Solar cells

Solar cells are available today in many different variants. Let's have a look at three common types.

Monocrystalline silicon cells are cut from a round silicon crystal. The missing corners of the squares are characteristic. This shape is created by making the best use of the round cross-section of the raw material.

Relatively high efficiency comes at a high initial cost.

Polycrystalline silicon cells have a characteristic texture that is created by closely spaced crystal boundaries.

The efficiency is lower compared to monocrystalline solar cells. However, this also applies to the costs.

Thin-film cells consist of amorphous silicon or other material compounds. They can be vapor deposited onto substrates, including flexible materials.

Efficiency and costs are even lower. However, the thin-film cells can be used for unique applications - for example on windows.

All solar cell types have their market. High efficiency enables the best long-term profits, which explains the high market share of monocrystalline cells.

A very warm thank you to all the companies and institutes that made this publication possible.

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