Most people aren’t maybe aware, but solar panels are quite different. Names like polycrystalline or thin film, may not ring any bells, but there are clear differences between the types of solar panels and which jobs they are good for. We are going to look at which ones are the best solar panels for your needs. We will cover the three main top types, as well as their most common uses.
Polycrystalline Solar Cells
The typically blue spotted solar cells you see are the of the polycrystalline variety. This type is slightly cheaper to produce – they are simpler to create, and they generate less silicon waste during their manufacturing. Raw silicone is poured into a square mold and then cut. However, the overall quality of the silicone is usually less. This change in quality typically leads to polycrystalline cells having a slightly less efficient output when compared to monocrystalline; they must usually be larger to produce the same amount of energy. They also have less overall heat tolerance, which means that their lifespan might be shorter in warmer climates. That said, compared to many of the other solar types, polycrystalline remain very popular due to their cost efficiency
String Ribbon Solar Cells are a subset of polycrystalline panels since they use the same silicone – the creation procedure, however, is entirely different. Wires are pulled through molten silicon to create thin strips which are then layered together. This process uses much less silicone but typically creates a panel on the lower end of the polycrystalline efficiency bracket. Though cheaper, they tend to require the largest surface area to produce an equivalent amount of power.
Monocrystalline Solar Cells
Monocrystalline solar cells are on the more expensive end of photovoltaics (method for generating electric power by using solar cells) to produce, but give out a slightly more efficient energy output in the end. They also tend to have slightly longer lifespans. Their higher efficiency also makes them suitable for smaller surface areas.
You can differentiate monocrystalline pretty easily from polycrystalline by looking at the panel. Polycrystalline will have perfectly rectangular pieces of silicon; monocrystalline will have a square shape with rounded edges.
Thin-Film Solar Cells
Thin film cells are typically thin layers of photovoltaic materials placed over a surface. Different materials serve to manufacture thin-film solar cells, which may vary in their overall energy output. This is a type that is growing both in popularity and technological advancement. Their nature advantages them to easy mass production and therefore a cheaper selling price. If space is not an issue, they are a popular choice.
While it can be hard to determine what the best solar panels for your needs are, there is no shortage of options. While we covered the more popular types of solar panels, remember there are still others such as Amorphous Silicon solar cells and Copper Indium Gallium Selenide solar cells which may also be worth looking into.
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