Intro
Silicon
is an element found in the sand with the ability to create an electric charge
when exposed to sufficient sunlight. This invention led to the creation of
solar cells or solar panels that can absorb the sun's energy and convert it
into electricity. Such renewable sources help in reducing the carbon footprint
of the earth. There are two main categories of such solar panels available in
the market.
Classification
The two
major types of solar panels available are monocrystalline and polycrystalline.
Silicon is the main constituent used in the construction of both these panels.
These panels are capable of absorbing energy from the sun and convert it into
electrical energy. There are two main categories of commercially available
solar panels.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Monocrystalline
solar panels are widely popular due to their high efficiency and aesthetics.
Monocrystalline means that the silicon constituent used in the construction of
the panel is a single crystal of silicon. The high flow of electrons through
the crystals provides high efficiency to such panels.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
The
manufacture of polycrystalline panels is done by gradually cooling molten
silicon. The sheet of silicon so obtained is squared off to reduce wastage.
This wafer contains several crystals of silicon, hence the term
polycrystalline. The ability of charges to move inside the crystal is reduced
due to this rigid packing. Hence such panels have a lesser efficiency than
monocrystalline panels.
Advantages of Polycrystalline Panels
Low Cost
The most
attractive feature of a solar panel made of polycrystalline silicon is the low
cost. The construction of monocrystalline panels requires constant care and
attention. Comparing with monocrystalline panels, polycrystalline panels are
more affordable. The relative ease of construction of such panels contributes
to the low cost. The low labor costs also contribute to the lesser production
cost.
Heat resistance
The
efficiency of solar panels decreases as the heat on the surface exceeds a
certain value. Polycrystalline panels have a lower heat retention value when
compared to monocrystalline panels. The number of crystals in a polycrystalline
panel circulates heat among them efficiently, therefore reduces the heat at the
panel surface.
Low wastage
The
construction of polycrystalline panels involves several crystals of silicon. In
polycrystalline panels, the silicon is melted and shaped like a wafer which is
combined to create the panel. This method of construction ensures that material
wastage is very low.
Availability
Polycrystalline
panels are widely available in the market as per the need of the customer. The
ease of construction and lower cost aids in the appeal of this panel. This also
means that there are several certified sellers of these panels This is a major
factor to be considered while buying a solar panel.
Conclusion
There
are several factors that a customer has to consider while buying a solar panel.
However, polycrystalline solar panels sound promising due to their high
availability and low cost. The availability of certified individuals for proper
repair and maintenance is also a factor to be considered.
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