Types of Solar Panels (Mono, Poly, Thin-Film & 3 Others)

In a world exhausted with fossil fuels, solar energy can be one of the sustainable solutions to our energy problems.

Solar panels are used to convert solar energy into electricity.

Today, there are many types of solar panels available in the market.

But, do you know which one is perfect for you?

Semiconductors such as Silicon & Boron are used for the manufacturing of these solar panels.

We have discussed in detail about the composition of solar panels in our previous post.

In this post, I will be discussing the various types of solar panels, their characteristics, benefits, and their cost comparison.

Each solar panel has its own pros & cons. I will try to cover both of them.

Let’s dive right in.

Types of Solar panels

Solar panels are an interconnected network of solar cells. And, it is mounted over a metal framework.

And these solar cells convert the solar energy into electricity through the photovoltaic effect.

The three main types of solar panels are:

1. Monocrystalline solar panels
2. Polycrystalline solar panels &
3. Thin film solar panels

Monocrystalline Solar panels

The silicon used in making solar panels comes naturally in the form of rocks. These rocks are melted down & silicon boules are created.

Later, these boules are sliced in the form of disks (called wafers). Finally, these wafers are converted into solar cells.

Let’s have a look at the various physical properties of monocrystalline solar panels.

Physical Appearance

In these solar panels, the wafers are cut from a single Silicon crystal. And, this silicon crystal has a uniform black color indicating its high purity.

Also, the shape of wafers in monocrystalline solar panels is octagonal.

Efficiency 

Monocrystalline solar panels absorb 18% of the sunlight available. Also, these are the most efficient solar panels in terms of electricity generation.

Performance

These panels perform better in unfavorable conditions such as low light conditions and high temperature.

Also, monocrystalline solar panels are space efficient and produce more electricity per square foot as compared to other solar panels.

LifeSpan 

Monocrystalline solar panels last for about 25 years.

Cost 

As these solar panels are made from pure silicon crystal; hence, they are the most expensive when it comes to cost.

Related: Mono vs Mono-perc Solar Modules

Polycrystalline Solar panels

Polycrystalline or multi-crystalline solar panels consist of several crystals of silicon in a single photovoltaic cell.

For the manufacturing of these solar panels, two or more fragments of silicon crystal are melted together and then cut into wafers.

Let’s see the characteristics of polycrystalline solar panels:

Physical Appearance

These wafers are bluish in color and not very uniform in appearance.

Also, the shape of wafers in polycrystalline solar panels is either rectangular or square.

Efficiency 

Polycrystalline solar panels absorb 15% of the sunlight available.

And, these are the less efficient solar panels in comparison to monocrystalline solar panels.

Performance

These solar panels do not perform well in low light conditions.

Life Span

Polycrystalline solar panels have almost the same lifespan as monocrystalline i.e about 25 years.

Cost 

These solar panels are highly cost-effective.

Thin Film Solar panels

Flexible semiconductor materials are used to make these solar panels.

Also, these solar panels are light in weight.

Thin film solar panels are the slimmest solar panels available. And, hence these are often used with projects with less power requirements such as solar vehicles, etc.

Now, Let’s see its characteristics:

Physical Appearance 

These are different types of solar panels made by depositing thin layers of photovoltaic material on a substrate(surface). And, hence are flexible and lightweight.

These solar panels are categorized in terms of the material used for the substrate. 

The list of materials used in thin film solar panels is:

• Amorphous silicon (a-Si)
• Gallium Arsenide(Ga As)
• Cadmium Telluride(Cd Te)
• Copper Indium Gallium Selenide(CIGS)

Efficiency 

Among all substrates discussed above, Gallium Arsenide substrates are the most efficient.

But, when it comes to the comparison of thin-film solar panels to other solar panels such as monocrystalline and polycrystalline; then, it is the least efficient.

Performance

The performance of a thin-film solar panel is mainly dependent on the semiconductor chosen and the technology.

These solar panels are good for projects with low power requirements.

Life Span

The expected lifetime of a thin-film solar panel is about 20 years.

Cost 

Since the semiconductor materials used in place of pure silicon are cheaper to manufacture than crystalline silicon. Thus, these solar panels are the cheapest.

Other Latest Solar Panels

I have already discussed the three major types of solar panels. 

However, there are some more types of solar panel technology available.

These panels may not be very popular at this moment, but their future can be bright.

Let’s take a brief review of these as well.

Concentrated PV Solar panels

These solar panels work on the principle to increase the output by supplying concentrating light to the solar cell.

This technology of solar power uses lenses or curved mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto the solar cell.

Since it needs a direct focus on sunlight hence sunlight tracking is necessary for achieving high efficiency which is a major challenge in these types of solar panels.

Bifacial Solar panels

These are two-sided solar panels. That is, these can collect sun radiation from both sides.

The top side works as a conventional or mono facial solar panel whereas the back side absorbs reflected or diffused sun radiation.

Because of this, these panels perform better in cloudy weather.

It is possible to install Bi facial solar panels both horizontally as well as vertically.

Generally, these solar panels are installed at a height to avoid shedding from the rear side and get maximum power generation.

Bifacial solar panels have efficiency up to 30% more than mono facial solar panels but these solar panels are expensive compared to them.

Solar Tiles

The primary difference between solar panels and solar tiles is that we need an existing roof to install the solar panels.

On the other hand, solar tiles are part of the roof’s construction from the very beginning.

These are more attractive than traditional photovoltaic or solar panels.

Related:

• Transparent Solar Modules
• Triangular Solar Panels
• How to protect solar panels from hailstorms?

Conclusion

The photovoltaic industry is at a very interesting point right now. Upcoming technologies seem to be cost-effective & highly efficient.

However, choosing a solar panel on price alone is not wise. 

Before investing in solar you should carefully research how the panels perform in real-world situations.

I have discussed the various types of solar panels including their comparisons so that you can choose the best solar panel for your home or work.

Still, if you have any queries or suggestions, do not hesitate to leave a comment in the comment section.

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