Types Of Solar Panels

Understanding the different types

of solar panels:

What Is A Solar Panel?

For most of us a solar panel is the little rectuangular bit on our calculator that powers it, not something that can power a house or car. But what exactly is a solar panel? A solar panel (or photovoltaic module) is a series of individual solar cells connected together to make up one large solar panel. Each cell is typically made from silicon which turns the UV light into electricity. Solar panels usually have toughened glass covering the solar cells to protect them. Basically the sun hits the silicon wafers and is turned into electricity, this electricity is then sent through the wiring in the panel to your regulator & batteries or inverter and to the grid.

There are a few different types of solar panels: amorphous panels, mono-crystalline panels and poly-crystalline panels. Solar panels are rated by their wattage, so a 80w panel is rated to output 80watts in a good hour of sun.

What Types Of Solar Panels Are There?

Amorphous Solar Panels:

Amorphous panels are great for portable solar applications as they offer greater resistance to shade and are often tougher. This means that they're perfect for RV's, motorhomes, 4WD's and other portable applications. Amorphous panels can be made flexible

Mono-Crystalline Solar Panels:

These are solar panels made from single crystal silicon and are generally more efficient than amorphous panels. Mono-Crystalline panels are usually used for large scale solar applications. They are very reliable and provide good efficiency.

Multi-Crystalline Solar Panels:

Multi-Crystalline (or Poly-Crystalline) solar panels are made from silicon wafers cut from multi-crystal silicon and are also more efficient than amorphous panels. Poly-Crystalline panels are usually smaller than Mono-Crystalline panels but are slightly less efficient. These panels are used for small-medium scale solar applications. To see our Multi-Crystalline panels Click Here.