Solar Panel is an integral component of the solar system. There are various types of solar cells that are used by companies to manufacture solar panels. The solar system is an important investment like parking your money in real estate, banks, equities, and ETFs. Therefore, it becomes crucial for the consumer to be aware of what solar cells are used to manufacture solar panels. They differ in design, components, efficiency, performance, and price.
Let’s discuss 4 major types of solar cells that are widely used and are available in NSW & across Australia in 2022.
- Monocrystalline
- Polycrystalline
- PERC
- N-type & P-type
Monocrystalline Solar Cells
- Each solar PV cell is made of a single silicon crystal. These are sometimes referred to as “mono solar panels.”
- Since they are made from pure silicon, they can easily be identified with dark black colour
- It is the most space-efficient, durable, and long-lasting among all other solar panel types
- It is the most expensive as numerous silicon is wasted to manufacture one monocrystalline cell
Polycrystalline Solar Cells
- Each PV cell is made of multiple silicon crystal fragments that are melted together during manufacturing
- You may see them called “multi-crystalline panels” or “poly panels.”
- However, the crystalline silicon structure of individual solar cells affects their performance and appearance.
Key Differences Between Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline Solar Cells
| Factors | Monocrystalline Solar Cells | Polycrystalline Solar Cells |
| Silicone Arrangement | One pure silicon crystal | Many silicon fragments melted together |
| Manufacturing Process | Rigorous and Intensive | Simple |
| Cost | Expensive | Less expensive |
| Efficiency | More efficient | Less efficient |
| Appearance | Dark black hue | Blue Hue |
| Longevity | 25-40 years | 12-25 years |
| Temperature Coefficient | Lower temperature coefficient | Higher temperature coefficient |
Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) Solar Cells
PERC solar cells are an improvement of the traditional monocrystalline cell. In recent years, they have become more popular for solar manufacturers. PERC solar cells produce 5% to 13% more energy compared to conventional panels.
They have an extra layer at the back of the cell. Therefore, sun rays reflect back into the solar cell allowing an opportunity to capture more energy.
Key Benefits of PERC Panels
Increased Energy Production
A PERC solar panel is 1% more efficient than conventional solar panels. However, it may seem minute, but on a full PV system, this can add up to around 7%-9% more energy.
Enhanced Low-Light and High-Heat Conditions
PERC solar cells have exceptional performance in both low-light and high-heat conditions. This boosts the energy by 2%-4%
Smaller Roof Optimisation
Since PERC solar panels are more efficient and deliver more energy, fewer solar panels are required to deliver the same output as traditional panels. Therefore, solar panels with PERC cells are extremely beneficial for the smaller roof.
Lower Balance of System and Installation Costs
Fewer PERC solar panels are required to achieve the same output; therefore, the customers can save costs on installations, labour, and balance of the system costs.
Same Manufacturing Costs
Over the years, the prominent factor of PERC cell growth is the cost of manufacturing which is as same as conventional solar panels. Solar manufacturers like Hyundai Energy Solutions, Trina Solar, and REC have adopted this technology offering the customer a premium product with the best in quality.
Let’s explore more with a comparison between PERC and Traditional solar cells
| System Costs | PERC Solar Cells | Traditional Solar Cells |
| Panel Costs | $5000 | $4500 |
| Installation Costs | $2000 | $2000 |
| Components Costs | $1000 | $1000 |
| System Costs | $8000 | $7500 |
| System Output | 10kW | 9kW |
| Cost per Watt | $0.80 | $0.83 |
Well, you can see PERC solar panels cost $500 more than traditional solar panels but it also produces 0.50kW more energy. Therefore, with fewer panels with the same installation and component costs, PERC solar cells add value to the customer in the long run with value for money.
What is N-type and P-type solar cells?
We have probably heard of N-type and P-Type solar cells; however, the buyer isn’t giving in-depth attention to whether solar panels are made with N-type or P-type solar cells. Let’s find out what they mean and the science behind solar cells.
First of all, the conventional crystalline silicon solar cell is a silicon wafer doped with various chemicals to encourage power production.
The primary difference between N-type and P-type solar cells is the number of electrons. An N-type cell is doped with phosphorus and has one more electron than silicon (it makes the cell negatively charged). A P-type cell dopes its silicon wafer with boron that has one less electron than silicon (it makes the cell positively charged).
The first solar cell invented by Bell Labs in 1954 was N-type; however, the P-type structure became more popular due to the demand for solar technologies in space. They were proven to be more resistant to space radiation and degradation. However, solar manufacturers have a different view among n-type and it has attracted them for quite a long time as it has massive benefits.
- N-type cells use phosphorous instead of boron, they are prone to boron-oxygen defects. This leads to decreased efficiency
- N-type cells are more efficient and are not affected by LID (Light Induced Degradation)
Let’s compare N-type and P-type solar cells in tabular form that will help to get a clear understanding
| Cell Type | Efficiency | Silicon Base | High Temperature Coefficient | Degradation | Cost |
| N-Type | Higher | Phosphorous | Higher Tolerance | Not affected by LID | Higher |
| P-Type | Lower | Boron | Lower Tolerance | Affected by LID | Lower |
Popular and World-Leading Solar Panel Brands
The most popular solar panel brand, REC has a series of N-type panels ranging from Twin Peak 370W to its revolutionized and highly efficient REC Alpha Pure-R 410W with 92% performance & 22.30% efficiency.
In May 2022, Trina launched N-type Vertex S+ solar panels hitting 21.90% efficiency, and Sun power Maxeon 6 hitting 21.80%.
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