Solar PV Modules & Electricity

Solar modules are based on solar (photovoltaic) cells, which are made of special materials called semiconductors, usually silicon. Solar cells have the property of absorbing the sunlight, creating a flow of electrons, that is, electricity.

Solar electric modules

Photovoltaic electric solar panel A solar electric module involves a set of solar cells wired together in a tempered and low reflective glass included in an aluminum framed sheet. A set of several solar electric modules wired together is called a solar electric module.

Monocrystalline and polycrystalline cells

There are two main solar electric cell technologies: polycrystalline and monocrystalline cells. Some large manufacturers use just one, others use both.

Monocrystalline technology is based on a silicon crystal grown in only one direction, while polycrystalline technology is based on a silicon crystal grown in multiple planes. Typical multicrystalline solar cells have a slightly lower efficiency, which demand a slightly higher number of individual cells and a slightly larger module.

Which technology to choose?

Monocrystalline are more expensive and has a slightly higher efficiency, but that doesn’t mean much in practical terms. A 200 watt module is a 200 watt module whether made from monocrystalline or polycrystalline cells. The important is the wattage and the final price.

Thin film (amorphous) technology

Thin film technology is a rather secondary technology, at least till now. Thin film type panels are unbreakable but they have a small efficiency per cell area, which demands larger panels and a larger roof area (around the double of mono-crystalline panels). Besides, it’s also a rather untested technology in terms of its life expectancy.

The best solar modules

Quality is very similar for major brands - BP Solar, Photowatt, Siemens, Mitsubishi, Sharp, Kyocera… Prefer a major brand and UL approved electric panels. It’s safer. And do not forget: monocrystalline or polycrystalline technology isn’t relevant as long as the panels are UL labeled and produced by a major manufacturer. The more important – whenever basic conditions are met - is the relation price-wattage.

When not to buy a prepackaged solar kit

Prepackaged solar PV systems may save you money and time, and you may find them in very different applications: not only in PV solar kits, for power generation but also in Solar powered kits for Vans, RV (Recreational Vehicles) and Boats.