Types of Solar Panels

Solar energy is an important component of combating climate change and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. While the upfront investment can be high, many major installers offer financing options, and a 30% tax credit can help reduce costs.

Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic cells, generate electricity by absorbing sunlight. Multiple solar panels are wired together to form a system called a solar array.

What is a Solar Panel?

Solar panels are made of photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into electricity. When sunlight hits a solar panel, it knocks electrons loose from their atoms. When these electrons are connected to conductors, they create an electric current that can be used up or sent back to the grid. Multiple solar panels are grouped together to form a solar system (or solar array).

Solar panel efficiency depends on a number of factors, including design, temperature, and panel size. For example, solar panels are more efficient in cool temperatures and in bigger sizes.

The first silicon solar cell was invented by American inventor Russel Ohl in 1941. His work eventually led to solar panels used in SOLAR PANEL calculators, and today, they’re a key part of powering homes and businesses, as well as vehicles and remote electronics.

Monocrystalline

Monocrystalline solar panels use the highest grade of silicon for maximum efficiency. This means they can produce more energy in the same amount of space as other types of solar panels.

These solar panels are also incredibly durable, with an average life span of over 25 years. They can withstand extreme weather conditions and need very little maintenance.

To make a monocrystalline solar panel, a single rod of pure silicon is dipped into molten silicon and then slowly pulled up and rotated to create a crystal ingot. This is then cut into wafers that are used to build solar panels. The octagonal shape reduces wasted space and allows electrons to move more freely, making the monocrystalline solar panels the most efficient on the market.

Polycrystalline solar panels use multiple silicon crystals instead of one, which results in a lower efficiency rating and less power capacity. However, they are still a great choice for many homeowners due to their affordable price and easy installation. They are also easier to keep clean than other types of solar panels, as long as they’re not regularly exposed to extreme temperatures.

Polycrystalline

Polycrystalline solar panels, also known as multi-crystal, are another popular option. They’re made from silicon fragments that are melted together to form cubes and then cut into wafers. This is a less exacting production process, and it helps lower the cost of the solar panel.

Then, like monocrystalline, they’re polished, improved, diffused and assembled into a sunpower solar panels panel. Each crystalline solar panel has between 32 and 96 of these wafers stacked side by side to create an electric power output.

Monocrystalline solar panels tend to outperform polycrystalline models when it comes to their temperature coefficient (how much they lose efficiency at higher temperatures). Plus, they come in a black color and are very uniform in appearance so that they blend into the environment better. They’re also typically warrantied for 25 years and can last much longer than that.

Thin-Film

Thin-film solar panels use thin layers of photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into electricity. These solar panels are generally less costly and lighter than mono or polycrystalline solar panels. They can also be affixed to flexible materials, making them easier to mount on roofs of cars and recreational vehicles.

A key benefit of thin-film solar technology is its lower environmental impact compared to other forms of electricity generation, such as traditional fossil fuels and renewables. This is due to lower human toxicity and low heavy-metal emissions, as well as the fact that they are primarily manufactured with nontoxic, recyclable materials.

Another key advantage of thin-film solar is its improved performance in low light conditions. This is a result of the fact that they can absorb a wider range of wavelengths than crystalline solar cell technologies, including short wavelength UV and blue radiation that is often found in cloudy or dull weather climates.

Orientation

The orientation of solar panels has a huge impact on their electricity output. For the best results, the correct angle of tilt should be used to optimise their performance. The wrong angle can decrease their exposure time and lower their output drastically.

Traditionally, solar panels are mounted with their long side facing the sun to maximise output. This is commonly known as landscape orientation. While it may not be as efficient as south-facing panels, it is still an effective option and can deliver significant energy savings.

Ideally, homeowners located north of the equator should mount their solar panels to face south. This provides the greatest opportunity to offset power consumption, top up batteries and maximize yearly offsets from net metering. However, it’s important to note that the optimal angle will change with the season and location. For example, during winter, the sun will be lower on the horizon, so the angle should be steeper than in summer. Shine Solar can provide a custom analysis to determine the most productive angle for your specific roof.