Commercial and Residential Alternative Energy Systems

PV Cells

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There are four general types of PV cells

Single-crystal silicon

Polycrystal silicon

Ribbon silicon

Amorphous silicon

Single Crystal Silicon

To make single-crystal cell, very pure silicon is further purified, melted and formed into ingots. The ingots are sliced thin to make individual cells. The cells of a single-crystal cell have a uniform color, usually blue-black.

Polycrystalline Silicon

Polycrystalline cells are made from silicon that is less pure, and thus, less expensive. The efficiency is generally less than single-crystal silicon. Manufacturers assert that the cost benefits outweigh the loss of efficiency. Their appearance color is more random, as opposed to the uniform color of the single-crystal cell.

Ribbon Silicon

When silicon is melted, it can be formed into ribbons instead of ingots. These cells operate much the same as single-cell and polycrystalline cells. They have a rainbow prism appearance.

Amorphous (Thin Fill) Silicon

Amorphous silicon cells are made by depositing a very thin layer of vaporized silicon onto a base of glass, plastic or metal. Amorphous silicon cells can be made in sizes up to several yards in length, and are made in long, rectangular "strip cells". They come in a variety of colors.