IBC vs. PERC: What's the Best Type of Solar Panel

26 Aug.,2024

 

IBC vs. PERC: What's the Best Type of Solar Panel

Solar manufacturers are always looking for new ways to make solar cells more efficient, so there are different types of solar panel technologies for customers to choose from, offering varying levels of efficiency and reliability.

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Cells known as &#;Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact&#; are becoming more common. PERC solar cells are an iteration of conventional cells and have an extra layer within the back side, allowing some of the sun&#;s light to be reflected back into the solar cell. The layer gives the sun&#;s rays a second chance to be absorbed and converted into energy. This modification makes PERC solar cells 6 to 12 percent more efficient than conventional solar panels.

While PERC solar panels are a step above other types of conventional panels, IBC &#; or &#;interdigitated back contact&#; &#; panels are a step above in efficiency, energy yield, and reliability. Earlier this year, we introduced our powerful A-Series panels based on our existing IBC platform, Maxeon® cells, known as NGT, or &#;next-generation technology.&#; That same technology helps make our panels the industry&#;s most efficient because they convert more photons to energy.

WHY SUNPOWER&#;S IBC PANELS MAKE MORE ENERGY AND ARE MORE RELIABLE

Most solar panels, including those with PERC, use metal ribbons to connect the cells. Those metal ribbons expand in heat and contract in the cold. This stress can cause the ribbons to disconnect from the cell or the cells to crack, diminishing power production for the entire system.

SunPower Maxeon cells have a thick layer of tin-plated copper on the back that holds the cell together, making the cell highly durable. Maxeon cells are more than 20 percent more efficient than PERC panels.1, and they eliminate the primary mechanisms that cause solar cells to lose power and fail, namely breaks in the cells or electrical connections and corrosion.

We&#;re so confident in our solar cell technology that we back our panels up with a best-in-industry 25-year Complete Confidence warranty, which gives you peace of mind for both the product and the amount of power we promise your panels will produce.

PROS AND CONS OF PERC AND IBC SOLAR CELLS

We offer our customers panels made of both PERC and Maxeon cells. Both have their pros and cons. Here&#;s a brief rundown on each:

PERC Pluses

  • Manufactured like conventional solar cells, which means they can be manufactured using existing equipment.

  • Higher efficiency versus non-PERC panels means fewer panels are needed to produce the needed amount of electricity.

PERC Minuses

Higher efficiency versus non-PERC panels means fewer panels are needed to produce the needed amount of electricity.

We mitigate this vulnerability in our PERC panels in our Performance series by replacing the traditional metal strips with a super-strong conductive adhesive, which durably flexes so it can withstand temperature changes. P-Series panels generate 35 percent more energy over 25 years in the same footprint compared to other types of PERC panels.2 

IBC Pluses

  • Highest-efficiency solar panels available today, lowering installation costs and maximizing the amount of energy produced.

  • Greater efficiency means fewer panels needed, leaving room to add panels if you, for example, add an electric vehicle.

  • Lower degradation rate than conventional panels. SunPower® Maxeon panels have a degradation rate two to three times lower than conventional panels.

    3

     This means more power over the life of the system.

  • Better performance at higher temperatures and use of more of the light spectrum to create more energy, even early in the morning or late in the evening.

  • Cell-level hotspot protection increases performance in the shade.

IBC Minuses

There really aren&#;t a lot of negatives when it comes to IBC technology. While it may have a higher up-front cost, over time, you&#;ll see a higher return on your investment because SunPower IBC systems produce up to 55 percent more energy than a conventional system of the same size in the first 25 years.4 And they are backed by SunPower&#;s industry-leading warranty. So, while costs upfront may be higher, these systems generate more energy, providing greater savings over time.

That&#;s great news for homeowners who naturally want a PV solar system that generates as much power as they can afford &#; or that will fit on their roof. The more energy generated, the faster a solar system offsets its initial costs and the sooner maximum money savings begin.

Talk to a SunPower dealer about how SunPower&#;s next-generation technology can help you start generating more energy over time, saving you more money.

