Types of solar panels: Mono / Poly / Amorphous?

What type of solar panel should you choose? Currently, the trend of using electricity from renewable energy sources such as solar cells is very popular. However, there are many types of solar panels. Therefore, which type of solar panel should you choose to get the best value for your money and maximize efficiency? You can find the answer in this article.

1. First, let's get to know what a solar panel is.

A solar panel (or photovoltaic) is a combination of multiple solar cells connected together in a single circuit to increase the production and distribution of electricity. The resulting electricity is direct current (DC).

2. What is Crystalline Silicon (c-Si)?

Today, nearly 90% of solar panels are made from silicon, which can be in various forms. 95% of solar panels used in homes are crystalline silicon.

The purity of the silicon is the most important property, determining the type of silicon used in solar cells. Based on its properties and chemical composition, purer silicon has better molecular arrangement and is more organized, allowing it to convert solar energy into electricity.

Therefore, the efficiency of a solar panel depends on the purity of the silicon. However, the process of achieving this purity is complicated, complex, and expensive. Therefore, the efficiency of a solar panel is not the primary consideration. Instead, it may be the cost, the return on investment, the efficiency per square meter, and the size of your available space.

There are two main types of silicon crystals in solar panels: monocrystalline silicon and polycrystalline silicon.

(Monocrystalline Silicon Solar Cells)

Monocrystalline (Mono-Si) Solar Cells

Solar cells made from monocrystalline silicon (mono-Si), sometimes called single crystalline (single-Si), are relatively easy to identify because each cell appears to be a square with four corners cut off and is dark in color.

Monocrystalline solar cells are made from high-purity silicon. They begin as cylindrical silicon rods. This is achieved through a process called the Czochralski process, which agitates the crystals to form a cylindrical rod. These rods are then cut into squares and rounded off at the four corners to maximize efficiency and minimize mono-silicon consumption. These rods are then cut into sheets, resulting in the appearance of individual cells seen in solar panels.

Advantages of Monocrystalline Solar Panels

Monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient because they are made from the highest grade of silicon, with an average efficiency of 15-20%.

Monocrystalline solar panels have the highest efficiency per square meter because they produce high power output and require the least amount of space for installation. Monocrystalline solar panels can produce nearly four times the electricity of thin-film solar panels.

Monocrystalline solar panels have the longest lifespan, averaging approximately 25 years or more.

Monocrystalline solar panels produce more electricity than polycrystalline solar panels in low-light conditions.

Disadvantages of Monocrystalline Solar Panels

• Monocrystalline solar panels are the most expensive type of solar panel. Sometimes, it may be more cost-effective to replace monocrystalline with polycrystalline or thin-film solar panels.

• If a monocrystalline solar panel is dirty or partially obscured, it can damage the circuit or inverter due to overvoltage.

(Polycrystalline Silicon Solar Cells)

Polycrystalline solar panels are the first type of solar panels made from silicon crystals. They are commonly called polycrystalline (p-Si) but are sometimes called multi-crystalline (mc-Si). In the manufacturing process of this type of solar panel, silicon or glass is melted and poured into a square mold. Once it cools, the square glass is cut into thin sheets, making each cell square without any cut corners. The color of the panel is a light blue.

Advantages of Polycrystalline Solar Panels

• Polycrystalline solar panels have a simple and straightforward manufacturing process, requiring less silicon compared to monocrystalline solar panels.

• Polycrystalline solar panels have slightly higher efficiency at high temperatures than monocrystalline solar panels and are less expensive than monocrystalline solar panels.

Disadvantages of Polycrystalline Solar Panels

• Polycrystalline solar panels have an average efficiency of 13-16%, which is lower than monocrystalline solar panels.

• Polycrystalline solar panels have a lower efficiency per area than monocrystalline solar panels.

• Polycrystalline solar panels are blue in color, which can sometimes be unattractive compared to monocrystalline and thin-film solar panels, which are darker in color and blend better with surroundings such as rooftops.

(Thin Film Solar Cells)

(Amorphous solar panels are one of several types of thin-film solar panels.)

The general manufacturing process for thin-film solar cells (TFSCs) involves coating a material that converts light energy into electricity in multiple thin films or layers, hence the term "thin film" solar cells. These coatings come in many different varieties, and the names of thin-film solar cells vary depending on the material used. These include amorphous silicon (a-Si), cadmium telluride (CdTe), copper indium gallium selenide (CIS/CIGS), and organic photovoltaic cells (OPC).

In terms of efficiency, thin-film solar cells have an average efficiency of 7-13%, depending on the type of coating material. Typically, homes use thin-film solar panels, with only about 5% efficiency.

Advantages of Thin-Film Solar Panels

• Thin-film solar panels are cheaper because they are easier to produce in large quantities than crystalline silicon.

• In extremely hot climates, thin-film solar panels have less impact.

• There's no problem with dirty panels causing circuits to burn out.

If you have plenty of space, thin-film solar panels are a good choice.

Disadvantages of Thin-Film Solar Panels

• Thin-film solar panels have low efficiency.

• Thin-film solar panels have low efficiency per area.

• They require additional costs for construction and other equipment, such as wiring and connectors.

• They are not suitable for rooftop use due to limited space and shorter warranty periods than crystalline silicon.

“Based on the information above, I think anyone interested in or considering purchasing solar panels should now have an answer to their question: Which type of solar panel is best? You can find information on calculating the current and other related factors at the link below.”

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