Monocrystalline Silicon Solar Panels: Monocrystalline silicon solar panels have the highest photovoltaic conversion efficiency, around 15% to 24%. However, the production cost is high, limiting their widespread use. They are typically encapsulated with tempered glass and waterproof resin, making them durable with a lifespan of around 15 to 25 years.

Polycrystalline Silicon Solar Panels: Polycrystalline silicon solar panels have a similar manufacturing process to monocrystalline silicon solar panels, but with lower photovoltaic conversion efficiency, approximately 12% (the highest efficiency achieved was 14.8% by Sharp in July 2004). They are cheaper to produce compared to monocrystalline silicon panels due to simpler material manufacturing processes and lower overall production costs. However, their lifespan is generally shorter. In terms of performance-price ratio, monocrystalline silicon solar panels are slightly better.

Amorphous Silicon Solar Panels: Amorphous silicon solar panels are a type of thin-film solar panel that emerged in 1976. The manufacturing process is completely different from monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon solar panels, with simplified processes and minimal silicon material consumption, resulting in lower energy consumption. Their main advantage is the ability to generate electricity even under weak light conditions. However, amorphous silicon solar panels have lower photovoltaic conversion efficiency (around 10% at the international advanced level) and are less stable, with a decline in conversion efficiency over time.

Compound Solar Panels: Compound solar panels are made of semiconductor materials that are not composed of a single element. There are various types being researched in different countries, but most have not yet reached industrial production. The main types include: