Introduction
c Describe the purpose of this article
The purpose of this article is to explore the three types of solar panel cells, namely polycrystalline, monocrystalline and thin-film. We will discuss their attribute, their components, their features and their pros and cons. Finally, we will compare each of these types of solar panels so readers will have an understanding of which type best suits their needs.
b Explain why solar panels are an important energy source
Solar panels are an important and reliable source of renewable energy that can help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, lower consumption of energy produced from non-renewable sources and decrease our overall carbon footprint. Solar energy is abundant, widely available and sustainable, making it a preferred energy source for those who care about preserving our planet. Moreover, using solar energy can help reduce electricity bills and generate income through governmental grants, making it an attractive energy source for homeowners.
Definition of Solar Panel Cells
a Describe how solar cell works
A solar cell is a semiconductor device that converts sunlight into electricity. A solar cell is made up of at least two layers of semiconducting materials, such as silicon. Sunlight is composed of photons which collide with the atoms and electrons in the semiconductor materials, generating an electric current. This electric current flows through the cell and is gathered at the electrical contacts; from here it can be used to power anything from small appliances like lights to larger technologies such as solar panels on rooftops.
b Explain how solar energy is converted into electricity
Solar energy is converted into electricity by solar cells that are connected as panels. These panels are connected to create solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, which then supply electricity to power devices. A solar panel consists of a layer of semiconducting materials, typically silicon, that are placed between two electrodes. When exposed to sunlight, the atoms in the silicon absorb the energy, which then causes electrons to be released. This creates an electric field that causes the electrons to flow in a certain direction, which then results in an electrical current. The current is routed to an inverter which changes it to alternating current and makes it usable to power appliances, lights, and other devices.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
a Describe the components of polycrystalline solar panels
Polycrystalline solar panels are made up of multiple polycrystalline silicon cells connected together. They are often referred to as multi-crystalline or “string ribbon” solar panels, because the silicon crystals are cut from larger blocks of multi-crystalline silicon and then connected together in strings similar to ribbon. The cells are then arranged into panels, with the strings of cells running horizontally across the panel and the electrical connections going down the panel. Polycrystalline solar panels are typically either light blue or black in color.
b Explain the advantages of polycrystalline solar panels
The main advantage of polycrystalline solar panels is that they are slightly cheaper than monocrystalline solar panels and they have higher efficiency than thin-film solar panels. Additionally, polycrystalline solar cells are well-suited to warm weather climates, as the efficiency of polycrystalline solar panels increases with higher temperatures. Moreover, polycrystalline solar panels are more resistant to partially shaded areas than monocrystalline cells.
c Discuss the disadvantages of polycrystalline solar panels
The main disadvantage of polycrystalline solar panels is that they are less efficient than monocrystalline cells. Furthermore, the efficiency of polycrystalline solar cells decreases at lower temperatures, meaning they are less suited for cold weather climates. Additionally, polycrystalline solar cells are more likely to produce “hot spots”, which occur when insufficiently cooled cells produce more heat, resulting in permanent damage of the solar cells.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
a Explain the components of monocrystalline solar panels
Monocrystalline solar panels are made up of single-crystal silicon cells connected together. They are often referred to as “mono” or “single-crystal” solar panels because of their uniform, black appearance. The cells of mono-crystalline solar panels are cut from larger blocks of single-crystal silicon, which are then arranged into panels, with the strings of cells running vertically down the panel with their electrical connections on the top and bottom. Monocrystalline cells are typically black in color.
b Describe the advantages of monocrystalline solar panels
The main advantage of monocrystalline solar panels is that they have higher efficiency than polycrystalline cells and have a greater power output even in shaded areas. Moreover, they retain more of their efficiency than polycrystalline solar panels when exposed to lower temperatures. Lastly, most monocrystalline solar panels also have a high temperature coefficient, meaning they have a higher power output even in warm climates.
c Explain the disadvantages of monocrystalline solar panels
The main disadvantage of monocrystalline solar panels is that they are more expensive than polycrystalline cells and have a lower efficiency in warm climates. Furthermore, it is also worth noting that some monocrystalline solar panels require a higher voltage than typical 12v inverters.
Thin-Film Solar Panels
a Explain the components of thin-film solar panels
Thin-film solar panels are made up of thin layers of semiconductive materials, usually consisting of a non-crystalline silicon (amorphous silicon) or cadmium telluride, and often called “amorphous silicon” or “amorphous panels.” The layers are then connected together in a single panel and can be either black, grey or blue.
b Describe the advantages of thin-film solar panels
The main advantage of thin-film solar panels is that they have a greater power output in climates with consistent sunlight. Additionally, they are typically cheaper than both monocrystalline and polycrystalline cells. Moreover, thin-film solar panels also require a lower voltage than monocrystalline cells and can be flexible and light, allowing them to be installed in places where space may be limited.
c Discuss the disadvantages of thin-film solar panels
The main disadvantage of thin-film solar panels is that they have a lower efficiency than both monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar cells. Additionally, thin-film solar panels are less suited to cold climates, as their efficiency decreases when exposed to lower temperatures. Furthermore, thin-film solar panels are more likely to be affected by partial shading than either monocrystalline or polycrystalline cells, making them less efficient in shaded areas.
Comparison of the Three Types
a Compare the efficiency, size, and cost of the 3 types of solar panels
| Solar Panel Type | Efficiency | Size | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polycrystalline | 15-18% | Smaller | Cheaper |
| Monocrystalline | 18-21% | Larger | More Expensive |
| Thin-Film | 10-14% | Small or Flexible | Cheaper |
Conclusion
a Summarize the main points discussed in this article
In this article, we have discussed the three types of solar panel cells: polycrystalline, monocrystalline, and thin-film. We have discussed their components, features, advantages and disadvantages. We have also compared the efficiency, size and cost of these three types of solar panel cells.
b Discuss the importance of researching energy sources such as solar panels and the following question: What are the 3 types of solar panels?
Researching energy sources such as solar panels is essential for making informed decisions about our energy consumption and for transitioning to renewable and sustainable sources of energy. Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular due to the benefits they offer and their cost-effectiveness in the long-term. The three types of solar panel cells discussed in this article are polycrystalline, monocrystalline and thin-film. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and each is suited to different needs and locations. It is important to have an understanding of each type of solar panel cell so you can choose the type that best suits your needs.
