If you’re in the market for a solar panel system for a flat, apartment, or house, then this guide will walk you through the different options available to you.
Often referred to as PV Panels, solar photovoltaic panels are the most common type of panel used in domestic settings. They’re made up of multiple silicon cells that convert sunlight into electricity.
Unfortunately, they don’t manufacture solar panels in most western countries. The vast majority come from China.
However, solar panel contractors are able to purchase them at lower prices since they purchase them in bulk. That’s why it’s important to get multiple quotes from contractors before making a decision.
Let’s take a look at the different types of solar panels available:
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What are the 4 Types of Solar Panels?
The four different types of solar panels are Monocrystalline, Polycrystalline, PERC, And Thin-film Solar Panels.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Monocrystalline solar cells are the most popular type of solar cell and the most efficient form available.
Monocrystalline panels contain black-colored solar cells that are constructed of a single silicon crystal and have greater efficiency than polycrystalline panels.
While they do tend to be more expensive, monocrystalline cells deliver excellent efficiency under all weather conditions, making them a fantastic alternative.
Monocrystalline cells are also the most space-efficient form of silicon solar cells. In fact, they take up the least amount of room among all solar panel technologies currently on the market.
They also have a significant benefit in that they are the most durable solar cell technology on the market, with a lifespan of around 50 years.
As a result, most manufacturers will give you warranties of 25 years or longer for these solar panels, which will last half their expected lifetime.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Solar panels made of polycrystalline (or multi-crystalline) silicon are called polysilicones. These solar panels are composed of numerous crystals of silicon in a single PV cell. The wafers for polycrystalline solar panels are formed from several pieces of silicon that have been melted together.
Each cell is composed of silicon crystals, which serve as a semiconducting device.
They are cheaper to buy and install than monocrystalline solar panels, but they are also less efficient. In fact, polycrystalline cells have an efficiency of around 15-17%.
While these panels are not as efficient as their monocrystalline counterparts, they still offer a great value for the price. Plus, polycrystalline solar panels tend to be more durable than monocrystalline solar cells and can withstand higher temperatures.
This makes them a good choice for those who live in hot climates.
PERC Solar Panels
PERC cells are a kind of solar panel that incorporates a passivated emitter and rear contact, abbreviated as PERC. PERC solar panels are made up of PERC cells, which have an extra layer on the back of standard sunlight cells.
This additional layer allows more light to be absorbed and converted into electrical energy, making PERC cells more efficient than traditional ones. PERC modules are also capable of reducing rear recombination and preventing heat from being produced by longer wavelengths that would impair cell performance.
Since 1989, PERC technology has been available, but commercial implementations have been hampered by light-induced deterioration.
Over time, though, PERCs have improved drastically, with a performance that is 1 percentage point higher than traditional modules.
Given that a standard module has an efficiency of 20%, a system utilizing PERC modules will generate about 5% more energy than one utilizing standard modules if all other variables are equal.
Thin-film Solar Panels
Thin-film solar panels are not as popular as other solar panels, especially when compared to their crystalline siblings.
They tend to be less efficient and take up a lot more room than their crystalline counterparts, but they are also the cheapest alternative and have the most potential for growth.
They’re flexible and simple to install, which comes with a slew of advantages.
Thin-film solar cells are made by stacking multiple thin layers of photovoltaic material on top of each other.
We say substance rather than detail because there are several types of thin-film solar cells, and the way they differ is determined by the material used for the PV layers.
The types of material used are as follows:
- Amorphous silicon
- Cadmium telluride
- Copper indium gallium selenide
- Organic PV cells
Thin-film solar cells have a lower efficiency rating than crystalline silicon cells, which range from 7% to 13%. This is all determined by the technology and material used to make them. Thin-film solar cells have seen a surge in popularity since 2002, as well as an increased desire to learn more about them.
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Efficiency
The amount of energy a solar panel can create from the quantity of light it receives is referred to as its efficiency. In other words, efficiency determines how much power a solar panel may produce.
There are several procedures you may use to boost the efficacy of your solar panels, but certain types have been made more efficient from the start. The monocrystalline solar panel is the most efficient solar panel available.
Solar panels with monocrystalline designs can reach efficiencies of up to 20%. Polycrystalline solar cells, on the other hand, are typically only capable of achieving rates of around 15 to 17 percent. The gap between the two technologies may be closing in the future as technology improves to allow polycrystalline panels to become more efficient.
