Looking to buy a Solar PV equipment, but confused as to what kind of solar panels to choose.

You might be wondering:

What all do I need to consider for choosing the best solar panel?

The vendor you contacted could be giving you quotations for Solar panels he thinks is right.

But unless you have the firsthand information about solar power panels it might be difficult to
make the perfect decision.

So in todays post, I detail on the different types of Solar PV panels and the pros and cons of
each type of solar panel and the different factors to consider when choosing a solar panel.

Ready?

Lets get right in.

Photovoltaics Basics
The Solar PV system consists of solar panels made of solar cells which convert solar power into
electric current. The electric current generated is DC (Direct current) which is converted to
usable AC (Alternating current) power by solar inverters.

The solar cells are made by sandwiching 2 layers of silicon crystal. The top layer is N-type and
is treated to lose electrons and the bottom layer is the P-type treated to receive electrons.
When the sunlight falls on the solar panel, excited electrons exit from N-type to the P-type and
the P-type is ready to receive the electron into its empty spaces.

To create conductivity other elements are added for the free flow of electrons within the cell.
Electrons are made to flow through a circuit to produce electricity.

Types Of Solar Panels

The solar panels differ based on the type of solar cells used. There are 3 basic types of Solar
Panels

Monocrystalline solar panels

Polycrystalline solar panels
Thin-crystal solar panels

Monocrystalline Panels
They are the most efficient at converting sunlight into electricity. They are usually dark black in
color. The solar cells are made of single crystal silicon and uniform lattice structure. This
homogeneous structure enables electrons to move easily and hence are more efficient
compared to polycrystalline panels. Since they are highly efficient, the solar panel size is less
and occupies less roof space and is less expensive.
Pros

Highest efficiency solar panels made of a high-grade silicon

Space efficient
Long lifespan
More efficient in warm weather compared to others.

Cons

Highly expensive

Polycrystalline Panels
They are dark blue in color. The manufacturing process is very difficult. It can be done using
the expensive Czochralski process which produces efficient silicon wafers or the less
costly Bridgman process producing less efficient silicon wafers.

And because of its nonhomogeneous structure with many crystal fusion, there is less space for
electrons to move and are less efficient. They occupy more roof space and hence less
efficient.

Pros

Costs less
Lower heat resistance compared to Monocrystalline panels
Cons

Less efficient than Monocrystalline

Less space efficiency

Thin-Film Panels

These panels are often not made with silicon wafers, but made by applying a very, very thin
layer of a special paint of very fine particles of specific metals. Although the cost is low, more
roof space area is required in this case.

Pros

Mass production simple

Very Appealing
High temperature and shading have less impact

Cons

Takes up a lot of space

Degrades faster compared to others

Important factors to consider:

Installation & Venue Conditions

The direction where the Solar Panels are installed India located in the northern
hemisphere makes true south the optimum direction to get the most out of the
solar panels.
 The tilt of the Solar panels The tilt of the solar panel is adjusted to make sure the
sunlight strikes at 90 degrees with the panel. This angle of incidence varies with
seasonal variations. The Solar output depends on Orientation, Tilt and Tracking.
Shading The solar equipment(crystalline) produces the maximum output when
working without shades. Consider the different types of shading when installing the
Solar PV systems. Ensure there are no obstructions creating shades on the
equipment
Temperature The ambient temperature plays an important role. It affects the solar
panel temperature in determining the output of the solar panels.

Economical Perspective
Consider your budget. Choose a solar panel that suits your budget when taken other
factors into consideration.

Cost Efficiency Of Solar Panels

The efficiency of solar panels is the amount of electrical output it can provide for the amount of
solar radiation falling on it per meter square. For example: consider a solar panel with efficiency
14% and area 1.5 m2. If the amount of solar radiation falling on this panel is 1000W/m2, then
this panel is capable of producing 1000 * 14% * 1.5 = 210W

If this energy falls for 5 hours, then this panel will produce 210*5= 1050 wh or 1.05kWh in a
day. Higher the efficiency, higher will be the amount of energy generated per unit area. So
efficiency matters if you have limited space for solar panel installation and in such a case it is
better to go for higher efficiency solar panel.

Although efficiency is important what matters at the end of the day is cost efficiency, i.e. how
many money you are paying for each Watt of power?

Solar Panel Temperature

Solar Panel Temperature plays a major influence in the output of the Solar panels.
Solar Panel temperature depends on the

Ambient temperature and Temperature coefficient of the Solar panels

Solar Panel Installation
Ambient Temperature & Temperature Coefficient Of The Solar Panels

If the weather is very hot it leads to increase in the solar panel temperature the result is
reduced output. Contrarily in cold sunny temperature, the solar panels can work more
efficiently.

Information on the temperatures effects on solar panels is provided by the manufacturers in

terms of the temperature coefficient of power rating.

Temperature Coefficient

Temperature coefficient tells the rate at which the power decreases for every degree rise in
temperature.

Temperature coefficients of the solar panels come in between 0 and 0.5%. Closer the value is
to 0 higher the power output. Also, the installation of the Solar PV affects the Panel
temperature.

All the solar panels come with 25 deg Celsius rating. But the temperature outside can grow
much higher than this.

Ex:
Lets say a 500W monocrystalline solar panel installed on a roof is at 50degC.
The solar panels power loss can be calculated as follows:
50degC 25degC = 25degC
25degC x -0.5% = 12.5%
Therefore panel power loss = 12.5% x 500W = 62.5W
Therefore panel power = 437.5W

Solar Panel installation

Where the Solar panel is installed can influence the panel temperature. If it is installed on a
rooftop the solar panels experience far greater temperature than the ambient temperature
leading to decreased output.

Panel Quality & Warranty

Weather and temperature fluctuations can cause panels to degrade over time and produce
less energy. Most solar panels lose about 1 percent of their power generating capacity per
year.
A solar companys product warranty is an indicator of how much a company is willing to stand
behind its products. Sun Power offers an industry-leading 25-year Combined Power and
Product warranty. In the unlikely event that a Sun Power panel is underperforming, we will
repair or replace the panel and reinstall it on your home.

There are many important factors when going solar performance, quality and warranty are at
the top of the list. You also want to make sure you purchase the panels from a reputable
company that will be around to back up its warranty

Tolerance of Solar Panels:

A solar panel rated at say 100 Watts should give at least 100 Watts under standard test
conditions. However, if the manufacturers say that their panels have a tolerance of +/- 5%, it
means the same panel can give either 105 Watts (acceptable) or even 95 Watts (not
acceptable). Ensure that your solar panel will always have positive tolerance mentioned on
the datasheet.

Conclusion
The article looked at the important factors to look at before choosing the type of Solar panels
that best suit you.

The important factors to consider are:

Your goals
Panel Quality and Warranty / Approvals / Certifications
Temperature Coefficient of solar panels
Efficiency of solar panels
Tolerance of Solar panels

If you are considering purchasing a Solar Rooftop, we could assist you in getting the
right Solar Rooftop that suits your requirements. Contact us for more information.