Our solar team at Verogy works with different types of solar panels, such as monocrystalline panels, polycrystalline panels, and thin film panels. These types of panels can feature IBC (interdigitated back contact) or PERC (passive emitter and rear cell) solar cells. Let’s examine the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of panels and cells to help you determine which one best fits your business or organization’s solar needs.
Monocrystalline Panels vs. Polycrystalline Panels
Monocrystalline panels are made from a single cylindrical silicon crystal that is sliced into silicon wafers spread across the panel. On the other hand, polycrystalline panels are made from multiple silicon crystals that are melted together and laced throughout the panel. Between the two types, monocrystalline panels have the highest efficiencies, so they capture solar rays and convert them into electricity more effectively. However, they are also more expensive than their polycrystalline counterparts. On the other hand, polycrystalline panels are rather sensitive to high temperatures. However, despite those differences, both panel types put out essentially the same amount of power.
Additionally, both monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels are first-generation solar panels, which means their technology has been around for a while and it’s had time to mature. More mature solar technology is often more reliable than newer counterparts because solar experts have had time to improve the technology and make it more effective and efficient.
Thin-Film Solar Panels
Thin-film panels are second-generation solar panels that are much thinner than first-generation solar panels. As such, these panels are made of materials such as copper indium gallium selenide instead of crystalline silicon. These panels are flexible, and you can fasten them directly to your building. However, you can also mount them on a solar rack, as you can with other panel types. Additionally, these are the least expensive panels of the three types described here, but they also have the lowest efficiencies of the three panel types. So while they are more cost effective, thin-film panels don’t capture as much sunlight as their first-generation counterparts.
Which Solar Panel Type is Right for You?
A variety of factors determine the right panel type for your solar system. Cost is a factor, of course, but factors like climate and location play a role, too. For example, if you live in an area that experiences high temperatures, a polycrystalline panel system might not fit your solar needs. But if your building is located in a mild climate, polycrystalline panels may be the right choice for you. Verogy’s solar experts can help you select the right panel type for your solar panel system.
IBC Solar Cells vs. PERC Solar Cells
We work mainly with two types of solar cells within solar panels: passivated emitter rear contact (PERC) and interdigitated back contact (IBC) solar cells. Both of these solar cell types improve their panels’ efficiencies, but in slightly different ways. PERC solar cells improve their panels’ efficiencies by adding two extra layers to the back of each panel. Those layers bounce the light into the cell a second time while also improving the electron’s energy. This cell setup allows the panel a second chance to capture the sunlight’s energy and turn it into usable electricity.
IBC cells, on the other hand, use back contact technology to absorb more sunlight per cell. Since they use back contact technology instead of the front contact technology that PERC cells use, they don’t need metal ribbons in front of each panel’s cell. Those metal ribbons can cause shading that reduces the amount of sunlight a panel can absorb. Without those ribbons, IBC cells absorb more sunlight and have some of the highest efficiencies among all other solar cells.
We work mainly with two types of solar cells within solar panels: passivated emitter rear contact (PERC) and interdigitated back contact (IBC) solar cells. Both of these solar cell types improve their panels’ efficiencies, but in slightly different ways.
Discover Your Solar Options With Verogy
Reach out to Verogy to begin developing a solar project that fits your solar needs. We understand every aspect of the solar industry and the major steps of project development. We know what PERC means in solar panels and how to capture solar power through PERC solar panels. You can trust Verogy to use our knowledge and expertise to guide you through the entire solar installation process.
