The more efficient the photovoltaic panels are, the higher the energy production.
A photovoltaic panel park consists of a photovoltaic system that is responsible for converting sunlight into electricity.
Efficiency and, implicitly, energy production per unit area vary significantly depending on the type of panel used.
But what are the different types of photovoltaic panels and how do we identify which one is the most efficient?
The most efficient types of photovoltaic panels
Currently, there are various options forphotovoltaicpanels on the market, each with specific characteristics.
The most popular types of photovoltaic panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film panels.
Monocrystalline photovoltaic panels
Monocrystalline photovoltaic particles are produced uniformly from silicon, made from a single silicon crystal. Monocrystalline photovoltaic panels, due to their high-purity silicon, are the most efficient on the market, achieving efficiencies of up to 26% in laboratory tests.
Superior to polycrystalline, monocrystalline panels offer greater efficiency and power, take up less space, are more resistant to high temperatures, and have a longer lifespan. They are distinguished by their uniform black color and rounded cell edges.
Polycrystalline photovoltaic panels
Unlike monocrystalline panels, polycrystalline panels are made from multiple silicon fragments obtained by cooling and fragmenting molten silicon after purification. These fragments are melted and cast into cubic shapes in crucibles, then cut, polished, refined, diffused, and assembled in a process similar to that of monocrystalline panels.
Through this process, the molecular structure of silicon contains more crystal grains. Unlike monocrystalline photovoltaic cells, polycrystalline cells are less energy efficient. The reason is that they limit the flow of electrons, reducing the power supplied by the photovoltaic cell. In terms of cost, polycrystalline photovoltaic panels are cheaper than monocrystalline ones but have an energy conversion efficiency of only 15-17%.
Amorphous photovoltaic panels (thin film)
Originally designed for space applications, thin-film solar cells offer a superior power-to-weight-to-size ratio compared to crystalline silicon cells. Thin-film photovoltaic cells are highly flexible because they are manufactured by printing or spraying a very thin layer of photovoltaic silicon onto a glass, metal, or plastic substrate.
From a financial point of view, thin film photovoltaic cells are the least expensive. This is because the material is applied in thin layers, the total thickness of each photovoltaic cell being substantially less than that of an equivalent crystalline cell, and the manufacturing process is faster and cheaper.
Efficiency is lowest, at 9% and 13%, although they have better light absorption than equivalent crystalline materials due to their non-crystalline structure. In addition, they suffer a 20% drop in efficiency in the first few months and are therefore sold with a nominal power based on their degraded power.
The following materials are used to make thin film cells: cadmium telluride (CdTe), amorphous silicon (a-Si) (amorphous photovoltaic panels), copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), and gallium arsenide (GaAs).
Components of the photovoltaic panel installation
Longi 500W monocrystalline photovoltaic panels
Longi's 500W monocrystalline panels are efficient and durable, making them an excellent choice. They come with a 12-year product warranty and a 25-year performance warranty, meaning they will produce sufficient energy over the long term.
Huawei single-phase inverter
The solar panels produce direct current, which is converted into alternating current by the 5kW Huawei inverter, compatible with energy storage systems for greater energy independence. Comes with a 10-year warranty.
Aluminum panel fastening system
Durable and with a 12-year warranty, the aluminum mounting system ensures that the solar panels are securely fastened, protecting them from the elements.
Cables, connectors, and other accessories
High-quality cables and connectors ensure efficient energy transfer, minimizing losses.
DC/AC protection
The protections ensure system safety by preventing damage caused by voltage fluctuations, overload, and ground faults.
Huawei Smart Meter
Real-time monitoring of energy production provides information about system performance and allows for optimization of consumption.
The electricity storage facility also plays an important role, allowing energy produced during the day to be stored. This can be used at night or during periods of high energy demand.
