That s because black absorbs more sunlight.
Black solar panels vs blue.
Aside from the obvious distinction in the appearance these two are also varying in the material.
When researching your options for solar panels you may notice that some panels are black and some are blue.
Knowing the differences between black and blue solar panels will help you make an informed choice for your home.
The classic bluish shimmer is attributed to imperfections within silicon crystal formation that come from slight misalignments while melted silicon.
Black vs blue solar panels.
Polycrystalline solar panels are also made from silicon.
Referred to as polycrystalline silicon these photovoltaic panels are typically the less expensive option.
Pros and cons solar modules that have a blue tint are made of multiple silicon crystals.
The blue color is largely due to an anti reflective coating that helps improve the absorbing capacity and efficiency of the solar panels.
This can be difficult when different opinions are published online.
Because blue solar panels are easier to produce they are also less expensive.
Blue solar panels are less aesthetically appealing but are cheaper.
They re also used more commonly so repairs are quick and easy.
The silicon used to make the black panels have a very high purity although the alignment of the silicon is similar to that present in a polycrystalline.
Solar panels are blue due to the type of silicon polycrystalline that is used for a certain set of solar panels.
Both their upfront and installation costs are significantly cheaper as compared to black solar panels.
Blue diy solar panels.
How do you make a smart choice.
A black backsheet is a bad choice from the point of view of efficiency because the hotter solar panels get the worse they perform and in sunlight black gets hotter than white.
Due to the lower cost of polycrystalline solar panel production about 90 of the solar panels on the market today are polycrystalline.
If you ve ever worn an all black t shirt in the hot sun you may know that you feel warmer than if you were to wear a lighter color.
Light heat and performance of black vs.
The extra amount of sunlight absorbed allows black solar panels to generate slightly more electricity.
Beyond having distinct looks these colors do make a difference in how they function.
Black vs blue solar panel.
Consequently most solar panels have a blue hue to them.
So the gaps between solar cells on a panel with a black backsheet will absorb heat instead of reflecting it.
But how exactly are they different.
Blue and black solar panels don t just have distinct looks.
The next decision is to choose between black vs blue solar panels.
Black blue solar panels are made from polycrystalline silicon that is covered with an anti reflective coating that optimizes efficiency and maximizes absorbing capacity.
They are also technically different.