3 Types of Solar Panels for Clean, Eco-Friendly Power
Compare the 3 main types of solar panels (monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film) and see how efficiency and weak points affect your choice.
Electricity has become an essential part of modern life, and countless devices depend on it for power. One popular source of clean, eco-friendly electricity is the solar panel. So do you know the different types of solar panel? Read on to find out.
The Solar Panel Options on the Market
1. Monocrystalline Silicon Solar Panels
Monocrystalline silicon panels are widely used because they are considered the most effective type. Their solar cells are made from thinly sliced silicon. The slicing requires special equipment, so it depends on the manufacturer's expertise. Monocrystalline silicon panels can meet electricity needs well.
Monocrystalline silicon is known for its effectiveness because its surface absorbs solar energy efficiently. These solar cells reportedly convert sunlight at an efficiency of 15%. Unfortunately, monocrystalline silicon needs bright light to operate, so it does not perform well in cloudy weather.
2. Polycrystalline Silicon Solar Panels
Another type of solar panel commonly found on the market is polycrystalline silicon. This technology is made from silicon rods that are melted down. Polycrystalline silicon panels are known for their neat, dense appearance. They also look more distinctive than other types, because the inside of each solar cell appears to have cracks.
Despite their distinctive look, polycrystalline silicon solar panels have a drawback that puts some buyers off: they are less efficient than monocrystalline silicon. As a result, they need a larger surface area to generate more electrical output.
Polycrystalline silicon solar panels also cannot perform at their best in overcast, cloudy weather. This weakness is a bigger problem given Indonesia's unpredictable weather, where some regions may see rain for days on end. This limits how much electricity the panels can produce.
3. Thin-Film Solar Cell Panels
Thin-film solar cells are a solar panel technology made of a thin sheet attached to a base layer. Physically, a thin-film solar cell looks as if it has two layers. Even so, the product is still very thin, which makes it extremely light and more flexible.
On the downside, thin-film solar cells have low efficiency, at just 8.5%. This limitation means users have to install larger solar panels, which pushes up the purchase price. On top of that, users have to work within the size of their roof.
SUN Energy - Weigh the different types of solar panels carefully so the electricity they generate matches your needs. It is a good idea to consult a solar panel provider first, so they can help you choose the right product.
