What are the types of Solar Panels?

Solar Panels are used to convert light from the sun, which consists of particles of energy called "photons", into electricity that can be used to power electrical devices. There are three types of solar panels. Each of these types of solar cells is made in a unique way and has a different aesthetic appearance.

The three types of solar panels.

Monocrystalline Solar Panels

Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Thin-Film Solar Panels

What is Monocrystalline Solar Panel?

Monocrystalline Solar Panels are made of extremely thin wafers of silicon. They’re referred to as Monocrystalline because of the constituent of their cells. It is sliced from large single crystals that have been grown under controlled conditions.

Compared to the other types, Monocrystalline Solar Panels are more efficient. You’ll generate 20% more electricity from a Monocrystalline solar panel than any other solar panel. Using the same area. These are extremely useful panels in a limited space.

However, growing large crystals of silicon is an extremely energy-intensive process. The production costs for this type of panel are the highest of all the solar panel types.

The cost of monocrystalline solar panels in India is around Rs. 60 per watt. It is Highly Energy and Space-Efficient. Comparatively durable than most solar panels.

What is Polycrystalline Solar Panel?

Polycrystalline solar panels are made by pouring molten silicon into a cast.   Polycrystalline solar panels are less costly than monocrystalline solar panels.

Raw silicon is melted and poured into a square mold, which is cooled and cut into perfectly square wafers.

Polycrystalline panels are cost-effective and efficient. These solar panels cost around Rs. 45 per watt. These are ideal for small rooftop-like installations spanning 100-1000 Watts.

What is Thin-film Solar Panel?

Thin-film solar panels are made of TFSC (thin-film solar cells). Thin-film solar panels are manufactured by depositing one or a few thin layers of photovoltaic material onto a substrate. 

These solar panels can be categorized based on the photovoltaic material is deposited onto the substrate:

Amorphous silicon (a-Si)

Copper indium gallium selenide (CIS/CIGS)

Cadmium telluride (CdTe)

Organic photovoltaic cells (OPC).

amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride, and copper indium gallium selenide are commercially available in the market.

What are the characteristics of Solar Panels?

Characteristics:

Characteristics which we find right behind the solar panel!

Vmp(V): This is the voltage available when the panel is connected to a load 

Imp(A): current obtained when the solar panel is producing its maximum power. 

VOC(V): volt, Open circuit, without load(device) attached 

VMMP: Maximum voltage 

Isc(A): Short circuit current, Maximum current(ampere) Without load 

Power tolerance(W) :  Variation in power generation

As we are aware of many uses of solar panels agricultural activities are key fields. Solar panels are used in solar water pumps. A solar submersible pump, solar surface pump, solar monoblock pump, and solar Open well pump are the various types of solar pumping systems.

Apart from Agriculture solar panels have been used in many other ways like solar street lights, solar water heating systems, and many more.