What Are The Different Types Of Solar Panels?

The energy generated by the sun in 24 hours is enough to consume for 27 years for the entire population of the world. For this reason, the sun is considered as an efficient, lasting, and reliable source of cost-effective energy for humans.

To generate, store, and use solar energy, the solar power industry has developed different types of solar panels to convert the energy generated by the sun into electrical energy. After the research and development of several decades, 7 types of solar panels have been developed so far for solar panel installation in National City.

These 7 types of solar panels have been categorized into three categories:

Brief information provided here under can help a solar company to find the best solar installation in National City.

1st Generation Solar Panels

These solar panels are the traditional solar panels. These are made from Polysilicon or monocrystalline silicon and are generally used in conservative surroundings. They include:

Monocrystalline Solar Panels or Mono-SI panels

The solar panels made of monocrystalline silicon are considered the purest panels which can be recognized from their rounded edges and uniform dark looks. The rate of efficiency of these panels is highest as they are 20% more efficient than the latest ones.

Polycrystalline Solar Panels or p-SI panels

The solar panels of this type are square in shape with uncut angles and a spotted blue look. They are cheaper than monocrystalline panels as they are made fast from molten raw silicon.

2nd Generation Solar Panels

These solar panels are different from the 1st generation panels as they are thin-film type solar cells. These are mainly used in smaller power stations and buildings using photovoltaic cells. They include:

Thin-Film Solar Cells or TFSC

These thin-film cells are less expensive as they are manufactured by using a substrate with one or more films made from photovoltaic materials like cadmium, copper, or silicone. They are not only cheaper than other options but also the easiest to produce.

Amorphous Silicon Solar Cell or A-Si solar cells

The solar cells of this type are mainly used in a pocket calculator powered by the solar system. In these solar panels, the best variety of thin-film with triple-layered technology is used. The thickness of this film is one-millionth of a meter or 1 micrometer. Its efficiency rate is just 7%.

3rd Generation Solar Panels

In the solar panels of this generation, various types of thin-film technologies are used. Most of these panels are still in the R&D stage. Some of them use organic materials, whereas others use inorganic materials. They include:

Biohybrid Solar Cell

This solar cell discovered by the experts at Vanderbilt University and still in the R&D phase. The technology used in this imitates the natural process of photosynthesis to take advantage of photosystem 1.

Cadmium Telluride Solar Cell or CdTe solar cell

The cadmium telluride used in these cells makes them different and cost-effective from others in this category. The solar energy technology used in it requires the least amount of water to produce these cells.