Understanding Solar Panels, Their Features and Benefits

Now that you’ve decided to become an eco-warrior in your own way and have decided to switch to renewable energy, it’s time to understand the technology. Solar power is one of the best renewable energy sources you can tap, and harnessing the sun’s unlimited power relies on the efficiency and power of your solar panels. The system’s quality will depend on the materials you invest in and the solar power company you choose to work with.

If you want to power your household properly, you must work with a reputable company that can provide several options and technical expertise. If you reside in the Doncaster area, you can look up several solar panel companies in Doncaster to assist you in putting up an efficient system. They can help you choose the right panels to absorb and convert solar power to electricity. The cost will vary depending on the material you select and the extent of the project. However, the investment will be worth it as solar power provides several benefits.

Several solar panel types are available in the market, so homeowners must understand the differences, their strengths and weaknesses and which one is best for specific purposes.

Monocrystalline solar panels

Monocrystalline solar panels are made from pure silicon crystal that’s been cut into several wafers. They are typically black and considered the most efficient in terms of space and lasts longest among the different solar panel types in the market.

The downside of using monocrystalline solar panels is the hefty price tag. Silicon is a highly sensitive material, and breakage is quite common. It sometimes reaches over 50% of the material, so manufacturers have to compensate with a higher cost.

Polycrystalline solar panels

Another type of solar panel, polycrystalline solar panel, uses various silicon crystals and not just one. Manufacturers melt silicon fragments and pour them into a square mould, making it more budget-friendly than the first type. There’s less wastage (if hardly any), and the savings translate to lower prices.

The downside to this is that energy conversion is less efficient as the material’s construction and purity are much lower than monocrystalline panels, with a lower heat tolerance, so they’re not advisable to be used in high-temperature locales.

Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) Panels

These are an improvement over the traditional monocrystalline cells. This technology helps efficiency by reflecting light to the cell, which increases absorption efficiency. It also allows greater wavelengths of light to be reflected, reduces the electron tendency to recombine, inhibiting the flow of electrons.

PERC panels are best suited for small spaces as they are more efficient and pocket-friendly than traditional ones. Manufacturers can produce PERCs using the usual processes and save on costs.

Thin-film solar panels

These panels are made of very fine layers, which make them quite flexible. They don’t require frame backing, which makes them easier to install. They come in various sizes, suitable for different needs, although they’re less efficient than silicon solar panels. 

Conclusions

Choosing the most suitable solar panel requires understanding its pros and cons. You must do due diligence to ensure your system would be most suitable for your purposes.