So, what is the deal with all black-solar panels? Most solar panel manufacturing companies now have an all-black model, which is becoming more and more popular with customers. However, many people get confused about the difference between the two, and don&#;t know which type of panel is better for their home.
Before discussing all-black panels, we first must differentiate between monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels. In summary, polycrystalline panels are less efficient because some crystal formation occurs when they are being made. These crystals make it harder for electrons to flow through the cells. On the other hand, a lack of crystal formation in monocrystalline panels allows fir easy electron flow, making these panels more efficient. Because they are more efficient, they are also more expensive. Additionally, monocrystalline panels are darker in color, while polycrystalline panels have the traditional blue color.
Here is the visual difference between the two: monocrystalline is on the left and polycrystalline is on the right.
The reason why full black solar panels have such a dark appearance is due to a variety of design and manufacturing techniques designed to minimise visible reflections and bright colours. Here are some of the reasons why:
Monocrystalline Cells: Polycrystalline silicon cells show mid-blue, monocrystalline silicon cells are dark blue, appearing almost black from a distance, so full black solar panels are usually selected monocrystalline cells, which makes the solar panels run more stably, and the overall appearance is more uniform and darker in colour.
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Black Frame: To attain the desired full black aesthetic of solar panels, the frame is typically constructed using black anodized aluminium frame. This choice of black aluminum for the frame plays a significant role in creating the sleek and uniform all-black look of the solar panels.
Full Black Backsheet: The backsheet is the underside of the panel, and full black solar panels typically have a black backsheet. Backsheets for all-black solar panels are usually chosen from black materials such as black EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer) or other black backsheet materials. This helps to further reduce visible reflections.
Glass: The front glass of solar panels is generally maintained high light transmission as much as possible so that the cells can absorb more light and convert it into electricity. In the case of a glass-glass solar panel, it also has glass on the back. The back glass has two thicknesses, 2.0mm and 1.6mm, and is generally made of semi-tempered low-iron ultra-white photovoltaic glass with grid (black grid or white grid) or without grid according to the demand, which has incomparable advantages over the backsheet, and is gaining more and more recognition and share in the market. In glass-glass full black solar panels, the glass on the back (backglass) is usually transparent, which means that the sink bars and other connecting parts on the back may be visible in some cases. In order to maintain an overall full black appearance and to obscure these components, the manufacturer may add a black grid structure to the back glass. The purpose of this is to give the back of the solar panel a perfect black colour and to protect the busbar.
Encapsulation: Solar cells are encapsulated between the front glass and the back sheet with the help of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) and a white Tedlar sheet for insulation. Full black solar panels usually use black Tedlar sheets or other alternative black encapsulation materials to maintain an aesthetically pleasing and consistent full black appearance.
Busbars and Contacts: In full black solar panels, the interconnecting wires or busbars between solar cells are also made from black materials or treated to appear black. This can be achieved by using black conductive adhesives or other black materials. Busbars and contacts on the front surface of the cells are designed to be black or dark in color to minimize visibility.
Silicone: Silicone is commonly used in the manufacturing of solar panels, especially glass-glass solar panels, to encapsulate and hold the solar cells in place, as well as to provide additional protection for the panels. In full black solar panel designs, the silicone is often dyed or selected to be black in order to maintain the overall black appearance. When attaching the solar panel&#;s frame to the glass, black silicone is employed to ensure the entire panel maintains a consistent and seamless color appearance. This use of black silicone not only enhances the panel&#;s overall aesthetics but also contributes to its cohesive, uniform look. The picture below shows what black silicone looks like on a full black solar panel.