Solar 101: Solar Panel Technologies Explained

Most people looking into solar power for the first time will inevitably be faced with certain terminology, which may be confusing, and sound like a new language. Like most new technology, learning the ins and outs can be intimidating, which is why we’re here to help clear the air (both literally and figuratively). This is the first in a series of Solar 101′s, designed to help you understand the finer points about solar, so that you can research solar power effectively and efficiently, and ask all the right questions when investigating solar power for your home or business. And maybe even impress people with all your solar know-how at your next BBQ.

Much of the new terminology most first-time solar inquirers will be faced with refers to the technology available on the market today. Terms such as Monocrystalline, Polycrystalline, and Thin Film, just to name a few, are different types of technology available to both residential and commercial consumers. Although many solar panels look the same, each type of technology offers vastly different advantages and disadvantages, all of which are considered when selecting the right panel for the job.

So, to help you determine which panel may be the best fit for you, here are some of the main points about the most commonly found technologies on the market today:

Monocrystalline

These solar panels are the most commonly installed solar technology, selected for their “all-round” good efficiencies. Their appearance is distinguished by blue or black solar cells, with white or black squares located at the corner of each cell, like a checkerboard. The solar cells are made from the semiconductor material, silicon, which for Monocrystalline cells, is cut from a single ingot of pure silicon – like cutting slices of bread from a loaf.

Advantages

• As Monocrystalline cells are made from pure silicon, it ensures a relatively high level of power efficiency.
• Due to the density of the crystals in each cell, it creates a very space efficient panel.
• As their production process is costlier and more involved, often only reputable and reliable manufacturers produce them

Disadvantages

• A slightly higher cost-per-watt may be seen, due to the manufacturing process
• Most Monocrystalline panels are significantly affected by shade

For Who

Residential applications, people with limited roof space, such as townhouses, and/ or wanting a high quality product.

Rating

Space Efficiency: ****

Power Effciency: *** 1/2

Polycrystalline

Characterized by an all-blue, crystalized appearance, Polycrystalline panels are typically less expensive compared to Monocrystalline panels. This can be attributed to a more cost-efficient production of polycrystalline cells. In this process, liquid silicon (less pure than in Monocrystalline) is poured into blocks that are subsequently sawed into plates. During solidification of the material, crystal structures of varying sizes are formed, at whose borders defects emerge. As a result of this crystal defect, the solar cell is less efficient than their Monocrystalline counterpart.

Advantages

• Lower production costs can result in lower cost-per-watt panels
• The relatively high density of crystals in the cells results in a fairly space-efficient panel

Disadvantages

• Lower production costs can attract less-reputable manufacturers
• Most Polycrystalline panels are heavily affected by shade

For Who
Residential applications, people with limited roof space, and/ or wanting a lower-cost product.

Rating

Space Efficiency: *** 1/2

Power Efficiency: ***

Thin Film / Amorphous

Quickly becoming one of the most commonly manufactured panels on the global market, Thin Film clearly differentiates itself from Mono and Polycrystalline on almost every level. Thin Film panels are usually one solid color (e.g. black, dark blue, dark red), due to their manufacturing process. Silicon is deposited on glass or metal, as opposed to being cut from an ingot of silicon. The layer thickness amounts to less than 1µm (thickness of a human hair: 50-100 µm), so the production costs are lower due to the low material costs. However, the space efficiency of thin film/ amorphous cells is much lower than that of the other two cell types. What Thin Film modules lack in space efficiency, they make up for in power efficiency; they are excellent performers in areas of shade and high heat.

Advantages

• As they are one large cell, they are less effected by shade, compared to other panels
• Usually have a low heat coefficient, resulting in higher performances in hotter temperatures
• Can be lower cost-per-watt than other panels

Disadvantages

• Very space-instensive
• Low space efficiency means more panels are required for desired output

For Who

Limited residential applications, commercial buildings, solar farms, areas of high shade and/or heat

Rating

Space Efficiency: *

Power Efficiency: *****