Solar energy is fast becoming one of Sri Lanka’s most reliable and sustainable power sources. With the Surya Bala Sangramaya (Battle for Solar Energy) initiative and rising electricity costs, more households are turning to solar. Today, rooftop solar alone contributes nearly 1,700 MW to the national grid, a number expected to grow rapidly over the next decade.
Beyond the environmental benefits, solar is now seen as a long-term financial investment. With the right solar panels, systems, and mounting structures, homeowners can reduce or even eliminate electricity bills, while increasing property value.
In this guide, we’ll explore:
Two main solar panel types are available in Sri Lanka. Monocrystalline solar panels are made from a single silicon crystal, thereby giving them high efficiency as electricity-generating electrons have more space to move about freely. Although these panels are more expensive, fewer of them are needed due to their high efficiency.
Polycrystalline solar panels are made by melting together several silicon panels, thereby allowing lesser space for electrons to move freely, subsequently making them less efficient. While cost per panel is lower than with monocrystalline panels, more panels are needed to generate the same amount of electricity.
In summary, Monocrystalline panels are best for homes with limited roof space, while polycrystalline is a cost-effective choice if more space is available.
| Monocrystalline Solar Panels | Polycrystalline Solar Panels | |
|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | Higher | Lower |
| Cost per panel | Higher | Lower |
| No. of panels required | Less(to generate same amount of electricity) | More(to generate same amount of electricity) |
| Temperature coefficient | Lower (effective with temperature changes) | Higher (less effective with temperature changes) |
| Appearance | Black hue | Blue hue |
| Lifespan | Equal | Equal |
There are three types of solar systems that can be installed in Sri Lanka.
On-grid Solar System
Off-grid Solar System
Hybrid Solar System
There are numerous domestic and environmental benefits to having solar panels in homes, including:
The cost of solar varies depending on system size, panel type, and inverter choice. As of 2025:
The mounting structure is just as important as the panel itself. Poor-quality frames can corrode, loosen, or fail under Sri Lanka’s tropical weather conditions.
1. Roof-mounted Solar Structures
Solar panels are mounted onto a framework that is securely attached to the building’s roof. They may need to be placed at an angle for optimal exposure to the sun, if the roof is flat. On conventional domestic roofs, they generally follow the natural roof incline. On buildings with sufficient roof space, roof-mounted structures have greater space efficiency. Installation cost is also usually less.
2. Ground-mounted Solar Structures
3. Floating Solar Structures
Solar panels are mounted onto buoyant structures that are anchored to keep them in place while floating on water bodies such as ponds, lakes, reservoirs. This is useful in situations where there is limited land/roof space. Since water helps to cool the panels, they have increased efficiency and energy output. Additionally, floating solar structures can help to reduce water evaporation and algae growth.
Your solar panels are only as strong as the structure holding them in place. Swisstek Aluminium offers:
Switching to solar is one of the best investments a Sri Lankan homeowner can make, both financially and environmentally. But choosing the right structure is just as important as choosing the right panels.
With Swisstek Aluminium, you’re guaranteed strength, durability, and reliability in every installation. Whether you need a roof, ground, or floating structure, our solutions are engineered for Sri Lanka’s climate and built to last.
Contact our expert team today for a free consultation on our solar panel structure solutions and site assessment. +94 11 780 7000
