Types of Solar Panels

Solar energy is becoming one of the most popular methods of generating electricity. It is because the solar energy is clean and does not cause any environment pollution like green-house effect, air pollution, etc. Also, it is renewable, as it will deplete over time. The solar energy is freely available from the sun light and we can develop certain kind of mechanisms like solar panels to utilize the solar energy. A solar panel is an opto-electric device that is used for converting energy from sun light into electricity. Based on the technology used in manufacturing the solar panels, there are several types of solar panels available such as monocrystalline solar panels, polycrystalline solar panels, thin-film solar panels, and PERC solar panels.

In this article, we will learn about all these different types of solar panels and their features.

What is a Solar Panel?

A solar panel is a type of opto-electric device which is used for generating electricity from sunlight. It is also known as photovoltaic or PV panel. A solar panel is basically a group of multiple solar cells connected together in series and parallel. Where, each solar cell is responsible for generating a certain amount of electricity from sunlight and hence multiple solar cells are connected together they produce a large amount of electric power.

To protect a solar panel from environmental impacts, it is enclosed within a protective layer, typically made up of toughened glass.

Types of Solar Panels

The following 4 major types of solar panels are commonly available in the market and are used in different residential, commercial, and industrial applications for generating electricity −

• Monocrystalline Solar Panels

• Polycrystalline Solar Panels

• Thin Film Solar Panels

• PERC Solar Panels

All these solar panels are uniquely identified by their solar cell manufacturing technology and appearance. Let us discuss about each of these solar panels in detail.

Monocrystalline Solar Panel

Monocrystalline solar panel is a type of solar panel in which the solar cells used have a single crystalline structure. Where this single-crystalline structure is made up of highly pure silicon.

Each monocrystalline solar cell is cut in an octagonal shape. This shape can be used as their unique identifier. Also, these solar panels are made up of pure silicon, therefore, they have uniform deep black or blue colors.

Another key technology used in the monocrystalline solar panels is called Half-Cut Cells in which the square shaped solar cells are cut in half. As a result, the number of the solar cells in the panel become twice.

Features of Monocrystalline Solar Panels:

The following are some key features of the monocrystalline solar panels −

• Monocrystalline solar panels have highest efficiency among all the solar panels available in the market.

• These solar panels are capable of generating electricity even in low sunlight conditions.

• Monocrystalline solar panels have high space efficiency and hence they are best option for small areas.

• Monocrystalline solar panels have longer life span as compared to other types of solar panels.

• Monocrystalline solar panels have deep uniform color which make them visually appealing.

• Monocrystalline solar panels are most expensive types of solar panels available in the market.

Polycrystalline Solar Panels

A type of solar panel in which polycrystalline solar cells are used is called a polycrystalline solar panel. A polycrystalline solar cell is made up of multiple crystal structures of silicon. Therefore, these solar panels are also known as multi-crystalline solar panels.

The polycrystalline solar panels are fabricated by melting silicon fragments and pouring into square molds. Once these silicon crystals are cooled, they are sliced into thin wafers and the polycrystalline solar panels are manufactured.

Features of Polycrystalline Solar Panels:

Some of the key features of polycrystalline solar panels are listed below −

• Due to simple manufacturing process and lesser waste of material, the polycrystalline solar panels are less expensive than monocrystalline solar panels.

• Polycrystalline solar panels have relatively lower efficiency.

• Polycrystalline solar panels have multi-crystalline structure of silicon; hence they have a blue speckled appearance.

• Polycrystalline solar panels require more space for installation as compared to monocrystalline solar panels.

• Since the polycrystalline solar panels have lower efficiency, thus they can produce less amount of power per unit area.

• Polycrystalline solar panels also have significant lifespan of around 25 to 30 years.

Thin-Flim Solar Panels

A type of solar panel which is fabricated by using a thin layer of photovoltaic semiconductor materials like amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride, copper indium gallium selenide, etc. is called a thin-film solar panel. In this type of solar panel, this thin layer of photovoltaic material is entirely responsible for converting sunlight into electricity.

Features of Thin-Film Solar Panels

The following are some main features of the thin-film solar panels −

• Thin-flip solar panels are relatively simpler to manufacture than crystalline solar panels.

• These solar panels require less fabricating material.

