Are you thinking of going solar?
Don’t dive in blind. There are different kinds of solar panels on the market that are better or worse at performing different tasks.
You need to understand how the different types of solar panels work, and how they’ll work for you. The wrong panel will not do the job, and you might not get satisfied with your solar power.
Not sure what your options are? We got you covered. Read on for everything you need to know about the different kinds of solar panels available.
Monocrystalline Panels
Monocrystalline panels are solar panels made from a single, large crystal of silicon. The silicon crystal is then cut into thin, flat wafers and then arranged into a solar cell.
These panels are very efficient. They can convert up to 20% of the sunlight into electricity. You can find out more about this type of solar panel by checking out suppliers like Blue Raven Solar.
The Advantages of Monocrystalline Panels
Compared to other solar panels, monocrystalline solar panels have a few advantages. One is that monocrystalline panels have higher efficiency. This means that they can convert more of the sun’s energy into usable electricity.
Another advantage is that these panels tend to have a longer lifespan. They are also less likely to degrade over time. They will continue to produce electricity at a high level for many years.
Finally, monocrystalline panels perform better in low-light conditions and high temperatures. This makes them a good choice for locations that experience a lot of sun and heat.
The Disadvantages of Monocrystalline Panels
Monocrystalline panels are very efficient in converting sunlight into electricity. But, they also come with a couple of disadvantages. One example is that they are expensive.
Also, monocrystalline panels need a great deal of maintenance and care. They are also very sensitive to changes in temperature and can get damaged by extreme heat or cold.
The Cost of Monocrystalline Panels
Monocrystalline solar panels have the highest efficiency of any type of solar panel available on the market today. This makes them the most expensive type of solar panel. The average cost of monocrystalline solar panels is between $2.50 and $3.00 per watt.
Polycrystalline Panels
Polycrystalline solar panels are panels made up of a large number of small crystals. This gives them their characteristic speckled appearance.
They work by absorbing sunlight with their photon-absorbing semiconductor material. Then they knock the electrons loose from their atoms. The electrons flow through the material to the conducting wires on the back of the panel and into the electrical grid.
The Advantages of Polycrystalline Panels
Many smaller crystals make up polycrystalline panels, rather than a single large crystal. This makes them less expensive to produce and thus, lower cost.
Polycrystalline panels provide greater flexibility for those looking to install solar panels. They do not have to get installed in a particular orientation. This means that they can be compatible with a variety of rooftops.
Additionally, you can install these panels in a series. This allows a more custom configuration that can better maximize energy production.
The Disadvantages of Polycrystalline Panels
Polycrystalline solar panels have many disadvantages when compared to monocrystalline panels. They are less efficient, meaning that they produce less power per square meter.
They also tend to degrade faster. They have an estimated lifespan of around 15-20 years. This is in comparison to 20-25 years for monocrystalline panels.
Polycrystalline panels are also more susceptible to shading from leaves and other objects. This is because the cells are not all aligned in the same direction. This can reduce the power output of the panel by up to 30%.
The Cost of Polycrystalline Panels
Polycrystalline panels are 15-30% less efficient than monocrystalline panels. But, their price per panel is 20-30% lower.
The average price for polycrystalline panels in the US is $0.70 per watt. This makes a typical panel cost around $200.
Thin Film Solar Panels
Thin film panels are made of a layer of photovoltaic material deposited on a substrate. The substrate is usually glass, metal, or plastic.
When the photovoltaic material gets exposed to light, it produces an electric current. The electrical current can then get used to power devices or to recharge batteries.
Thin film solar panels are less efficient than crystalline silicon solar panels. But because of this, they are also cheaper to produce.
The Advantages of Thin Film Solar Panels
One of the main advantages of thin film solar panels is that they are portable and flexible. This means that they can be easily transported and installed in a variety of locations.
Additionally, thin-film solar panels are less likely to break or be damaged than traditional solar panels. This makes them an ideal choice for use in areas where there is a risk of damage or vandalism.
Thin film solar panels are cheaper to manufacture than traditional solar panels. This is because they use less silicon. As you might already know, silicon is the most expensive component in a solar panel.
The Disadvantages of Thin Film Solar Panels
The disadvantages of these panels are mainly related to their lower efficiency. This means that they need more space to generate the same amount of power as other solar panels.
Thin film solar panels are not as efficient as crystalline silicon solar panels. They generally have a lower power output and are not usable in as many applications. They also tend to have a shorter lifespan and are more susceptible to breakage and degradation.
They are also more vulnerable to weather and environmental conditions. These conditions can reduce their power output.
The Cost of Thin Film Solar Panels
The average cost of thin-film solar panels was $1.03 per watt. This means that a 100-watt thin-film solar panel would cost $103.
The price of thin-film solar panels has been dropping for years. We can expect it to continue to drop as technology improves.
Know Which Type of Solar Panel to Choose
Solar panels come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and types. It’s important to know which type of solar panel is right for you and your home.
With a little research, you can find the perfect solar panel to suit your needs. Get started today and take advantage of the many benefits that solar energy has to offer.
For more helpful tips and tricks on going solar, feel free to browse the rest of our blog.
