Solar Panels

Solar panels, also called PhotoVoltaic or PV modules absorb the sunlight as a source of energy to generate electricity or heat. Photovoltaic modules constitute the photovoltaic array of a photovoltaic system that generates and supplies solar electricity in business and residential applications. Single solar module can produce only a limited amount of power, most installations contain multiple modules. A photovoltaic system typically includes an array of photovoltaic modules, an inverter, a battery pack for storage, interconnection wiring, and optionally a solar tracking mechanism. The most common application of solar panels is solar water heating systems.

Types of PV Panels

Monocrystalline Silicon PV (mono-silicon or single silicon)

They are commonly used and can be applied to both residential and commercial installations, same for both large and smaller scale systems. These types of cells use very pure silicon and involve a complicated crystal growth process. Long silicon rods are produced and the crystal is then cut into thin slices – individual cells that are wired together to form a panel. Monocrystalline are the most efficient type of photovoltaic cell (14-19% efficiency level), but also the most expensive due to their high silicon content and take more energy to use. They are best for smaller surface areas in order to make more effective roof space, because of their highest efficiency rates you don’t need as many panels. They are more efficient in warm weather.

Advantages

Warranties often last for 25 years, and these panels perform better in low-light conditions than their poly-counterparts.

Polycrystalline Silicon PV (multicrystalline, multi-silicon, ribbon)

Polycrystalline silicon is a commonly used type of panel for both residential and commercial installations. They are produced from silicon using an elaborate casting proves. A large block with a bunch of irregular multi-crystal, or ‘polycrystalline’. The crystals are sliced into wafers and woven together giving them that striking blue shattered glass appearance, which is due to the anti-reflective layer which is applied to the cells, it increases their efficiency. Due to their slightly lower levels of efficiency (13-17% efficiency level) and lower silicon levels they are less expensive. Polycrystalline PV cells are best when larger surface areas are available to lessen the cost of the installation. Poly solar panel systems are made up of multiple crystals and tend to have a lower heat tolerance making them apt for usage in summers .The most attractive quality about them is that they are comparatively cheaper than monocrystalline and perfectly ideal for household use. Moreover, one square meter of polycrystalline solar cells scattered around a place can smoothly generate around 180W worth of power! Poly crystalline solar panels introduced first in the market.

For installing a solar photovoltaic system to power up some or all of home's electrical systems, have to choose the right type of solar panel to employ.

Advantages

High temperature ratings are slightly lower than those for monocrystalline panels; however, the difference is minor, making these types of panels a good option for many homeowners. The manufacturing process produces little waste, and the technology allows for a cost-effective panel.

Thin film

Manufacturers construct thin-film solar panels by putting down layer upon layer of a photovoltaic element, such as amorphous silicon or organic photovoltaic cells.

Advantages

These panels are lightweight, they are generally immune to problems from shading or obstructions and low-light conditions generally don't hinder their performance. These panels are easy to mass produce, so they are an affordable option.

Efficiency: Most thin-film panels score very low in terms of performance, hovering between 7 and 13 percent, with an average operating efficiency of about 9 percent.

Space: These panels generally require a lot of space. For commercial applications, they often make sense. For most residential installations, where space is tight, they don't work.

Cost: Due to the number of panels required for this type of system, associated costs are also higher because you'll need to purchase more support elements, cables and so forth to accommodate the system.

Life span: In most cases, thin-film panels don't last long and quickly fail to resist the effects of weatherization. Long warranty is not offered by manufactures to go along with a thin-film panel.

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