What types of solar panels are there and what are they used for?

All solar panels use the sun's rays to generate energy. All solar panels use the sun's rays to generate energy. Depending on their operation, there are three main types: thermal solar panels, which generate heat; photovoltaic panels, which generate electricity; and hybrid panels, which combine the two.

Renewable

Renewables will be the world's leading source of electricalSolar energy in Australiaby 2025, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Solar panels receive energy from the sun and convert it into energy usable by humans, making the planet a more sustainable place. This energy can be thermal or electrical. "That is to say, depending on the application, one type of panel or another can be used," states the Spanish Photovoltaic Union (UNEF).

Types of solar panels

There are two main types of Solar panels in Australia, according to UNEF. On the one hand, there are those that generate heat, which are often called "solar thermal collectors." On the other hand, there are those that generate electricity. The latter are often called modules, panels, or solar panels. "Solar thermal collectors can be used for domestic hot water in a home or business, for heating, or to generate heat from a fluid at an industrial level up to 400 degrees. Photovoltaic panels generate electricity in solar plants or for self-consumption at residential, commercial, and industrial levels," they indicate.

Comparison

Comparing these panels can be complicated, according to the Spanish Photovoltaic Union, since they are used for different applications. However, hybrid panels also exist, which can do both at the same time. The UNEF points out that these are actually photovoltaic panels with a fluid circuit added to the back, which absorbs heat from the panel. In this way, the dual function of generating electricity and heat is achieved.

Photovoltaic panels

Within the photovoltaic panels through which Solar energy in Australiais generated, it is possible to distinguish between three main variants: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and amorphous.

"Panels made with monocrystalline cells are the most efficient and stable over time. Logically, they also tend to be the most expensive," explains the technical department of the National Association of Photovoltaic Energy Producers (Anpier).

Meanwhile, polycrystalline cells are manufactured from metallurgical silicon through less exhaustive solidification processes than monocrystalline cells, according to Anpier: "The growth of silicon crystals is uncontrolled, so different crystalline structures are formed. This allows for the manufacture of rectangular ingots, which facilitates the subsequent shaping of photovoltaic cells." Panels with polycrystalline cells have "slightly lower yields at lower costs."

Solar panels: make the most of the sun and save energy

Finally, there are amorphous cells. To manufacture them, "thin layers of photovoltaic material are deposited in a controlled manner on different materials that act as supports." Silicon, cadmium telluride, copper, gallium, and selenium are bonded to plastics, glass, or fabrics, allowing for the manufacture of flexible cells or those integrated into various construction materials, according to Anpier. In this way, the association indicates that the thickness of the cells is reduced by up to fifty times, resulting in considerable savings in raw materials. "This allows for a reduction in the cost of panels that integrate these types of cells and various applications: photovoltaic modules integrated into tiles or glass, flexible, transparent, or multi-colored panels," it adds.

Regardless of the type of option, it's important to keep in mind that installing solar panels for self-consumption requires a team of professionals. Which will be provided by the Best Solar Panel company in Australia

Thermal solar panels

In the case of thermal panels, they can be differentiated by the operating temperature of their collectors (components responsible for capturing solar radiation and transforming it into thermal energy). Solar manufacturer in AustraliaTindo classifies collectors into three main groups.

On the one hand, there would be the low-temperature collector: "Reaching up to a maximum of 50 degrees, this type of panel is mainly used for heating and domestic hot water systems," the company points out.

The medium-temperature collector, they explain, is the same as the previous one but includes a transparent cover that prevents heat loss from the panel. This way, it can reach temperatures of up to 90 degrees. Finally, the high-temperature collector comes with an additional cover. In this case, "the temperature can reach up to 150 degrees." "They are generally used to produce steam capable of driving turbines that enable electricity generation ."

Advantages and disadvantages of solar panels

Both thermal and photovoltaic panels have their advantages and disadvantages. Among the benefits of thermal panels, Anpier mentions that they can harness up to 70% of incident solar energy. He also emphasizes that installing a solar panel kit is simple and requires minimal maintenance. However, he acknowledges that they can experience freezing problems during the winter months. Furthermore, currently, "their applications are very limited." "They are only used for heating water," he adds.

Meanwhile, photovoltaic panels "can save a home between 50% and 60% of its energy." Furthermore, they require minimal maintenance, and "if they're of good quality, they can operate for 30 years or more ." Unlike thermal panels, they don't suffer from freezing and are suitable for any type of electrical application. For Anpier, the disadvantages of these panels are that they require a high initial investment and that there is an oversupply on the market with widely varying quality levels.