Thin-Film vs. Traditional Solar Panels: Which is Best for Your Home?
Looking for the best solar panels for your home? You might have come across thin-film solar panels as a cheaper, flexible option. But, do they truly offer the best value for homeowners? How do they compare with traditional options like monocrystalline and polycrystalline?
Let’s dive into a head-to-head comparison of thin-film vs. standard solar panels. See why traditional solar panels remain the more practical choice for residential homes.
Key Takeaways:
Traditional Panels Are More Efficient: Monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels offer higher efficiency. You will need fewer panels to generate more electricity with these solar panel types.
Thin-Film Panels for Unique and Large-Scale Applications: Thin-film panels are best suited for large-scale or unique installations, such as commercial buildings or curved surfaces, but aren’t ideal for typical home settings.
Better ROI Over Time: Although thin-film panels have a lower upfront cost, their low efficiency indicates higher long-term energy costs. Traditional panels provide better savings over the years.
Thin-Film Solar Panels: An Overview
You may be familiar with monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels, but there is a third type used in Australia—thin-film solar panels.
Thin-film panels are more affordable, lightweight, and easier to install. However, there’s a trade-off. While they come with a lower upfront cost, they lack the efficiency and longevity of traditional panels.
That doesn’t mean they’re a poor choice—the right solar panel depends on your specific needs. For some applications, thin-film panels can be ideal, but for most homeowners, standard solar panels offer better long-term value.
Where are Thin Film Panels Used?
Thin-film solar panels are less common in residential installation in Australia than standard solar panels. Due to their thin and flexible design, these panels can mould to any surface, making them ideal for unique installations.
Thin film panels can be installed on curved surfaces due to their versatility. Compared to rigid crystalline panels, they are commonly used in building integrated solar installations.
Thin-film panels are also ideal for curved or irregular surfaces such as domed rooftops or architectural elements that require solar power without ruining aesthetic design. They are also popular in commercial and industrial buildings with unique structures and solar shading systems and canopies.
Since thin-film panels can be deployed in large quantities with relatively low installation costs, they are often chosen for large-scale projects or areas where space isn't as much of a concern.
What are the Materials Used in Thin-Film Solar Panels?
The main materials used in thin-film solar panels are:
Cadmium Telluride (CdTe)
Cadmium telluride is a common material in thin-film solar panels. It is affordable and efficient in turning sunlight into electricity. The production process for CdTe panels is less energy-intensive than other types of solar panels.
Amorphous Silicon (a-Si)
Amorphous silicon is flexible and versatile in varying applications. However, it is less efficient in converting sunlight into energy than traditional crystalline silicon. Thus, this thin-film panel would require more panels to generate the same power.
Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS)
CIGS offers higher efficiency than amorphous silicon. They are ideal for maximising energy output in a limited space. CIGS panels use copper, indium, gallium, and selenium. This mix creates a thin film that captures sunlight well, even in less-than-ideal conditions. They also have a longer lifespan, higher efficiency, and provide more power over their lifetime.
Traditional Solar Panels
Standard solar panels—monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels—are the most common choice for homeowners. These panels are practical and reliable energy solutions because they use high-quality silicon cells to efficiently convert sunlight into energy.
What makes standard solar panels the better option for homes?
Higher Efficiency – They generate more power per square meter.
Longer Lifespan – Typically last 25+ years with strong warranties.
More Cost-Effective in the Long Run – Higher efficiency means better savings on energy bills.
Durable and Weather-Resistant – Built to withstand harsh weather conditions.
Comparison Between the Two Technologies
| Features | Thin-Film Solar Panels | Monocrystalline Solar Panels |
|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | Lower (Up to 18%) - requires more space to generate the same power | High (20%+) - greater power output in less space |
| Upfront Cost | Lower upfront cost | Higher upfront investment but better long-term returns |
| Lifespan | Shorter (10-20 Years) | 25-30 years with strong warranties |
| Durability | Good in extreme heat but more prone to degradation over time | Built to withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain and wind |
| Best For | Large-scale projects, commercial installations, or unique applications | Homeowners looking for long-term, high-performance solar solutions |
Why Standard Solar Panels Are the More Practical Choice for Homes
Traditional solar panels strike a better balance between efficiency, durability, and sustainability. It is a long-term, cost-effective solar investment for homeowners and here's why:
1. More Power, Less Space
Because standard panels have higher efficiency, they generate more electricity using fewer panels. You don’t need extra roof space to meet the system size your home needs.
2. Longer Lifespan = More Savings
Thin-film panels degrade faster. They may need to be replaced more frequently. On the other hand, traditional panels last decades longer.
3. Higher ROI Over Time
Thin-film panels may seem cheaper upfront, but their lower efficiency means higher electricity costs over time. With standard panels, you get bigger energy savings, making up for the initial investment.
4. More Reliability for Homeowners
Better warranties (25+ years)
More widely available installation services make them easier to maintain.
Proven technology that has been tested for decades.
