The types of solar panels and their benefits

This blog explores the advantages of solar panels and their types, to understand which type of solar panel you should choose for your home or office, read away! 

How Do Solar Panels work? 

The quantity of sunlight reflected on the surface of solar panels determines their efficiency, which is ultimately converted into electrical or thermal energy. Previously, the average efficiency of solar panels was approximately 15%, but due to the advances in photovoltaic technology, efficiency is now well above 20%. As a result, the usual power rating of a panel is 370W, up from 250W. Solar panel efficiency is determined by two factors: photovoltaic (PV) cell efficiency and overall panel efficiency.

Solar cells, commonly known as photovoltaic cells, use the photovoltaic effect to convert light energy into electrical energy. The majority of them are silicon cells, which range in conversion efficiency and cost from amorphous (non-crystalline) silicon cells to polycrystalline and Monocrystalline (single crystal) silicon types.

Solar panels have a wide range of uses, including remote power systems for cabins, telecommunications equipment, remote sensing, and, of course, energy generation for residential and commercial solar electric systems.

To summarize, solar panels function in the following steps- 

• The cell’s surface is illuminated by sunlight.
• Photons transport energy via the cell’s layers.
• Photons transfer their energy to electrons in the bottom layer.
• This energy is used by the electrons to jump back into the higher layer and escape into the circuit.
• The electrons flowing through the circuit supply power to a device.

What are the benefits of choosing solar panels?

Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular. And there’s a good reason behind it! Solar energy is the most popular and stable alternative energy source since it is renewable, better for the environment, and significantly less expensive! We recognize that power is a necessary commodity and that the process of obtaining electricity should not be the source of environmental damage.

Solar systems, unlike batteries, do not employ chemical processes or require fuel. Furthermore, unlike electric generators, solar cells do not contain moving components. Domestic solar systems convert around 20% of the sunshine they receive into power, whereas commercial systems may convert up to 40%. 

Which are the popularly used solar panels? 

The three most common varieties of solar panels used in commercial or residential installations are Monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film. Here is a quick description of each, as well as the applications for which they are most useful:

Polycrystalline Cells

Polycrystalline cells solar panels are formed from a slice cut from a slab of silicon that has a large number of crystals. These solar panels are thick in the middle and have a reflecting and bright surface. Polycrystalline solar panels are fairly priced and generate at a lower cost. They are ideal for Indian weather conditions.

Monocrystalline Cells

Monocrystalline solar panels are made from a single cut straight sliced from a silicon crystal. These solar panels have a smooth and thick feel. However, because of the straight crystal cut, they are significantly more expensive to create in India.

Thin-Film

Thin-film PV cells, which are not formed of silicon, are the least effective type of solar panel while being lightweight and portable. Use them solely for installations that do not require a lot of power; flexibility and portability are the two most important characteristics of these.

Whatever sort of solar panels you pick, you must look at possibilities from reliable manufacturers like Alfa Infraprop. This is an important investment and you must look at all factors and decide what the best option for you is!