A Photovoltaic System to Suit Your Particular Power Requirements

Right now you can choose from three main types of panels: Monocrystalline, Polycrystalline and Thin Film or Amorphous.

Monocrystalline Solar Panels

For many years monocrystalline solar modules have been the workhorses of the solar market. Those iridescent blue faced panels you have been seeing on rooftops are probably of this type of panels. For most of you this is the type of solar panels you will build because these types of cells are readily available.

They have distinct rounded individual solar cells visible from all angles stacked in very uniform rows. This type of solar panel is produced from a single silicon ingot or crystal with high manufacturing costs, making them the most expensive solar modules on the market.

They are, however, the most efficient type of solar panel making them the correct choice when space is at a premium.

Monocrystalline cells have a life expectancy far exceeding 25 years, probably over 50 years. The only real problem with this type of cell is it’s fragile nature making it a requirement that it be mounted in a very rigid frame.

Polycrystalline Solar Panels

Polycrystalline modules are manufactured from a block of multi-crystalline silicon. They are usually square and have a varied, almost mosaic-like appearance. Only slightly less efficient than monocrystalline modules they are cheaper to manufacture and thus cost less money.

You can expect the same great lifespan as monocrystalline cells too.

Thin Film Solar Panels

Recently a new product was introduced into the market that could provide some much needed answers for solar power users. Amorphous silicon or thin film technology could make rigid solar panels obsolete if some better research is done.

Thin film solar panels are produced by applying silicon material on glass or stainless steel, or more commonly between two pieces of flexible laminate material.

Solid or rigid thin film panels are in use but flexible laminated thin film panels are more popular. The flexible panels can be applied to any surface and sometimes used as roofing material.

Most customers like the almost seamless blending of solar panels right into their roof top. Saving you the cost of regular shingles or steel roofing, thin film solar panels are a good choice.

These panels are not nearly as efficient at converting light to electricity when compared to mono or polycrystalline solar panels- not nearly by half. You would need twice the space to accommodate their installation.

From a manufacturing standpoint they do absorb light more efficiently though, allowing for a thinner design and less material being used in their manufacture.

The real benefit, because less material is needed, is in the simplified manufacturing process resulting in lowered costs to build. The lower price has pushed thin film panels to the lead in price per watt of output.

The panels may have to be slightly larger, but it costs less for the homeowner for every watt of power production. They are flexible, light and rarely break during shipping. Add in the great price and this makes thin film panels a great choice where space is not a consideration.

They jury is still out on the lifespan of these panels though. Some say they will last just as long as monocrystalline panels, others point to their decreased efficiencies only a couple of years after purchase.
As mentioned earlier, with increased research this could be the answer.

New Technologies

There are many new forms of solar panels out there, from spheral solar to liquid paint on solar panels. All very revolutionary, but all need some time to be properly tested before it becomes a real alternative.

It is important to realize that photovoltaic power systems are expensive when compared with the low price of utility power in North America and the rest of the world. Normally.

You should reserve the electric power produced by photovoltaic modules for your most energy-efficient appliances, tools, lights, etc.

Although it is technically possible, heating with photovoltaic systems is generally not recommended. You can easily and more efficiently collect heat with a solar thermal system.

A solar water heater or a solar pool heater, as mentioned earlier, generates more hot water with less initial cost than any photovoltaic-powered heater.

Also, for cooking, it is normally more cost-effective and convenient to use a stove that operates on propane or natural gas rather than solar electricity.

Stand alone solar-powered homes and cottages often rely on wood cook stoves for cooking and space heating. Refrigerators are becoming more energy efficient, so the cost of operating them with solar power is now feasible. There are some great energy-efficient products now.

From an economic point of view, first consider investing in energy-efficient electric AC appliances, and then size your photovoltaic system based on actual consumption (read our post on How to Size your Home Made Renewable Energy System). For example, using compact fluorescent lights will reduce your electrical consumption for lighting by 80 percent or more.

In our next post we will discuss the types of solar panels to choose. Stay tuned