Why are Solar Panels Blue?

The solar panels used in homes or offices are mostly either blue or black. The choice of color is based on the interaction of light with these panels. Let’s take a look at why solar panels are made blue in most cases.

Some solar panels seem to be blue in color due to the presence of a certain type of silicon. Silicon is a good conductor of heat even though it is not a metal which is why solar energy gets converted to electricity. It is found in abundance on earth. The blue color is quite effective in absorbing the light as a result of which solar panels become efficient. Black color is also a good absorber of light which makes it a good competitor of blue color.

How Does a Solar Panel Work?

A photovoltaic cell is sandwiched between two silicons on both sides of it due to which an electric field is created. One side of silicon has positive while the other side has negative energy. Let’s take a look at how a blue solar panel is different from a black solar panel.

1. Blue Solar Panels

Polycrystalline panels are the most commonly used ones and are blue. Since various silicons are used in their making, that’s why they appear to be blue. These panels are coated in order to reduce reflection which ultimately prevents any loss of light. In this way, they perform better.

In the making of polycrystalline panels, silicon crystals are first melted and then cooled. The addition of seed crystals helps them form a structure.

Advantages of Polycrystalline Panels

Following are some of the advantages of Polycrystalline Panels:

• Polycrystalline Panels are quite efficient because they absorb light well.
• Their manufacturing process is simple which is why they cost less.
• Their blue color gives a soothing effect to the eyes which is why they’re preferred.

Disadvantages of Polycrystalline Panels

• Polycrystalline panels are less efficient as compared to Monocrystalline Panels.
• Polycrystalline Panels are quite fragile and can be broken easily.

1. Black Solar Panels

In the making of black solar panels or Monocrystalline Panels, single crystals are used which are made of silicon. For this purpose, silicon is first melted and then cut into pieces for making solar cells. They have black color due to their interaction with light. These panels have different capacity ranges depending on the demand.

Advantages of Black Solar Panels

• Black Solar Panels are good if the demand is high because of their greater efficiency.
• The space required for these panels is less.
• They can be used for longer periods of time.
• The capital cost is less and they are environment-friendly.

Disadvantages

• The manufacturing cost for these panels is more.
• Their efficiency decreases with an increase in temperature.
• A lot of silicon wastage is there during the manufacturing of these panels.

Conclusion

Taking into account all the factors, pros, and cons, one may conclude that Blue Solar Panels are aesthetically pleasing, cost less, and perform well under all conditions which is why they’re preferred.

Want to talk to Australia’s most trusted Solar retailer?

At AusPac Solar, we think it’s important to provide our customers with the highest quality solar installations and electrical work that come with the promise of ongoing servicing and maintenance support.

If you would like to discuss any of the points above or you are just wanting to engage with a genuine, customer-focused Solar Energy Company that will deliver a solar installation at a fair and reasonable price, give our friendly team a call on 1300 197 237 or contact us here and one of our solar experts will be in touch.