Solar panels are blue because they are made of polycrystalline silicon, a rare kind of silicon. As a result, blue solar panels are also known as polycrystalline solar panels. The blue color is visible because of its anti-reflective coating, which aids the panels’ absorption efficiency and capacity.
Do Solar Panels Come in Different Colors?
The way light rays interact with solar panels gives them their colour. As a result, there are blue and black solar panels. One must first realise that a solar panel is composed of 60 sun cells. Photovoltaic panels come in three primary varieties: monocrystalline (also known as black solar panels), polycrystalline (sometimes known as blue solar panels), and amorphous solar panels.
Depending on your preference for a coloured solar panel, they are available in various hues. Solar panels with colour are more expensive and less effective than those without colour. Colorful solar panels are not frequently offered for sale in business settings.
Why are Most Solar Panels Black and Blue?
Polycrystalline Solar Panels (blue) and Monocrystalline Solar Panels are the two most popular types of solar panels on the market (black). It has more to do with the quality, material availability, and production method than it does with colour preference. Let’s examine the causes of the blue and black coloration of solar panels:
- Type of material : –
The blue and black tones of the panels are a result of silicon. It has a metallic, greyish shine that alluded to the colours of the panel. Polycrystalline and monocrystalline silicone are also available. For obvious reasons, the majority of the panels are blue or black.
- Anti-reflective coating :
The second justification is that solar panels are anti-reflective. The panels may absorb more light, capture more light, and lose less energy thanks to this covering.
The way light interacts with the panels is altered by anti-reflective coating. This makes the panel appear bluer. The AR coating used to treat the panels will appear bluish, particularly on bright days.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels or Blue Solar Panels
Blue solar panels, also known as polycrystalline or monocrystalline solar panels, are one of the solar system colours. It is made by combining multiple silicon crystals, as the name implies. It has the appearance of stained glass windows and a lot of small fragments that reflect sunlight at different angles.
The silicon crystal must be melted in order for these panels to be manufactured. After cooling, the mixture crystallises, giving the blue solar cells a distinct edge.
Blue solar panels are highly cost-effective due to the simplified manufacturing process. These panels are reasonable for homeowners or buyers who have medium-sized roofs as the installation cost is low and can be easily maintained. You can switch to the KW Solar Rooftop offered by Waaree to save almost 50% on the energy bill.
Because silicone is used in the production of these panels, they have a high absorption capacity. They capture and retain light while reducing energy loss. Blue solar panels are an environmentally friendly option because they save a lot of energy and most manufacturers avoid using soldering to protect the environment.
However, one of the major drawbacks of these panels is their low efficiency. They have photovoltaic panels that are less efficient than monocrystalline panels.
Black Solar Panels or Monocrystalline Solar Panels
As the name suggests, monocrystalline panels are carved out of one silicon crystal. Monocrystalline is very sleek, and its backing paper is also black. These panels are engineered with the help of the czochralski process. Under this process, the crystal seed is positioned in a vat or vessel of molten silicon to produce delicately shaped silicon squares.
Light merges more with the monocrystalline solar cells and provides a unique look that appears black to human eyes. They are efficient colored solar panels.
Black vs Blue Solar Panels: Which Panel Type is the Best?
The basic difference between black and blue solar panels is the efficiency and the process of manufacturing. Let’s look at a quick summary of the features of black solar panels and blue solar panels before making a choice.
Black Solar Panels
- Highly efficient
- Long-lasting
- Sleek design
- Takes less space
- Expensive
- Made from premium quality silicon
- Functional in low light
- Manufactured by the energy-intensive czochralski process
Blue Solar Panels
- Requires more space
- Less efficient when compared to black solar panels
- Low-cost installation
- Made out of low-quality silicon
- Zero or no wastage of energy
- Scattered appearance due to the visible crystals
- Widely used
To decide between the two depends on the efficiency and cost you are willing to spend. Black panels are expensive but are pure and more efficient. They can absorb light even in cloudy weather. You can choose Waaree’s Aditya Series (144 Multi-crystalline cut cells solar PV module) if you are looking for enhanced power output. On the other hand, the blue panels are a cost-effective option and provide sufficient energy.
As a whole, switching to any kind of solar panel is a great initiative. You will be saving a lot of money and protecting the planet at the same time.
Can You Get Colored Panels
Colored panels are not commonly sold commercially. Solar panels in various colours are available. Solar panels that are coloured are made by dyeing the glass covering with a special surface coating.
Colored solar panels are inefficient compared to black and blue solar panels. To change the colour, researchers employ various nanotube technologies. AMOLF, a Dutch research institute, employs this technology to imprint silicon nanopatterns on solar panels.
Find the Right Solar Panel for your Home
Budget, effectiveness, aesthetics, and energy consumption are just a few of the variables that decide the best solar panels. Blue solar panels are extensively used and reasonably priced, despite this. The black one is also a choice if you want a more energy-efficient alternative.
You can get help from Roop Solar choosing the best choice for your house. Whether you select blue or black solar panels, we can offer service based on the requirements of your house. To arrange a consultation and explore your options, get in touch with Roop Solar.