With the growing demand for renewable energy in India and worldwide, homeowners looking to reduce electricity bills, decrease carbon footprints, and improve sustainable home living have inevitably turned to solar panels. As solar technology continues to evolve, it can be challenging to determine which type of solar PV modules to select for your home. Will you use traditional monofacial solar panels or use new bi-facial solar panels instead?
This detailed guide provides information on the differences, advantages, disadvantages, and costs of solar panels, including answers to the important questions of “What are the best solar panels for homes?" and “What is the solar panels for homes price?”, to equip homeowners to make an informed decision with ADM Orient Solar.
Solar panels or solar PV modules work by converting sunlight to electricity with photovoltaic (PV) cells made out of silicon or similar material. The PV cells utilize the photovoltaic effect, where particles from the sun strike the panels causing electrons to be excited in the PV cell which generates electricity. Solar panels are the backbone of residential solar systems and provide a clean, consistent and affordable source of energy. There are two major types of solar panels: one-sided (monofacial) and two-sided (bi-facial) panels that gather light from the back side as well. The two sides increase efficiency in the solar panel itself.
If you are a homeowner thinking about solar panels for homes, then understanding how solar PV modules work is very important for analyzing the performance as well how much the solar panels for homes price. At this point in time bi-facial solar panels for homes, are becoming more popular because they are able to increase energy production by using the reflected light from surfaces, such as rooftops, gravel or snow, which is a real benefit when installed in modern systems.
Bifacial solar panels are a novel solar PV module that are designed to capture sunlight coming from both the front and the back, and are claimed to have more energy capture capacity than regular panels. Bifacial solar panels are on the rise as they are more efficient, and there are applications such as bifacial solar panels for homes.
Bi-facial solar panels are a new type of solar PV modules with an advantage of being able to capture sunlight from both the front and back side. The front side will operate very similarly to a typical solar panel, using semiconductor material such as monocrystalline silicon and converting direct sunlight into energy. The unique feature of the back side is that it is covered with a transparent backsheet or tempered glass, able to capture reflected light (albedo) or sunlight, from surfaces such as a light-colored roof, white gravel, or snow. Double sided solar panels for homes, designed to absorb sunlight from both sides, are highly efficient — increasing energy output by 5–30% compared to monofacial panels, depending on reflectivity and installation conditions.
For homeowners who ask, "Are bi-facial solar panels for homes worth it?", the answer is that they are only advantageous in high albedo regions. For example, if you install bi-facial solar panels in regions like Rajasthan or Gujarat, where sandy soils reflect a lot of sunlight, the bi-facial solar panels can improve yield by as much as 20%. Therefore, for these regions, bi-facial solar panels are extremely advantageous in maximizing solar energy.
Enhanced Energy Yields: Bi-facial solar panels for homes generate more electricity by capturing reflected light, making them ideal for homes with reflective surfaces like light-colored rooftops or nearby reflective ground covers. Studies show they can produce up to 30% more energy than monofacial panels in optimal conditions.
Superior Durability: With double-glass construction, bi-facial solar panels are resistant to environmental stressors like moisture, UV radiation, and potential-induced degradation (PID). They often come with warranties of 30+ years, outlasting the 25-year lifespan of traditional panels.
Versatile Applications: Bi-facial solar panels are adaptable for various setups, including rooftop installations, ground-mounted systems, or elevated structures like carports. Their sleek, transparent design also adds aesthetic value to modern homes.
Despite their higher initial solar panels for homes price, the long-term savings and increased energy output of bi-facial solar panels often justify the investment, especially for homeowners prioritizing efficiency.
Monofacial solar panels are the conventional solar PV module that captures sunlight from a front side surface only; they are a popular option for homeowners interested in solar panels for homes price points because of their inexpensiveness and reliability. .
Monofacial solar panels use photovoltaic cells to capture sunlight on one side (the front side) only, because they are encapsulated with an opaque backsheet. These solar PV modules use photovoltaic cells made from either monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon to convert sunlight into electricity. The simple design of the monofacial solar panel allows it to be an affordable and reliable option for homeowners interested in solar panels for homes price point, especially in urban environments and places with limited reflective ground surface.
Cost-Effectiveness: Monofacial solar panels have a lower upfront cost, typically ranging from ₹20,000-₹30,000 per kW in India, making them an accessible choice for budget-conscious homeowners. Their simpler manufacturing process reduces the overall solar panels for homes price.
Proven Reliability: With decades of use, monofacial solar panels have a well-established track record of consistent performance and durability, backed by 25-year warranties from trusted manufacturers like ADM Orient Solar.
