What are amorphous silicon solar panels?

Amorphous silicon solar cells (or a-Si) are one such technology that's capturing industry attention. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the world of amorphous silicon solar panels, examining their composition, functionality, as well as the pros and cons they bring to the table.

What is an amorphous solar panel?

An amorphous solar panel operates on the same principle as a regular panel, using Si-based photovoltaic technology. However, instead of using individual cells made from Si wafers, it employs a thin layer of non-crystalline silicon that is applied to a substrate such as metal, glass, or plastic.

Are amorphous solar panels a viable option?

If you’re looking into DIY solar or small-scale solar, amorphous solar may be a viable option for you. However, amorphous solar panels are still limited in their availability and may be difficult to find. If you’d like to learn where you might find thin-film or amorphous solar panels, contact a solar installation company near you.

What is amorphous silicon photovoltaic glass?

Onyx Solar Spain 05004 Ávila. Spain. Amorphous silicon photovoltaic glass features a thin, uniform layer of silicon between two glass panels, allowing light to pass through due to its inherent transparency. It offers a more aesthetic appearance than crystalline silicon (c-Si) and performs well in diffuse light conditions and vertical installations.

Are amorphous solar panels more efficient than traditional solar panels?

Amorphous solar panels are significantly less efficient than traditional solar panels. Most amorphous solar panels are only about 7 percent efficient, whereas monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels can exceed 20 percent efficiency. This means you'll need much more roof space to get the same output as traditional solar panels.

Are amorphous solar panels conductive?

The resulting conductive material is extremely versatile; malleable, lightweight and easily cut into unique shapes fit for many applications. Though you can find some flexible thin-film solar panels available commercially for installations, amorphous solar panels won’t be as easy to find for a while.