Not all solar photovoltaic (PV) cells are made alike. Generally speaking, there are four different types – those made out of monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, or amorphous silicon. And while there are a number of differences between these cells, they mostly differ in the extent to which they carry out three main functions –
Put all these factors together and what you get is how efficient PV cells are at converting solar light into electricity. In other words, buyers want the most bang for their buck or the greatest amount of electricity delivered for the lowest cost. So which type of solar panel really delivers the best? Monocrystalline silicon takes the cake from a cost-effectiveness standpoint – these cells are reputed to be the most efficient all, nearly 1% more efficient than competing cells. But the problem is these cells are the most expensive so buyers face high upfront costs to purchase monocrystalline silicon PV panels. Many buyers go with polycrystalline which is second in efficiency and one of the most widely used technologies. Polycrystalline delivers high efficiency but at a slightly lower upfront cost than its monocrystalline cousin. And polycrystalline works best for smaller surface areas, making it another ideal option for residential customers with smaller roofs. But if you live in a warm climate and your roof has some shade cover, don’t overlook amorphous silicon. These cells aren’t as efficient as some others, but they operate well in areas with high temperatures and with partial shading caused by things like trees or other buildings.Image: Anteromite/Shutterstock