The types of panels you need for your home will depend on how you intend to use them. You will find basic information about the different types of panels below. The rating of solar panels is usually given based on “sun hours”, which is the rating of the effectiveness of the sunlight in the area of solar power generation. Realistically, you will have to take into consideration that your sun hours rating will depend on the conditions around your home. Cold air tends to sink, so the rating given on the area where your panels are installed will be higher than in other areas. If you point your panels Southeast, you will get the most use out of the sun hours rating.