Interested in purchasing a solar panel system but can’t seem to settle on the right style? 

We like all-black panels, and we think you might too. 

All-black solar panels have become increasingly popular over recent years and for a good reason. All-black solar panels look great on rooftop installations and deliver comparable performance levels to traditional panels. In this blog post, we’ll look at everything from design aesthetics to efficiency ratings so that you can decide if they’ll be suitable for your upcoming project.

What are all-black solar panels, and how are they different from standard solar panels?

As the name suggests, all-black panels are entirely black, unlike the blue or silver-tinted panels you may be used to seeing. These panels have a sleek, uniform appearance and no silver back sheet with visible electrodes, making them more aesthetically pleasing than traditional photovoltaic modules. 

Pros and Cons of all-black solar panels

Like any investment, installing all-black solar panels has both positives and negatives. 

Pros of all black solar panels: 

Aesthetic appeal

On the plus side, all-black solar panels tend to blend in better with roofs and can add to your home’s curb appeal. This has made them an extremely popular product, especially with higher end homes. 

Higher quality 

Because all-black solar panels are monocrystalline, they are premium quality products. Monocrystalline panels are made from one silicon crystal, whereas polycrystalline panels are made from multiple silicon fragments pieced together.

Cons of all black solar panels: 

Lower efficiency ratings

Whether efficiency is an issue depends on which manufacturer you purchase from. Solaria Power XT panels are advertised as generating 20% more energy per square meter than traditional solar panels. 

But typically, the black color of these panels causes them to heat up more quickly and allows for less heat-trapping, and this causes reduced efficiency over time. This may sound counterintuitive, considering that solar panels are designed to capture the sun’s rays. 

Think of when you go outside on a blacktop vs. light-colored concrete or a black vs. white t-shirt. Because the black surfaces absorb rather than reflect the sunlight, they heat up much faster. Studies have shown that solar panels perform best at lower temperatures with higher amounts of sunlight because high heat affects silicon’s semiconductor properties. 

Higher Cost

All-black solar panels are monocrystalline, which makes them a higher quality, premium product that is more expensive than polycrystalline panels. 

All-black panels are also more expensive than traditional monocrystalline panels due to the increased demand for the product. 

Which manufacturers sell all-black solar panels?

You won’t have trouble finding a manufacturer that sells all-black panels because nearly all of them have entered the market. 

Some of the largest solar manufacturers, like LG and SunPower, have all-black series available. Some newer entrants like Canadian Solar and Q Cells have also joined in with high-quality offerings. If you’re interested in buying within North America, the major manufacturers here all offer them.

How to choose the right all-black solar panels for you

With so many options on the market, choosing the right all-black solar panel can be challenging. 

• Consider your energy consumption needs and the available space on your roof.
• Look into the panel’s wattage, efficiency, and certifications to ensure it will perform optimally in your location.
• Another crucial factor to consider is the product warranty. Look for something in the ballpark of a 12-year performance warranty and a 25-year linear performance warranty to ensure your solar investment is protected. 

Take your time to research and compare different options to find the all-black solar panel that best fits your needs and preferences.

The bright idea

The truth is that customers are buying all-black solar panels because they have a sharp aesthetic look. So many manufacturers offer all-black panels now that it’s easy to find what you’re looking for. You’re giving up such a small amount in efficiency that if you feel good about the curb appeal of an all-black array, we say go for it! 

Contact our sales team, and we can help you choose the right all black solar panel system for your project today.