What are the types of solar panels for industrial use?
- Monocrystalline solar panels
- Polycrystalline solar panels
- Thin film solar cell panels
- Passivated emitter and rear cell panels
- Concentrated PV cell panels
Overview
- Industries are increasingly turning to renewable energy sources like solar power to minimize environmental impact and ensure long-term sustainability.
- The article discusses various types of solar panels suitable for industrial use, including monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin film, PERC, and concentrated PV cells.
- When selecting solar panels, businesses should consider the entire solar energy system, including batteries, inverters, and meters, for optimal investment.
In the global movement of sustainable energy solutions, industries seek many strategies to maximize their energy generation. One of the key ways to do this is turning to solar power for their energy needs. Industrial sectors today switch to renewable energy not only to reduce their environmental impact. It is also to ensure the longevity of their business.
However, with continuous advancements in the solar energy industry, we have come to a point where options overwhelm us. One of which is choosing the type of solar panel best for industrial use.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Monocrystalline solar panels are part of the first-generation solar panels. They are the foundational components that represent the early and most common photovoltaic technology. Since they have been widely known, studied, and developed, they are the most used solar panels today. This type of panel is seen across industries that use solar energy.
Apart from that, they have been improved to reach an efficiency of between 15-20%. This is the highest among all the panels. In some cases or variations, they can even reach up to 47.1%.
Monocrystalline solar panels, derived from pure silicon single-crystal structures, excel in industry. Their uniformity ensures peak performance, enduring harsh conditions. With superior efficiency and durability, they reliably power industrial operations, enhancing productivity and cost-effectiveness.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Polycrystalline solar panels, part of first-generation solar technology like monocrystalline ones, are made by melting multiple silicon crystals into square molds. They produce less wastage by utilizing silicon scraps but are less efficient due to silicon purity and construction. Still, they achieve 13% to 16% efficiency.
They are ideal for industrial use due to their cost-effectiveness and versatility. They offer a balance between efficiency and affordability, making them suitable for large-scale installations. Their ability to utilize silicon scraps reduces waste, while still providing respectable energy conversion rates, meeting industrial demands efficiently.
Thin Film Solar Cell Panels
Thin-film solar panels are lightweight, flexible, and affordable due to their simpler manufacturing process.
These second-generation panels come in various materials like Cadmium telluride (CdTe), copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS), and amorphous silicon (a-Si), making them ideal for odd-shaped surfaces. The best ones, like semiconductor alloy material Cu(In,Ga)Se2, can reach over 20% efficiency in converting sunlight to electricity.
Light and flexible, thin-film panels fit on any roof, maximizing space in industrial settings. Lower costs and less material use make them a sustainable, budget-friendly choice for large-scale solar power.
Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell Panels
Another type of solar panel for industrial use is the PERC panel. This variation is already used for commercial use, making it ideal for industrial. However, this depends on a lot more factors than just pure innovative solar panels. Energy usage, space restrictions, geography, and more should also be considered when making the transition to this renewable energy.
PERC panels, a recent innovation, improve on traditional solar cells by reflecting light into the cell for more energy conversion. Boasting up to 23% efficiency, PERC holds promise for commercial and potentially industrial use.
Concentrated PV Cell Panels
Concentrated PV cells are cutting-edge third-generation solar panels, currently undergoing significant research and development. Despite being new, they’re highly anticipated, attracting investments from major industries globally. With a groundbreaking efficiency of 46%, they promise to revolutionize the solar industry, particularly in utility applications, leading in market size.
Diving into it, CPV is developed with various advanced strategies, pushing the boundaries of solar technology. It uses mirrors and lenses to force light to concentrate on one particular area. That is why CPV is not a flat surface instrument but more a cone-shaped panel.
While it is yet to completely enter the market, learning about the CPV solar panels is useful. Especially if you want to be a part of the pioneers of this technology. Familiarizing yourself with them allows you to make choices that could make you more competitive in the industry.
Key Takeaway
When selecting solar panels for your business, consider the entire solar energy system, including batteries, inverters, and meters, for optimal investment. At Solaric, we specialize in industrial solar solutions, guiding you through the transition to greener practices with expertise and quality systems. Contact us today for sustainable energy solutions tailored to your needs.
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