Types of Solar Panels in Pakistan: Mono, Poly, Bifacial and N-Type
The main types of solar panels sold in Pakistan are monocrystalline (mono), polycrystalline (poly) and thin film, and today almost all new roof panels are mono. Within mono you will also see terms such as PERC, N-type TOPCon, HJT, back-contact, half-cut and bifacial. This guide explains each type in plain words, which ones suit Pakistani heat, and which type our packages use.
Updated 12 November 2026
Monocrystalline solar panels
Mono panels use cells cut from a single silicon crystal. They look evenly black, give the highest efficiency of the common types and take less roof space per watt. Nearly every 540W to 720W panel sold in Pakistan today is monocrystalline.
Mono panels come in two main families: older P-type (usually PERC) and newer N-type (TOPCon, HJT and back-contact). The N-type versions lose less output in heat and over the years.
Polycrystalline solar panels
Poly panels use cells made from many silicon crystals melted together. They look blue with a speckled pattern, are less efficient and need more roof space for the same watts. They were common in 250W to 340W sizes but are now mostly old stock or second-hand.
Can you mix mono and poly panels? Only if they are on separate strings or MPPT inputs. Mixing different panels in one string pulls all of them down to the weakest one.
Thin film panels
Thin film panels use a very thin layer of material on glass or a flexible sheet. They handle heat and shade a little better but are much less efficient, so they need far more space. In Pakistan they are rare for homes and mostly seen in special or flexible uses.
PERC, TOPCon, HJT and back-contact
- PERC (P-type): adds a layer at the back of the cell to catch more light. The standard for 540W to 555W panels for years.
- TOPCon (N-type): the most common new technology, used in panels such as the Jinko Tiger Neo. Lower heat loss and lower first-year loss.
- HJT (heterojunction, N-type): very low heat loss, sold by makers such as Risen; usually costs more.
- Back-contact (N-type): all contacts on the back, so the front catches more light. Examples are Aiko ABC and LONGi Hi-MO X10.
Our N-type vs P-type guide (N-Type vs P-Type Solar Panels) goes deeper.
Half-cut and bifacial panels
Half-cut means each cell is cut in two. This lowers internal losses and helps when part of the panel is shaded. Most modern panels, mono PERC and N-type alike, are half-cut.
Bifacial panels have glass or a clear sheet on the back, so they collect some light reflected from the surface below. The gain is small on a flat dark roof and larger on a raised structure over a light-coloured surface. They are also heavier. A bifacial panel is worth it mainly on elevated (L2) structures; see the solar structure guide (Solar Structure, Panel Stand and Solar Cable: What to Choose).
Which type is best for Pakistan?
For most homes: an A-grade monocrystalline N-type (TOPCon) panel in the 550W to 600W range. It handles summer heat better, degrades slowly and gives a good cost per watt. Choose back-contact panels if your roof is small, and bifacial if you use a raised structure. Avoid unknown-brand poly or second-hand panels for a new system.
Grade still matters more than type. Read A grade vs B grade solar panels (A Grade vs B Grade Solar Panels: What Is the Difference?).
The panel type in our packages
All our complete solar systems use JinkoSolar Tiger Neo N-type TOPCon 575W half-cut monocrystalline panels (JKM575N-72HL4). The Lithium 3.45kW Solar System has 6 of them, the Lithium 5.75kW Solar System 10, and the Lithium 10.35kW Solar System 18, each with a matched inverter and battery.
