Types of solar panels

To begin to know the types of solar panels that exist we will speak first of the photovoltaic solar panels. This type of panel is responsible for transform energy into electricity that comes from the Sun. It is, therefore, an excellent clean alternative to obtain electricity (or much of it) consumed in houses, shops, hospitals, schools, etc.

The most frequent is that the photovoltaic solar panel is Manufactured with photovoltaic cells (or solar cells) of silicon. Now, do you know how these cells work to generate electricity from light energy?

Very summarized, the photons of light impact with the silicon of photovoltaic cells, which causes that Silicon electrons are released and generatedas a consequence, an electric current. In addition, within the photovoltaic solar panels we also have several types. Let’s see them briefly.

Monocrystalline

Monocrystalline solar panels are those that have a greater performance and life. Because of this and also in its black and uniform color, They are the most used. They are made of silicon wafers and are arranged in squares with their cut corners (with blank holes). They are used, above all, in homes.

Polyristaline

Polyristaline solar panels are also built from silicon, but through somewhat less exhaustive processes. They have a more limited yieldbut its cost is also lower, so its use is intended for those who have a more adjusted budget. We can distinguish them from the previous ones because their color is more bluish and irregular.

Flexible, thin film or amorphous cells

Flexible solar panels are composed of:

• Silicon
• Copper
• Cadmium teluro
• Selenium
• Gallium

All of them are fixed to plastics, fabrics or glass that allow the elaboration of flexible photovoltaic cells of a much lower thickness to the other types. This involves a capital savings in raw materials and, therefore, a lower price of the panels.

On the contrary, they have a low efficiency indexso many more panels would have to be installed. They are usually used on a large scale, for example in industrial solar facilities. Its color is also black, but without the characteristic contours of silicon monocrystalline cells.

If you want you can take a look at the next Ecology article see about what solar panels are and what they are for.

We continue this article with the second type of solar panels that we can find. These are the thermal solar panels, which are also called solar collectors. These panels make possible the Transformation of solar energy into thermal energyor in other words, in heat.

We can give them multiple uses, such as heating water for sanitary use, heating swimming pools, steam production, etc. In addition, both domestic and industrial use can be given.

Similarly, we can find different solar collectors. These are:

• Low temperature solar collector: They are mainly used to heat the water for sanitary use and for heating. It is also called a non -protected flat collector. They get to 50ºC.
• Mid -temperature solar collector: They are practically equal to the previous ones, with the difference that it incorporates a kind of transparent envelope that prevents the panel from losing heat. In this way the panel reaches up to 90ºC.
• High temperature solar collector: If another cover or wrapping is added between the previous one and the so -called converter (fundamental piece of the solar thermal panel), we can reach no less than 150ºC. These types of collectors are manufactured to produce steam, which has the ability to move turbines that can generate electricity.

Third, we can find hybrid solar panels. They are nothing more than the mixture of the photovoltaic panel with the thermal, thanks to which you can produce electricity and heat simultaneously. In addition, it presents the advantage of reducing the required space by joining two panels in one, in other words, light energy per unit of surface is used much better.

They are very good option for places such as residences, hotels, heated pools, homes, etc. And, in general, in spaces where energy demand is highbut the space for installation is limited. Although these solar panels are not well known, the truth is that they are having very good acceptance due to the advantages we have commented.

Finally we bring you the advantages and disadvantages presented by the solar panels. As for the advantages, we can say that there are many and that they compensate for disadvantages.

Advantages of solar panels

The most outstanding advantages of the different types of solar panels are that:

• Energy self -sufficiency: speaking or lowering the price of the electrical invoice.
• Clean energy with which it contaminates much less than with conventional ones. Do not hesitate to take a look at this post of Ecology Verde on the importance of clean energy.
• Renewable energy: Sun light is an inexhaustible and abundant source of energy in many latitudes.
• Creation of new jobs: Choose to install solar panels leads to create new jobs in its manufacture, installation, advice, etc.
• Increased value: from the property of your home.
• Maintenance under and zero noise.
• Possibility of shared systems: What benefits people who live in those buildings that do not have sufficient space, through the creation of “community solar gardens”.

In addition, the tax that had to be paid for energy self -consumption, called “Sun Tax”, is already part of history in Europe.

Disadvantages of solar panels

However, and although less, we can also find disadvantages. The disadvantages of the most important solar panels are:

• High money disbursement: However, their costs are getting more and more and it seems that the trend will continue.
• High cost for storage.
• Need for large spaces: To be able to find a good place to install them.
• Possibility of serious landscape impact: In the area where they are installed, although it is tried to be the least possible.
• It is not constant: Neither during the year nor during the whole day.
• Taxes for use: In some countries this type of taxes must still be paid.
• Need for more support for renewable energies: To preserve the environment.

If you want to read more articles similar to Types of solar panelswe recommend that you enter our category of sustainability and sustainable development.