Popular Types of Solar Panels
08.11.18 11:40 AM By dlybbert
Solar technology is one of the buzzwords around the world today. Many solar panel companies are observing an exponential growth as the whole world is interested in embracing this greener alternative to fulfill their energy requirements. With the immense benefits of solar energy, mankind, as well as the planet, can be assured of a greener future. This renewable energy source has not only helped to improve the living standards but has also cut down on the carbon footprints. In this article we will discuss the popular types of solar panel to help you choose the best type of solar panel for you.
Popular types of solar panelsThe types of solar panels are classified under three generations - first, second, and third. Let us take a look at the types of solar panels that come under these three categories.
1st generation solar panel
- Monocrystalline silicon solar panel
- Polycrystalline silicon solar panel
1st generation solar panel
- Thin films solar cells
- Amorphous silicon solar cells
1st generation solar panel
- Biohybrid solar cell
- Cadmium telluride solar cell
- Concentrated PV cells
1st generation solar panels
First generation solar panels are made from silicon wafers, and its efficiency rate ranges from 15% to 20%. These are the most popular type of solar panels and they are mainly seen deployed on the rooftops.
Monocrystalline silicon solar panel (Mono-SI)
Monocrystalline silicon solar panels are one of the most popular solar panels that provide high efficiency. They are very easily recognizable due to their uniform dark color and round edges. As this type of solar panel is the purest, it has the highest efficiency rate. Along with efficiency, monocrystalline silicon solar panel occupies less space, is less affected by high temperatures, and is long-lasting. As Mono-SI solar panel is loaded with many benefits, which is a reason why they are the most expensive of the bunch.
Polycrystalline silicon solar panel (Poly-SI)
Polycrystalline silicon solar panels are made from pouring molten silicon into the cast. This type of solar panel acquires its grainy look due to its method of formation. Poly- SI solar panels are created by pouring silicon into a cast which results in imperfections and boundaries where the formation breaks. This type of solar panels are readily distinguishable from other solar panels as they are square in shape with angels not cut and has a blue colored appearance. As the panels are made of molten raw silicon, it is cheaper and formed faster as compared to Mono-SI solar panels. As compared to Mono-SI solar panels, Poly-SI solar panels have a low-efficiency rate and have a shorter lifespan.
2nd generation solar panel
Second generation solar panels are based on cadmium tellurium, amorphous silicon, and CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide). The efficiency rate of this generation of solar panel is around 10%-20%. As second generation solar panels avoid using silicon wafers, the production cost is cut down that makes it less expensive than Mono-SI panels.
Thin film solar cells
Thin film solar cells are best suited for projects with lower power requirement but also requires it to be lightweight and portable. This is the reason that thin films solar cells are inexpensive, as compared to 1st generation solar panels. Thin film solar panels are manufactured by stacking more than one film of photovoltaic material into a substrate. The photovoltaic materials used in the manufacturing of thin film solar cells are silicon, copper, or cadmium. This type of solar panel is easy to produce and inexpensive due to the material used in its manufacture. Also, they are flexible and are not affected by high temperature. However, the only drawback is they take more space, which makes it unsuitable for residential installation. But, they can fit in places where ample space is available for installation. Unlike 1st generation solar panel like Mono-SI and only SI solar panels, thin films solar panels have a shorter lifespan. Furthermore, the efficiency of thin-film solar panels ranges from 7% to 10%.
Amorphous silicon solar cell (A-SI)
Amorphous silicon solar cells use triple layered technology and belong to the category of thin film solar cells. These cells are mainly used as a photovoltaic cell to power devices that requires low power such as pocket calculators. This type has very low efficiency as compared to the crystalline silicon, but if stacked together the efficiency can be increased. A-SI solar cell is low in cost as it requires less silicon for production. Also, it has a shorter lifespan, are flexible and lightweight.
3rd generation of solar panel
The third generation of solar panel uses organic materials for the production of a solar panel. This generation of a solar panel has limited commercial production due to high production cost. Under this section, we will take you through different types 3rd generation solar cells used to produce solar panels
Biohybrid solar cell
Biohybrid solar cells are manufactured using organic, as well as inorganic material. A team of researchers in Vanderbilt used the photosystem I to recreate the photosynthesis process to attain higher efficiency in solar power generation. The significant advantage of biohybrid solar cell is the conversion of solar energy into electrical power with 100% efficiency and no power loss. Also, the cost of production of this type of solar cell is less as the extraction of organic component used for its production is cheaper than the material used in the production of other solar panels.
Cadmium telluride solar cell ( CdTe-SI)
Cadmium telluride enables the production of solar cells at a little production cost and in a short duration. These cells help in limiting your carbon footprint and keep it as low as possible. The only disadvantage is that it can be toxic if it is ingested or inhaled. The efficiency rate of the cadmium telluride solar cell is about 21% as per the recently recorded observations.
Concentrated PV cells (CPV)Concentrated PV cells produce electrical energy in the same way as the conventional photovoltaic cell. These are the most efficient solar cells due to its high performance and efficient rate. To reach maximum efficiency rate, curved mirror surfaces and cooling systems are used. However, these cells can only be effective if they are set in the right angle facing towards the sun. So, solar trackers are deployed inside the panel that is responsible for following the sun.
If you are looking for more information on solar panels and green energy alternatives, contact us. Our team at Affordable Green Sun Solar will help make your solar energy requirements come true and together we can move towards a greener future.
