Black Solar Panels

Black Solar Panels

Sometimes aesthetics of a PV module can matter more than its performance or lifespan. If homeowners want their solar panels to look less conspicuous on the roof, they go for modules with a black frame. The frame color has no impact on the performance of a panel, unlike the color of the backsheet, for instance. So, it’s one of the only variables that deals exclusively with aesthetics. On this page you’ll find all black solar panels we have, with either black or white backing.

Features of black solar panels

When we talk about black solar panels, we also mean the cell color. They are monocrystalline modules which have black cells. This type of module is very popular now, so all black panels you might see in residential and commercial installations are monocrystalline PV modules. Black solar panels cost a little more than blue polycrystalline modules, but offer better performance. Here is what you can expect from them:

• monocrystalline solar modules have the best efficiency among the most widespread types of panels on the market (17-22%)
• lifespan of 25 years
• better power output in low-light conditions (in winter and cloudy weather) than with polycrystalline panels
• monocrystalline modules show better performance at high temperatures than polycrystalline ones

How are black solar panels made?

Why are solar panels black in color to begin with? It all stems from the manufacturing process. Silicon cylinders, from which solar cells are made, are grey in color. The crystal is sliced into wafers, which are then polished. To make a polycrystalline panel, a wafer is coated with antireflective coating which gives it a blue hue.

To get black solar cells, a special “black silicon” technology was developed. It lowers the reflectivity of solar cells to 1.5%. Such a low percentage allows the panel to capture more sunlight and produce more energy.

Choose your black solar panels

Black solar panels aren’t all the same: they vary in wattage, price, warranties, efficiency and so on. So, it’s important to choose a model that will perform well in your situation. Think about the area you live in and space where you want to install your panels. Is it cloudy there? Or is it exceptionally hot in your area? Will your panels be overshadowed by anything? Take the answers into consideration while browsing for a panel.

For example, Solaria is known for polished black panels that look absolutely outstanding. At the same time Solaria 370W 60 Cell PowerXT module offers a better than average shading tolerance, thanks to the parallel connection of sub-strings. Panasonic 330W AC Module With Enphase IQ7X comes with a preinstalled microinverter, which allows a panel to produce alternating current on the spot. REC 375W 120 Cell Alpha panel reaches the efficiency of 21.4% and barely ages – a module loses only 0.24% of its power output per year.