Solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells, are devices that convert sunlight into electricity. They are an important component in solar panel systems and have undergone significant development over the years.
There are various types of solar cells available on the market, each with their own unique properties and characteristics.
In this blog post, we will take a look at 15 types of solar cells, describing each one in brief.
Table of Contents
1. Monocrystalline Silicon Solar Cells
Monocrystalline silicon solar cells, also known as single-crystalline silicon solar cells, are made from a single silicon crystal. They are known for their high efficiency, up to 22%, but also for their high cost.
2. Polycrystalline Silicon Solar Cells
Polycrystalline silicon solar cells, also known as multi-crystalline silicon solar cells, are made from multiple silicon crystals. They have a lower efficiency than monocrystalline cells, around 15-17%, but are less expensive to produce.
3. Thin-Film Solar Cells
Thin-film solar cells, also known as amorphous silicon solar cells, are made by depositing a thin layer of photovoltaic material on a substrate. They have lower efficiency than crystalline cells, typically around 10-12%, but are less expensive and more flexible.
4. Cadmium Telluride Solar Cells
Cadmium telluride solar cells are made from a mixture of cadmium and tellurium. They have high efficiency, around 15%, and are relatively inexpensive to produce.
5. Copper Indium Gallium Selenide Solar Cells
Copper indium gallium selenide solar cells, also known as CIGS cells, are made from a mixture of copper, indium, gallium, and selenium. They have high efficiency, around 15-20%, and are less expensive to produce than monocrystalline cells.
6. Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Dye-sensitized solar cells, also known as DSSCs or Gratzel cells, use a photosensitive dye to convert sunlight into electricity. They have lower efficiency than traditional solar cells, around 10-12%, but are relatively inexpensive to produce.
7. Organic Solar Cells
Organic solar cells, also known as plastic solar cells, are made from organic compounds. They have lower efficiency than traditional solar cells, around 5%, but are lightweight and flexible.
8. Perovskite Solar Cells
Perovskite solar cells are made from a mixture of perovskite and other materials. They have rapidly increasing efficiency, up to 25% and are relatively inexpensive to produce.
9. Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells
Silicon heterojunction solar cells are a variant of the traditional monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon solar cells. They use hybrid of thin-film and crystalline silicon layers to achieve high efficiency, up to 25%.
10. Metal Wrap Through (MWT) Solar Cells
MWT solar cells are used to reduce the resistance loss. Metal contacts are applied to both sides of the cell, which significantly improves the electrical conductivity of the cells, resulting in higher efficiency and power output.
11. Black Silicon Solar Cells
Black silicon solar cells are made using special treatment that results in the formation of nanopillars on the surface. The black color absorbs more sunlight, resulting in higher efficiency, up to 21%.
12. Interdigitated Back Contact (IBC) Solar Cells
IBC solar cells have electrical contacts on the back of the cell rather than on the front, which reduces shading and increases the overall efficiency of the cell. They typically have efficiencies of around 20-22%.
13. Bifacial Solar Cells
Bifacial solar cells are solar cells that are able to absorb sunlight from both sides. This can increase the overall efficiency and power output of the solar panel system. They typically have efficiencies of around 20-22%.
14. Tandem Solar Cells
Tandem solar cells are made of multiple layers of different types of solar cells, typically a combination of crystalline silicon and thin-film cells. This allows them to absorb a wider range of the solar spectrum, resulting in higher efficiencies, typically over 25%.
15. Concentrated Solar Cells
Concentrated solar cells use lenses or mirrors to focus sunlight onto the solar cell, increasing the intensity of the light and resulting in higher efficiencies, typically over 30%. They are generally more expensive to produce and require more maintenance.
Sum Up
Solar cells have come a long way since their invention, and today there are many different types of solar cells available on the market. Each type has its own unique set of properties and characteristics, and the choice of solar cell will depend on the specific application and the goals of the project.
From monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon cells to newer technologies like perovskite and organic cells, there are many options to choose from to power your project with solar energy.