3 Types of Solar Panels
August 18, 2022

Having solar panels installed has numerous advantages. When making this decision cost, you must consider the aesthetics, energy, and efficiency of adding solar panels. As important as all these considerations may be, there is a fourth consideration to keep in mind: the kind of panels you select. The cost of installation and its appearance will be influenced by the type of panel you choose.
Each solar panel has its advantages and disadvantages. You can determine the best solar for your needs by your unique situation and the benefits you expect solar panels to provide. Below are the different kinds of panels, their benefits and drawbacks, and how to pick the right solar panel for your needs.

Monocrystalline Solar Panels

These are the earliest and most widely used. About 40 monocrystalline solar cells and pure silicon produce these solar panels. The manufacturing technique involves placing silicon crystals in a cauldron of molten silicon.

Once the crystal has been removed from the vat, molten silicon is allowed to build a solid crystal casing around it, known as an ingot. After that, thin silicon wafers are carved from the ingot. The wafer is first converted into a solar cell and then connected in series in the construction process.

Pure silicon reacts with light to make monocrystalline solar cells look black. Even though the cells appear black, the frames and back sheets come in a wide range of colors and designs.

Polycrystalline Solar Panels

These are a more recent development and quickly gaining efficiency and popularity. Polycrystalline cells are created by melting silicon crystal fragments. A silicon crystal is submerged into the molten silicon during the production process. Rather than progressively extracting this crystal, it is allowed to disintegrate and cool down. It is then cut into wafers after the newly formed crystal has solidified in its mold.

As a result of the crystal reflecting light, the polycrystalline cells appear blue as silicon pieces reflect the sun’s rays. Silver with polycrystalline is the most common color for the frames and back frames, but exceptions exist.

Thin-Film Solar Panels

This device uses a micron-thick photon-absorbing layer placed over a flexible surface to convert light into electrical energy (via the photovoltaic effect). Thin-film panels differ from traditional solar cells because silicon isn’t always used. The primary material is wedged between two thin layers of conductive material, and a protective layer of glass is placed on top for these solar cells to function. CIGS and amorphous silicon (a-Si) are all examples of materials used to make them (CIGS).

Thin-film panels get their name from their thinness, making them easy to spot. They are thinner in comparison to silicon wafer-based. These panels are similar in appearance to a polycrystalline or monocrystalline system. There are a variety of materials that can produce either blue or black thin-film cells.

You can increasingly utilize thin-film sheets to generate power in places where traditional solar cells can’t, such as curvatures on structures or cars or garments to charge handheld gadgets. Such applications may aid in the development of a renewable energy future.