The three main types of Solar Modules that are most commonly used in the market today are

Monocrystalline, Polycrystalline, and Thin-Film. Thin-Film Solar Panels can be further

categorized into Cadmium Telluride (CdTe), Amorphous Silicon (a-Si), and Copper Indium

Gallium Selenide (CIGS).

Polycrystalline Solar Panels

These were the very first type of solar cells to be developed in the beginning of the industry, but

they are still widely used today. Polycrystalline modules are made from different silicon crystals

melted together making them most cost-effective option. However, the lower cost also comes

with less efficiency and moderate lifespan.

Monocrystalline Solar Panels

As the name suggests, these are single-crystal modules made from one pure silicon crystal

making them the most efficient crystalline panels in terms of energy conversion.

Monocrystalline modules also have the highest performance and longest lifespan, but this

comes with a higher price tag.

Thin-Film Solar Panels

These solar panels are composed of very thin layers and as a result can be flexible. Generally,

they have the shortest lifespan. Like mentioned earlier, Thin-Film solar modules can be further

categorized based on their what materials they are made of.

Cadmium Telluride (CdTe)

A cost-effective option out of the Thin-Film panels due to the materials that are used in the

production process. However, due to the toxicity of Cadmium it is expensive and dangerous to

recycle. Recycling facilities as a result charge the highest disposal fee for these panels.

Amorphous Silicon (a-Si)

Though made with Silicon, Amorphous Silicon modules require a lot less for its production

compared to Poly and Monocrystalline modules. This makes them the cheapest option but the

least efficient at the same time.

Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS)

As the name suggests, these panels are made with a compound called Copper Indium Gallium

Selenide. Though they are the most efficient out of the Thin-Film solar modules they are also

the most expensive.

Disposal of Used Solar Panels

Regardless of the type of panels it is always important to contact an authorized PV Solar Panel

Recycling facility with the necessary licenses, certificates, technology, as well as the experience

to treat incoming modules according to regulations. This ensures the lowest possible

environmental impact and that the raw materials circulate back to new production processes.

Aerisoul Metal & Energy Corp. is an advocate of circular economy and ensures a smooth

disposal process from beginning to end for all used, end of life, and broken PV Solar Modules.