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The 3 Types of Solar Power Modules

Solar PV modules were originally introduced in the 1950s - can you believe it? Yes, they have really been around that long. However, they were inefficient and expensive, so they remained unpopular. Only in recent years has the cost of solar power become feasible for large-scale industrial, commercial and domestic use. This has happened because solar power modules have evolved multiple times. There are now three main types: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Each type has its own pros and cons.


PV Cells: A brief history
In any type of solar cell, silicon crystals generate electric current after absorbing sunlight. This process is the photovoltaic effect. Monocrystalline technology has been around for the longest time, but is facing competition from polycrystalline and thin-film technology. Depending on the end consumer’s budget, local laws and availability of land / sunlight hours, the solar module installer will choose one of these three technologies.


Monocrystalline silicon solar module
You will immediately recognize monocrystalline (also called mono-Si) PV cells from their blackish hue.  Monocrystalline solar panels contain a single silicon crystal expanded by special means. These crystals are generally ovoid. Solar power companies cut those monocrystalline cells into distinctive patterns that make them instantly recognizable - usually, the cells have rounded edges and are almost cylindrical in shape. This cutting process wastes a lot of silicon.
Experts from companies such as Mahindra Susten say that monocrystalline silicon solar PV is the best technology available currently. It delivers relatively high efficiency of upto 20% (one brand managed to hit 21.6%), and you will realize it when you look at the wattage output and compare the same against the size of the panels. However, efficiency accompanies increased expenses and for this reason monocrystalline is seen as a premium offering in the solar market.



Polycrystalline silicon solar module
If you’re seeking the best value, then you should consider going with polycrystalline silicon. It offers high levels of efficiency (upto 16%) that almost match monocrystalline panels, but at half the expenses. The creators of this particular solar power module pour molten silicon into a mold to manufacture them. Then again, the construction method disfigures the structure of the crystal. The manufacturing procedure creates boundaries where the formation of the crystals breaks. It gives these polycrystalline silicon panels their distinctive and grainy appearance. Due to the presence of the impurities in the crystal, these panels aren’t as efficient as monocrystalline panels. However, this production procedure doesn’t use as much energy or raw materials as required in creating monocrystalline panels. The corners of the cells are not rounded off and the cells remain rectangular. Naturally, there is a significant cost advantage over monocrystalline silicon.


Thin-film solar module
Thin-film solar panels aren’t as popular as the other two mentioned above. They are the cheapest to mass produce, but efficiency is usually on the lower end (14% or less). You will recognize a thin film module by its dark, homogenous appearance with no individual cells discernible on panels.
The most common material used in manufacturing thin-film solar modules is amorphous silicon. Apart from silicon, manufacturers use a few other materials too. These include cadmium telluride and copper indium gallium selenide.
Low efficiency means that to achieve a particular power output, you would need more land, and longer hours of sunlight, not to mention the long term cost of cleaning so many more panels. Currently thin film cells are popular in minor applications like pocket calculators. However, these cells are a relatively new entry in the market and are likely to see major development in the near future.

Conclusion
At present, it looks like polycrystalline solar power modules are leading the way. They offer the maximum power output per rupee invested. You should always watch out, though - solar tech is continuously evolving!

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