In general, solar solar panels that are commercially produced today can be classified as follows:
1-Monocrystalline solar panels
2-Polycrystalline solar panels
3-Thin film solar panels
Currently, more than 90% of photovoltaic cells are made of various types of silicon. In 2011, about 95% of the panels sold to run home photovoltaic systems in the United States of America were crystalline silicon. Silicon is used to make solar panels in various ways. The most important difference is the purity of the silicon used. Crystalline silicon is the basis for making monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar cells.
1-Monocrystalline solar panels
Monocrystalline solar cells are made from pure crystal. Their integrated color simply distinguishes panels with this technology from other panels. Silicon crystals with rounded corners are used in the construction of these types of panels, which distinguish them from polycrystalline panels in terms of appearance.
1-1-Advantages of monocrystalline panels
The highest yield among panels (around 21%) due to the high manufacturing quality and high purity of silicon
Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient in using space and require less space for installation, and as a result, they are the best choice for places where there is a lack of space or the price of land is expensive.
They have the longest lifespan among panels, and for this reason, most manufacturers have a warranty of more than 20 years for this type of panel.
Compared to polycrystalline panels, they have better performance and efficiency in low light conditions.
1-2-Disadvantages of monocrystalline panels
Due to the multi-stage and complex construction, they are the most expensive type of solar panels.
If the shadow falls on a part of the panel, or the panel becomes dirty and dusty, or if snow and hail sit on the panel, the entire panel will stop working and will not produce power.
Due to the manufacturing method of this type of panel, a lot of waste is created during their manufacture.
At high temperatures (usually above 30 degrees Celsius), the efficiency of this type of panel drops.