Solar energy is rapidly gaining popularity as a reliable, clean, and renewable source of power. As technology advances, so do the materials and methods used to harness the energy of the sun. One such development in the field of solar technology is amorphous solar panels.
A solar panel of this type is made of non-crystalline materials that have unique properties and advantages over traditional solar panels.
That being said, this article will provide you with an overview of what amorphous solar panels are. Below is a list of topics I’m going to cover. I recommend reading from the top, but feel free to tap on any of the bullets to skip sections.
- What are amorphous solar panels?
- How do amorphous silicon solar panels work?
- What makes thin film solar panels different?
- Real-world benefits of amorphous solar panels.
What are amorphous solar panels?
Amorphous solar panels are a type of solar panel that uses a thin layer of semiconductor material to generate electricity from sunlight. They are also known as thin-film solar panels and use non-crystalline silicon as well as other materials.
These solar modules are lightweight, flexible, and easier to install compared to their crystalline counterparts. The catch is that they’re less efficient, so you’d need more panels to generate the same output of energy.
How do amorphous solar panels work?
Amorphous solar panels work the same way as polycrystalline and monocrystalline panels. In summary, amorphous silicon cells gather photons from the sun, which they then use to generate DC power. This energy is then channeled to an inverter, which converts it to usable AC power.
We have a more in-depth explanation about how solar panels work if you want to read more into that but, overall, they all work around the same science.
“So, if they all work the same, what makes them different?”
Good question.
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How are amorphous solar panels different from crystalline ones?
We compare solar panels based on their efficiencies, durability, cost, and appearance. And, in the case of thin film, we also take temperature sensitivity into account.
In a nutshell, thin-film solar is less efficient at 6-8% compared to the traditional solar cell (i.e., crystalline) at 15-20%. The thin layers of an amorphous solar module also make it less durable, having a lifespan of less than the industry’s standard of 25 years.
Where it wins is cost and temperature sensitivity. Amorphous solar panels are the cheapest type you can get. Their performance also isn’t significantly altered by changes in temperature. One study even shows how amorphous solar cells deliver the same output at 40 °C and 80 °C.
In terms of appearance, well, it’s all subjective but many do think thinner looks better.
Real-world benefits of using amorphous solar panels
1. Amorphous panels are versatile.
Amorphous solar panels are thin and flexible, allowing them to be installed on irregular surfaces. These make them viable options if you have a roof that’s oddly shaped or maybe plan on installing solar panels on your travel van.
They’re also light, which makes them great for portable systems.
2. Their temperature (in)sensitivity makes them great for extreme climates.
Geoscience Australia calls the country “the land of extremes” because temperatures can range anywhere from scalding hot to freezing cold. The stability of amorphous solar panels over a wide range of temperatures makes them great for that.
Monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels, on the other hand, perform best in warm weather.
But, to be fair, both types of crystalline silicon panels have significantly higher efficiencies. So, even if they do suffer from performance drops, they will generally still produce more total power.
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3. They’re an option if you’re on a tight budget.
Amorphous solar panels are less expensive than traditional solar panels due to their less complex manufacturing process. This simpler production also results in less waste and a higher yield, which contributes to their lower retail value.
This makes them an option if you’re on a very limited budget, particularly if you don’t need a lot of solar energy. For the average household, though, I would still recommend crystalline solar panels. The higher efficiency pays for itself in the long run.
4. Amorphous solar cells are used in smaller electronics.
This circles us back to how an amorphous solar panel is lightweight, easily shaped, less efficient, and less expensive.
Aside from being used as solar panels, small electronics such as calculators, clocks, garden lights, toys, power banks, and other solar-powered gadgets use amorphous solar cells to power their batteries.
Conclusion
Amorphous or thin-film solar panels are modules that don’t use crystalline silicon for their solar cells. This makes them easier to produce and, therefore, cheaper overall. They’re also thinner and easier to shape, making them more versatile.
The drawback is that their efficiency and durability aren’t as solid as a traditional solar cell. Still, they can be an option if you’re on a tight budget and have more roof space.
Now, if you’ve already made your decision about which types of panels you want for your home, we have a network of pre-vetted installers ready to help. Let us know, and we can get you 3 FREE quotes from them right away.