Ready to find out how much you can save? Just enter your home address into our solar calculator.

1SunPower 400 W, 22.6% efficient, compared to a Conventional Panel on same-sized arrays (310 W mono PERC, 19% efficient, approx. 1.64 m²).

2SunPower 410 W, 19.9% efficient, compared to a Conventional Panel on same-sized arrays (330 W multi, 17% efficient, approx. 2 m²), 3% more energy per watt (based on PVSim runs for average US climate), 0.25%/yr slower degradation rate (Jordan et al. Robust PV Degradation Methodology and Application. PVSC Leidos Engineering. SunPower P-Series Technology Review. ).

3Jordan et al., &#;Robust PV Degradation Methodology Application&#; PVSC and &#;Compendium of Photovoltaic Degradation Rates&#; PiP .

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4SunPower 400 W, 22.6% efficient, compared to a Conventional Panel on same-sized arrays (280 W multi, 17% efficient, approx. 1.64 m²), 8% more energy per watt (based on PVSim runs for avg US climate), 0.5%/yr slower degradation rate (Jordan, et. al. Robust PV Degradation Methodology and Application. PVSC ).

This post originally appeared on the SunPower Resource Blog.

Types of Solar Panels: Pros and Cons

In today&#;s world, where energy and climate change are becoming increasingly relevant, many homeowners and businesses are turning to solar energy as a viable alternative to traditional power sources. Solar panels are a valuable resource for generating electricity from the sun&#;s rays. With technological advancements today, four major types of solar panels are available in the market: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film, and Passivation Emitter Rear Cell (PERC) solar panels. Each type has unique features and benefits, making them suitable for different applications and environments.

1. Monocrystalline Solar Panels

Monocrystalline solar panels, also known as single-crystal silicon solar panels, are a type of photovoltaic panel made from a single pure silicon crystal. These panels are widely regarded as the most efficient and reliable solar panels available today. They have an attractive, uniform appearance that can blend seamlessly with the architecture of a building.

One of the advantages of monocrystalline solar panels is that they have a higher conversion efficiency when compared to other types of solar panels. This is because the cells in each panel come from a single, high-quality silicon crystal, which allows for a more consistent flow of electricity. They are also more durable than other solar panels and can withstand harsh weather and extreme temperatures.

Pros of monocrystalline solar panels:

  • High efficiency
  • Space efficiency
  • High durability
  • Higher energy output

Disadvantages of monocrystalline solar panels:

  • High initial cost
  • Microcracks risk
  • Efficiency reduction in shaded areas
  • Limited design options

2. Polycrystalline Solar Panels

Polycrystalline solar panels are a type of photovoltaic module that is made up of multiple smaller individual silicon cells. These cells are produced through &#;casting,&#; which involves pouring hot molten silicon into a square mold and letting it cool and solidify into a large, rectangular block. This block is then sliced into thin wafers, further polished and treated to create the final solar cells.

Advantages of Polycrystalline Solar Panels

One of the primary advantages of polycrystalline solar panels is their cost. These panels are less expensive to manufacture than monocrystalline panels, which makes them an affordable option for homeowners. This is because casting the silicon blocks allows for a higher yield of usable material, and the manufacturing process is generally simpler and less labor-intensive. These panels are known for their durability and ability to function well in hot and cold climates. They are also less susceptible to damage from extreme weather events than other solar panel types.

Polycrystalline solar panels can convert a higher percentage of the sun&#;s energy into usable electricity than other solar panels. This increased efficiency means fewer panels are needed to generate the same amount of electricity as other solar panels. This reduces the amount of space needed for installation.

Disadvantages of Polycrystalline Solar Panels

Polycrystalline cells typically have lower overall efficiency rates than monocrystalline cells. The manufacturing process of polycrystalline solar panels involves pouring molten silicon into a mold, which results in a less uniform crystal structure. As a result, the panels are less efficient in converting sunlight into electricity, often converting only about 15-17% of the sunlight they receive into electricity.

