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Solar Panel - Types Of Photovoltaic Cells And Their Uses

Building a solar panel is not rocket science. You don't need any skills or technical know-how. You don't need any training. Just about anyone can do it. A few tools, a step-by-step instruction guide and a few hours of your time is all it will take. Do not worry - you don't have to be an energy specialist or an engineer to succeed.

Whether you are building a small solar panel or building a complete solar panel roof a little knowledge about the different types of solar panels will go a long way in helping you make the right decisions. Each type of solar panel has a different power generating characteristic and features dependent upon the material from which it is made.

Thin-film, monocrystalline, or polycrystalline modules are basically the different types of solar panels that are available today.

Amorphous Solar Panel:

This thin film panel is flexible and can be molded into shapes. If flexibility is important then you can opt for this solar panel. But their efficiency is lower than other types of solar cell. Use thin-film amorphous cells for areas with partial shading.

Monocrystalline Solar Panel

Monocrystalline is created from one silicon crystal rod and can be considered as having a rigid structure. The silicon rod is cut into thin wafers in order to provide the base within which solar cells are formed. They are most efficient under low light. So, the solar panel cost of a monocrystalline silicone is highest among the photovoltaic cells.

Polycrystalline Silicon Panel

Polycrystalline solar cells are processed from numerous silicon crystals that are heated together, and then cooled in molds to form ingots of silicon. The ingot is then cut into wafers and processed as before in order to produce solar cells. Compared to the mono PV panels, poly panels are less efficient, and less expensive.

DIY solar panel kits from different manufacturers are available in the market today. They include the panel, the electronics, instructions, and all the wiring you need to get started. For example, a small solar panel kit could power a little stereo, a light, and help charge your phone. You can use this at the boathouse or your mountain cabin. You'll need a screwdriver, the ability to follow instructions, and a sunny place to mount the panel.

These kits start at less than $100 and for $500 you can get a nice little system and expand it later. Building a solar panel is much cheaper than that.