Due to the lower cost of polycrystalline solar panel production about 90 of the solar panels on the market today are polycrystalline.
Black solar panels vs blue.
Blue diy solar panels.
When researching your options for solar panels you may notice that some panels are black and some are blue.
The next decision is to choose between black vs blue solar panels.
If you ve ever worn an all black t shirt in the hot sun you may know that you feel warmer than if you were to wear a lighter color.
Which one is better.
Because blue solar panels are easier to produce they are also less expensive.
Beyond having distinct looks these colors do make a difference in how they function.
But how exactly are they different.
The blue color is largely due to an anti reflective coating that helps improve the absorbing capacity and efficiency of the solar panels.
That s because black absorbs more sunlight.
In addition polycrystalline solar panels tend to have a blue hue instead of the black hue of monocrystalline panels.
Referred to as polycrystalline silicon these photovoltaic panels are typically the less expensive option.
Both their upfront and installation costs are significantly cheaper as compared to black solar panels.
Knowing the differences between black and blue solar panels will help you make an informed choice for your home.
The extra amount of sunlight absorbed allows black solar panels to generate slightly more electricity.
Polycrystalline solar panels are also made from silicon.
Solar panels are blue due to the type of silicon polycrystalline that is used for a certain set of solar panels.
The classic bluish shimmer is attributed to imperfections within silicon crystal formation that come from slight misalignments while melted silicon.
Blue and black solar panels don t just have distinct looks.
Consequently most solar panels have a blue hue to them.
How do you make a smart choice.
So the gaps between solar cells on a panel with a black backsheet will absorb heat instead of reflecting it.
They re also used more commonly so repairs are quick and easy.
Aside from the obvious distinction in the appearance these two are also varying in the material.
Black blue solar panels are made from polycrystalline silicon that is covered with an anti reflective coating that optimizes efficiency and maximizes absorbing capacity.
A black backsheet is a bad choice from the point of view of efficiency because the hotter solar panels get the worse they perform and in sunlight black gets hotter than white.
Polycrystalline solar panels generally have lower efficiencies than monocrystalline options but their advantage is a lower price point.
They are also technically different.
This can be difficult when different opinions are published online.
Black vs blue solar panels.
Light heat and performance of black vs.
Pros and cons solar modules that have a blue tint are made of multiple silicon crystals.