Poly Crystalline Solar Cell: What It Is And What Are Its Benefits?

More and more people are becoming conscious of where their home energy is coming from these days. That’s why solar panels are becoming more and more popular as well. Continue reading to learn more about a poly crystalline solar cell – what it is and what are some of its advantages.

Also sometimes called as multi crystalline solar cell, the poly crystalline solar cell is called as such because of its manufacturing and appearance. Each cell is composed of a block of multiple crystals, rather than out of a single silicone crystal. This gives the cell’s distinctive appearance: shattered glass or mosaic. Thin wafers are cut from a large block, and are attached side by side to each other to make up panels.

Basically, there are three types of solar cells: the mono crystalline, amorphous and of course the poly crystalline. The mono crystalline cell is the most efficient yet most expensive, as it uses pure silicone. Manufacturing involves a complicated crystal growth process, plus the appearance may appear smooth and uniform. The amorphous kind, on the other hand, isn’t really made up of crystals, but a thin layer of silicon. It’s the cheapest and the least energy efficient of the three.

Many consumers prefer a poly crystalline solar cell. This is because it’s both affordable and highly efficient. When it comes to durability, its lifespan is comparable to that of the expensive mono crystalline type. It is said that its benefits can be enjoyed for around 25 years, or sometimes even more.

When it comes to conversion efficiency, it can provide 12 percent of it. And what does this mean? Simply put: 12 percent of the sunlight hitting the panel at any given time is converted into useable energy. If you have a square meter of poly crystalline panel under direct sunlight, it’s enough to provide you with around 120 watts to 125 watts of energy.

Such 12 percent conversion efficiency is much lower compared to what a mono crystalline type can provide. But as compared to an amorphous counterpart, that conversion efficiency is significantly higher. Plus since it carries an affordable price tag, more and more households can have access to the convenience such solar cell can provide. However, certain factors affect its pricing, such as the amount of watt supplied or the brand.

Also, as much as there are lots of advantages, there are also a few disadvantages to it. Such solar panel is optimized to work on cooler climates. When exposed to extremely high temperatures, it loses more conversion efficiency. Operating on 50 degrees Celsius more than what it’s designed for can significantly lose its energy converting capability. That’s why it’s very important to consider temperature and weather conditions when it comes to cost and designing.

These days, it’s much easier to supplement a home’s grid power source of electricity with solar energy. This, thanks to the availability and efficiency of a poly crystalline solar cell. Since it can be bought at a much affordable price, it provides genuine cost-saving advantages to the consumers. It has a long lifespan, and a comparatively significant conversion efficiency.

You can get more information about the huge selection of poly crystalline solar cells you can find today! When you are looking for a specific poly crystalline solar cell, you will find it fast online!