What Are the Different Types of Solar Panels?

Florida’s year-round sunshine makes it one of the best places in the country to go solar. But with so many solar panel types on the market, how do you choose the right one for your home or business? At Blue Energy Electric, we help clients across Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Martin, and Indian River Counties navigate their solar options with clarity and confidence.

In this guide, we’ll break down the three main types of solar panels, how they perform in Florida’s unique climate, and what to consider when designing your solar energy system.

The Three Main Types of Solar Panels

1. Monocrystalline Solar Panels (Mono)

Monocrystalline panels are made from a single, pure silicon crystal. They are:

• Highly efficient (18%–22%+), producing more electricity in less space.

• Sleek and uniform in appearance, typically black in color.

• Durable and long-lasting, with strong warranties and low degradation rates.

Best for: Homeowners with limited roof space, upscale homes, or those wanting maximum long-term return on investment.

2. Polycrystalline Solar Panels (Poly)

Polycrystalline panels are made from fragments of silicon melted together. They are:

• More affordable upfront, making them a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers.

• Slightly less efficient than monocrystalline (typically 15%–17%).

• Recognizable by their blue, speckled appearance.

Best for: Homes or commercial buildings with ample roof space and a focus on cost-efficiency.

3. Thin-Film Solar Panels

Thin-film panels are made using a variety of materials like cadmium telluride or amorphous silicon. They are:

• Lightweight and flexible, ideal for unusual surfaces or large commercial installs.

• Lower in efficiency (around 10%–13%) and may degrade faster over time.

• Typically used in non-residential or large-scale projects.

Best for: Warehouses, parking structures, or properties with expansive flat roofs.

Choosing the Right Panel Type in Florida

Florida’s coastal environment — including intense sun, high humidity, salt air, and hurricane risks — makes choosing the right solar panel even more important.

Key Considerations:

Roof Space & Orientation

• Limited space? Go for monocrystalline.

• Lots of roof area? Polycrystalline or thin-film may offer more bang for your buck.

Budget

• Want the best long-term return? Choose mono.

• Need to get started affordably? Poly is a smart compromise.

Efficiency & Energy Goals

• In Florida’s heat, panel efficiency matters. Monocrystalline panels often perform better in high temperatures.

Hurricane & Salt-Air Resilience

• Regardless of panel type, proper installation and corrosion-resistant hardware are crucial — and that’s where Blue Energy Electric delivers.

Residential vs Commercial Solar: What’s Different?

Residential Systems:

• Focused on aesthetics, roof space optimization, and energy bill offset.

• Usually benefit from higher-efficiency panels and battery storage for outages.

Commercial Systems:

• Focus on maximizing ROI over large surface areas.

• Often use polycrystalline or thin-film for cost-effectiveness.

• More complex design — and we handle every detail.

Maintenance in Coastal Climates

Florida’s coastal environment means solar panel maintenance is a must:

• Salt air can lead to corrosion without proper cleaning.

• Humidity and debris from storms can reduce panel performance.

We offer solar panel cleaning, maintenance and repair, and even solar panel removal and reinstallation if your roof needs work.

Solar Incentives & Financing in Florida

Lower your costs with these available programs:

• 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC)

• Florida Property Tax Exemption on added home value

• Florida Solar Sales Tax Exemption

• PACE Financing Options (property-assessed clean energy)

We help you navigate every available program to maximize your return.

Why Blue Energy Electric?

We’re not just a solar company — we’re Florida homeowners and business owners, too.

• Over 2 million watts installed

• Founded by David Scherich and Michael Kerr, veterans in the industry

• Experts in battery backup, custom solar design, and Florida climate conditions

• Fully local: Serving Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Martin, and Indian River Counties

Whether you’re powering a home or a large commercial property, we offer affordable, scalable, and dependable solutions tailored to your needs.

Final Thoughts: Which Panel Is Right for You?

The best solar panel isn’t just about specs — it’s about the full system, your goals, and how well your provider understands the local environment.

At Blue Energy Electric, we walk you through the pros and cons of every option and design a system built to last.

Ready to cut your energy costs?

Call us at 772-232-6594 Or contact us here for a free consultation.

Let’s build a solar system that works for your Florida lifestyle — with the right panel, the right protection, and the right team.