Significant progress and changes in trends have been made in solar panels technology. In particular, a solar revolution is about to occur in 2024. This is the reason why:
Due to their lower cost, polycrystalline solar panels were once a more preferred option for home installation. However, bifacial and mono PERC solar panels, which use innovative technologies, are now commonly used.
Perovskite, heterojunction, and tandem solar cells are only a few of the many new, higher-performing materials that have been found.
Your new solar system will last for at least 25 years, therefore you need to be well informed about the latest technologies in solar panels.
Here’s a compilation of two new technology solar panels that homeowners should be aware of.  Â
The Most Useful Solar Panels Types for Residential Installation: The Most Recent Advances in Technology
1. Bifacial Solar Panels :
Conventional solar panels only capture direct sunshine from one side. Bifacial solar panels, on the other hand, have solar cells on both surfaces.
Direct sunlight is absorbed by the top layer. The sunlight reflected by the upper layer is absorbed by the lower layer. Because bifurcated solar panels can absorb and convert more sunlight than their predecessors, they produce more electricity.
Enhanced energy yield : In lab tests, bifurcated solar panels have produced up to 30% more energy than conventional solar panels. Currently, up to 22% of the output is feasible. The efficiency of bifacial panels will only rise as more study is conducted.
Flexible installation : If you live in a region that receives a lot of snowfall or if your rooftop has a highly reflecting surface, bifurcated solar panels are a great choice for you.
Longevity : Bifacial panels frequently have longer warranties and stronger construction. They deteriorate at a rate of only 0.45% to 0.55% annually.
2. PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) Solar Cells
An enormous improvement over conventional panels is provided by PERC technology, which adds a passivated layer of solar cells to the back side. The solar panel’s efficiency is increased by the additional layer because it can also collect sunlight from the back. The MonoPERC solar panels are the most recent advancement in PERC technology.
Enhanced efficiency : PERC cells dramatically raise the energy output of solar panels by absorbing light that would otherwise be wasted. The efficiency of Mono PERC panels increases to a whopping 25%.
Improved low-light performance : These cells are adaptable to a variety of climates because of their remarkable low-light performance.
Lower long-term costs : Although the initial outlay may be somewhat more than for older technology panels, the improved efficiency results in faster payback periods and longer lifespans.
Future Technology to Keep an Eye on
Technology is always changing. This is a glimpse into the future and an assessment of whether it makes sense to postpone installation until the trends reach their peak!
1. Perovskite Solar Cells
The future of the solar business is thought to lie in perovskite cells, which in the lab are breaking records with efficiency above 30%. They provide the versatility to be applied to surfaces that silicon cannot.
Perovskite is still in its infancy as a technology, though. The widespread usage of perovskite solar cells in the domestic market is still a pipe dream, despite the fact that they might be prepared for large-scale installations in ten years, mostly due to their expensive cost.
2. Transparent Solar Panels
By integrating transparent solar technology into windows and glass surfaces, buildings may generate electricity without obstructing views. While thin-film solar panels are excellent choices for commercial applications, large-scale residential solar installations in India are not feasible with them.
Architectural freedom : They provide energy solutions without sacrificing aesthetics, blending in effortlessly with contemporary architecture.
Greater surface area : Every glass surface offers an opportunity to produce electricity, thus extending the potential of solar energy.
3. Heterojunction Solar Cells
To produce solar cells with higher efficiency, heterojunction technology (HJT) blends the best features of crystalline and amorphous silicon layers.
HJT cells push the limits of solar power productivity by increasing solar absorption and decreasing electron recombination to attain better efficiency rates.
Since these cells have a larger temperature coefficient, they actually function incredibly well at high temperatures as well.
4. Tandem Solar Cells
Tandem solar cells use two layers of photovoltaic materials, such silicon and perovskites, to collect more light and turn it into power by capturing a wider range of sunlight.
Tandem cells surpass the theoretical efficiency limitations of single-material solar cells by more efficiently utilizing light at various wavelengths.
Ultra-high-efficiency solar panels are predicted to become the norm as tandem technology develops and becomes more scalable and inexpensive.
5. Thin Film Solar Cells
Thin Film solar cells are lightweight and flexible, allowing them to be mounted to a variety of surfaces and increasing the versatility of solar installation.
Their adaptability creates new opportunities for solar power applications, ranging from unusual building integrations to portable gadgets. Large-scale installations can benefit from their cost-effectiveness as they are often less expensive to manufacture than silicon-based cells.