Difference Between Monocrystalline And Amorphous Solar Panels

Amorphous thin film is yet to prove itself in harsh conditions over a long period of time.

Difference between monocrystalline and amorphous solar panels.

Life of a solar panel cell. Some monocrystalline panel installations in the 1970 s are still cranking out power today. Monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels are the two types most commonly used for residential and commercial installations. Monocrystalline solar panels are the most popular solar panels used in rooftop solar installations today.

Amorphous panels are thin film panels that are more flexible and serve a purpose for portable installations or camping. Thin film is still relatively new technology whereas mono and poly panels have been around for decades. Monocrystalline delivers the highest power output per square inch so that the size of the panel achieves maximum power and where space is a premium or where aesthetics dictate the smallest solar panel possible. Monocrystalline has even withstood the rigours of space travel.

Amorphous panels are also lighter in weight and more portable than monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels producing the same amount of energy. Amorphous cells are constructed from a fine layer of silicon which enables solar panels to be more flexible and therefore lightweight. Amorphous cells can withstand higher temperatures without output being affected compared to poly or mono crystalline cells. One of the reasons people tend to choose monocrystalline solar panels is because of how they look.