Different Types Of Solar Panels In India. Which One Is Best For You

Solar panels come in different types, each with unique characteristics and advantages. The most popular types of solar panels in India are polycrystalline, mono PERC, half-cut, and bifacial solar panels. In this article, we will explore the differences between these four types of solar panels and which is better for you.

Polycrystalline Solar Panels

Polycrystalline solar panels are built with silicon crystals that are melted and poured into moulds to form rectangular wafers. These wafers are then cut into square cells and then they are assembled into the panel. Polycrystalline panels are known for their lower efficiency compared to other types but they are more affordable. These panels are also less sensitive to high temperatures and shading, making them suitable for warmer climates.

Technology

Polycrystalline solar panels are manufactured by assembling Polycrystalline solar cells. Polycrystalline solar cells are made up of multiple silicon crystals together to get a rectangular shape. The silicon is then poured into a mould, cooled, and sliced into wafers. After that, they are assembled into the solar panel.

Features

1. Have a blue tint and a textured surface.
2. Less expensive than other types of solar PV modules.
3. Less sensitivity to high temperatures, thus suitable for warmer climates.

Advantages

1. Polycrystalline solar PV modules are more affordable
2. They have a good lifespan of 25 years
3. They can be used for multiple applications
4. Polycrystalline solar panel prices are more competitive

Disadvantages

1. Lower efficiency compared to other solar panels like Mono PERC & Halfcut
2. Less efficient in low light and cloudy conditions

Price

Polycrystalline solar panel prices in India vary depending on the manufacturer, the size of the panel, and the quantity purchased. Generally, they are more expensive than Mono PERC, Halfcut & Bi-facial solar panels.

Applications and Uses

You can use Polycrystalline solar panels for home & residential, commercial, and industrial applications. They can be installed on rooftops, carports, and open spaces such as fields or parking lots.

Mono PERC Solar Panels

Mono PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact) solar pv modules are made using a single crystal of silicon. The PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) architecture is designed to enhance the light-capturing capabilities of solar cells. One of the ways it does this is by improving light capture near the rear surface of the cell.

Technology

Mono PERC solar panels utilize a type of solar cell that includes a thin passivation layer on the rear of the cell. One of the distinguishing features of PERC solar cells is the presence of a dielectric layer at the back side of the cell. This layer helps to increase the cell's efficiency by allowing some of the sun's rays that pass through the cell to reflect back into it. These reflected rays are given another opportunity to be absorbed by the cell and converted into energy.This increases the efficiency of this PERC technology-based monocrystalline solar panel and makes it more reliable in challenging weather conditions.

Features

1. Mono PERC solar panels are black in colour.
2. Have more efficiency, durability and reliability.
3. Lower temperature coefficients and better output. 

Advantages

1. They are more efficient than traditional monocrystalline solar panels
2. Show excellent performance in Low light & cloudy conditions.
3. More area efficiency i.e. fewer panels are needed to generate the same amount of energy.

Disadvantages

1. More expensive than traditional solar panels.
2. Less efficient in very high temperatures
3. Mono PERC solar panel prices are higher than monocrystalline solar panels

Price

The Mono PERC solar panel prices vary depending on the manufacturer, size of the panel, and the quantity purchased. Generally, they are more expensive than traditional solar panels, but the increased efficiency and reliability can result in lower long-term costs.

Applications and Uses

Mono PERC solar panels are used in a wide range of applications. You can use these solar panels for home & residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They can be used to power homes, businesses, solar water pumps, filling stations & EV charging stations.

Half-Cut Solar Panels

Half-cut solar panels are a type of photovoltaic module that use half-cut cells and multi-busbar (MBB) technology to increase their efficiency and power output. MBB technology involves using multiple thin metal cylindrical ribbons to connect the cells within a module, which reduces resistance and increases the amount of energy that can be extracted from the cells.

Features

1. Half-cut cells: By cutting cells in half, each cell can function more efficiently, reducing the overall losses in the module.
2. MBB technology: This allows for more efficient power generation and improves the reliability and durability of the solar panel.
3. High efficiency: Half-cut MBB solar panels typically have a higher efficiency rating than traditional solar panels, which means they can generate more electricity per square foot of space. 

Advantages

1. These solar panels have a higher efficiency than other mono PERC solar panels.
2. The half-cut design allows for better shade tolerance since each half of the cell operates independently.
3. Due to MBB technology, half cut solar panels have reduced internal resistance leading to more power generation.
4. Half cut cells and MBB collectively made solar panels resistant to microcracks and hot spots.

Disadvantages

1. Higher cost: Half-cut solar panels are typically more expensive than traditional solar panels, due to the additional materials and manufacturing processes required.
2. Higher voltage: The higher voltage produced by the MBB design may require additional safety precautions when installing the panels.

Price

Half-cut solar panel price is higher than traditional mono PERC solar panels due to the additional materials and manufacturing processes required. However, the exact price is dependent on the brand and model.

Applications and Uses

Half-cut solar panels are suitable for various applications, such as home and commercial rooftop installations, ground-mounted systems, and solar farms or solar parks.

Bi-facial Solar Panels

Bifacial solar panels have been designed to absorb light from both sides of the solar panel, making them more efficient than traditional one-sided panels. Bifacial panels can be either polycrystalline or monocrystalline and are installed either vertically or horizontally. These panels are more expensive than conventional solar panels. But they can produce more energy in certain situations, such as in snowy or reflective environments. So Bi-facial solar panels are not suitable for Indian non-reflective rooftops.

Technology

The Bi-facial solar panel price varies depending on the manufacturer, size, and quality of the panel. Generally, bi-facial solar panels are more expensive than traditional solar panels, but their increased energy output can make them a cost-effective option in certain situations only.

Applications and Uses

Bi-facial solar panels can be used in a wide range of applications, including commercial and residential rooftop installations, ground-mounted solar farms, and portable solar solutions. They are particularly well-suited for locations with high levels of ground reflection, such as snow-covered landscapes, bodies of water, or light-coloured surfaces. Bi-facial solar panels can also be used in combination with other renewable energy technologies, such as wind turbines or energy storage systems, to create hybrid energy systems.

Which Solar Panel Is Better For You

Polycrystalline solar panels are the most commonly used type of solar panels in India. They are affordable and have a good efficiency rate. However, they are not as efficient as Mono PERC solar panels. Mono PERC solar panels have a higher efficiency rate and can generate more electricity in a smaller area. They are also more expensive than Polycrystalline solar panels.

Half cut solar panels are a variation of Mono PERC solar panels. They have a lower chance of developing hot spots, which can decrease the efficiency of the solar panel. Additionally, if a portion of the panel is shaded, the other half of the panel will still function optimally. This type of solar panel is suitable for rooftops that are partially shaded.

Choosing a solar panel for home or business depends on several factors, such as location, shading, and budget. For example, if the location receives ample sunlight and shading is not a concern, Polycrystalline solar panels could be a good option. On the other hand, if the site receive less sunlight and shading is a concern, then Mono PERC or Half-cut solar panels would be a better choice.

Ultimately, it is best to consult a solar panel expert to determine which solar panel is best suited for your specific needs and requirements.