Yash
You must have noticed that the color of the solar panels is generally blue.
The function of the solar panel is to absorb the sunlight and convert it into an electric current. The more it absorbs the sunlight, the more it produces the electric current.
This is a fact that the black color absorbs the maximum light, you will feel more heat wearing a black T-shirt than wearing a red one.
Despite this, we find that the blue-colored solar panels are more prevalent than the black ones.
The appearance of solar panels blue or black is due to the way light interacts with them.
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Silicon: The raw material
Silicon is generally used in making solar panels.
It is a non-metallic element with the properties of absorbing most of the visible light and producing electricity.
There are two types of solar panels:
- Polycrystalline solar panels (Blue in color)
- Mono-crystalline solar panels (Black in color)
Both types of solar panels produce current when exposed to the sunlight.
But there are some key differences between them.
Polycrystalline vs Monocrystalline
Monocrystalline
- These are black in color.
- And are made from single crystals of silicon.
- More efficient but costly.
- They lose less power in high temperatures.
Polycrystalline
- Blue in color
- These are formed when multiple silicon crystals are melted together and fused.
- Less efficient but affordable.
- Power loss is more.
Out of the total panels installed, almost 90% of them are poly-crystalline.
Hence, we see blue-colored solar panels around us.
Well there are valid reasons for this because it is relatively easier and cheaper to commercially produce them
The Reason
1. Nature of Silicon
When the raw silicon in the molten form is poured into the molds, it does not settle and align perfectly but rather forms many crystals of silicon hence called poly-crystalline.
Also, the nature of the silicon element is such that it absorbs most of the red and yellow light and reflects green and blue light.
Thereby appearing blue or greenish blue.
The blue-colored solar panels are affordable due to their simplified manufacturing process.
If you have ample shade-free roof space.
Then going for polycrystalline solar panels would be the right choice.
Read: The price of 5-kW solar in India
The system will not only provide you the smooth electricity but also reduce your energy bill to the large extent.
Solar electricity is financially attractive too.
2. Higher refractive index of anti-reflective coating
The other factor is the coating of an anti-reflective layer over it.
It has a higher refractive index than air, so when the light falls on it some of its gets reflected in the surroundings.
The anti-reflective layer of Silicon Nitride and Silicon oxide is generally used to reduce the reflection of light hence increasing the absorption capacity and the efficiency of the panel.
The high refractive index causes the blue portion of the light to reflect.
Hence gives a blue appearance to the poly-crystalline solar panels.
3. Monocrystalline has a high light absorption capacity
In the black-colored mono-crystalline solar panels, the silicon is aligned in the same way, forming a large single crystal of silicon.
It has high light absorption capacity than the blue-colored poly-crystalline solar panel.
Hence appears black in color (black color absorbs more sunlight than the blue color).
They are more efficient than poly-crystalline solar panels.
Why monocrystalline solar panels are costly?
The mono-crystalline solar panels are expensive as the process involved in making them is costly and time-consuming.
Mono-crystalline panels have higher efficiency and are generally used where more output is required in the limited space. Whereas poly-crystalline solar panels are widespread due to their low prices.
Conclusion
The manufacturing process along with the coating of the anti-reflective layer gives a blue color to the poly-crystalline solar panels.
The solar panels not only give aesthetic look to your roof but also add value to your house.
Anybody interested in going solar needs to follow some steps.
These steps will make your decision more refined and you will find the right system size to match your energy needs.
Are you interested in going solar?
Then
Download my free guide “7 things to do before going Solar“
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