The demand for solar panels is increasing rapidly due to their numerous benefits and solar panel manufacturing companies are growing faster and faster, producing different types of solar panels. It is the new and the most advanced means to utilize solar energy in the most efficient way.
Concept of Solar Panel and Its Working
We all know that the solar energy produced by the sun is transformed into electricity with the help of solar panels. But do you know how the different types of solar panels work?
The solar panels are made up of numerous photovoltaic cells. Such cells have silicon which is a semiconductor, phosphorus works as a negative charge, and boron as a positive charge.
When photons contained in sunlight hit the topmost layer of photovoltaic cells of solar panels, produce electrons and these electrons pass down to the bottom layer which results in producing an electrical current called the photovoltaic effect.
Since electricity is produced by chemical action with the help of light, it is called photovoltaic. Solar panels produce DC current which is converted to AC current with the help of an inverter for running electricity at homes and other places. Here you should also know about the use of half cut solar panel technology.
The Various Types Of Solar Panels In India 2023
On the basis of several factors like their efficiency, power generating ability, the number of junctions, and the generation to which they belong, they are classified.
According to the number of layers present in the solar panel, junctions can be single or multi. Single having one layer and multi of more than one. Again according to their efficiency, power, and material, solar panels belong to the 1st, the 2nd, and 3rd generations.
Ist Generation Solar Panels
This type of solar panel has monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels – Also known as single crystal panels, they have a dark color like black or dark blue.
Here are the most efficient rooftop solar panels in India which are used in every home.
Advantages Of Monocrystalline Solar Panels
- They produce more electricity because of a single silicon crystal on them, the electrons get more space to move.
- They have longer durability because of their higher heat-resistant capability.
- They are more expensive than the other panels because they occupy very less space.
- Due to the pure silicon crystal on them, monocrystalline solar panels are the most expensive.
Disadvantage Of Monocrystalline Panels
- Because of their ability to occupy very less space, they are very expensive.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels – This type of solar panel is also called multi-crystalline panels, they are
made up of numerous silicon crystals that are melted to square-shaped
cells. They are less efficient than monocrystalline solar panels and their price is comparatively lower.
Advantages Of Polycrystalline Solar Panels
- They comes with affordable prices than that of Monocrystalline solar panels
- Their structure is made of less silicon and is comparatively easier to manufacture than the monocrystalline ones.
Disadvantages Of Polycrystalline Solar Panels
- They are less efficient than monocrystalline panels as they are made of multiple silicon, so the electrons get less space to move.
You may also like to read – List of Top 10 Solar EPC Companies in India
2nd Generation Solar Panels
These panels are made up of thin film solar cells used to manufacture solar panels with lower cost and low absorption power of light.
Thin Film Solar Panels – They are manufactured using one or more photovoltaic substances onto a substrate. These types of substances are – Amorphous Silicon, Cadmium Telluride, and Copper Indium Gallium Selenide(CIGS).
Advantages of Thin Film Solar Panel
- They are cheaper as fewer substances are involved in their production.
- They are perfect for open areas having huge space for their installations.
- The installation process of Thin film solar panels is very easy.
- They are lighter and more flexible than other solar panels and therefore very easy to install.
- They have low carbon footprints.
Disadvantages of Thin Film Solar Panel
- They are not a good choice to install in houses because it requires very large space.
- The presence of materials such as cadmium on such panels makes them unfriendly to the environment.
Amorphous Silicon Solar Panels – They are also good among thin film solar panels. They normally don’t have any specific shape with unstructured silicon.
Advantages of Amorphous Silicon
- Such solar panels have triple layers of silicon which makes them the best among thin film solar panels.
- They are very cheap to afford.
Disadvantages of Amorphous Silicon
- They have a very less efficiency rate which consists of only 7 %.
Also Read – Know About Solar Fencing System in India
3rd Generation Solar Panels
3rd generation solar panels use many organic and inorganic substances. They are categories of thin film solar panels. Some of the solar cells are still developing.
Cadmium Telluride (Cd Te) Solar Panels – Such solar panels have very fewer emissions of carbon dioxide. But it releases other toxic substances like Cadmium, having harmful effects on the environment.
Advantages of Cadmium Telluride
- They need less price to build and require very less water to produce.
- They reduce carbon footprints.
Disadvantages of Cadmium Telluride
- They release toxic substances like Cadmium which is very dangerous for mankind.
- The toxic materials released by them are injurious to health if inhaled.
Copper Indium Gallium Selenide Solar Panels – This type of solar panel is made of copper, indium, gallium, and selenium placed on a solid surface such as a glass or plastic sheet.
Due to such substances, it has the highest absorption of light capacity and the most efficient of all thin film solar panels. They use curved mirrors and lenses for their manufacturing.
Advantages of Copper Indium Solar Panels
- They are the most efficient solar panels among 3rd generation solar panels, with an efficiency rate of 41%.
- Such solar panels are multi-junction.
- They prove very efficient if they get sunlight from a perfect angle.
Disadvantages of Copper Indium Solar Panels
- They are less efficient than monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels.
Know more about these best Solar Power Manufactures in India. Here you can also contact them.
Cost For Different Types Of Solar Panels
For manufacturing solar panels in India, the price range is between Rs 30 per watt and Rs 50 per watt. Solar panels require other electronic devices for their operation such as an inverter for converting DC current to AC, cables; batteries, and a grid system for storing the energy produced.
The price of the grid PV system is between Rs 50000 to 75000 per K WP, according to the type of inverter and solar panel chosen. The off-grid PV system is nearly RS 100000 with expensive batteries.
Visit Solluz’s home page to know the exact cost of different solar panels in India and customized quotations.
For manufacturing, rooftop solar panel price in India is about 100000 per KWP including installation. For backup in battery, more Rs 25000 is required.
Disclaimer: This is not the fixed Cost of Solar Panels. It is very location to location.