There are several solar panels available for home installation you can choose from. Following are the types of solar system panels that can be used for powering up several home appliances. Monocrystalline The type that started it all, monocrystalline panels, originated in the 1950s. The cells are cut from silicon in a cylindrical fashion, each cell resembles the shape of wafer. A group of tens of wafers make up a monocrystalline panel. Monocrystalline panels are generally constructed from high-quality silicon, giving them the highest performance rates in the industry, usually up to 21 percent. Monocrystalline panels outperform thin film as they make wise use of space, offering a high-power yield per square foot. Warranties often last for 25 years, as these panels perform better in low-light conditions than their polycrystalline counterparts. Since they are of a superior quality, these panels are also costly. The manufacturing process produces significant waste. Polycrystalline Unlike cutting silicon in the form of wafer shapes, manufacturers pour silicon into a mold to form polycrystalline panels. Polycrystalline types of panels are a good option for many residential solar panel systems. The manufacturing process produces little waste, and the technology allows for a cost-effective panel. Efficiency is lower, than its other counterparts.