Traditionally, an anti-reflective coating is applied to the solar panel to make sure it can absorb as much sunlight as possible. A lot of the time this coating is dark blue, since it has always been the most efficient at absorbing sunlight, minimizing reflection. Full black solar panels are different because they use a different kind of silicon.
Photovoltaic solar panels all use silicon, which is an effective semiconductor that absorbs sunlight and converts it into an electric charge. Today, two types of these silicon used in solar panels exist: monocrystalline (or single-crystal silicon) and polycrystalline (or semi-crystalline silicon).
Black solar panels use monocrystalline solar cells. The silicon arranges itself in a single direction and automatically forms one large crystal. This happens during the production process and is what gives an all-black look to the human eye. On the other hand, blue solar panels use polycrystalline in the production process. The crystals do not form one big crystal, but are melted down into a square mold. It creates loads of separate crystals, which gives a shimmering, blue-like appearance. While less expensive, this type of solar panel is also less efficiënt.
Traditionally, an anti-reflective coating is applied to the solar panel to make sure it can absorb as much sunlight as possible. A lot of the time this coating is dark blue, since it has always been the most efficient at absorbing sunlight, minimizing reflection. Full black solar panels are different because they use a different kind of silicon.
Photovoltaic solar panels all use silicon, which is an effective semiconductor that absorbs sunlight and converts it into an electric charge. Today, two types of these silicon used in solar panels exist: monocrystalline (or single-crystal silicon) and polycrystalline (or semi-crystalline silicon).
Black solar panels use monocrystalline solar cells. The silicon arranges itself in a single direction and automatically forms one large crystal. This happens during the production process and is what gives an all-black look to the human eye. On the other hand, blue solar panels use polycrystalline in the production process. The crystals do not form one big crystal, but are melted down into a square mold. It creates loads of separate crystals, which gives a shimmering, blue-like appearance. While less expensive, this type of solar panel is also less efficiënt.
The main, most visible advantage of this difference in the production process? Obviously full black panels are much more attractive to look at. Usually using a complete black backsheet (so the solar cells even blend in better), black frame and their typical black solar cells, they have a very sleek and modern look. A determining factor for lots of people when choosing which solar panel they want for their home.
But it’s needless to say that full black solar panels aren’t just more beautiful to look at, especially when installed on a black roof. They also provide you with some performance advantages. First of all, full black panels have a higher efficiency rating than standard blue solar panels. The monocrystalline cells are far more efficient than the polycrystalline cells that are used in blue panels. They produce higher power output for a solar panel of the same size. And they reflect less sunlight, which means they can absorb more.
Furthermore, they perform better at all times of the day, even when the sun is at a very low angle. So even on cloudy days, they have a higher efficiency rate than blue panels. This means that they are much more suited for long winters and darker, rainy days.
The main, most visible advantage of this difference in the production process? Obviously full black panels are much more attractive to look at. Usually using a complete black backsheet (so the solar cells even blend in better), black frame and their typical black solar cells, they have a very sleek and modern look. A determining factor for lots of people when choosing which solar panel they want for their home.
But it’s needless to say that full black solar panels aren’t just more beautiful to look at, especially when installed on a black roof. They also provide you with some performance advantages. First of all, full black panels have a higher efficiency rating than standard blue solar panels. The monocrystalline cells are far more efficient than the polycrystalline cells that are used in blue panels. They produce higher power output for a solar panel of the same size. And they reflect less sunlight, which means they can absorb more.
Furthermore, they perform better at all times of the day, even when the sun is at a very low angle. So even on cloudy days, they have a higher efficiency rate than blue panels. This means that they are much more suited for long winters and darker, rainy days.