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Types of Solar Electric Panels
Monocrystalline Cell Panels
This type of solar cell is made from a single (mono) large crystal cut
from a silicon ingot. Each cell measures 125 x 125mm, or slightly
less than 5"x 5".
Modules made with monocrystalline cells are the most efficient and
boast ratings between 14% and 17%. They are also $50 - $100
more expensive than the polycrystalline type. (see pricing below)
They are also 1% more efficient in low light conditions than the
other cell types. One percent doesn’t sound like much, but it
represents a 6% increase in power for a panel that is rated at 16%
efficiency.
This type of solar cell is made from a single (mono) large crystal cut
from a silicon ingot. Each cell measures 125 x 125mm, or slightly
less than 5"x 5".
Modules made with monocrystalline cells are the most efficient and
boast ratings between 14% and 17%. They are also $50 - $100
more expensive than the polycrystalline type. (see pricing below)
They are also 1% more efficient in low light conditions than the
other cell types. One percent doesn’t sound like much, but it
represents a 6% increase in power for a panel that is rated at 16%
efficiency.
There are basically three types of solar electric panels: amorphous, polycrystalline
and monocrystalline. Although silicon is always the main ingredient, each type of
panel consists of a different silicon cell structure which determines its composition,
efficiency, price, and appearance.
and monocrystalline. Although silicon is always the main ingredient, each type of
panel consists of a different silicon cell structure which determines its composition,
efficiency, price, and appearance.
Amorphous Cell Thin Film Panels
Amorphous means "without shape". When the term is applied to
solar cells it means that the silicon material that makes up the cell is
not highly structured or crystallized.
Amorphous solar panels are created by spraying silicon on to glass in
very thin layers and are commonly known as thin film solar panels.
When produced as a solar panel (a collection of solar cells) it will
appear to have several thin parallel lines running across its surface.
These thin lines are actually breaks in the silicon substrate and
create the boundaries of individual cells in the panel.
Amorphous means "without shape". When the term is applied to
solar cells it means that the silicon material that makes up the cell is
not highly structured or crystallized.
Amorphous solar panels are created by spraying silicon on to glass in
very thin layers and are commonly known as thin film solar panels.
When produced as a solar panel (a collection of solar cells) it will
appear to have several thin parallel lines running across its surface.
These thin lines are actually breaks in the silicon substrate and
create the boundaries of individual cells in the panel.
Amorphous panels are only 7% energy efficient and have a service life of 5 years.
Since the amorphous type panel is only half as efficient as mono or polycrystalline
panels, two to three times as many panels are required to achieve the same output.
This type of panel is most often used for off grid applications such as cabins,
recreational vehicles, remote power, back-up power, and 12-Volt battery charging.
Since amorphous silicon is flexible it is also used as a thin film solar laminate for
roofs and is found in roll-up/folding battery chargers for small electrical devices.
Since the amorphous type panel is only half as efficient as mono or polycrystalline
panels, two to three times as many panels are required to achieve the same output.
This type of panel is most often used for off grid applications such as cabins,
recreational vehicles, remote power, back-up power, and 12-Volt battery charging.
Since amorphous silicon is flexible it is also used as a thin film solar laminate for
roofs and is found in roll-up/folding battery chargers for small electrical devices.
Polycrystalline Cell Panels
Polycrystalline cells are cast blocks of silicon which contain many
(poly) small crystals. The polycrystalline type panel is currently
considered the work horse of the industry.
This type of panel ranges in efficiency from 12%-16% depending on
the manufacturer. The Sharp panel pictured at left is 13% efficient.
At the other end of the efficiency scale are the d.Blue series
modules from Kyocera which are 16% efficient.
The % efficiency is for the entire panel is referred to as the module
conversion efficiency. However, the efficiency of individual cells in
Polycrystalline cells are cast blocks of silicon which contain many
(poly) small crystals. The polycrystalline type panel is currently
considered the work horse of the industry.
This type of panel ranges in efficiency from 12%-16% depending on
the manufacturer. The Sharp panel pictured at left is 13% efficient.
At the other end of the efficiency scale are the d.Blue series
modules from Kyocera which are 16% efficient.
The % efficiency is for the entire panel is referred to as the module
conversion efficiency. However, the efficiency of individual cells in
the panel is actually 2%-3% higher. This loss of energy results from resistance in
the wiring connecting the cells.
the wiring connecting the cells.
Sunforce 50 Watt
Amorphous Solar
Panel #50042
Amorphous Solar
Panel #50042
| Sharp 216 Watt Solar Panel ND-216U1F |
| Suntech 170 Watt Solar Panel STP170S-24Ab-1 |
Hybrid Solar Cell
The Sanyo HIT (Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin Layer) solar cell is
made of a thin single crystalline silicon wafer surrounded by ultra
thin amorphous silicon layers.
The combination of mono-crystal and amorphous silicon offers a cell
conversion efficiency of 19.3% with a module conversion efficiency
of 16.8% - the highest in the industry at the present time.
Additional benefits include increased output under diffuse and low
light conditions and high efficiency at high temperatures.
The Sanyo HIT (Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin Layer) solar cell is
made of a thin single crystalline silicon wafer surrounded by ultra
thin amorphous silicon layers.
The combination of mono-crystal and amorphous silicon offers a cell
conversion efficiency of 19.3% with a module conversion efficiency
of 16.8% - the highest in the industry at the present time.
Additional benefits include increased output under diffuse and low
light conditions and high efficiency at high temperatures.
| Sanyo HIP-195BA19 195 Watt Solar Panel |
Solar Panel Pricing
Up until a couple of years ago there was a predictable pecking order for the pricing
of solar panels. The order went: amorphous > polycrystalline > monocrystalline;
with amorphous panels being the least expensive.
Today the price lines have been blurred and you can't assume that any particular
type of panel will always be cheaper or more expensive than the other. The reason
for the fluctuation in prices is competition among a burgeoning number of wholesale
and retail solar outlets enabled by the 30% Federal energy tax credit.
In general, a higher efficiency poly/monocrystalline panel will cost $800 - $900 when
bought individually. However, quantity purchases of 20 or more panels are
discounted by as much as 30%.
In today's market the price you get depends on where and when you shop more
than anything else.
Solar Panel Warranties
Most solar panels have separate warranties to cover the product and power
output. A typical warranty looks something like this:
5-Year Limited Product Warranty
Limited Power Output Warranty:
92% at 10 years, 84% at 20 years, 80% at 25 years (of minimum power)
Warranties on solar panels for marine use are usually limited to 10 years.
Up until a couple of years ago there was a predictable pecking order for the pricing
of solar panels. The order went: amorphous > polycrystalline > monocrystalline;
with amorphous panels being the least expensive.
Today the price lines have been blurred and you can't assume that any particular
type of panel will always be cheaper or more expensive than the other. The reason
for the fluctuation in prices is competition among a burgeoning number of wholesale
and retail solar outlets enabled by the 30% Federal energy tax credit.
In general, a higher efficiency poly/monocrystalline panel will cost $800 - $900 when
bought individually. However, quantity purchases of 20 or more panels are
discounted by as much as 30%.
In today's market the price you get depends on where and when you shop more
than anything else.
Solar Panel Warranties
Most solar panels have separate warranties to cover the product and power
output. A typical warranty looks something like this:
5-Year Limited Product Warranty
Limited Power Output Warranty:
92% at 10 years, 84% at 20 years, 80% at 25 years (of minimum power)
Warranties on solar panels for marine use are usually limited to 10 years.
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