Triangular Solar Panels: Features, Pros & Cons

We use solar panels to make use of solar energy for our needs. During the installation of the solar panel system, you might be confused about the type and shape of the solar panel you should get.

Since the shape and type of the solar panel is an important factor that too affects the performance and efficiency of your panels.

In this post, we will be discussing an in-depth guide on Triangular solar panels, also reviewing their features, advantages & disadvantages.

But before we jump right over there, we should have prior knowledge of various types of solar modules available in the market. 

Let’s begin our discussion by learning about the various types of solar modules.

Solar Panel Types

As we all know, Solar panels are nothing but an interconnected network of solar cells. 

Ever wonder how solar panels are made?

Solar cells or photovoltaic cells are made up of semiconductor material such as Silicon & are used to convert the sun’s energy into electricity.

When it comes to solar panels, there are different types that serve different needs.

Primarily solar panels are classified into 3 main types:

Monocrystalline Solar panels

These solar panels are made from a single silicon crystal that has been cut into several wafers.

This silicon crystal has a uniform black color indicating its high purity.

The monocrystalline panels are manufactured from pure silicone, which makes them the most durable and space-efficient.

 These solar panels last for about 25 years.

Mono Crystalline Solar Panels
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Polycrystalline Solar Panels

These panels contain different silicon crystals instead of one in a single photovoltaic cell.

The wafers are manufactured from two or more pieces of silicon crystal that have been melted together.

Having a lower silicon purity and construction than monocrystalline panels, these wafers are bluish in color.

These solar panels are cost-efficient but do not perform well in low light conditions and in high-temperature environments.

Polycrystalline Solar Panels

Thin Film Solar Panels

These are made of flexible semiconductor materials like Amorphous silicon (a-Si), Gallium Arsenide(Ga As), etc are used to make these solar panels. And hence, these solar panels are light in weight.

A thin-film solar panel is the slimmest solar panel on the market. Thus, they are often used for projects with low power requirements, like solar vehicles.

In comparison with the above two solar panels, it has the least efficiency.

These solar panels are way cheaper than the other two solar panels as they are made of semiconductor materials and not pure silicon. 

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

Thin Film Solar Panel
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Other Latest Solar Panel Technologies

With the advancement in technology, various types of solar panels are available with better efficiencies.

Some are:

BiFacial Solar Panels

It is a two-sided solar panel. So they can capture sunlight from both sides. 

Bi Facial panels absorb direct as well as reflected light. Because of this, these panels perform better in cloudy weather.

This product reportedly has a 30% efficiency, which is 11% more than mono facial panels.

Bifacial solar panels offer many benefits that make them a better choice for installation.

Bifacial Solar Panels

Solar Tiles

Solar Tiles are solar panels designed to look like and function as conventional roofing materials.

These are manufactured by several companies.

Solar tiles became commercially available in 2005.

A primary difference between solar panels and solar tiles is that solar panels need to be installed on an existing roof.

Tesla launched Solar tiles in 2016 and claimed them to be more than three times stronger than standard roofing tiles and are engineered for all-weather protection.

According to Wikipedia, the cost of solar tiles can range from $3.80 per watt up to $9.00 per watt installed depending on the manufacturer, technology used, and system size.

Solar Tiles
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Spinning Solar Panels

These solar panels consist of photovoltaic cells arranged in an angular array to form a conical shape.

The conical shape of the panels allows maximum exposure to sunlight at any angle during any time of the year.

Spinning solar cells are generating 20 times more green electricity compared with traditional Panels. 

In keeping with their mission to help people save space, decrease energy costs, and increase efficiency, V3 Solar has announced this technology that promises to do just that.  

Spinning Solar Panels

There are numerous benefits of using spinning solar panels which make them a great deal to purchase. Although, these solar panels are still not in the market. So the exact cost cannot be found anywhere.

Triangular Solar Panels

The UK  and some parts of Japan have a high percentage of irregular roof shapes and solar panels have been around for quite a while.

Observing this, one company named TriEnergia has produced triangular solar panels in both mono & polycrystalline versions.

Triangular Solar Panels

If your house has a triangular roof, or if your porch has a triangular roof shape, these triangular solar panels are for you.

Triangular solar panels make it possible to utilize every rooftop, regardless of its shape. Essentially, it represents the ultimate improvement in the design of solar panels.

Features 

Some of the most common features of triangular solar panels are:

  • It allows you to better utilize the roof space
  • The combination of “triangular panels” and “square panels” can improve the visual impact.
  • Makes it possible to install solar PV in areas not previously feasible because of space constraints.
  • Both mono & poly options are available
  • The rectangular panels and triangles are easy to place and join together.

Advantages 

  • The triangular solar panels could be used on the roof of any triangular house or the house having a triangular roof, they would contain the artistic design that would be suited to the top area.
  • You can utilize the space of the rooftop if you install triangular solar panels with a rectangular shape. 
  • This will make covering the roof blade easy and help you deal with the hip roof well. Additionally, they are easy to install and require less labor.
  • By installing triangular solar panels on your porch roof, you can use your porch as a solar panel installation site. This will open up the possibility of using the main roof for other purposes.

Disadvantages

  • Compared to the traditional square-shaped solar panel, triangular panels are more expensive. Normally, you have to spend up to 1.5 times as much on a solar panel as a traditional one.
  • It is likely that triangular panels have fewer solar cells. The manufacturing process of triangular solar panels includes fewer solar cells because of the shape.
  • In comparison to rectangular solar panels, triangles aren’t readily available on the market. Triangular panels are made by certain manufacturers, but usually on a custom basis for specific projects.

Where can you buy triangular solar panels?

Triangular Solar Panels

If you visit the local market, you will be able to compare the most ideal design for your roof. This will enable you to buy the right one.

You can locate your local manufacturer on the internet and place custom orders based on your needs.  

Still, here is the list is given by phoenix sun of the top solar manufacturers in the US based on their products and services. Click here

Furthermore, you can place a custom order with solar panel manufacturing companies to deliver triangular solar panels. They provide this type of panel to make the installation suitable for triangular roofs.

In addition, when comparing the size of a solar panel, it is important to make sure that the solar cells are enough and of high quality.

Related: How many solar panels do you need?

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Triangular Solar Panels

Also, check out: Transparent Solar Panels

Wrap Up

In this article, I have covered all the latest technologies of solar panels, also, described in detail the Triangular Solar Panels, their features, benefits, and disadvantages.

Before Triangular solar panels, there also used to be a thing called “dummy” panels, which were used to fill in the excess space left after installing rectangular solar panels. 

In the current situation, the price of triangular solar panels is quite high which makes it not so popular in comparison to other better technologies. Hope the cost of solar panels will be reduced over time as the technology gets better.

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