Most solar panel setups feature the same basic design elements as they include layers of silicon built into a photovoltaic, or PV, panel. The panels collect electrons and charge them positively and negatively. In addition, the sun’s light adds photons to the silicon layers. This process causes the electrons to shift closer together. With the electrons closer together, the unit gathers the charged electrons and transforms them into electricity.
Homeowners can choose from several PV panel options when they decide to make their home more environmentally friendly with solar energy. The most common solar panels feature amorphous and crystalline silicon. In addition, there are four main types of solar panels. Keep in mind that each version has pros and cons. Therefore, homeowners will need to assess each type to select the best solar energy device for their home and location.
Monocrystalline Panels
According to energy experts, monocrystalline panels are the most efficient solar devices on today’s market. To make each unit, manufacturers use crystalline-based silicon that they merge into the panel to create one solid sheet. Metal strips are set across the full expanse of the panel to manage the electrons. Homeowners who select monocrystalline products for their home will pay more for the solar panels, but the higher priced system will produce the most energy savings.
Polycrystalline Panels
Polycrystalline systems use several silicon sheets to coat the PV panels. This kind of solar panel costs the least, but it is not as efficient at transforming electrons as other solar units. As a result, polycrystalline panels typically produce less energy savings than other units.
Amorphous Panels
An amorphous panel does not feature crystalline silicon. In most cases, manufacturers make crystalline-based panels using a molding and cutting process. However, amorphous panels feature traditional silicon that does not include a crystalline composition. Instead, the silicon is spread as a thin film layer on materials like metal or glass. The main advantage to selecting amorphous panels is their affordability. Unfortunately, they are less efficient than panels that feature crystalline. To gain the same amount of electricity that polycrystalline and monocrystalline panels are able to provide, homeowners will need to install more panels that are amorphous.
Multijunction Units
Multijunction solar panels collect more of the sun’s rays as they feature multiple cell layers. Each layer stores energy. As a result, manufacturers maximize their efficiency by making each layer from different materials. Furthermore, each layer’s material is exceptionally receptive to the kind of solar energy that the layer is designed to store. The solar devices used in a multijunction setup feature amorphous silicon merged with gallium arsenide.
The solar energy from shorter wavelengths contains the most natural energy, which the solar device setup absorbs. In fact, the unit soaks up the energy through the top layer to make an electrical charge. Since solar energy is accumulated through different wavelengths, the setup will pass the charge through to the lower panel layers.