Ever wondered why some panels are colored blue and some black? The colors are not chosen by manufacturers for aesthetic purposes. It all comes down to how solar panels are manufactured. Let’s take a look at the different types of solar panels and why they carry those colors.
It starts with the silicon
Solar is highly made out of Silicon (Si), a semiconductor material that is the second most abundant element on Earth and is used in a multitude of applications, commonly for electronic components. Silicon has a touch of blue in color which explains why most of the solar panels look blue in color.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Numerous silicon crystals are used to make the more common polycrystalline solar panels which are also known for its blue color. The nature of how polycrystalline panels are produced is the reason why it is cheaper to manufacture and popular because of its low cost and wider availability.
The blue color of a polycrystalline panel is a side-effect of the silicon crystals reflecting light and the anti-reflective coating the panels undergo to improve its absorbing capacity and efficiency. One disadvantage of the polycrystalline is that it is less efficient compared to its counterpart (the monocrystalline panel), which is due to the number of silicon crystals that make up the solar cell causing a limited space for photons to travel through.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Monocrystalline panels are more intricate and complicated to produce since it uses silicon with a high level of purity and is aligned in one orientation, creating one silicon crystal in each solar cell. The tedious process of how monocrystalline panels are produced is one reason why it is more expensive. The darker color observed in monocrystalline panels is caused by how the light interacts with its silicon layer.
Which is the better: blue or black panels?
The efficiency of solar panels does not rely on aesthetics but on scientific reasons. The black naturally absorbs more light than the color blue, thus causing more space for the photons to travel through in each solar cell. Due to how they were produced, polycrystalline and monocrystalline panels do not just differ in the physical sense but they also offer different benefits and disadvantages. Monocrystalline has higher efficiency but will definitely cost more, while Polycrystalline is cheaper. If you are limited by roof space and you’re looking for more highly efficient solar panels or simply opting for aesthetics, you may want to consider having a monocrystalline panel for your system. If you are on a tight budget, have ample roof space, and prefer a lower price, polycrystalline might be your best option.
Turning on the sun
At Solaric, we appeal to Filipino sensibilities of approachability, service and value. Before we give a quotation, we learn how you use energy. We determine the best ways to maximize your return on a hard-earned investment. We present different strategies to ensure that you achieve your solar goals. We want to ensure reduced expenses and increased savings so that you make that one-time wise business and environmental investment. We always do our best to deliver fast, efficient, and thorough customer service. We are in the business of not just selling solar panels – but also enabling solar-powered lifestyles. With this, we want to provide endless satisfaction by delivering Solaric Service Satisfaction, ranging from permanent reduction of electric bills to the ultimate ZERO bill.
Solaric is the leader in rooftop solar
Solaric has established its name across the renewable industry as a proven and reputable rooftop solar leader. Backed by decades of experience, Solaric has installed more than 50% of residential rooftop solar in the Philippines and has delivered significant cost reductions in electricity expenses, as well as milestone contributions to a cleaner, greener, and renewable future. We want every Filipino to enjoy the benefits of clean and renewable power. Welcome to the new generation of solar and turning on the sun.
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If you also want to #TurnOnTheSun then give us a call at 75040092 or 09178603141 or 09083775577, email info@solaric.com.ph or visit www.solaric.com.ph
We will gladly explain to you how the system works, or schedule a survey so we can give you options for your new home or existing homes or businesses.
At Solaric, we Turn on the Sun.