Differences Between Each Type Of Solar Panel

We already know how solar cells work. Now it's time to choose to install and use. Whether you intend to buy it for your own use. or for investment to sell back to the Electricity Authority In addition to the solar cell system that we must choose appropriately. An important checklist that we must answer ourselves before deciding to install solar cells is: “What type of solar panel should we choose? It's good and worth the money invested,” which solar panels There are many different types on the market. Each type has different advantages and disadvantages. However, we need to know this in order to make appropriate purchasing decisions. and in order to be able to talk with the installer and understand.

Solar panel What is it and how does it work?

“Solar Panel or Photovoltaics” is a combination of multiple solar cells connected together in one panel. in order to produce and distribute more electricity The work is similar to the flashlight batteries that we use. The commonly used batteries have positive and negative terminals. And the power is called "volts", which most flashlight batteries have a power of 1.5 volts per battery. When two batteries are connected together, it will be 1.5 + 1.5 volts, equal to 3 volts. This means that batteries that We will use that. It needs 3 volts of power to work. For the operation of solar panels It has both positive and negative poles as well. When it is exposed to sunlight, it can produce electricity. Just the volt power of each type of panel will vary according to the model or brand of each manufacturer.

What are solar panels made from?

Almost 90% of solar panels are made from silicon, and 95% of solar panels used in homes It is silicon in the form of crystalline silicon (Crystalline Silicon). The purer this silicon, the more Its molecules will be able to align better. As a result, more sunlight energy can be converted into electrical energy. But purifying silicon is expensive and the process is complicated. Therefore, we must focus on cost, value, and payback point rather than the efficiency of solar panels.

How many types of solar panels are there?

Solar panels are divided into 3 types, each type is different. Including different highlights and considerations including:

Monocrystalline Silicon Solar Cells
Polycrystalline Silicon Solar Cells
Thin Film Solar Cell

Monocrystalline Silicon Solar Cells

This type of solar panel is made from monocrystalline silicon It is of high purity. It is easy to observe that its cells are rectangular with all four corners cut. and has a pronounced dark color Monocrystalline solar panels were originally made from cylindrical silicon rods that were created by the " Czochralski Process " a process of stirring the crystals to stick together at the core. Once you have it, cut it into squares. With all four corners removed in order to achieve maximum efficiency. and reduce the use of monosilicon raw materials. before being cut into sheets like the one we see.

Advantages of monocrystalline solar panels

Among all types of solar panels Monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient. Because it is made from the best grade silicon. Before purchasing, you should check the efficiency of each brand's panels as well.
Monocrystalline solar panels are the most space efficient. Because it provides high power
When in low light conditions Monocrystalline solar panels produce electricity better than other types.
Monocrystalline solar panels have a long lifespan. The average is about 25 years or more.

Considerations for monocrystalline solar panels

When it has the best performance, it comes with a price that is higher than other types. For example, a poly type might be only 2,000 baht, but a mono type might be as expensive as 6,000 baht.
If the monocrystalline solar panel is dirty or is blocked by light in some parts of the panel It may cause damage to the circuit or the inverter equipment. Because the voltage is too high.

Polycrystalline Silicon Solar Cells

Polycrystalline is a type of mixed crystalline silicon. Sometimes it is called Multi-crystalline This type of panel is made from melting silicon or glass. Then pour it into a square-shaped template. Once it was in place, the rectangular glass rod was cut into thin sheets, making each cell square and with no cut corners. As for the color of the panel, it will be blue. Not as intense as the monocrystalline type.

Advantages of polycrystalline solar panels

Polycrystalline solar panels use less silicon to produce than monocrystalline types. and has a simpler production process
For areas or installation areas with high temperatures This type of panel is slightly more efficient than the monocrystalline type.
Polycrystalline solar panels are cheaper than monocrystalline solar panels.

Considerations of polycrystalline solar panels

Polycrystalline solar panels are less efficient than monocrystalline types. and has lower area efficiency than the monocrystalline type
Polycrystalline solar panels are lighter in color than other types of panels. and has a color that looks uneven compared to the mono type with a striking dark blue color It makes looking at it sometimes not very beautiful.

Thin Film Solar Cells

Thin Film Solar Cell or some people may call it “Curved solar panels” are different from the previous two types of solar panels because they are made of a substance that can convert sunlight energy into electricity and coated into a thin film overlapping many layers. There are many types, so the name of this type of panel is different depending on the type of material used, such as Amorphous Silicon, Cadmium Telluride, Organic Photovoltaic Cells, etc. In addition, Amorphous Silicon Solar that we often hear is also another of thin film solar panel. So don't be misunderstood.

Performance part The efficiency of thin film solar panels depends on the type of material used to make the film. They are generally less efficient than the first two types of solar panels due to their structure. Therefore, we rarely see people installing this type of panel on buildings. But it is often applied in various areas where it is appropriate, such as installing it on a car, boat, or carrying it to use in distant places. Because it's light weight Convenient to carry

Advantages of thin film solar panels

Thin film solar panels are cheaper and lighter because they are easier to mass produce than crystalline silicon.
Can be used in extremely hot areas quite well. least affected
There are no annoying problems such as burned-out circuits when the panel surface is obscured by dirt.
If the installation area has plenty of space This type of panel is a good choice.

Considerations of thin film solar panels

Provides efficiency in producing electricity Less than other types of solar panels
Even though it's cheap But it will be wasted on installation materials such as wires and joints.
Not suitable for use on house roofs. Because the roof space of the house is too limited.
The warranty life is shorter than that of crystalline silicon solar panels.

Shop for solar cell products online 24 hours a day with Thai Watsadu.

Experience shopping for home products online today with Thai Watsadu, the home product center for Thai people. Selling solar cells Solar cell equipment Answer every need. Easy to order, convenient and fast. Choose to receive products at the branch yourself. or choose to receive the product at home Nationwide delivery service Order online at thaiwatsadu.com or contact via Chat & Shop LINE @thaiwatsadu Tel. 1308