The reason why full black solar panels have such a dark appearance is due to a variety of design and manufacturing techniques designed to minimise visible reflections and bright colours. Here are some of the reasons why:
Monocrystalline Cells: Polycrystalline silicon cells show mid-blue, monocrystalline silicon cells are dark blue, appearing almost black from a distance, so full black solar panels are usually selected monocrystalline cells, which makes the solar panels run more stably, and the overall appearance is more uniform and darker in colour.
Black Frame: To attain the desired full black aesthetic of solar panels, the frame is typically constructed using black anodized aluminium frame. This choice of black aluminum for the frame plays a significant role in creating the sleek and uniform all-black look of the solar panels.
Full Black Backsheet: The backsheet is the underside of the panel, and full black solar panels typically have a black backsheet. Backsheets for all-black solar panels are usually chosen from black materials such as black EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer) or other black backsheet materials. This helps to further reduce visible reflections.
Glass: The front glass of solar panels is generally maintained high light transmission as much as possible so that the cells can absorb more light and convert it into electricity. In the case of a glass-glass solar panel, it also has glass on the back. The back glass has two thicknesses, 2.0mm and 1.6mm, and is generally made of semi-tempered low-iron ultra-white photovoltaic glass with grid (black grid or white grid) or without grid according to the demand, which has incomparable advantages over the backsheet, and is gaining more and more recognition and share in the market. In glass-glass full black solar panels, the glass on the back (backglass) is usually transparent, which means that the sink bars and other connecting parts on the back may be visible in some cases. In order to maintain an overall full black appearance and to obscure these components, the manufacturer may add a black grid structure to the back glass. The purpose of this is to give the back of the solar panel a perfect black colour and to protect the busbar.
Encapsulation: Solar cells are encapsulated between the front glass and the back sheet with the help of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) and a white Tedlar sheet for insulation. Full black solar panels usually use black Tedlar sheets or other alternative black encapsulation materials to maintain an aesthetically pleasing and consistent full black appearance.
Busbars and Contacts: In full black solar panels, the interconnecting wires or busbars between solar cells are also made from black materials or treated to appear black. This can be achieved by using black conductive adhesives or other black materials. Busbars and contacts on the front surface of the cells are designed to be black or dark in color to minimize visibility.
Silicone: Silicone is commonly used in the manufacturing of solar panels, especially glass-glass solar panels, to encapsulate and hold the solar cells in place, as well as to provide additional protection for the panels. In full black solar panel designs, the silicone is often dyed or selected to be black in order to maintain the overall black appearance. When attaching the solar panel&#;s frame to the glass, black silicone is employed to ensure the entire panel maintains a consistent and seamless color appearance. This use of black silicone not only enhances the panel&#;s overall aesthetics but also contributes to its cohesive, uniform look. The picture below shows what black silicone looks like on a full black solar panel.
Why are solar panels blue or black?
Blue solar panels get their colour largely due to the anti-reflective coating applied to the panel&#;s surface. This coating, typically made of silicon nitride or titanium dioxide, helps reduce light reflection and increase light absorption, thereby improving the panel&#;s overall efficiency. On the other hand, black solar panels have an additional layer of black backing behind the solar cells, giving them a darker appearance. This is often combined with black frames to create a sleek, uniform look.
Types of solar cells
In addition, the colour of a solar panel is closely related to the type of solar cell it uses. Blue solar panels typically use polycrystalline solar cells, while black solar panels use monocrystalline solar cells.
Polycrystalline solar cells (blue panels): These cells are made from multiple silicon crystals, resulting in a distinctive blue hue. Polycrystalline cells are generally more costly than monocrystalline cells due to a simpler and more cost-effective manufacturing process.
Monocrystalline solar cells (black panels): These cells are made from a single crystal of silicon, giving them a more uniform appearance and a darker colour. Monocrystalline cells are often more efficient than polycrystalline cells, but they come with a higher price tag.
Advantages and disadvantages of blue and black solar panels
Blue solar panels (polycrystalline)
Advantages
They have a lower cost;
a relatively good efficiency;
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and are a better choice for large-scale installations or projects with budget constraints.
Disadvantages
They are less efficient compared to monocrystalline panels and have a less aesthetically pleasing appearance, which is a very important decision making argument for lots of customers.
Black solar panels (monocrystalline)
Advantages
They have a higher efficiency;
a better performance in low-light conditions;
and a sleek, uniform appearance that may be more appealing to some homeowners.
Disadvantages
They generally have a higher cost and a slightly larger environmental impact due to a more energy-intensive manufacturing process.
Black vs. blue solar panels: which panel type is the best?
Choosing between blue and black solar panels ultimately depends on your priorities, budget, and visual preferences. While black monocrystalline panels offer higher efficiency and a more attractive appearance, blue polycrystalline panels provide a more cost-effective option with relatively good performance. Understanding the differences between these two types of panels can help you make the best decision for your solar energy system.
In our product range, you will find high-quality full black solar panels. Both the ELAT-FB-GG-430 and ELAT-FB-SG-430 modules are efficient solar panels with a sleek design, ideal for residential roofs.
Interested in our full black solar panels? We would love to tell you all about them. Get in touch to discover what we could do for you.