How Solar (Photovoltaic) Panels Work?

The photovoltaic (PV) system directly converts solar energy into electricity through photovoltaic panels or solar panels. A single PV cell generates about two watts of power. These individual cells are linked together to make a solar panel – the solar panels are chained together to create a solar array. Depending on the number of solar arrays, a PV system can provide massive electricity.

Solar energy is converted into electricity through photovoltaic cells. An electric voltage is generated when light strikes the junction between a metal and a semiconductor in a solar cell. The most popular and abundant resource semiconductor is silicon. Blocks of crystalline silicon are cut into the thin wafer to make a solar cell. This wafer is processed to separate the electrical charges and form a diode on both sides. The diode is a device that lets the current flow in only one direction. It is put in between metal contacts for the electrical current to flow out of the cell easily.

Major Types of Solar
Panels

The widely available solar panels today are monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, thin-film solar panels. Different factors are considered when selecting the types of PV solar panels to install.

1.
Monocrystalline Silicon Solar
Panels

Monocrystalline solar panels are the most developed and oldest type of solar panels. This type of panel is produced from pure silicon. A silicon crystal is put in a vat of molten silicon then pulled out slowly to allow the molten silicon to form a solid crystal shell around it called an ingot. This ingot is sliced into silicon wafers and made into a cell. The cells are assembled to create a solar panel. Per solar panel has about 40 monocrystalline solar cells.

Monocrystalline solar panels are recognized from their uniform dark look and rounded edges. Due to its pure silicon material, this solar panel has the highest efficiency rates reaching 20%. Monocrystalline has higher output and longer estimated useful life. It is also less sensitive to hot temperature compared to polycrystalline panels, which make it more efficient. However, monocrystalline solar panels are more costly to create.

2.
Polycrystalline Silicon Solar
Panels

Polycrystalline silicon solar panel is next developed after monocrystalline solar panels as a cheaper substitute. The polycrystalline silicon is made from cells cut from an ingot of melted and recrystallized silicon. This silicon is then cut into thin wafers and assembled into complete cells. Polycrystalline silicon is distinguishable from its blue, speckled look and square, uncut angles.

However, this solar panel has lower space efficiency and shorter estimated useful life as they are greatly affected by hot temperatures. Also, compared to monocrystalline silicon wafers, it has a lower efficiency rate at around 15%.

3.
Thin-Film Solar Panels

Thin-film solar panels are the latest development for the solar panel industry. Compared to monocrystalline and polycrystalline, which are primarily made from silicon, a thin-film solar panel can be made from other materials, including cadmium telluride (CdTe), amorphous silicon (a-Si), and copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS). The primary material is placed between thin sheets of conductive material with a glass layer on top for protection. The amorphous silicon uses non-crystalline silicon and is topped with glass.

Thin-film is 350 times thinner than monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels. But can appear large in appearance due to its frame. Depending on the materials used, it can appear black or blue. Among the three types of solar panels, thin-film has the lowest efficiency of only 11%. The advantage of a thin-film solar panel is its lowest production cost. You can also save on installation costs since it is lighter compared to other solar types.

Selecting the types of solar panels to invest in depends on your specific needs. Comparing the three types above can give you an idea of the best fit for your location, setup, costs, and available space.