Which Type of Solar Panel is Best for Industrial Use?

Using solar panels is a very practical way of producing energy without cost to the environment, and solar technology has vastly improved over time, offering a range of advanced solar panels to the market. For each type available, there are three major categories to consider based on the panels’ construction, those of which are monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin film solar panels. In this article, we discuss these three types in detail, along with some reasons why they may be well suited for certain industrial applications. For more in-depth information on choosing the right panels for your assembly, we encourage you to contact our team of market experts who can best recommend products for your specific application.

Monocrystalline Solar Panels

Monocrystalline solar panels are the most commonly used solar panels in residential applications because of their high efficiency and power capacity. Using a single piece of pure silicon cut into several wafers, each monocrystalline panel has excellent power capacity within compact dimensions. As such, these panels absorb about 20% of the energy from the light they receive, making them the most efficient panel on the market. Typically, these types of panels are easy to identify by their color which appears black to the eye. This color is indicative of the way in which the panels can absorb a great amount of light, allowing them to function well even in low-light conditions. They also typically generate more power than other types of panels, both because of their efficiency and because they come in higher-wattage modules that feature up to 300 watts of power capacity. In general, these panels are favored for their high capability and sleek design. However, their more advanced manufacturing process makes them much more expensive to purchase than other types.

Polycrystalline Solar Panels

For many looking to go solar on a budget, polycrystalline solar panels have presented a highly effective option, offering efficiencies between 15% and 17%. The reason for the reduced price point is that the cells are made from silicon fragments, rather than a single pure silicon crystal. This allows for a simpler cell manufacturing process so that they are much more cost-efficient to the buyer. Unlike monocrystalline solar panels, polycrystalline panels can be identified by their characteristic blue hue which comes as a result of the anti-reflective coating that helps improve the absorbed capacity and efficiency of the solar panel.

Thin Film Solar Panels

Thin film solar panels tend to have the lowest efficiencies and power capacities, but they have the most versatile installation. These panels are made of materials which are more temperature resistant and flexible. Though efficiency can vary based on the materials used, most thin film solar panels have an efficiency around 11%. As a result, many more of these panels need to be installed to produce the same amount of electricity as a monocrystalline or polycrystalline system. However, in large-scale installations, like utility-scale solar projects, more panels can be installed to meet energy demands at a cheaper overall cost.

Conclusion

The best solar panel for your application relies on a few key factors, including the size and weight of the mounting surface. For applications that have limited space or need high efficiency per square footage, monocrystalline panels make an excellent option.

However, in much larger scale operations, the lower efficiency of thin solar panels may be outweighed by their low-cost installation. Whatever your needs, Infinite Industrials has you covered. Our widespread network of Solar Photovoltaic Energy System suppliers stretches across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, allowing us to guarantee expedited shipping for domestic and international orders alike. Begin procuring the items you need with ease when you choose to partner with Infinite Industrials, your premium sourcing solution.