Solar Panel Colors – Everything You Should Know Before Installing Solar Panels

Overview:

A photovoltaic system has many components, one of which is a solar panel. They're made up of a series of solar cells that have been arranged onto a panel. They come in a variety of rectangular shapes and are used in tandem to generate electricity. Photovoltaics, or solar panels, gather solar energy from the sun and convert it to electricity that may be used to power homes or businesses. These panels might be used to supplement a structure's energy needs or to provide electricity to far-flung areas. Solar power is widely employed in businesses and utilities, as well as residential and commercial applications, with solar software helping to improve its efficiency and usefulness. In this case, hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of solar panels are installed in a vast solar array, or solar farm, that provides electricity to big cities.

The majority of solar panels you'll see have a blue tinge to them, while others are black in color. This color variation is caused by how light interacts with two distinct kinds of solar panels: monocrystalline and polycrystalline. After all, blue panels have long been the most common variety of solar panel. However, you may have noticed that some solar panels have a more sleek black appearance; they are becoming increasingly frequent in recent installations. While the great majority of solar panels are black or extremely dark blue (and sometimes dark green), you may be surprised to find that colored solar panels are gaining popularity.

But which is the better buy? We'll go through each kind of solar panel in depth to help you make an accurate selection.

Different Types of Solar Panels:

Solar panels for rooftops are now available in a range of colors. It’s not really a matter of color. The difference in appearance between blue and black solar panel cells is due to the quality and manufacturing process used to create them. If you're feeling adventurous, purple, gold, or pink can capture your curiosity. Brown, red, and gray are some of the most modest tones offered. But why would you want a solar panel that is colored?

Apart from making you stand out, these colorful panels also have a utilitarian purpose: they help you blend in. The aesthetic impact of rooftop PV is one of the drawbacks. Solar panels in black on the red roof of a historic building would stand out. As a result, red panels are now available as an alternative. A solar farm in the middle of a field may be seen for miles, but the panels would be less conspicuous if they were green.

Black Solar Panels:

"Black solar panels" refer to monocrystalline panels that look black to the eye. They are constructed from a single high-quality silicon crystal. When compared to the silicon crystals used in blue polycrystalline solar panels, this silicon has a greater degree of purity.

Monocrystalline solar cells manufactured by the Czochralski technique are used in black solar panels. A silicon crystal seed is deposited in a jar or vat of molten silicon in this method. The silicon crystal seed, together with the molten silicon, is progressively pulled out, creating a block of solid crystal silicon. The silicon block is then neatly cut into silicon wafers, which are utilized to produce energy as solar cells.

Although black and blue panels are made essentially identically, light interacts differently with a single-crystal (monocrystalline) cell than with a cell made up of numerous crystals (polycrystalline). As a result, black solar panels have a consistent appearance that seems black to the naked eye. The whole process of generating a single-crystal black cell is more sophisticated than that of producing multi-crystalline blue solar cells. In addition, a large quantity of pure silicon is lost in the fabrication of black solar cells since all four sides of silicon wafers are sliced off to acquire the correct cell form.

Advantages of Black Solar Panels:

Better Energy Efficiency: A monocrystalline panel's uniform alignment of silicon crystals makes it more energy efficient. To produce the same amount of electricity, black solar panels often require fewer panels than polycrystalline solar panels, making black solar panels the preferable choice when it comes to conserving space.

Absorb More Light: In addition to being more energy efficient, black panels absorb more light than blue panels. This implies that black panels may absorb more sun rays, resulting in increased solar power generation. As a result, more energy is created for your house or company.

Improved Performance in Hot Weather: In warmer temperatures, black monocrystalline solar panels perform better. As the temperature increases, the output of all solar cells decreases. However, the output deterioration in black panels is less severe than in blue panels.

Space-saving Design: Black solar panels conserve space. Because monocrystalline solar cells are more energy efficient, you need fewer monocrystalline solar cells to create the same amount of electricity as polycrystalline solar cells.

Durability: They are more durable, with several manufacturers providing a 25-year guarantee. In addition, black solar panels work better in low-light settings.

Blue Solar Panels:

Polycrystalline solar panels are referred to as "blue solar panels." A polycrystalline silicon cell, as opposed to a monocrystalline silicon cell, is made up of more than one raw silicon crystal.

The manufacturing method for blue solar panels is fairly similar to that of black solar panels. However, in the case of blue solar cells, the process of drawing up the silicon crystal seed (which is needed to make black monocrystalline solar cells) is bypassed.

