Different Types of Solar Panels Used in Solar Power Installations

Solar panels absorb the sunlight as a source of energy to generate electricity or heat. A photovoltaic (PV) module is a packaged; connect assembly of typically 6x10 photovoltaic solar cells. Photovoltaic modules constitute the photovoltaic array of a photovoltaic system that generates and supplies solar electricity in commercial and residential applications. Each module is rated by its DC output power under standard test conditions (STC), and typically ranges from 100 to 365 Watts (W). Photovoltaic modules use light energy (photons) from the Sun to generate electricity through the photovoltaic effect.

Nowadays, the most used photovoltaic solar panels in practical solar power installations are:

•  Monocrystalline Solar panels
•  Polycrystalline Solar panels
•  Thin-film (amorphous) Solar Panels

Monocrystalline Solar Panels:

Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient type of solar panels but also the most expensive ones. They come in blue or black colour. The less solar panel you need to produce a certain amount of power, the higher the efficiency. Normally if there is not enough free space on your roof, you choose panels with higher efficiency.

The other disadvantage of monocrystalline solar panels is their higher intolerance to shading and dirt. Even the shading of only one solar cell can reduce their performance about 20%.

Polycrystalline Solar Panels:

Polycrystalline panels are slightly less efficient and cost 30-50% less than monocrystalline ones when intended to produce the same amount of power. Polycrystalline panels have a lifecycle of about 25 years. The practice has shown however that polycrystalline panels installed more than 25 years ago are still perfectly operational.

Polycrystalline panels are typically blue and can be easily distinguished by their multifaceted, kind-of-shimmering appearance.

Thin-film (amorphous) Solar Panels:

Thin-film panels are the least expensive panels with the lowest efficiency – usually twice less than monocrystalline panels’ efficiency. This means that to generate the same amount of power you need twice more thin-film panels than monocrystalline ones. Thin-film panels have a dark surface – usually coloured in brown, grey or black. Thin-film modules are used in solar calculators.

If you're interested in installing a solar photovoltaic system to power up some or all of your home's electrical systems, part of the decision-making process will include choosing the right type of solar panel to employ. Install solar panels at your house or organisations for a green environment and save energy for future.

For more details: Soura Natural Energy Solutions