The use of solar energy has an advantage over conventional electricity because it is a cleaner and much cheaper source of energy. Solar panels are an essential component of a home solar power system because they capture the sunlight and generate electricity. Various types of solar panels offer different services and are necessary for different situations. If you are interested in knowing about types of solar panels, you can stick to us. Let us crack it all together.

Types of solar panels

There are different types of solar panels. A specific type of solar panel catered well to your problems according to desired system characteristics and the particular characteristics of your property. So to make a good selection of solar panels, you must be aware of the different types. The most important and widely used types of solar panels are mentioned as under:

 Mono-crystalline
 Poly-crystalline

Both solar panel types have their advantages if correctly used. So, you must make an appropriate selection before making a final decision.

 Mono-crystalline: These are the type of solar panels that comprise mono-crystalline solar cells. The cells are composed of silicon ingots. The cylindrical silicon is sliced into various wafer-forming cells. These circular wafers are wire cut to an octagonal-shaped wafer for extra efficiency. The cells possess a uniform color. They are coated with silicon nitride to increase absorption and reduce reflection.

 Poly-crystalline: Multi-crystalline or poly-crystalline solar panels are all types of solar panels consisting of various silicon crystals in one photovoltaic cell. Multiple fragments of silicone are joined together to form these wafers. They have a surface looking like a mosaic. They have a much higher temperature coefficient than that of mono-crystalline panels.

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A solar water heating system consists of the components such as collectors, storage tank, pumps, water/heat transfer fluid, heat exchanges and controllers. The sun radiates energy in the form of heat and light. The collector, when exposed to sun, absorbs most of the heat and the water or heat transfer fluid gets heated up. As a result there is rise in temperature of the water/heat transfer fluid by way of conduction. The collector also loses heat to the by convection and radiation.

By controlling the exchange of heat between the collector and the water/heat transfer fluid, through conduction or convection, it would be considered as a desirable heat exchange. The solar collector tried to increase this desirable heat exchange and reduce the undesirable heat loss to air, atmosphere or other materials in contact. Solar water heating uses both the direct solar radiation that comes directly from the sun and diffused solar radiation that is scattered by the atmosphere.

There are two types of solar water heating systems: active, which have circulating pumps and controls, and passive, which don’t. Most solar water heaters require a well-insulated storage tank. Solar storage tanks have an additional outlet and inlet connected to and from the collector.

Though the initial investment for a solar water heater is high compared to available conventional geysers, the return on investment has become increasingly attractive with the increase in prices of conventional energy. Solar water heating is also an environmentally friendly technology that contributes towards reduction in emissions.

A Solar Photovoltaic (PV) system is able to supply electrical energy to loads by directly converting solar energy through the photovoltaic effect. The system structure is very flexible. PV modules are the main building blocks and can be arranged into arrays to obtain different levels of power production. Other components include the charge controller, battery bank, Inverter and balance of system components. The system is designed taking into consideration the energy needs or loads for a particular application. The two major classes of PV systems are:

The system includes all the elements necessary elements to supply AC appliances in a household or commercial application. A diesel generator may be considered to enhance the system reliability but is not compulsory. The number of components in the system will depend on the type of load that is being served.

Grid Tied PV Systems are directly coupled to the electrical distribution network and may not require battery storage as shown on the diagram below. Electrical energy is either sold or purchased from the electric utility company depending on the energy load patterns and the solar energy resource variation during the day. An inverter is needed to convert DC to AC.

There are many benefits that could be obtained from grid-tied PV systems instead of standalone systems such as less balance of system components needed, eliminates the need for energy storage and takes advantage of existing electrical infrastructure