A Compilation Of Materials And Models Found In Units That Provide Solar Panel Efficiency

by Nathan Thompson

The designs available today offer a solar panel efficiency rating that ranges from 6 percent all the way up to 20.4 percent. There are a couple popular models being installed in commercial and residential environments. Each of the models available offers its own savings percentage depending on the manufacturer and the materials used.

The materials required to build the crystalline unit cause this model to cost more to manufacture. The different types of silicon that manufacturers use gives the unit a higher rating versus a thin film model. Ribbon silicon, mono-crystalline silicon and poly silicon are the most common designs sold in the world today.

Of the three models built, the mono-crystalline design offers the highest efficient ratings, however the fact that it is very expensive to manufacture makes it the least popular. The silicon is heated up and molded into a cylindrical shape. The silicon pieces shape does not completely cover the desired area and leaves gaps to in the four corners and due to extra costs the gaps are rarely filled.

Poly-crystalline silicon is cast from large blocks of silicon material which is cooled and left to solidify. This process is less expensive to manufacture but offers lower rating percentages than other types because the material is very dense. Even though the rating is lower, this model is the most popular model purchased out all crystalline models.

The ribbon design is another type of poly or multi-crystalline design. During the manufacturing process, thin ribbons are created from molten silicon and attached to the frame. This is a less expensive process than the poly process as it does not generate waste silicon as other models do.

Thin film designs are both less expensive and less efficient than crystalline silicon models. The reason for the lessened cost for manufacturing lies in the fact these models do not require crystalline materials to produce. Even though they are less efficient overall they are still a very popular design which is sold across the world.
With advancements in the area of solar panel efficiency, new models are being produced which offer an outstanding 20.4 percent rating.

This is quite a boost from thin film models that offer 6 percent and crystalline models that offer 11-13 percent ratings. With the higher ratings comes higher costs and the new models are not yet available to the public for purchase, this is due to the cost of manufacturing.


Learn more about materials and designs which ensure solar panels efficiency now in our complete overview of all you need to know about top Solar Systems USA.