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Breakthroughs to look for in the latest solar panel technology in 2025
In recent decades, solar panel technology has evolved significantly and has seen massive advancements and trend shifts. Advances include:
- Greater solar cell efficiency
- Introduction of new and more abundant materials like perovskite, heterojunction and tandem solar cells
- Advancements in manufacturing techniques i.e. bifacial and mono PERC
- Flexible designs
Here’s a compilation of the latest solar panel technology that you should be aware of.
1. Bifacial Solar Panels
Bifacial solar panels are a significant advancement in the latest solar panel technology. It captures power from both sides of the panel. As opposed to traditional monofacial panels the bifacial panels can produce up to 30% more energy due to the extra power generated from the rear. The designs of bifacial vary with some being frameless, with frame or dual-glass or with clear backsheets.
How They Work: Bifacial panels absorb direct sunlight on the front side while utilizing reflected light from surfaces like water or snow on the backside. This makes them effective in areas with high albedo, where light is reflected more efficiently. The transparent backsheets are used instead of opaque ones to enhance this capability, allowing for greater light absorption. The bifacial modules have contacts/busbars on both sides of the cells.
Durability and Applications: Bifacial panels are more durable and resistant to environmental factors like hail and UV radiation and are best suited for commercial and utility-scale projects. While they can also be used in residential ground-mounted systems, their effectiveness diminishes in rooftop installations due to limited sunlight access from one direction.
2. Floating Solar Farms
Floating solar farms address land scarcity issues while generating renewable energy. Floating solar or floating photovoltaics (FPV), sometimes called floatovoltaics, are solar panels mounted on a structure that floats. By placing solar panels on bodies of water, these installations not only produce clean energy but also help reduce evaporation and algae growth in reservoirs. The floating systems costs are 10-20% higher than for ground-mounted systems.
The installation process for a floating solar project includes installing anchors and mooring lines that are attached to the waterbed or shore. Then assemble floats and panels into rows and sections onshore, pull the sections by boat to the mooring lines and secure them into place.
Advantages:
- Less land occupancy
- More compact than land-based plants and are installed faster than ground mount systems
- Increased panel efficiency due to cooling
- Less maintenance costs when compared to ground installation
3. Perovskite Solar Cells
Perovskites are semiconductor materials that have a crystal structure similar to that of perovskite minerals. Visible and near-infrared spectra are among the many wavelengths that perovskite semiconductors can absorb, making them capable of efficiently converting sunlight into electrical power. Alongside conventional silicon-based semiconductors, it is positioned as a potentially revolutionary new solar technology due to its low cost and very straightforward production method, as well as continuous research to increase its stability and solar efficiency.
One particular kind of perovskite variation that mixes crystalline silicon with a perovskite layer is called a perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell. In this architecture, the perovskites are efficient at capturing short wavelengths, while the crystalline silicon substrate captures long wavelengths. Perovskite cells' tandem cell architecture has a broad bandgap, which leads to high-performance properties. Perovskite solar cells have emerged as one of the promising new solar technology alternatives to traditional silicon-based cells due to their high efficiency and lower production costs.
4. Solar Tracking Systems
Solar tracking systems optimize the angle of solar panels throughout the day to follow the sun's trajectory, aiming to increase the energy capture. By adjusting the angle of the panels, these systems maximize solar exposure and enhance the energy output by 20-50%.
Types of Trackers: There are two main types of trackers,
- Single-axis trackers: Single-axis trackers rotate on one axis (typically from east to west) to follow the sun’s movement throughout the day. They are more cost-effective than dual-axis trackers
- Dual-axis trackers: Dual-axis trackers adjust the position of the panels on two axes i.e. horizontally and vertically, to follow the sun’s path. This aids in optimal sun exposure but on the other hand, has high installation and maintenance costs.
5. Smart Solar Technology
The integration of smart technology into solar systems facilitates real-time monitoring and optimization of energy production and consumption. Smart inverters and advanced energy management systems enhance grid stability by allowing for better demand response strategies. These technologies enable users to maximize their solar investment by optimizing performance based on consumption patterns and weather conditions. They also contribute to a more resilient grid by providing data that helps manage fluctuations in energy supply and demand effectively.
6. PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) Solar Cells
PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) solar cells are one of the latest solar panel technologies. By adding a passivated layer on the rear side, PERC panels capture sunlight from both the front and rear, thus boosting overall efficiency. The latest advancement in this technology, MonoPERC panels, gives an efficiency of up to 25%.
These improvements bring several benefits:
Better performance in low light: They work well even in low-light conditions, which makes them ideal for diverse climates.
Cost savings over time: The initial cost may be higher, but the improved efficiency leads to faster payback and long-term savings.
Bring in the potential of the new solar panel technology with Truzon Solar
At Truzon Solar, our expert consultants conduct a thorough on-site assessment, evaluating aspects like the amount of shadow-free space on your roof, nearby obstructions, pollution levels in your area, and the amount of direct sunlight your rooftop receives. This detailed analysis helps us recommend the best solar solution tailored to your needs.
Contact us today for more information.
FAQs
1. What is the newest technology in solar panels?
The advancements in the latest solar panel technology include perovskite solar cells, which are lightweight, flexible, and potentially more efficient than traditional silicon-based cells. Another is bifacial solar panels, which capture sunlight on both sides to increase efficiency, Tandem solar cells combining silicon and perovskite are also something new.
2. Which solar panel technology is best?
Monocrystalline silicon panels are the most efficient and long-lasting, making them ideal for residential and commercial use. However, thin-film panels are best for large-scale installations due to their flexibility and lighter weight, while bifacial panels are great for areas with reflective surfaces.
3. What is the next big thing in solar panels?
Solar panels integrated into building materials (like solar roofs or solar windows), along with advanced storage technologies such as solid-state batteries for better energy retention is something to look for in the coming years. Another exciting development is transparent solar panels, which could allow buildings to generate power without sacrificing aesthetics.
4. What are some of the new solar panel technology trends for 2025?
Perovskite-based solar cells are expected to become more reliable and cost-effective, while advanced solar panel recycling technologies will aim to reduce environmental impact. There will also be a rise in solar panel-as-a-service models, where consumers can pay for solar energy instead of owning the system outright.
