Solar Power 101: What Are the 3 Types of Solar Panels?

To generate electricity from solar energy, solar panels are constructed by combining layers of silicon, boron, and phosphorus, each of which is made from silicon, boron, and phosphorus. A silicon wafer functions as a semiconductor, providing a positive charge, a negative charge, and a negative charge on the boron layer. 

 

Monocrystalline Solar Panels

The single-crystal panels are made from a single crystal of silicon, which is divided into several wafers and is visible as a dark black colour because of its pure silicon content.

 

Polycrystalline Solar Panels

In contrast to single silicon crystals, these come from different silicon crystals instead. By melting and pouring silicon fragments into a square mould, polycrystalline cells are highly affordable since there is little wastage, and their square shape gives them their distinctive appearance.

 

PERC Solar Panels

PERC solar panels offer an improvement over monocrystalline cells by adding a passivation layer to the rear surface of the cell. They are a relatively new technology that adds a passivation layer to the rear surface of the cell to improve its efficiency.

Cost and Lifespan of Solar Panels

A common question people ask regarding solar panels is typically how much they cost. After which they want to know how long the solar panels will last. Unfortunately, there isn’t one straight answer. It all depends on the system you choose and the quality of the product. The lifespan of polycrystalline silicon and monocrystalline silicon solar panels exceeds their 25-year warranties. 

 

Due to its complex and inefficient manufacturing process with only a 50% yield for silicon crystals, monocrystalline panels are expensive. Because polycrystalline modules utilize leftover crystal fragments from monocrystalline production, which reduces the manufacturing process and the cost of production, polycrystalline modules are cheaper.

 

One thing remains true, however, installing solar panels on your property will always be a good investment. Here’s why:

 

  1. It will lower your monthly electricity bill
  2. It will allow you to reduce your carbon footprint by decreasing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions
  3. You can even store energy for colder, less sunny months
  4. It will get you through that darn inconvenience of load-shedding.

 

Solar panels are an investment but will pay for themselves in just a few years. With the lifespan being a decade or even two, the prospect of saving money is even better when going solar. If free renewable energy is what you’re after, solar panels are the way to go. 

 

Everyone is trying to find ways to lower their monthly financial burden and with electricity rates increasing rapidly, you might want to consider installing solar panels. Renaissance Solar offers high-quality SABS-approved solar products with strong manufacturer warranties at affordable prices to the South African market. 

 

For more information or if you’d like to get started with the installation of your solar panels, get in touch with the friendly team at Renaissance Solar today!

 

Benefits of Solar and Why Solar Is Bad?

When the sun’s radiation is captured and converted into heat or electricity, solar power is generated. As a result of technological advances, we have this source of energy at our disposal and will continue to have it for a very long time to come. This is the greatest advantage of solar power.

 

The cost of solar power (or the lack thereof) might be the biggest advantage but it surely isn’t the only one. Below are three other benefits of using solar power. 

Slow down Global Warming (Aka Climate Change)

Global warming is not a gimmick and poses a real threat to the survival of humanity. Scientists have spent decades doing research and finding alternative solutions to create electricity without creating air pollution. They’ve concluded that solar power is the best weapon for the fight against global warming. 

Reliable Source of Energy

If there’s one thing everyone knows for sure, it’s that the sun will rise and set every day. Cloud coverage might be a little more unpredictable but there are relatively accurate forecasts available to determine how much sunlight can be expected in various locations all over the world. 

Increase the Value of Your Property

Homes with solar systems installed sell for more, according to statistics. Additionally, you’ll obtain clean, renewable energy from the sun while reducing your use of fossil fuels. Thus, if you install solar panels, you will significantly reduce your energy bills, or even eliminate them. 

Why Solar Is Bad

Despite solar technology’s environmental benefits, it is found to contain many of the same hazardous materials found in electronic waste. As solar technology becomes more popular, disposing of hazardous waste becomes more difficult. That being said, solar technology is evolving at a very fast pace and solutions to this problem are already being researched.

 

We have no doubt that solar power will ensure a better future. The costs of solar power are expected to decrease in the near future to make it easier to move away from traditional power sources and our dependence on fossil fuels. 

 

If you have been looking for a solar power solution for your home or business in Cape Town, look no further. Renaissance Solar can help you reduce your carbon footprint by installing solar panels in your home. Get in touch with the team at Renaissance Solar for a free quotation today!

 

Is There Oil in Solar Panels?

Solar energy is becoming more and more popular as a source of renewable energy. However, many people are unaware that using chemicals derived from fossil fuels is necessary to harness the power of the sun.
Almost all solar panels are built using the same principle, converting sunlight into energy. A photovoltaic component, which converts sunlight into energy, is usually sandwiched between layers of copolymers. In many copolymers, ethylene – derived from oil and natural gas – serves as one of the petrochemical building blocks.

Mistakes To Avoid When Investing In Solar Power
Solar power is a wonderful thing. Creating energy for free from the rays of the sun is genius and available to every human being. But before you go ahead and invest in a solar energy solution for your home or office, read below so you can avoid making these common mistakes related to solar power.

Not Doing Any Research
While there are many professionals out there that can answer the many questions you might have, it’s vital to do at least some research of your own. By doing this, you eliminate the risk of receiving false information from a ‘not-so-professional’ contractor who only cares about the profit he/she is going to make. It’s a great idea to have some idea of what type of system you want to invest in.

Making a Decision Based on Price
Not every solar heating system is created equal. More often than not, the cheapest product isn’t the best option. And when you invest your money in this type of system, you’ll want to make sure it’s a high-quality product. What you want is the best value for money.

Not Hiring a Professional for Your Installation
You can DIY many things, but a solar system isn’t one of them. If you want a system that will last for many years to come, you need a professional like Renaissance Solar to source quality products and manage the installation for you.

For more information, give us a call today!