Another disadvantage of polycrystalline solar panels is their vulnerability to temperature changes. High temperatures can cause the panels to experience greater power loss, reducing their overall efficiency in generating electricity. If a polycrystalline solar panel is cracked or damaged, it can significantly impact the energy production of the entire panel.

These panels also tend to have a shorter lifespan than monocrystalline solar panels. This is because the less uniform crystal structure can lead to more defects, which can cause the panels to degrade and fail over time. As a result, homeowners and businesses may need to replace polycrystalline solar panels more frequently, which can be costly and time-consuming.

Pros of polycrystalline solar panels:

  • Lower cost
  • Durable
  • Can function in hot and cold weather
  • Convert higher percentage of sunlight into electricity

Cons of polycrystalline solar panels:

  • Lower efficiency
  • Less efficiency in converting sunlight into electricity
  • Vulnerable to temperature change
  • Shorter lifespan than monocrystalline solar panels

3. Thin-Film Solar Panels

Thin-film solar panels refer to a type of solar module constructed using a thin layer of photovoltaic cells. These cells are typically made from silicon or another semiconductor material and are deposited in a thin film on a substrate. This technique allows for a much thinner and lighter solar panel that is easier to install and transport.

One of the main advantages of thin-film solar panels is their flexibility. They can be placed on various surfaces, including curved or irregular ones, making them ideal for various applications. Additionally, they tend to be more efficient at converting sunlight into electricity in low-light conditions, making them a great choice in cloudy or overcast climates.

Several types of thin-film solar panels are available on the market, each with unique properties and advantages. For example, amorphous silicon panels are the most common type of thin-film module known for their high efficiency and durability. Copper-indium-gallium-selenide (CIGS) panels are another popular option, known for their low cost and flexibility.

Pros of thin-film solar panels:

  • Lightweight and flexible
  • Reduced material use
  • Rapid energy payback
  • Versatile aesthetics

Cons of thin-film solar panels:

  • Lower efficiency
  • Reduced durability
  • High space requirements
  • Less developed technology

4. Passivation Emitter Rear Cell (PERC) Solar Panels

PERC solar panels have gained significant popularity in the last decade due to their higher efficiency, durability, and better performance than traditional solar panels. Their unique structure enables them to absorb more sunlight and convert it into electricity efficiently. In a PERC panel, the rear side is designed to reflect the light that passes through the front. This light reflection helps increase the absorption of sunlight by the panel.

Their cells are treated with a chemical layer of silicon nitride that helps to reduce the amount of reflective light and improve the energy conversion rate. This process, called passivation, helps minimize the chances of solar cell corrosion and degradation.

Another advantage of PERC solar panels is their rear contacts. In traditional solar panels, rear contacts are located at the front, which results in some energy loss. In contrast, PERC solar panels have their contacts at the rear of the panel. This placement helps to improve the panel&#;s conversion efficiency.

PERC solar panels are becoming more popular in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and have a long lifespan, making them an attractive option for those who want to reduce their carbon footprints and save on energy bills. As the demand for renewable energy sources increases worldwide, PERC solar panels have a promising future in the solar market.

Pros of PERC solar panels:

  • Higher efficiency than the traditional ones
  • Reduced electron recombination
  • Enhanced temperature tolerance
  • Higher energy output

Cons of PERC solar panels:

  • Complexity of repairs
  • Higher cost
  • Manufacturing complexity
  • Limited market availability

Rely on the Experts

At Protek Roofing, Heating, Air & Solar, we are committed to providing top-notch services that align with your goals in Tampa, FL. Our team of professionals is equipped with the knowledge and expertise to ensure each solar panel is installed efficiently and effectively. From installations to repairs, you can also trust the Protek Roofing, Heating, Air & Solar team to provide the necessary heating and cooling services. Whether you need a complete roof replacement or need repairs and maintenance, we are equipped to handle it all. Our team will work with you every step of the way to ensure that your project is completed efficiently and to your satisfaction.

Contact Protek Roofing, Heating, Air & Solar today for a professional solar panel service.

Protek Roofing, Heating & Air

The company is the world’s best Perc Solar Panel Price supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.