Solar power manufacturers are always looking for new ways to make solar cells more efficient, so there are different types of solar panel technologies for customers to choose from, offering different levels of efficiency and reliability. Today, weâre discussing two types of these cells called known as PERC and IBC, and the difference between IBC and PERC solar panels.
Cells known as âPassivated Emitter and Back Contactâ cells are becoming more common. PERC solar cells are an iteration of conventional cells and have an extra layer on the back, allowing some of the sunlight to reflect off the solar cell. The cape gives the sun’s rays a second chance to be absorbed and converted into energy. This modification makes PERC solar cells 6-12% more efficient than conventional solar panels.
While PERC solar panels like the Longi solar panels UAEÂ are a step above other conventional panel types, IBC panels, or “interdigitated back contact,â are a step ahead in efficiency, energy performance, and reliability. Before we delve into the IBC and PERC solar panels difference, weâll give you a brief definition of each one.
IBC vs PERC
IBC solar cells
Back-contact solar cells can avoid all shading losses by placing both contacts at the back of the cell. The electron-hole pairs generated by light that is absorbed on the surface of the cell can still be collected at the back of the cell by using a thin solar cell made of high-quality material.
Such cells are especially useful in concentrator applications, where the resistance effect of the cell array is much greater. An additional benefit of these cells, which is the main difference between IBC and PERC solar panels, is that cells with both contacts on the back can be more easily interconnected and can be placed closer together in the module because there is no need for space between the cells.
PERC solar cells
There are many types of solar panel technologies for customers to choose from. âBack-contact passivated emitterâ solar cells, known as PERC solar cells, are becoming more common today as an option for manufacturing solar panels. PERC solar cells are modified conventional cells that allow them to produce 6 to 12 percent more power than conventional solar panels. PERC solar cells have an additional layer inside the back of the cell. This allows some of the sun’s rays to reflect on the solar cell, giving them another chance to be converted into energy.
Difference between IBC and PERC solar panels
Most solar panels, including those with PERC, use metal straps to connect the cells. Those metal bands expand in the heat and contract in the cold. This stress can cause the ribbons to disconnect from the cell or the cells to crack, reducing power output for the entire system. This is just one difference between IBC and PERC solar panels explained in simple terms.
Modern IBC cells have a thick layer of tinned copper on the back that holds the cell together, making the cell very durable. These cells are 20% more efficient than PERC panels and eliminate the primary mechanisms that cause solar cells to lose power and fail, namely broken cells or electrical connections, and corrosion. But this is not the only difference between IBC and PERC solar panels.
Any solar shop in middle east like Pas Solar is so confident in this solar cell technology that theyâll provide panels with the industry’s best 25-year total confidence warranty, giving you peace of mind both for the product and the promised amount of power your panels will produce.
Advantages and Disadvantages of PERC and IBC Solar Cells
 At Pas Solar, we offer our customers panels made from PERC and IBC cells. Both have pros and cons. Below are a few of the pros and cons of each one:
PERC Advantages
- Theyâre built like conventional solar cells, which means they can be mass-produced using existing equipment.
- Higher efficiency compared to non-PERC panels means fewer panels are needed to produce the required amount of electricity.
Disadvantages of PERC
Most PERC solar panels have metal strips running through them, which means they are more likely to crack and lose the ability to generate power.
Some manufacturers get rid of this vulnerability in our Performance Series PERC panels by replacing traditional metal strips with a super-strong conductive adhesive that durably flexes, so it can withstand temperature changes. Modern PERC panels generate 35% more energy over 25 years compared to conventional types of PERC panels. IBC cells do not have this issue, which is a major difference between IBC and PERC solar panels.
IBC Advantages
- Theyâre the most efficient solar panels available today, reducing installation costs and maximizing the amount of energy produced.
- Higher efficiency means fewer panels are needed, leaving room to add panels if, for example, you’re adding an electric vehicle.
- Lower rate of degradation than conventional panels. This results in more power generation over the life of the panel.
- Better performance at higher temperatures and use of more of the light spectrum to create more power, even early in the morning or late at night.
- Cell-level access point protection increases performance in the shadow.
Disadvantages of IBC
While weâre discussing the difference between IBC and PERC solar panels, we have to admit there are not many negatives when it comes to IBC technology. While it may have a higher initial cost, over time you will see a greater return on your investment because IBC systems produce up to 55% more energy than an older system of that size in the first 25 years. And they’re backed by Pas Solarâs warranty.
That’s great news for homeowners, who naturally want a solar photovoltaic system that will generate as much power as they can afford, or fit on their roof. The more power that is generated, the faster a solar system will pay off its initial costs, and the sooner youâll start saving on electric costs.
Lastly, a big difference between IBC and PERC solar panels is their price. solar panel price in UAEÂ is usually lower than IBC panels. Ideally, everyone would want to use both the IBC and PERC solar panels at the same time and benefit from the features of both technologies. But is that even possible? You can contact us at Pas Solar to find out.