Comparing Solar Technologies
Thin-Film Amorphous Silicon:
Designed to perform particularly well in low and diffuse light conditions: each laminate utilizes unique triple-junction amorphous silicon solar cells, where the blue, green and red light of the sun is absorbed in different layers of the cell. By-pass diodes are connected across each cell, allowing the modules to produce power even when partially shaded or soiled.
Monocrystalline:
Monocrystalline solar panels are one of the most efficient, commercially-viable photovoltaic solar collectors…and rank among the oldest, most dependable solar technologies. If you’ve ever seen black or iridescent blue panels on a roof or powering a device, they were probably monocrystalline panels. Each module is made from a single silicon crystal, and is more efficient, (although more expensive,) than the newer, cheaper polycrystalline types.
Polycrystalline:
Polycrystalline cells are composed of multiple small silicon crystals. They are recognized by a visible grain, a “metal flake effect”. These cells assure you the same durability as mono cells. While they cannot match the efficiencies of Monocrystalline, they do cost less.
