What are photovoltaic (PV) solar panels used for?

First, this guide is intended for photovoltaic (PV) solar panel installations, a technology separate from thermal solar collectors, which are commonly used for home water heating. Within the realm of electricity-generating photovoltaics (PV), there are several types of solar panels that can be used for various purposes.

Can solar panels power a home?

Solar panels are used to power everything from calculators to sports stadiums to satellites — and they can just as easily be used to power a home. You don’t need to be a rocket scientist – or anything close to it – to get solar panels for your home.

Do home solar panels save money?

Home solar installations include more equipment than just solar panels. You don't need to live somewhere warm or with abundant sunshine to save with solar. Most homeowners will save tens of thousands of dollars by going solar. Solar panels come with great incentives—but the best federal program expires on January 1, 2026.

Are there different types of solar panels?

Almost all home solar installations today use monocrystalline solar panels. There are other types of solar panels (polycrystalline and thin-film solar panels) that are rarely used in residential solar projects. What are the top brands of solar panels? It's easy to find yourself in the weeds of solar panel research.

Which solar panel is best for home use?

This way, you can get the best price for your new system. Which type of solar panel is best for home use? Generally speaking, monocrystalline panels are the best option for home use. However, polycrystalline and thin-film panels can be good options depending on the size of the system and other factors specific to you.

Will solar panels power my home at night?

But snow can be easily cleaned off or will melt quickly. Will my solar panels power my home at night? No, your solar panels won’t power your home at night. However, most home solar panel systems are sized to generate enough electricity during the day to cover the costs of nighttime energy usage under net metering.