There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Each type has different advantages and disadvantages.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Monocrystalline solar panels (or mono panels) are the most popular solar panels on the market. These panels offer the highest efficiency, with rates between 17% and 23%, according to the National Renewable Energy Labaratory. Mono panels work well in high temperatures, making them ideal for warm and hot environments. According to the American Solar Energy Society, they also have the longest life span, typically lasting 25 to 40 years. Due to their better quality and higher efficiency, these panels cost more than poly or thin-film solar panels.
Mono panels have a black hue and blend in with most rooftops. These panels are mounted, so they don’t lie as flat as thin-film options. However, you’ll need fewer mono panels than other types because they’re so efficient. This makes them ideal for homes with limited roof space.
Monocrystalline solar cells are made of pure silicon, one of the most abundant elements on Earth. The cells are manufactured using the Czochralski process, which involves adding a seed crystal of silicon into a molten vat of pure silicon at a high temperature. The result is a single crystal of silicon, or ingot, that is thinly sliced into wafers. These silicon wafers make up mono panels. Monocrystalline silicon is also used to manufacture some solar shingles or tiles.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Polycrystalline solar panels (or poly panels) are an older solar technology, which makes them more affordable than mono panels. They offer lower efficiency ratings of 14% to 17%. These panels drop in efficiency in hot temperatures, so avoid using them in hot climates. Poly panels last around 25 to 30 years.
Most people recognize polycrystalline panels due to their blue color. This makes them visible on rooftop installations and may clash with your home’s aesthetics. Because poly panels have lower efficiency, you’ll need to install more panels to power your home. This requires a roof with ample space for more solar modules.
Polycrystalline solar cells are made of multi-crystalline silicon. These solar cells are prone to more imperfections than mono cells, reducing efficiency. However, the production process is cheaper and less wasteful than mono panels because it uses melted fragments.
Thin-Film Solar Panels
Thin-film solar panels are an alternative to traditional crystalline panels. These panels are used more for commercial installations than residential projects. They work better in small-scale installations such as a garage or shed that needs independent power. Their efficiency is lower than mono and poly options, ranging from 7% to 12%. In addition, they offer a low life span of 10 to 20 years. Thin-film panels are the cheapest solar panels on the market.
Thin-film panels are made from thin, flexible layers of photovoltaic material and are the least noticeable on roofs. Since their efficiency rating is low, you’ll need more panels to provide adequate power. These panels don’t require additional mounting equipment, resulting in a simpler installation process than conventional panels.
Thin-film panels use thin layers of a semiconductor material such as cadmium telluride, copper indium gallium selenide or amorphous silicon. Here’s an overview of the three main types of thin-film panels:
- Amorphous silicon (a-Si): Although these panels use silicon like mono and poly panels, they don’t use the same manufacturing process. Instead of silicon wafers, non-crystalline thin-film solar cells are attached to a surface such as glass or metal. This thin-film variety works best on small-scale home projects and storage facilities.
- Cadmium telluride (CdTe): These thin-film panels are the most popular option due to their lower carbon footprint and higher energy payback. However, they’re known to leach toxic substances, making recycling more difficult after use.
- Copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS): These panels use copper, indium, gallium and selenium on conductive materials such as glass or plastic. This combination creates higher efficiency, but they’re still not as efficient as crystalline panels.
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