• Thin-film solar panels are less expensive than silicon crystalline solar panels.

• Thin-film solar panels have light weight than silicon crystalline solar panel.

• The thin-film solar panels can be installed on curved surfaces, as they have greater flexibility.

• Thin film solar panels have lower energy efficiency than silicon crystal solar panels.

• Thin-film solar panels can perform better in low sunlight conditions.

• Thin-film solar panels have shorter lifespan, as they degrade with time in terms of both material and efficiency.

PERC Solar Panels

PERC or Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell solar panel is a type of new technology solar panel in which an additional layer of solar cells is added on its back.

The PERC solar panel is also a type of silicon crystal solar panel with an additional layer of solar cells on its back. This additional layer helps in improving the overall performance and efficiency of the solar panel.

In the case of an ordinary silicon crystal solar panel, only a part of sunlight is absorbed by the solar cells and the rest part is passed straight without getting absorbed.

But, in the case of the PERC solar panel, the extra layer of solar cells provided on the back side of the panel absorbs this unabsorbed sunlight and improves the energy efficiency of the panel.

These days, the PERC solar technology is combined with the monocrystalline solar panels to develop highly efficient solar panels called Mono-PERC solar panels.

The Mono-PERC solar panels are the most efficient and having highest power ratings among all types of solar panels available in the market. These are primarily used in commercial and industrial settings.

Features of PERC Solar Panels:

The following are some key features of the PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) solar panels −

• PERC solar panels have higher efficiency as they have enhanced absorption of the sunlight.

• PERC solar panels perform better in low sunlight conditions. Hence, their overall performance is better than any other type of solar panel.

• Being most efficient solar panels, there energy output is also higher than other types of solar panels.

• In the PERC solar panels, the passivated layer on the back side of the panel provides protection to the solar cells against various environmental factors like dust, moisture, temperature variations, etc. This increases the lifespan or durability of the panel.

• Due to high efficiency and power output, the PERC solar panels are relatively more economical options in long run.

This is all about four most common types of solar panels used in various applications for generating electricity from sunlight.

From the above discussion, we can observe that each type of solar panel has its own pros and cons.

Comparison of Types of Solar Panels

The following table explains the comparative study of the above described four types of solar panels −

Conclusion

So, this is all about different types of solar panels and their features. The solar panels are generally classified based on the technology used in their manufacturing. All these solar panels are different from each other in terms of cost, energy efficiency, space requirement for installation, appearance, etc. We select an appropriate solar panel according to our requirements.

FAQs Related Types of Solar Panels

The following are some commonly ask questions related to types of solar panels.

1. What are the 4 types of solar panels?

The 4 main types of solar panels are −

• Monocrystalline solar panel

• Polycrystalline solar panel

• Thin-film solar panel

• PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) solar panel

2. Which type solar panel is best?

Mono-PERC solar panel is a combination of monocrystalline and PERC solar panels. This is considered the best solar panel among all types of solar panels due its highest efficiency and power output.

3. What is N type and P type solar panels?

The N-type solar panel is one that has negative charge carriers. It is typically made up of silicon material dopped with phosphorus.

On the other hand, the P-type solar panel is one that has positive charge carriers. It is generally made up of silicon material dopped with boron.

4. How do you calculate solar panel efficiency?

The efficiency of a solar panel is calculated by taking the ratio of electrical power output and solar energy falling on the panel i.e.,

$$\mathrm{\eta\:=\:\frac{Output\:electric\:power(W)}{Solar\:energy(Wm^{−2})}\:\times\:100}$$

For example, if a solar panel produces 1 kW/m2 of power when it is 100% efficient. If we take a solar panel of the same size that produces 300 W of power. Then, the efficiency of the solar panel will be,

$$\mathrm{\eta\:=\:\frac{300}{1000}\:\times\:100\:=\:30\:\%}$$

5. What are the disadvantages of monocrystalline panels?

Ans − The following are some key disadvantages of the monocrystalline solar panels −

• Monocrystalline solar panels are relatively expensive.

• The manufacturing of monocrystalline solar panels involves large amount of material wastage.

• Monocrystalline solar panels are very brittle because they are made up of single crystalline structure of silicon.

• The energy efficiency of monocrystalline solar panels decreases in high temperature conditions.