The process of electricity production releases several greenhouse gases. These emissions are the core reason for climate change and lead to global warming. As a result, several individuals are adopting environmentally friendly approaches to deal with such issues. One such option is solar panels that promote sustainable living and reduce utility bills.
Those looking forward to this new addition to their home may come across multiple types for their photovoltaic system. Each solar panel converts the sun’s energy to generate electricity for numerous purposes. This article discusses polycrystalline solar panel, their features, working, and applications.
Introduction to Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Polycrystalline solar panels, or poly or multi-crystalline solar panels, are one of the three solar panel types. The other two types include monocrystalline and thin-film solar panels. A PV or photovoltaic cell of poly solar panels consists of innumerable silicon crystals.
The polycrystalline solar panels’ wafers comprise melted silicon fragments. Concerning the poly solar cells, the molten silicon cask used in making PV cells gets time to cool down on the solar panels.
Made from numerous polycrystalline silicon, these solar panels have a mosaic appearance. Hence, it is the reason for their longevity and excellent at absorbing solar energy. They have a square shape and a blue shade because of silicon crystals.
Further, with every cell packed with several silicon crystals, these solar panels enable contracted electron movement to help with the effective formation of energy. Thus, polycrystalline solar panels assimilate solar energy to produce electricity.
Working of Polycrystalline Solar Panel
Now that you understand a polycrystalline solar panel, we will discuss how it works. These panels comprise photovoltaic cells, which contain silicon crystals. The presence of crystals makes it a semiconductor.
The PN junction supplies the electrons with energy as the photons fall on it to allow the electric current to flow. Here, the PN junction is when the P-type electrode joins the N-type electrode. The P-type lack electrons, whereas N-type materials have them in abundance.
The PV cells of the solar panels connect to two electrodes. The top surface electrode includes small wires, and the bottom electrode acts as a foil conductor.
Distinct Features of Polycrystalline Solar Panel
No error exists when it concerns the arrangement of the polycrystalline silicon and PV cells. Consequently, it makes them an advanced solution for powerful solar panels. To give you more insight, we bring you the features of polycrystalline solar panels.
- If you want a more sustainable option, multi-crystalline solar panels win against various solar panels like monocrystalline panels. It is because they do not need individual positioning of silicon crystals as the solar panel uses the most molten silicon for PV cell production. As a result, these solar panels are very efficient and generate reduced waste.
- The heat threshold of a polycrystalline solar panel is more than a monocrystalline solar panel. As a result, these solar panels work well at high temperatures, given their high-power density.
- The lowest tolerable poly solar panel temperature is –40 degrees Celsius, whereas the highest is 80 degrees Celsius.
- When a substance’s physical properties change to a degree at a particular temperature, this temperature is known as the temperature coefficient. The temperature coefficient of polycrystalline solar panels is more than mono solar panels.
- The polycrystalline solar panels feature a different structural framework. As a result, installing them is easy and cost-effective.
What is the Use of Polycrystalline Solar Panels?
Here are a few things that you can use polycrystalline solar panels for:
- If you plan to get a home solar, you can get roof-mounted polycrystalline solar arrays. These are a panel sequence joined in an arrangement and fixed firmly on your house’s roof. They will receive enough sun exposure without any interruption.
- Solar farms have a significant PV solar panel collection for absorbing the sun’s energy to generate electricity. These farms can also make use of poly solar panels for this purpose. The power grid then receives the generated electricity to distribute to neighboring areas.
- In some areas, independent devices, like traffic lights, do not need external control for operation and can use poly solar panels. Some households are solitary without a connection to an electrical network and can also benefit from multi-crystalline solar panels.
Plus, and Minus Points of Polycrystalline Solar Panels
While you understand what poly solar panels are, their working, features, and applications, you need something more to make a firm and informed decision. Hence, this section will discuss the advantages and drawbacks of employing polycrystalline solar panels.
Advantages of using poly solar panels:
- The production process of multi-crystalline panels is simple and employs numerous silicon PV cells. As a result, you can buy them at a cheaper price as compared to monocrystalline solar panels.
- The poly panels make a better environmental choice as they use less fossil fuel.
- The significant advantage of using these solar panels is that you can use them with an inverter or batteries.
- Because of the application of silicon wafers on solar panels, they produce less waste, making them an eco-friendly option.
Disadvantages of using poly solar panels:
- The silicon purity of the polycrystalline solar panels is not up to the mark. As a result, it affects the solar panel and makes it less efficient than monocrystalline panels.
- They may have a shorter life as compared to other solar panels.
- Polycrystalline solar panels cannot tolerate heat as efficiently as monocrystalline-based panels. Hence, their performance degrades as the temperature rises.
- You will require a larger surface area to produce the same power as mono solar panels with a poly solar panel. However, with technological advancements, there is not much difference.
Conclusion
Polycrystalline solar panels are a type of solar panel that is affordable and environmentally friendly. They do not use much energy and work best at all temperatures. Polycrystalline-based panels work wonderfully if you look forward to cheaper and more effective solar panels.
These modern solutions are best for commercial and domestic uses. You can mount them on your house’s rooftops or for solar farms. They also work best for standalone devices.