The thin-film solar panel is the least efficient. Thin-film panels have lower efficiency and produce less power than either of the crystalline choices, with an efficiency rate of only about 11%.
The power output capacity of a thin-film panel may vary, since there isn’t a standard size, and some models might generate more power than others.
Cost
OK, the section that you’re likely most interested in.
Solar panels are one of the most expensive components in a solar panel system. The types of solar cells you choose have a significant influence on the cost of your solar installation.
Thin-film panels are the cheapest type since they can be produced at the lowest possible cost. The CdTe are the most inexpensive solar panels available, but CIGS panels might be more costly.
Thin-film frames are generally lighter, so installation expenses may be reduced. Monocrystalline, on the other hand, is presently the most expensive solar panel option.
Making pure silicon might be costly, and the panels and frames are hefty, resulting in higher installation expenditures. To decrease the cost of solar panels, polycrystalline cells were created; they are frequently cheaper than monocrystalline panels.
However, as solar panel producers develop more efficient techniques to make monocrystalline cells, the difference between them and polycrystalline panels may lessen.
Keep in mind that not only are solar panel costs high, but also installation fees and monitoring expenses too.
Which Solar Panel Is Best?
Is it true that monocrystalline vs. polycrystalline vs. PERC vs. thin-film panels perform differently? The optimal sort of solar panels depends on the purpose of the panels and where they will be placed. Polycrystalline is a good option for homes with a big roof area or property if you’re going for efficiency.
The best choice for large spaces is polycrystalline panels. These panels are the most cost-effective for large spaces and will provide enough power and efficiency.
Monocrystalline solar cells may be the greatest option for tiny residences with limited space. These panels are excellent for people who want to reduce their energy expenditures in a modest area.
Monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels are often utilized in residential and other similar structures. Because thin-film solar panels have a worse efficiency than monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels, they are not used on houses very frequently.
PERC solar panels are a more recent technology and are not as popular as monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels. However, they are becoming more common because they’re more efficient than other types of solar cells.
Thin-film solar panels, on the other hand, are ideal for business buildings that don’t want to support the extra weight of standard panels.
Commercial roofs have more space to cover additional of the roof with solar panels than residential roofs do.
What is the most efficient type of solar panel?
Among all panel types, crystalline solar panels have the highest efficiency. The top solar panel efficiency is presently about 22.8%, but panels with an efficiency of 19-20% are more popular.
Alternative Solar Panel Styles
Bifacial solar panels
Bifacial solar panels can take in light from both sides and convert it into power. The rear of the panel, rather than direct sunlight, absorb light reflected from the ground – you may even place a mirror behind these cells to collect incoming light twice as much!
Amorphous solar panels
Amorphous solar cells are flexible, inflexible solar panels that resemble a strip of rubber. The technology has the potential to be used in a variety of ways and has a lower manufacturing cost. However, they’re still not quite ready for widespread usage on rooftops because of the price.
FAQs
Are curved solar panels more efficient?
Solar panels have been evolving at a breakneck speed, with the latest advancements being the introduction of new curved solar panels that can produce more power than flat ones.
According to the creators of this unusual type of solar panel, these curved panels have several advantages over traditional ones.
What is the thinnest solar panel available?
The Renogy Flexible Monocrystalline Solar Panel is the thinnest and most narrow solar panel on our list for residential homes, measuring 0.08 inches in thickness. This solar panel is also one of the most robust, able to withstand 24 mph winds and snow loads of up to 5400 Pa.
Are black solar panels better?
To produce the same amount of energy, you’ll need fewer black solar panels than polycrystalline solar panels.
When it comes to saving space, black solar panels are the superior option because they require fewer black solar panels than polycrystalline solar panels to generate the same amount of energy.
Black photovoltaic modules have better efficiency, and most individuals believe they look better.
Why are solar panels blue and not black?
The blue color is due to an anti-reflective coating that improves the solar panels’ absorbing capacity and efficacy. Black monocrystalline solar panels (often more efficient) are naturally more efficient because they absorb light better.
What is the highest wattage solar panel available?
The SunPower 415-watt residential solar panel is the most powerful at this time. The SunPower 415 is a ground-breaking 22.3 percent efficient solar panel that’s commercially available, according to its manufacturer.
Where does Tesla get their solar panels?
Tesla has stated previously that it produces its own solar panels, made by Panasonic. In a 2018 study by Electrek, it was revealed that Tesla’s partnership with Panasonic to manufacture cells at Gigafactory 2 had finally started to gear up.
