Solar energy as an energy source is popular because it is green, environmentally friendly and sustainable. Solar panels, as the necessary equipment to convert solar energy into electricity, have also attracted people’s attention. Commonly, solar panels are categorized into N-type and P-type, what is the difference between these two types and which one is better? Next, let me lead you to understand the characteristics of N-type solar panels and P-type solar panels in detail.
Material and structure of N-type solar panels
N-type solar panels are based on silicon wafers doped with phosphorus, arsenic and other pentavalent elements, on which a variety of structures are installed, including ultra-thin tunnelling layer, n-type polycrystalline silicon thin film, the backside passivation layer and reflection-reducing film. A silicon wafer doped with pentavalent elements is called an N-type wafer because pentavalent elements such as phosphorus provide a large number of electrons, making the concentration of free electrons in the wafer greater than the concentration of holes, and thus giving N-type solar panels electronic conductive properties.
Materials and structure of P-type solar panels
P-type solar panels are based on silicon wafers doped with trivalent elements such as boron, on which PU foam panels, PVC panels and PTFE panels are installed. Silicon wafers doped with trivalent elements such as boron are called P-type wafers. Trivalent elements such as boron absorb electrons, which in turn form positively charged holes, making P-type silicon wafers electrically conductive.
Advantages of N-type solar panels
1. Long lifespan.
Due to the high purity of the material, excellent manufacturing techniques as well as its elemental composition and lower density of interfacial states in favor of reducing the composite center, N-type solar panels have a longer service life than P-type solar panels and less light attenuation effects. Even after 30 years, the output power can still be guaranteed to be more than 88.4% of the original, which can maintain long-term stability.
2. High conversion efficiency:
The conversion efficiency of N-type solar panels is about 25.7%, while the conversion efficiency of P-type solar panels is about 23.6%.
3. High double-sided rate.
Even in the case of weak light on the back of the N-type solar panels can still generate large amounts of electricity, N-type solar panels can reach 85% of the double-sided rate, while the P-type solar panels double-sided rate is only 70%.
4. Low temperature coefficient:
N-type solar panels have a lower operating temperature, and their power drop under high temperature is also lower, which makes them suitable for working under high temperature.
5. Suitable for low light.
Compared with P-type solar panels, N-type solar panels are more suitable for use in low light, even if the light is not strong, it can still produce considerable power.
6. Good development prospects.
Although the market share of N-type solar panels is currently lower than that of P-type solar panels, with the development of production technology, the cost of N-type solar panels is gradually decreasing, so in the long run, N-type solar panels have a promising future.
Disadvantages of N-type solar panels
1. Higher cost:
The production cost of N-type solar panels is higher than that of P-type solar panels, which is also the reason why it cannot be widely popularized.
2. Complicated manufacturing process.
The manufacturing process of N-type solar panels is more complex and rigorous as compared to P-type solar panels.
Advantages of P-type solar panels
1. Long research and development time:
P-type solar panels have been developed for a long time, and the related technology is already very mature.
2. High radiation resistance:
P-type solar panels are more resistant to radiation, which makes them more suitable for providing power to machines operating in space.
3. Easier to install:
P-type solar panels have a simpler structure and are easier to transport and install.
Disadvantages of P-type solar panels
1. Short lifespan:
The boron oxygen in P-type solar panels leads to photo-degradation, which shortens the life of the solar panels.
2. Low conversion efficiency.
The photodegradation phenomenon leads to the low conversion efficiency of solar panels.
Summarize
Overall, the performance of N-type solar panels is much higher than that of P-type solar panels, but the price of N-type solar panels has been high due to cost issues. However, the corresponding technology is being developed, and the price of N-type solar panels is gradually decreasing. In the long run, N-type solar panels, which are superior in all aspects, will be the trend of the future. It will replace the P-type solar panels to become the mainstream of the future.