After melting and pouring the silicon crystals into the vat, they are simply allowed to cool to create polycrystalline silicon cells. This results in the formation of unique grains and borders on the blue solar cells. The way the polycrystalline cells reflect light, paired with the anti-reflective coating applied to them, gives these solar panels a blue tint as well as a sparkle.

Advantages of Blue Solar Panels:

Cost-effective: Polycrystalline cells were formerly regarded as inferior to monocrystalline cells due to their somewhat lower efficiency. However, due to the low cost of creating polycrystalline solar cells, they have emerged as a leading technology in the home solar panel industry.

Low Maintenance Cost: Blue solar panels are less costly because they are simpler to build. When compared to black solar panels, their upfront and installation expenses are much lower. They're also more regularly used, so repairs and diagnosis are fast and simple.

More Eco-friendly: When compared to monocrystalline cells, blue polycrystalline solar panel cells generate less waste throughout the production process. As silicon wafers are sliced off on all four sides during the fabrication of monocrystalline cells, a large proportion of silicon ends up as trash. Because polycrystalline cells do not need individual shaping, there is relatively little waste created. If you're worried about your carbon footprint, this is something to think about.

Black vs Blue Solar Panels: Which Panel Type is Best?

Both black monocrystalline and blue polycrystalline solar panels have distinct advantages and disadvantages. Monocrystalline panels have a better efficiency than polycrystalline panels due to the homogeneity and alignment of silicon in monocrystalline solar cells. This better efficiency, however, comes with a higher cost, since monocrystalline solar panels are typically more costly to create and purchase. Polycrystalline solar panels are produced in a less intensive manner (the silicon is less pure and does not need to be aligned), resulting in cheaper pricing for customers and installers.

If efficiency is your primary priority, a monocrystalline solar system may be the best choice for you. Similarly, polycrystalline panels may be the most cost-effective option for your solar installation.

What Are The Most Popular Solar Panel Colors Aside From Blue And Black?

Aside from the typical black or blue, white and green solar panels are the most common color options.

White solar panels are a popular option for companies since they provide an inconspicuous appearance that compliments the building's outside color scheme.

Green solar panels, on the other hand, may be excellent for those who live in densely forested regions since they fit in a little better than white or black rooftops.

Do Transparent Solar Panels Exist?

Transparent solar panels, also known as photovoltaic glass, are less prevalent than white or dark blue ones since they are more costly to build and install and have a lower efficiency of just 5% compared to black solar panels, which have a higher efficiency of around 23%. Although photovoltaic glass may be utilized in solar panels, engineers are more interested in employing it in solar windows.

For people who dislike the looks of standard solar panels, transparent solar panels might be a good alternative. However, there are a few significant drawbacks:

• 4-5 times lower efficiency than standard black solar panels.
• Even if the solar panels are transparent, the train system is unlikely to be, which might result in an even more uncomfortable appearance.
• If the solar panels are clear, every flaw (scratches, dirt, dust) that appears will be quite visible.
• Some neighborhoods may have HOA regulations that prohibit the use of solar panels that are black or dark blue.
• The cost per panel is exorbitant: $1,400 more than a standard solar panel.

Do Colored Solar Panels Have A Higher Price?

Color solar panels are more expensive since they are a bit of a luxury. If you want your solar panels in a color other than black or dark blue, you may expect to pay roughly $14.00 extra per panel, although pricing might vary based on the size of the solar panel.

Color solar panels vary in price based on the kind and number of colors used, although they are usually more expensive.

Sunovation's 35-watt color panel costs roughly $595, while its solid-colored carbon fiber panel costs just $435.

With their 25-watt panels available in black, blue, red, or purple for $409, Kameleon gives various color possibilities for less money.

Fortunately, the cost of solar panels has been rapidly declining in recent years, and although color solar panels may be more expensive upfront than monochrome equivalents, they may be a good investment.

What are the Drawbacks to Colored Solar Panels?

• Color is not ideal if you live in a snowy or rainy location since it might be reflected off the surface and reduce efficiency levels by up to 15%. Keep this in mind while selecting colors such as white or blue.
• Color panels are less efficient than black or dark blue panels. If you want to increase your energy output, monochromatic solar panels are the ideal option since they absorb and use the most sunlight.

Conclusion:

Solar technology is advancing at a rapid pace. As demand develops, more aesthetically pleasing options become a reality. For many, a little reduction in efficiency is worth the aesthetic benefits, and it may be a good idea to consider color when selecting your solar panel installation. Traditional black or dark blue solar panels, on the other hand, are the ideal option for many more people due to their better efficiency, lower cost, and availability.