In recent times, the switching of your home and office buildings to solar energy is a difficult choice as it requires proper knowledge to select the most suitable products for the system in-terms of higher efficiency and cost effectiveness. There are different types of solar panels currently available in the market and selection of the most suitable one for a specific project requires proper understanding and experience. At Tecophase, we have an experienced team at the forefront that have the desired technical and professional skills to help you in the selection of the most suitable products for your projects. These panels possesses many advantages and disadvantages as compared to each other. Reading further below can help you to understand the different available technologies in the market that will ultimately help you in making best decision regarding your project.
1. MONOCRYSTALLINE SOLAR PANELS
This is one of the oldest method to achieve solar energy and it still offers one of the most efficient solutions. In this type of panel, each cell is made up from the single pure silicon crystal that ensures to catch the maximum sun arrays. Besides this, the specific crystalline structure enhances the durability of the panels and it can be used for longer periods as compared to other panels. They can be readily identified by their dark black color. They offers efficiency in the range of 15-20%. However, the use of single silicon crystal for each cell makes it costly as a huge amount of silicon is wasted in the process.
2. POLYCRYSTALLINE SOLAR PANELS
As compared to the monocrystalline solar panels, they are created from different silicon crystals rather than only one used in the monocrystalline. Such design reduces the cost of silicon and hence the overall cost of the product is reduced. Its production process is less exacting as compared to monocrystalline panel, hence panels can be produced much faster with a lower cost. Their cells are identified by blue color and they can fit side by side very neatly thus eliminates the empty spacing between the cells. Their efficiency lies in the range of 13-17%. They have lower heat tolerance that reduces its efficiency in high temperature environments.
Mono crystalline vs. Poly crystalline PV Panels
3. PASSIVE EMMITER & REAR CELL (PERC) SOLAR PANELS
The PERC panel technology is the improved version of the traditional monocrystalline cell. In such a design, a passive layer is added in the rear surface of the cell to enhance efficiency. It reflects light back in the cell that increases the light absorption in the cell. Such design allows greater solar energy collection in a smaller footprint that makes it most suitable option for a limited spaces. In pricing, they are slightly expensive than the traditional monocrystalline panels due to addition of the extra materials. However, they are manufactured on the same equipment and can end up having a lower average cost per watt due to its higher efficiency. Its maximum efficiency is about 23%.
4. THIN FILM SOLAR PANELS
This design is characterized by applying thins layers of silicone and another semiconductor onto plastic, metal or glass surfaces. Due to such property, it is available in different designs making them more portable and adjustable. Each panel do not require a frame backing, thus makes it lighter and easy to install. As compared to other crystalline silicon panels that have standardized sizes of 60, 72 and 96 cell counts, such panel is manufactured in different sizes to fulfill specific needs. Besides this, they are less efficient than silicon crystalline panels because they use many other materials such as cadmium telluride, amorphous silicon and copper indium gallium selenide.
Thin Film Solar PV Panel
Which Solar Panels Should I Choose To Install?
The main question that arises in the customers mind is that which product I should choose for my project? Here we have compared the different types of panels based on key factors that will make it easy and simple of our customers to have a detailed information about each type. Furthermore it will be helpful for them in making their decision regarding the products selection of their own choice.
After carefully comparing the different types of panels, each has its pros and cons. However, the choice of solar panel ultimately comes down to your specific property and condition settings. If you are living in dense area and have a limited space for installation. In such case, opting for high efficient monocrystalline panels will be a better option to maximize the utility savings. Based on budget condition, going for PERC technology will be far better in the longer run. For large properties including both residential and commercial can utilize both mono and polycrystalline panels as per the budget capacity. On the other hand, thin film solar panels are most favorable for such spaces where the installation of heavy and labor-intensive silicon crystalline panels are not suitable. Such locations include commercial buildings with tight spaces and thin roofs.
It is important to note that opting for solar energy system is a long term investment. Normally the panels last for 20 -25 years. Hence, the selection of proper product is of great importance. For that purpose, a technical team at Tecophase is always available to help you in finalizing the most suitable solution for your needs.