Low Maintenance: Their straightforward design requires minimal upkeep, reducing long-term maintenance costs and making them a hassle-free option for residential installations.
Wide Applicability: Monofacial solar panels are versatile, suitable for rooftops, small commercial setups, or areas with direct sunlight exposure, making them ideal for standard home installations.
For homeowners in urban areas or those with tiled roofs and minimal ground reflection, monofacial solar panels remain a practical and economical choice.
When choosing between bi-facial solar panels and monofacial solar panels, several factors influence the decision. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you determine the best solar panels for homes:
Efficiency: Bi-facial solar panels can achieve up to 30% higher efficiency by capturing reflected light, a key factor contributing to superior bifacial solar panels efficiency. This makes them ideal for homes with reflective surfaces like white gravel, light-colored roofs, or open spaces. Monofacial panels, while less efficient, perform reliably in standard rooftop setups with direct sunlight.
Solar Panels for Homes Price: Monofacial solar panels are more affordable, with costs ranging from ₹60,000-₹1,50,000 for a 3-5 kW system in India. Bi-facial solar panels for homes price is typically 10-20% higher, ranging from ₹75,000-₹1,80,000, due to their advanced design and materials. However, bi-facial panels offer faster returns on investment
(ROI) due to their higher energy yields, often breaking even 15-20% quicker than monofacial systems.
Installation Requirements: Bi-facial solar panels require careful installation planning, including elevated mounting (1-1.5 meters above the surface) and reflective ground covers to maximize rear-side light capture. Monofacial panels are easier to install with standard mounting systems, making them suitable for compact rooftops or shaded areas.
Environmental Conditions: Bi-facial solar panels excel in high-albedo environments, such as sandy or snowy regions, where reflected light boosts performance. Monofacial panels are better suited for urban settings with minimal reflection or areas with shading from trees or buildings.
Durability: Bi-facial solar panels, with their double-glass design, offer enhanced resistance to environmental wear, while monofacial panels provide standard durability suitable for most conditions.
|
Feature |
Bi-facial Solar Panels |
Monofacial Solar Panels |
|---|---|---|
|
Sunlight Absorption |
Captures sunlight from both front and rear sides, utilizing reflected light (albedo). |
Captures sunlight from the front side only. |
|
Efficiency |
Up to 30% higher efficiency due to dual-sided light capture, ideal for high-albedo areas. |
Standard efficiency, reliant on direct sunlight exposure. |
|
Energy Output |
Increased output (5-30% more) by capturing reflected light, especially in reflective environments like sandy or snowy areas. |
Limited to direct sunlight, suitable for standard rooftop setups. |
|
Design |
Transparent backsheet or double-glass construction, slightly heavier (~24 kg). |
Opaque backsheet, simpler and lighter design (~20 kg). |
|
Durability |
Enhanced resistance to environmental stress, micro-cracks, and PID; 30+ year lifespan. |
Standard durability with 25-year lifespan, reliable for most conditions. |
|
Installation Requirements |
Requires elevated mounting (1-1.5 meters), open-racking systems, and reflective surfaces (e.g., white gravel) to maximize rear-side gain. |
Standard mounting systems, easier and cheaper to install, suitable for compact rooftops. |
|
Ideal Use Cases |
Bifacial solar panels for homes in reflective environments (e.g., light-colored roofs, gravel, snow); ground-mounted or elevated systems. |
Standard rooftops, urban settings, or areas with minimal reflection. |
|
Solar Panels for Homes Price |
Higher upfront cost: ₹75,000-₹1,80,000 for a 3-5 kW system; additional ₹10,000-₹15,000 for optimized mounting. |
Lower upfront cost: ₹60,000-₹1,50,000 for a 3-5 kW system; standard mounting included. |
|
Return on Investment (ROI) |
Faster ROI (15-20% quicker) due to higher energy yields, especially with subsidies like PM Surya Ghar. |
Slower ROI but more affordable, ideal for budget-conscious homeowners. |
|
Maintenance |
Requires regular cleaning of reflective surfaces and infrared thermography to prevent hotspots. |
Minimal maintenance due to simpler design, reducing long-term costs. |
|
Environmental Conditions |
Excels in high-albedo areas (e.g., sandy or snowy regions) and diffused light (e.g., monsoons). |
Best in areas with direct sunlight and minimal shading; less effective in reflective settings. |
|
Aesthetic Appeal |
Sleek, modern transparent design, suitable for visible installations. |
Traditional opaque design, less visually distinctive. |
Bi-Facial Solar Panels: Perfect for the homeowner looking for efficency as its relate to bi-facial solar panels for homes, especially in reflective environments, such as sandy or snowy areas. The premium price of these solar panels is offset by a higher energy output and better longevity. Bi-facial solar panels are at the top of the currency scale for solar PV modules.
