Installing solar panels is not just about the cost, aesthetics and energy efficiency. Different types of solar panel can affect all three factors you consider when installing them on your roof. Installation costs will also be affected by different kinds of panels that are available in today’s market while their look may vary depending upon what kind they are made up of too!
The three types of solar panels Albuquerque are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Each type is made in a unique way but also has different aesthetic appearances. Here’s the breakdown for each one:
- Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Monocrystalline solar panels are the oldest type of solar panel and have been developed for decades. These monocrystalline solar panels are made from about 40 cells that were created through a process called Czochralski method, wherein silicon crystal is placed in molten silicon to form an ingot around it before being sliced into wafers.
The wafer is made into the cell, and then they are assembled together to form a solar panel. Once you have your cells all put together, there’s hundreds of different ways that people can design their back sheets or frames for them. The monocrystalline cells are shaped like an octagon with four triangles removed from each corner so small gaps between the individual panels forms naturally without compromising how it works
- Polycrystalline Solar Panels
A new development in solar panels, polycrystalline cells are slowly rising to the top. Just like monocrystalline solar panels, these cells are made from silicon and have been manufactured by allowing a molten crystal of silicon to cool into fragments which then form at random points within its structure.
Polycrystalline silicon cells are a bright blue color that is caused by the way sunlight reflects off of its fragments. Sunlight typically reflects differently off pure, monocrystalline solar panels because they have less surface area to catch light particles compared with polycrystalline ones. The frame and back frames on these types of panels tend to be silver in color while their surfaces can vary slightly depending upon what type you buy from your supplier or manufacturer. Most models come as squares without any gaps between corners.
- Thin-Film Solar Panels:
A thin-film solar panel is a new type of photovoltaic cell that uses organic or inorganic materials. The material acts as the semiconductor, which means it only allows an electrical charge to pass through when exposed to sunlight. A plastic sheet with two layers (glass on top for protection) would be used instead of glass because they are more lightweight and flexible than their traditional counterparts.
Thin-film panels are easy to identify by their thin appearance. The panel is about 350 times thinner than the silicon wafer-based panels, making them an attractive option for manufacturers looking to get started in solar power generation.
The Best Type:
Residential properties with small spaces can benefit from using monocrystalline solar panels. These types of panels work best if you want to save money on your electricity bill in a smaller living space. A large roof space or property may make polycrystalline panels as the best choice for residential properties. However thin-film is inefficient and is not feasible for residential use.
