Best solar panels 2025: Monocrystalline & bifacial

Author: Mariela Guanchez

 

When people ask about the best solar panels, what they really want is something reliable that saves money without drama—especially with our winters in Nova Scotia. Below is the simple version: what to choose, when to choose it, and which rules/loans matter (with official links so you can double-check anything yourself).

Why monocrystalline are among the best solar panels

Monocrystalline panels are the “safe bet” for most roofs: strong production per square foot and a long, proven track record. If you’d like a quick way to estimate what your roof could produce by location, the NRCan solar resource map lets you preview annual potential for any spot in Canada (Halifax, Truro, Sydney—you name it).

 

Bifacial panels: when the best solar panels get a boost

Bifacial modules are essentially “mono with a bonus”—they also capture light that reflects onto the back of the panel (think snow, light gravel, or a bright surface). In field validations, NREL measured a meaningful annual energy bump versus traditional panels (the exact gain depends on the site and design).
See NREL’s findings here (clear, short slides):

Plain English: if your roof or ground is “bright” part of the year (hello, snow), bifacial can squeeze out extra energy; if not, a good mono array still wins on simplicity and value.

Rules & programs that shape your savings in Nova Scotia

• Net metering (credits for extra energy): Nova Scotia Power’s official regulations explain how your excess production turns into bill credits over the year.
  Read the rule here
• Policy backdrop: In 2022 the Province amended energy legislation to support solar/net-metering and related programs—useful context if you’re planning a system.
  
• Interest-free financing (federal): The Canada Greener Homes Loan is open and offers $5,000–$40,000 interest-free (10-year term) to help fund eligible retrofits like solar. Apply before starting work.
  

Which option is the best for your roof?

• Typical roofs (no “light bounce”) → Monocrystalline: dependable year-round, great output per square foot.
• Roofs/grounds with snow or a bright surface → Consider bifacial for that extra kick—worth it when the site conditions help. A quick way to start is to check your local sunlight potential on the NRCan map and then chat design.
  

Suggested reads (internal)

If you’d like to dive deeper, check our suggested reads:

• Solar Panel Cost Nova Scotia Guide 2025
• Solar ROI Nova Scotia: Proven & Powerful Payback Guide
• Residential Solar Nova Scotia Guide: Smart & Surprising

FAQ

• How do I estimate my annual production before I get a quote?
  Use the NRCan solar resource map to see annual potential by location, then we fine-tune with your roof orientation/shading. 
• Is net metering still available in Nova Scotia?
  Yes—your excess energy becomes credits under NS Power’s net-metering rules (see Section 3.6 in the regulations PDF). 
• Is there any interest-free financing for homeowners?
  Yes—the Canada Greener Homes Loan is open (up to $40,000, interest-free). 
• Where can I read more about bifacial’s “extra energy”?
  NREL’s summary slides show the real-world bump versus traditional panels (site-dependent).