Monofacial Solar Panels: A cost effective option for a regular rooftop installation. It is the most reliable type and also supplies the least amount of solar panels for homes price for the thrift minded taxpayer. Most suited to urban settings with few reflective surfaces.
The solar panels for homes price in India varies based on the type, system capacity, and installation requirements. As of 2025, here’s what homeowners can expect for a typical 3-5 kW solar system:
Monofacial Solar Panels: ₹60,000-₹1,50,000, depending on system size, brand, and additional components like inverters and mounting structures.
Bi-facial Solar Panels: ₹75,000-₹1,80,000, reflecting their higher efficiency and advanced materials. Additional costs for optimized mounting structures (₹10,000-₹15,000) may apply to maximize bifacial performance.
Government incentives, such as the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, can reduce the solar panels for homes price by up to 40%, making both monofacial and bi-facial solar panels more affordable. For example, a 3 kW bifacial system generating 15-20% more energy can save homeowners ₹1.5-2 lakhs annually on electricity bills compared to monofacial systems, factoring in commercial electricity rates of ₹8-12 per unit.
To maximize the performance of bi-facial solar panels for homes, proper installation and design are crucial. Here are expert-recommended practices from ADM Orient Solar:
Elevated Mounting: Install bi-facial solar panels at least 1-1.5 meters above the surface to ensure reflected light reaches the rear side, avoiding shadows from conventional mounting structures like purlins.
High-Albedo Surfaces: Use reflective materials like white gravel (50-60% reflectivity), light-colored concrete (30-40% reflectivity), or white TPO roofing (60-70% reflectivity) to boost rear-side energy capture.
Optimized Tilt and Spacing: Adjust tilt angles and row spacing based on site-specific conditions to minimize shading and maximize light exposure, enhancing the efficiency of bi-facial solar panels.
Quality Mounting Structures: Use open-racking systems designed for bifacial solar panels to prevent shading and ensure durability. Avoid low-quality materials like iron pipes, which can compromise system longevity.
Proper Inverter and Cable Selection: Choose inverters rated for high-wattage modules (up to 750-800W) and appropriate cable specifications (e.g., 6 sq mm for higher-wattage systems) to handle the increased energy output of bi-facial solar panels.
Regular Maintenance: Conduct infrared thermography to detect hotspots and clean reflective surfaces regularly to maintain efficiency, as dirt and debris can reduce albedo effects.
These optimizations ensure that bi-facial solar panels deliver their full potential, justifying their higher solar panels for homes price and maximizing ROI.
Investing in solar panels, whether monofacial or bi-facial, offers significant environmental and economic benefits:
Reduced Carbon Footprint: Solar PV modules produce clean energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Lower Electricity Bills: With India’s high electricity rates, solar panels can save homeowners thousands annually, with bi-facial solar panels offering greater savings due to higher energy yields.
Government Incentives: Programs like PM Surya Ghar provide subsidies and financing options, making solar panels for homes price more affordable and accessible.
Land Efficiency: Bi-facial solar panels require less space for equivalent power generation, making them ideal for homes with limited rooftop space.
ADM Orient Solar is a well-respected name in India's solar industry, as well as one of India's best solar panel manufacturers providing high quality solar PV modules for your residential needs. Their bi-facial solar panels are designed for Indian conditions, with high efficiency, reliability, and durability. Flexible and comprehensive warranties are also available from ADM Orient Solar.
For those homeowners on a tighter budget, ADM Orient Solar offer monofacial solar panels providing reliable efficiency as an alternative at a lower price.
From high quality installation services, to customized home energy solutions (climate, electrification, etc) and financing options to manage your budget, ADM Orient Solar makes your shift to solar seamless and integrates into your cost-savings plan as you become part of India reaching its renewable energy targets.
When it comes to selecting solar panels for your home you will need to balance efficiency, pricing and installation requirements. Monofacial solar panels are generally the most affordable recommened practice and can be utilized as a reliable investment based on a common rooftop setting, given they are a cost effective and low maintenance energy option.
Bi-facial solar panels for homes, can also provide an added value to your install as they tend to have a higher energy yield potential and are longer lasting. Furthermore they provide optimal production in reflective environments, also demonstrated for a premium installation price. Determining your budget, location, and energy needs will assist in selecting the most suitable solar PV modules for your home.
When you are ready, you can have confidence that ADM Orient Solar is there to help you along the way, supplying you with clean energy to power your home while being economically efficient as well. Explore the potential of solar panels today and help work towards a sustainable future!
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