Types of Solar PV Technology:
The most popular solar technology today is photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, specifically monocrystalline silicon solar panels. These are widely used due to their high efficiency, long lifespan, and decreasing costs.
- Monocrystalline Silicon (Mono-Si) Panels – Most efficient (~22-24%), durable, and space-efficient.
- Polycrystalline Silicon (Poly-Si) Panels – Less expensive but lower efficiency (~16-18%).
- Thin-Film Solar Panels – Flexible, lightweight, and cheaper, but lower efficiency (~10-12%). Used in niche applications.
Other Solar Technologies:
- Concentrated Solar Power (CSP): Uses mirrors to focus sunlight onto a receiver, generating heat for electricity production. Common in large-scale power plants.
- Perovskite Solar Cells: A developing technology with high efficiency and potential to replace silicon-based panels in the future.
