What Determines The Solar Panel Price In India?
When it comes to renewable energy for homes, solar power is probably the most popular. These systems generate power by harnessing the sun’s energy that falls on solar panels. This energy is then transformed into usable power by passing it through an inverter. For the system to work efficiently, you need good quality solar panels. Solar panel cost in India varies mainly according to the type of solar panel. This is typically based on parameters such as the generation and the number of junctions involved. Let’s take a look.
1st generation solar panels
These solar panels can be described as basic solar panels made from monocrystalline silicon or polycrystalline silicon. Panels comprising of monocrystalline silicon appear dark with rounded edges. They have a very high efficiency rate, occupy minimal space and offer long durability. In India, these panels are available in efficiency ranges of 17-19%.
Polycrystalline solar panels contain melted raw silicon. They are blue with square cells and uncut angles. These panels are cheaper than monocrystalline silicon panels as a larger number of panels are required to produce the same amount of electricity. They also have a shorter lifespan and cannot function optimally at extremely high temperatures.
2nd generation solar panels
2nd generation solar panels are typically used in solar power systems that have a low power output. They can be categorized as Thin film solar panels (TFSC) and Amorphous silicon solar panels (A-Si). The former is cheaper as it uses less construction material and has lower efficiency. Amorphous silicon solar panels are often considered the best type of thin film solar panels. In terms of solar panel price in India, they are budget friendly but have power efficiency of only around 7%.
3rd generation solar panels
These solar panels use both organic and inorganic materials. They include thin film panels as well as biohybrid solar cells. The latter is still in its developmental stages. The two main types of 3rd generation solar panels available are the Cadmium Telluride solar panels and Concentrated PV panels. Cadmium Telluride solar panels have a low manufacturing cost as the choice of construction material requires minimal water production. It’s main advantage is its ability to significantly reduce carbon footprint but on the flip side, it can be fatal if the material is ingested or inhaled. Concentrated PV panels have a efficiency rate of over 40% and are considered the most efficient type of solar panel for home use. They are multi junction panels that use a combination of curved lenses and mirror surfaces and cooling systems.
Along with the type of solar panel, another factor influencing solar panel price in India is the brand name under which the panels are being marketed. Irrespective of the type of panel you choose to work with, you must ensure that you select a panel from a reputable brand. This ensures that you receive a good warranty and have assured after sales service. After all, brands need to protect their image and thus will use good quality materials and help you design a solar power system that suites your needs.
