Monocrystal Solar

October 27, 2009 by SolarInfo
Filed under solar power energy

Choose the Perfect Solar Cells For Your Homemade Solar Panels

When attempting to build your own Homemade Solar Panels, it is important that you get to thoroughly know your materials. Not all solar cells are the same. Different types of solar cells vary not only in the price, but in the different features they present. There are currently three different types of solar cells: Monocrystal solar panels, Polycrystal solar panels, Amorphous Solar Panels and Thin Film Panels. Let us analyze the differences among these options.

Monocrystal solar panels are basically made of a single piece of silicon that has been cut into pieces, and nested into a metal structure. They are a bit more expensive than policrystal ones, but they yield more energy in average. If trying to develop your first Homemade Solar Panels, this is what you will want. Monocrystal panels are more efficient than policrystal ones under poorer light conditions. However, the most common type of solar panel you will find in the market is policrystal. The truth is that they are cheaper to manufacture, as they are not made of a single piece of silicon, but rather of a large number of small pieces of this material. As a consequence, they look like a mosaic of pieces of shattered glass.

Amorphous solar panels are produced in a different way. Small minuscule pieces of powdered silicon are sprayed on metal plates, most commonly aluminum plates. They are the cheapest ones to manufacture, but also they present less efficiency, almost half efficient as monocrystal panels. But the advantage of amorphous panels is that they are shadow protected, and last longer. For this reason they are most recommended for boats, and other installations in places of great stress.

Thin film panels are made of silicon as well, but the silicon in them has no crystal structure. It actually looks like a film that can be applied on different surfaces. They can also be manufactured with copper indium diselenide (CIS) and cadmium telluride (CdTe). As they do not depend on the making of silicon crystal, a process that is costly and takes long, they can be produced faster and cheaper, and their versatility allows them to be installed on different surfaces, even on flexible ones.

As a consequence, it is necessary to plan ahead the real energy need your Homemade Solar Panels will meet. This will reduce expenses, and raise effectiveness of the device. Nowadays, it is possible to buy a solar panel that can provide 50 watts at prices around two hundred and fifty dollars. So, for a small amount it is possible to charge a 12 volt battery, more than enough to satisfy average energy needs in a boat or a motor home. Also, physical limitations must be considered. If there is need to place the panel in a non flat surface, or a corner, then, film panels are the answer. As for looks, amorphous panels are much more sleek, and will look good on any surface, even in plain sight.

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