Choosing The Right Solar Panel For Your Establishment

The search for sustainable energy sources has led to a rise in the use of solar energy. With a significant demand for renewable energy from businesses and industries, the solar industry alone has grown by approximately 50% in the last ten years. It is important to understand solar panels, the foundation of the solar industry, as it continues to grow and before you purchase one.

Many business owners and homes today are investing in solar energy because of its cheaper price and renewable energy. Are you a business owner who is looking into solar panels? If so, it's important to choose the right panel for your establishment. Solar panels come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it can be tricky to figure out which one is best for you. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of solar panels and  provide tips on how to choose the right one for your needs. We will also give you some recommendations from solar energy companies. So, whether you are just starting to research solar panels or you are ready to make a purchase, keep reading!

What is a Solar Panel?

Sunlight energy is captured and transformed into power using solar panels. The conventional solar panel is made up of separate solar cells, each of which is constructed from layers of silicon, boron, and phosphorus. The silicon wafer functions as a semiconductor while the boron layer and the phosphorus layer each give a positive and a negative charge.

The photons from the sun hit the panel's surface, knocking electrons out of the silicon "sandwich" and into the electric field that is created by the solar cells. A directed current is produced as a result, and this current is subsequently harnessed to produce useful power. Solar panels are also referred to as PV panels or photovoltaic panels since the entire process is referred to as the photovoltaic effect. Usually, there are 60, 72, or 90 solar cells per solar panel.

Different Types of Solar Panels

The majority of solar panels for home solar energy systems currently available fall into one of three categories: monocrystalline solar panels, polycrystalline solar panels, or thin film solar panels. The solar panel's kind is determined by the solar cells that make up the panel. Different solar panels are better suited for various scenarios since each type of solar cell has unique properties. To assist you in determining which kind of solar panel is best for your house, we've put up an extensive guide to monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film solar panels.

Monocrystalline Solar Panel

These panels, also referred to as single-crystal ones, are produced from a single wafer of pure silicon that has been sliced into multiple smaller wafers. Due to their intense black hue, which indicates that they are constructed of pure silicon, they are easily recognised. Monocrystalline solar panels are the most durable and space-efficient of the three different types of solar panels thanks to the use of pure silicon.

In modern rooftop solar panel installations, monocrystalline solar panels are the most common type of solar panel. By using a process known as the Czochralski method, which involves putting a silicon "seed" crystal into a molten vat of pure silicon at a high temperature, monocrystalline silicon solar cells are created. Using this method, a single silicon crystal is created, known as an ingot, which is subsequently divided into thin silicon wafers for use in solar modules.

There are various varieties of monocrystalline solar panels. Today, consumers can choose from a variety of monocrystalline solar panel types. Cells with a passivated emitter and rear contact, or PERC cells, are a monocrystalline alternative that is gaining popularity. The production and assembly of PERC cells differs, increasing the amount of electricity the cells can generate. The use of bifacial solar panels, a monocrystalline technology that can produce power on both the front and rear of a module, is growing in ground-mounted commercial applications.

Polycrystalline Solar Panel

These originate from several silicon crystals, as their name suggests, not just one. In a square mould, melted silicon shards are poured in. Due to the low amount of waste, polycrystalline cells are made much more inexpensive and acquire their distinctive square shape. But because they are not as well-built and have lower silicon purity than monocrystalline panels, they are also less effective at converting energy and using up space. In addition, they are less effective in areas with high temperatures because of their lower heat tolerance.

A common choice for households wishing to install solar panels on a tight budget are polycrystalline panels, often known as "multicrystalline panels". Polycrystalline panels are constructed from silicon solar cells, much like monocrystalline panels are. Instead of just one crystal, many crystals develop as a result of a distinct cooling process. There are typically 60 solar cells per polycrystalline panel used for residential buildings.

Thin-Film Solar Panel

Because they have lower efficiency ratings than other solar cell types, thin film solar cells are typically employed in large-scale utility and industrial solar systems. The process of creating thin film solar panels involves coating a solid surface, such as glass, with a thin layer of a photovoltaic material. These solar materials include cadmium telluride, copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), and amorphous silicon (a-Si) (CdTe). Though they all fall under the broad category of thin film solar cells, each of these materials produces a distinct "kind" of solar panel. The photovoltaic material transforms into a thin, lightweight sheet that is occasionally flexible during the production process.

Choosing The Right Solar Panel

For home solar systems, monocrystalline solar panels are the ideal form of solar panel. You won't have to give up performance or durability in exchange for a system with a discreet design, even though the cost will be slightly higher. Additionally, the high efficiency and power output ratings that monocrystalline panels offer can help you save more money over the course of your system's lifespan.

If money is short, polycrystalline panels might be a better choice for you. Because of their poor performance and durability, thin film solar panels are not advised for residential installations. Additionally, it is unlikely that you will have nearly enough room to install the necessary number of thin film panels to meet your household's electricity needs.

So, what’s the best solar panel for your business? The answer is, it depends. Every business is different and has unique energy needs. That said, if you’re looking for a quality solar panel that will provide value for your establishment, we recommend contacting us. We can help you assess your energy needs and find the perfect solar panel to meet them. Are you prepared to transition to renewable energy sources? Contact us today!