The best solar manufacturers are constantly testing new technology in solar cells to ensure that their solar panels get more efficient. Solar manufacturing has branched out into a wide range of cells that can benefit your home. It can be hard for commercial and residential owners to figure out the difference between these solar panels on their own.
If you ever wondered about the difference between polycrystalline and monocrystalline solar cells or N type and P type cells, this article will clear everything up! Monocrystalline solar cells are the most efficient and most expensive type of solar cell on the market. They are less sustainable to produce because they require a composition of cells made of a single piece of silicon.
Polycrystalline solar cells are some of the most widely available solar cells that are installed today. They are less efficient and less expensive and they’re also much more sustainable to produce. These cells fuse together a series of silicon cells to produce the solar panel.
Thin-film solar cells are a new type of solar technology that is usually deployed for utility projects and in some specialty applications. The thin-film panels are created by depositing conductive material into a thin layer with a backing glass or plastic. These types of panels aren’t common for residential installs but they are great for cutting down the cost in commercial and industrial projects.
A P type solar cell is produced using a silicon wafer that has boron added. Boron has one less electron than silicon and it produces energy in the cell. These types of cells are affected by a light induced degradation which will eventually cause a drop in output. This remains one of the most common options for solar cells.
All types of solar cells use phosphorus which can make the cell negatively charged. They’re not affected by light induced degradation but are often considered to be a premium option because they degrade less over time and are still a fairly new type of technology.
If you would like to learn more about the solar cells that are available for installation today or the best type for your home, contact us today!
This post was written by Daniel Massaad, owner and expert solar technician at Energy Solutions Direct! ESD is one of the top solar panel companies in Florida! Our licensed and certified contractor are masters of their craft; with years of experience servicing the great Tampa Bay area and beyond, the choice is simple. ESD excels at offering you the best in solar value!
