Black solar panels are becoming increasingly popular due to their creative notion of blending into the roof.
Why are the typical solar panels blue?
The color of a solar panel is determined by the components used and the way the manufacturers produce it. To absorb as much sunlight as possible, an anti-reflective coating is put on the PV module. The typical finish was a dark blue color. This color was not random; they have chosen it because it was the most effective at absorbing solar energy.
The color difference between Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline solar panels is significant. This is because the manufacturing processes of the two panels are different.
Polycrystalline silicon makes the solar panels blue
Silicon crystals are put into a square mold after melting in the polycrystalline solar panel manufacturing process. To manufacture polycrystalline solar cells, it is cooled in the mold. This procedure separates the crystals into numerous smaller ones, giving them a speckled, shimmering look that appears blue to the naked eye. The monocrystalline method makes less silicon waste and uses less energy than the monocrystalline method. The blue panels, on the other hand, are less expensive because of this.
Monocrystalline silicon makes the panels black
Monocrystalline cells are made of high-quality silicon. Silicon organizes itself in a single orientation during the manufacturing process to produce a single big crystal. As a result, light that interacts with monocrystalline cells appears black to the naked eye.
Black solar panels, on the other hand, are costlier. This can be attributed to two manufacturing variables.
1. Unlike polycrystalline cells, producing a single big crystal needs more energy.
2. A large quantity of silicon waste is generated throughout the production process. Because the huge crystal is cut wafer-thin to get the right size and form for the display, this is the case.
Despite the expense, many people choose black panels since they are both efficient and aesthetically pleasing on the roof.
Read here: Colored solar arrays: Are there more than just blue and black?
The advantages of using black solar panels
Because cost-effective and efficient solar panels are currently available. However, one of the most important features that solar installers sought in a solar panel was its appearance. The most obvious advantage of black solar panels is their appearance. As a result, black solar panels are now popular as panels and solar tiles, not only providing enough electricity to power your complete home but also beautifying your roof.
What are their downsides?
The rivalry with blue solar panels is the only drawback of black solar panels. For more than a decade, blue solar panels have been quite popular. Furthermore, the blue panels are less expensive. As a result, black solar panels may struggle to become the new blue in the market.
What kinds of black solar panels are there?
You can make PV panels in a variety of ways to make them look sleeker and blacker. A solar panel is made up of three major components. Solar cells, frame, and backing sheet are the three components. the colours of these panels affect the colour of the final panel. In its purest form, a wholly black solar panel would require black cells, black backing, and a black frame. The main and fastest technique to convert its aesthetic impact to dark is to use a black frame. The noticeable silver frame is gone with this option, but the back-sheet is white and visible between the cells. You can achieve an almost entirely black panel by replacing the white back-sheet with a black one.
In the last decade, black monocrystalline panels have shown to be not only more aesthetically pleasing but also more efficient. Is it possible that the black solar panel could become the new standard, and blue panels will be forgotten forever? One thing is certain: black panels will not only save you money on energy but will also give your roof or home a contemporary appeal.
