It has been an amazing journey. Fifty years ago, solar journey began with silicon. Back then, it was very expensive, and only a few people could use it. With rigorous research and development, that journey shifted now to thin film (CdTe) or OPV. The cost of thin film (CdTe) solar modules is way down, to now one dollar (sixty pence) per watt, to manufacture. Check out this outlet for which solar device will work best in your place.