes, making them suitable for both commercial and domestic levels.

Jinko’s commitment to improving their solar technology through ongoing R&D processes has led them to break solar cell efficiency records multiple times. This makes them a popular choice, especially for those looking for solar solutions that can work effectively in cold weather while still producing electricity at a rate of up to 20% efficiency. For customers in Pakistan, staying updated on Jinko solar panel prices is crucial, as the market shifts with new rates regularly being announced.

Canadian Solar is a leading manufacturer of high-quality and affordable solar panels, known for being one of the best brands in Pakistan. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Ontario, Canada, the company has been providing top-notch solar solutions globally. They offer both monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels, with monocrystalline panels being the most efficient, achieving up to 20% efficiency, making them ideal for household energy production. On the other hand, polycrystalline panels offer around 18% efficiency, making them another viable option.

Though Canadian Solar panel prices were very high a few years back, they have since reduced, allowing more people to afford them. Personally, my boss installed them at our workplace, and over the last two years, they have been performing exceptionally well, even on cloudy days or in the evening, with no noticeable change in their performance. This makes Canadian Solar one of the most recommended brands in Pakistan.

TRINA Solar is a well-known name in the solar panel market, recognized for its reliability, quality, and affordable pricing. As one of the world’s top-ranked solar manufacturers, TRINA offers panels with efficiency rates between 16% and 20%, ensuring excellent productivity. Founded in 1997 by Gao Jifan, this Chinese PV firm has become a large-scale manufacturer, with over 160+ worldwide customers and a total 170GW rating. Having broken over 25 world records in solar cell efficiency and module power, TRINA Solar is a reliable and outstanding competitor among the top PV manufacturer companies globally.

JA Solar is one of the largest solar cell manufacturers in the world, with its head office located in Beijing, China. Known for its high performance and quality products, JA Solar panels are widely used in Pakistan, both in residential and commercial areas. With a global 166 GW rating and revenue of 73 billion Chinese Yen, JA Solar has established itself as a popular choice among Pakistani consumers due to its affordable prices and solid reputation.

Providing services across 135 countries, JA Solar offers a range of solutions, including PV Modules, New PV materials, Household PV Solutions, and Large-scale Power Plant Solutions. Its globally known products and solutions make it a trusted brand in Pakistan. When considering JA Solar panel prices, they are justified by the built quality and performance, making it easier for consumers to select the right solar panel from their detailed price table

When deciding on the best solar panel type in Pakistan, several renowned brands stand out for their high-efficiency and reliability. Longi, Jinko, Canadian, JA, Risen, Trina, Panasonic, and SunTech all offer top-tier monocrystalline panels that can achieve efficiencies of over 21%. These panels are suitable for various residential, commercial, and industrial purposes.

If you’re seeking a high-quality solution for your solar needs, these brands provide a wide range of reliable options to fit your specific requirements in Pakistan.

The latest solar panel technology in Pakistan includes polycrystalline silicon panels, which are currently being used for various applications. These panels are made from multiple silicon crystals and provide an affordable option for residential and commercial installations. This technology is gaining popularity due to its cost-effectiveness and widespread availability.

When it comes to choosing the best type of solar panel, monocrystalline panels stand out due to their higher efficiency and superior ability to capture sunlight. While they are more expensive, they outperform both polycrystalline and thin-film panels. Cheaper options like polycrystalline are almost always made with lower efficiency, making them less effective for high-performance needs.

When comparing N-type and P-type solar panels, the N-type panels offer better performance and efficiency. With an efficiency level of 25.7%, they stand slightly ahead of P-type panels, which have an efficiency of 23.6%. A known defect of P-type panels is their light-induced degradation, which can reduce performance over time.

Monocrystalline panels are generally better due to their higher efficiencies, ranging from 15-20%, compared to polycrystalline panels with lower efficiency rates of 13-16%. Polycrystalline panels are not as space-efficient and tend to produce less power per square foot, making monocrystalline the preferred option for maximizing energy output.

For hot climates, monocrystalline solar panels are the best choice due to their superior temperature coefficient and efficiency. Their performance remains strong even in high temperatures, though it can vary among brands and technologies. It’s crucial to check the temperature coefficient when comparing options for hot weather conditions.

The answer is yes, you can mix monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels, but it requires careful planning. It’s best to pair panels from the same manufacturer, as each company’s panel can be different. You must also ensure that both types of panels have the same Wattage for optimal performance.

Monocrystalline solar panels can be identified by their black-colored solar cells, which are made from a single silicon crystal. These panels typically have a higher efficiency rating and come at a higher price compared to polycrystalline panels, which have blue-colored cells made from multiple silicon crystals melted together.

In the monsoon or during the night, a hybrid solar system is the best choice. It combines solar panels with other energy generation sources like wind or hydro power to ensure a steady supply of electricity, even when solar generation is low. This makes it ideal for maintaining consistent power during rainy seasons.

In conclusion, understanding the differences between various solar panels allows you to choose the most efficient option for your location, whether it’s hot weather or rainy seasons. By assessing factors like efficiency and climate, you can ensure long-term performance.

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