Why are some solar panels blue and black?
This is mainly related to the silicon material in different forms of solar panels, generally polycrystalline silicon solar panels are mostly blue, monocrystalline silicon panels are generally black. But perhaps the different colors of solar panels are also related to the role of the reflective film layer, both factors have a different impact on the color of solar panels. But their different colors have nothing to do with their power generation efficiency, mainly because of their different internal structures.
Polycrystalline silicon solar panels turn blue
Polycrystalline silicon solar panels in the production process, silicon is melted and poured into the meld, after cooling to form polycrystalline silicon ingots. Silicon ingots cut into thin slices, and then processed later to create polycrystalline silicon solar panels, this silicon will produce multiple independent silicon crystals, there will be a shimmering appearance, coupled with a reflective thin film layer, in the eyes of the human eye appears to be blue.
Monocrystalline silicon darkens solar panels
High-quality silicon materials will be used in the manufacture of monocrystalline silicon solar panels, in the monocrystalline silicon solar panel manufacturing process, the silicon material unidirectionally arranged to form a large crystal, and then use the monocrystalline pulling method and monocrystalline impregnation method, so that it is stretched into a monocrystalline silicon rod, through the cutting and trimming of monocrystalline silicon wafers of the corresponding size. Monocrystalline silicon wafers are then subjected to a series of processes to create solar panels from monocrystalline silicon. Due to this arrangement, and then due to the role of reflective film layer, so that monocrystalline silicon solar is black.
Blue and black solar panels have their own advantages and disadvantages
Blue solar panels: Blue solar panels are able to absorb short wavelengths of sunlight, making it more stable for power generation at high temperatures. In the manufacturing process, polysilicon formation produces less waste, requires less energy and is cheaper. However, reflecting away a certain amount of sunlight reduces the efficiency of power generation.
Black solar panels: Black solar panels do not emit any visible light, and have a clear advantage in light absorption in order to improve power generation efficiency, but also because of the black solar panels absorb light better, resulting in it is more prone to hot spot effect. Black solar panels are also more expensive due to the use of high-quality silicon material.
FAQ
Yes, there is a difference between black and blue solar panels, mainly because of their manufacturing process and reflective film layer, and they will have some differences in power generation efficiency and other performance.
Blue and black solar panels are more common in the market, but in fact, there are colored solar panels besides blue and black. You can choose solar panels according to your needs.
Generally speaking, colored solar panels are sprayed with a layer of photonic glass material on the surface of solar cells for better appearance, resulting in solar panels with different colors, and there is no modification of the solar cells themselves that will result in better power generation efficiency. However, some companies have mentioned that they have developed colored solar panels with better power generation efficiency.
Usually users can’t choose the color of the solar panel, the professional will choose the most suitable solar panel according to your situation. However, the professional will also consider the user’s preference, you can negotiate moderately with the installer to choose the color of the solar panel.