Our Best Picks for Traditional Solar Panels
As one of Australia’s leading solar providers, 1KOMMA5° has worked with thousands of homeowners and identified the top solar panels that Australians trust for their homes. We have carefully curated a list of high-quality, reliable solar panels that deliver the best performance, efficiency, and long-term value. These panels have consistently earned the trust of our customers and stand out for their durability, efficiency, and value for money:
1KOMMA5° Full-Black Panel
Best in Performance and Warranty
Power Output: 415W - 425W
Efficiency: Up to 21.8%
Warranty: 25 Years Product and 30 Years Performance Warranty
Annual Degradation Rate: ≤1.0% in the first year, ≤0.4% in 2-30 years
Key Features: Sleek full-black design, high performance, long-term durability
Trina Vertex S+ N Type
Best Value Solar Panels
Power Output: 425W-450W
Efficiency: Up to 22%
Warranty: Up to 15 years product warranty and 30 years power warranty
Annual Degradation Rate: First-year degradation is 1% and at 0.4% annually
Key Features: High power output, compact size, strong weather resistance
REC Alpha Pure R
Best in Efficiency and Performance in Low Light Conditions
Power Output: 400W-430W
Efficiency: Up to 22.3%
Warranty: Up to 25 years product warranty and 25 years power warranty
Annual Degradation Rate: 0.25%
Key Features: Advanced HJT technology, maximum efficiency in low light
Maximise the Benefits of Standard Panels with Trusted Brands
If you plan to power your home for the next 20-30 years, invest in high-efficiency solar panels. These panels provide the best long-term value and performance, ensuring you get the most out of your solar investment.
Not sure where to start on your solar journey? Contact us and explore our solar solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Installing Solar Power
Are there any rebates available?
There are great government rebates/incentives still in place for eligible households. Basically, the larger the panel array, the more STCs your solar system generates as it is based on the expected output of the system over time.
When you buy a solar system, the purchase price is normally reduced by the value of the STCs created by your system. You simply fill out a form on the day of installation to confirm that the system has been installed, and that’s it. There is no additional paperwork that you need to do.
Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs)
Small-scale Technology Certificates (STC’s) – previously known as Renewable Energy Certificates or RECS – are created when a Renewable Energy System such as a Solar PV system is installed.
The number of STC’s depends on the predicted amount of energy generated and hence the larger the system the greater the rebate. In essence, one STC is created for every megawatt-hour of production capacity of the system.
This is further multiplied by the number of years the system is likely to generate energy (for home solar systems, this is usually 15 years, although the life of the solar panels themselves is considerably more than that).
This incentive program is being phased out until 2030, so each year the number of certificates your system is eligible for reduces.
STC Price
The system for trading and pricing STCs for small systems is managed by the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).
STCs are bought by Liable Parties (usually electricity retailers) and must be surrendered at the end of each quarter. As the number of STCs that are required to be surrendered is a fixed amount each year, but the number of STCs created is variable, the price paid for STCs also varies and is determined by supply and demand.
The Federal Government legislated in 2010 a fixed price for STCs by implementing a Clearing House system where STCs can be bought and sold for $40. However, there is no requirement for Liable Parties to purchase from the Clearing House, so they are likely to only do so if there is a shortage of STCs or the market price exceeds $40. There is currently a surplus of STCs in the market which means the market price of STC’s below $40
How does the feed-in tariff work?
The Feed In Tariff is only something you need to worry about if you don’t have battery storage.
The price your chosen energy retailer pays for any excess electricity generated from your solar panels is recorded as a credit on your power bill.
In NSW, solar power is fed into your home as it is generated and your household will use it first before you draw power from the grid.
This means that for every kWh of solar power used in the home you are directly saving money you’d spend on your power bill. This reduction in your power bill is the main financial benefit of solar power.
Everything else will be bought up at an agreed rate by your electricity retailer.
At the moment, most feed-in tariffs are between 5 and 10 cents per kWh, with many being about 7 cents. They bounce up and down a lot, for example in previous years they have been up over 20 cents per kWh. Typically, they are always at least 5 cents per kWh.
What happens once I sign the paperwork?
Once you sign up for a 1KOMMA5° Installation, we immediately submit your grid application to the relevant energy distributor. For systems up to 5kWs, this is a formality. For larger systems it can take a few days or more. Once we receive approval, your installation will be managed by our installation coordinator, who will welcome you to 1KOMMA5° and book an installation date for you. This is generally booked within around two weeks and installation dates are available Monday to Friday, weather permitting.
We endeavour to have your system installed within 2-4 weeks unless you request us to hold for whatever reason. Due to our strict safety policy, we do not install solar systems when it rains. In the event of inclement weather, we will rebook your installation as soon as possible. We always work with your requests as we strongly recommend that someone be home on the day of installation.
Do you offer finance?
Green Loans can be an affordable way to pay for your solar power system and is only available for approved products. As a Clean Energy Council Accredited installer, all our systems qualify.
Green Loans can be used to finance 1KOMMA5° systems from $1,000 to $30,000 over a 2-7 year term. Once you have received a referral from 1KOMMA5°, online approval usually occurs within 1-2 business days. Green Loans have a competitive fixed interest rate that is as low as 7.99% p.a.* | Comparison rate 9.21% p.a.^ Establishment fee of $299 added to the loan amount. $2.70 per week account keeping fee included in repayments.
To be eligible to apply you must:
Be over 18 years old and an Australian resident or citizen
Own or be purchasing a home
Be employed, self-employed, a self-funded retiree; or is receiving the Government Age Pension
Have an Australian driver’s license or Passport
Provide two most recent payslips or 90 days of bank statements
There are a number of good, competitive Green Loan providers – ask us about the options available.
More Helpful Articles:
1KOMMA5° Blog
Need more information?
Head over to the 1KOMMA5° blog for more helpful tips and other important guides on everything solar, from inverters, panels and batteries to how to make the most of your investment for years to come.