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.