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.