The most commonly used solar panels in commercial or residential installations are divided into three types: monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, and thin films. The following is a brief description of each:
(1) Single crystal silicon: the most efficient
Single crystal solar panels are often touted as the most efficient option and are typically installed in large energy systems in commercial and residential properties. However, panel sizes do vary; Therefore, single crystals can also be used for smaller devices.
Advantage:
Made of silicon with a high purity grade, increasing its efficiency to 15% to 22%
No need for large spaces like polycrystalline and thin film panels
Due to the stable and inert properties of silicon, single crystal panels can be used for more than 25 years
Disadvantages:
Due to complex structure and high price
This is not a good option for cold climates, as snowfall can damage solar cells and cause system failures.
(2) Polycrystalline silicon: the most affordable
As the name implies, polycrystalline solar panels are composed of multiple pure silicon crystals fused together. However, more crystals are not always better.
Polycrystalline panels are actually less efficient than single crystal panels. However, their various power settings from 5W to 250W and higher make them ideal for small and large installations.
Advantage:
The process of creating them is simpler, so they are cheaper than single crystals
The melting process produces less waste and is more environmentally friendly
Durable, like single crystal solar panels, they are a good choice for budget conscious homeowners
Disadvantages:
The efficiency is low (13% to 17%) because the silicon used to manufacture them is of low purity.
Occupying more space to generate the same level of power as a single crystal battery.
(3) Thin film: Recommended for providing power for transportation
Although they are lightweight and easy to move, thin film photovoltaic cells that are not made of silicon are the least efficient type of solar panel. Use them only for installations that do not require too much power generation; Flexibility and portability are the two primary factors for these.
Advantage:
Easier production and lower cost
Ideal for solar transportation applications such as panels mounted on bus roofs and refrigeration for refrigerated trucks
Disadvantages:
Roofs are not a good choice because they require a lot of space to utilize enough solar energy to output energy.
They are weaker, so they decompose faster than crystal panels. Membrane panel installations provide only short-term warranty, and homeowners should particularly consider this, depending on how long they plan to stay at home.
