Types of Solar Panels
There are three types of solar panels: single crystal, multi-crystalline or poly-crystalline, and amorphous silicon.
Each of these solar panel types is estimated to last at least twenty-five years. And some even estimate that forty years is a reasonable expectation. The longevity rating of a solar panel refers to the number of years before the unit starts producing only 80 percent of its original power rating. For example, some solar panels are warranted to produce at least 80 percent of their full-rated power after twenty-five years. Instead of stopping production completely, a solar panel will gradually produce less and less power over decades.
Single crystal solar panels are currently the most efficient type available, meaning that they produce the most power per square foot of module. The cells are fragile so they must be mounted in a rigid frame, and the solar panels usually have a polka dot or checkered pattern.
Multi-crystalline (or poly-crystalline) solar panels are made of cells cut from multiple crystals that are grown together in an ingot. They are similar to single crystal cells in module structure. But multi-crystalline (or poly-crystalline) solar panels slightly less efficient since they require a bit more surface area to produce the same amount of electricity.
Thin Film Solar Panels
Amorphous silicon solar panels (e.g. thin film) are made from cells created by depositing a micro-thin layer of silicon directly onto a sheet of glass, plastic, or other substrate. Although amorphous silicon solar panels are less efficient and require up to 50 percent more space, they can be mounted on a flexible backing, making them easier to transport and ideal for building-integrated uses, such as roofing tiles or shingles.
Solar panels are wired together into a photovoltaic (PV) array, and the electricity they produce is fed through an inverter that changes the direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC), making it suitable for homes and business, and compatible with the electric grid. The inverter is the major electronic appliance associated with a grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) system.
