Sunlight is a free and abundant power source, so turning it into electricity saves on energy costs. However, it is important to choose a solar panel that produces a lot of energy in different weather conditions.
We talked with solar customers about their experiences and learned that the right solar panel can make a big difference in your budget. Here are some things to look for. Click the Visit Website to learn more.
One of the best types of solar panels available today is monocrystalline. These are made from pure silicon and can be found in black modules that blend well with your roof shingles. Monocrystalline solar panels are also more efficient than their polycrystalline counterparts. This is because the single-crystal structure of monocrystalline solar panels allows electrons to move freely, which increases the panel’s power output.
Another benefit of monocrystalline solar panels is that they have a higher temperature coefficient, meaning they produce more power in warmer climates. This is important because hotter temperatures can cause the efficiency of a solar panel to degrade over time, so choosing a panel with a high temperature coefficient is crucial.
Monocrystalline solar panels are typically more expensive than other types of PV, but the investment is worth it. These panels offer a high energy yield and are very durable. In addition, they don’t lose their efficiency over time like other types of PV.
To make a monocrystalline solar panel, engineers first form the silicon into a bar called an ingot. They then cut this bar into wafers, which are the building blocks of solar panels. The wafers are then treated to create a p-n junction. This is done by injecting phosphorus with nitrogen into each wafer. Once the p-n junction is created, the wafers are etched and roughened to maximize light absorption and minimize reflection.
These steps give the monocrystalline solar panel its uniform dark appearance, and they are known for their sleek design. They are especially popular in homes because they are less obtrusive and blend in with black roof shingles. They are also more effective than other types of PV because they are able to absorb sunlight in low-light conditions.
A newer type of monocrystalline solar panel is the PERC, which uses a passivation layer on the backside of the cell to improve its efficiency. This is because the passivation layer acts as a mirror, reflecting any light that skips the PV cell’s surface, giving it a second opportunity to be absorbed. This increase in efficiency is why PERC solar panels are quickly becoming the industry standard.
Thin Film
A thin film solar panel consists of multiple layers of photovoltaic (PV) material. They are extremely lightweight and flexible, making them ideal for many different types of power generation applications. These panels have a lower profile than monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar cells, and they can be used on a variety of surfaces including rooftops, facades, windows, and doors.
They are also easy to integrate into buildings, reducing the installation time and costs of solar energy projects. They can be laminated onto other surfaces like tents, tarps, and the wings of drones, allowing them to generate power in a wide range of environments. This flexibility makes it possible to use solar energy for remote or off-grid communities and reduce the reliance on fossil fuels, while still enabling residents to enjoy modern comforts.
Thin-film solar panels are often called the “hope of the solar industry” because they are expected to soon surpass silicon crystalline technology in popularity and efficiency. However, their disadvantages include a higher price tag, lower efficiency, and shorter lifespan.
The oldest thin-film PV technology is amorphous silicon (a-Si). This nontoxic panel applies a thin silicon layer to a glass, plastic, or metal base through chemical vapor deposition. A-Si solar panels have an efficiency of 6% to 8%. Another type of thin-film PV is cadmium telluride (CdTe), which uses a cadmium telluride layer to convert sunlight into electricity. However, cadmium is very toxic and must be handled with extreme care. CdTe panels have an efficiency of 9% to 11%.
Another type of thin-film solar cell is copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS). This panel combines a molybdenum (Mo) electrode with an absorbing layer consisting of a p-n heterojunction of copper indium, gallium, and diselenide. Its efficiency has increased over the years, and it can reach up to 22% in lab tests.
While CIGS solar panels have high efficiency ratings, they are more affected by shade and humidity than silicon panels. To address these problems, a spectral correction should be included in the project design. Moreover, these thin-film solar panels have a shorter lifespan than silicon crystalline cells, and they require more space to generate the same amount of energy.
Black Back Sheet
In the solar industry, black-on-black panels have gained traction among homeowners who value aesthetics and want their rooftops to match the style of their homes. These panels use a black back sheet, which eliminates the white lines visible between solar cells on standard monocrystalline solar panels and creates a uniform look. In addition, they utilize advanced manufacturing techniques to hide the metal grid lines running across the surface of the solar panel that are necessary for connecting the solar cells together and generating electricity.
The process of creating black-on-black solar panels starts with a standard monofacial monocrystalline solar panel that primarily captures sunlight from one side (unlike bifacial solar panels). The frame is replaced with a black one, and the white backing sheet is switched to a black one. Then, the metal wires, which are normally a silvery appearance, are coated with a material that matches the black backsheet.
This meticulous process maintains the efficiency of the monocrystalline solar cell while enhancing the aesthetics of the panel, resulting in a sleek and seamless all-black design. Black-on-black panels also tend to perform better than conventional monocrystalline solar panels when exposed to direct sunlight, as the black backing absorbs more heat.
Despite their increased popularity, black-on-black solar panels are not without their downsides. They have a higher upfront cost, as they require more materials than traditional solar panels. In addition, they can reduce the efficiency of your system by absorbing and radiating heat in the form of UV radiation. Moreover, because the black backsheet reflects less light, it can cause the gaps between solar cells to become hotter and decrease the panel’s efficiency.
The good news is that many of these concerns can be mitigated with a little research. For example, solar installers who are concerned about aesthetics can purchase black-framed panels made with small overlapping solar cells that eliminate the gaps, like SunPower’s P-Series or Seraphim’s Eclipse. However, they should keep in mind that if their primary concern is maximum efficiency, a traditional white-backed solar panel may be a better option for them.
Net Metering
Known as net energy metering (NEM) in the solar industry, this incentive and compensation program allows homeowners to offset a portion of their electricity bills through power generation. Solar panel systems that are connected to the electric grid can send excess energy to it during sunny days, and customers will receive credits for this energy in exchange. At the end of each billing cycle, the balance is reconciled. For most solar power system owners, this leads to lower utility bills and a shorter payback period for their investment.
Generally, net metering credits will roll over from month to month and sometimes even year to year. This is important because the amount of electricity a solar panel produces will vary from season to season. Solar panels produce more energy during the summer, while they will generate less in winter as the sun is lower in the sky. The energy produced will also change from day to night, as most people consume more electricity in the morning and evening.
Some utilities have criticized net metering, claiming that it causes a cost shift from non-solar customers to solar owners. However, the accumulating body of cost-benefit research conducted by PUCs, national labs, and other academic institutions consistently finds that net metering offers a net benefit to all ratepayers.
Homeowners that take advantage of this benefit are able to enjoy great financial returns from their solar installation. It is crucial to know the net metering laws in your state before investing in solar, as they differ widely from one region to another. In many cases, you will need to upgrade your electricity meter in order to participate in the program.
The EnergySage Marketplace has information about state policies that allow for net metering, as well as information about local installers that can help you make the most of your solar system. Click on the map to find out more about how different states’ energy policies can affect the potential return on your solar system.
