Which Type of Solar Panel is Best: P Type or N Type, and Why?

Electrical Technology

Difference Between N-Type and P-Type Solar Panels

Many people ask which solar panels are the best to buy for homes, tube wells, or other purposes and applications when selecting between P-Type and N-Type photovoltaic panels. To answer this question, let’s understand the main difference between them.

There are two basic types of solar panels:

P Type (Positive)
N Type (Negative)

When comparing P-type and N-type solar panels, both have their advantages and are suited for different applications. Here are the key differences and factors to consider:

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P-Type Solar Panels

Material: Typically made using boron-doped silicon.
Cost: Generally less expensive to produce.
Efficiency: Historically, P-type cells have slightly lower efficiency due to susceptibility to light-induced degradation (LID) and other impurities.
Market Share: P-type panels have been more common historically and thus have a larger market presence and longer track record.
Temperature Coefficient: Usually has a higher temperature coefficient, meaning their performance decreases more with increasing temperature compared to N-type.

Advantages of P-Type Panels

Cost-Effective: P-Type panels are the most economical solution available, making them ideal for maximizing solar installations at a reasonable price.
Industry Standard: These panels are currently the most widely produced and researched, making them the industry standard.

Disadvantages of P-Type Panels

Light-Induced Degradation: The boron base layer in P-Type panels suffers from boron-oxygen defects over time, leading to light-induced degradation.
Higher Degradation Rates: P-Type panels generally have higher rates of degradation compared to N-Type panels.

N-Type Solar Panels

Material: Typically made using phosphorus-doped silicon.
Cost: Slightly more expensive to produce, but this cost gap is narrowing.
Efficiency: Higher efficiency and better performance over time due to resistance to light-induced degradation (LID) and other impurities.
Degradation: Lower annual degradation rates, resulting in better long-term performance.
Temperature Coefficient: Generally has a lower temperature coefficient, meaning better performance in high-temperature conditions.

Advantages of N-Type Panels

Aesthetic Appeal: N-Type panels typically have a sleeker appearance with a less visible grid division, making them look cleaner and more modern.
Longer Warranty Periods: These panels often come with longer warranties due to the premium components used.
High Sensitivity to Long Wavelength Light: N-Type panels generate electricity more efficiently in low light conditions.
Increased Efficiency: They have lower degradation rates and maintain higher efficiency over time.
Immune to Boron-Oxygen Defects: The phosphorus base layer prevents boron-oxygen defects, enhancing panel efficacy and reducing light-induced degradation.
Better Temperature Tolerance: N-Type panels perform better at higher temperatures.
Sustainable Manufacturing: They are slightly more sustainable due to reduced emissions during manufacturing.

Disadvantages of N-Type Panels

Higher Cost: N-Type panels are currently more expensive due to the time-consuming and complex manufacturing process.
Limited Research and Testing: These panels are still being researched and are not as widely tested or understood as P-Type panels.

To understand P Type and N Type panels, we need to delve into some details. We know that there are three types of materials based on conduction and resistance:

Conductors (materials through which electricity passes easily)
Insulators (materials through which electricity does not pass)
Semiconductors (materials that can act as both conductors and insulators)

The best example of a semiconductor is silicon (Si), and solar panels are made from it. When manufacturing solar panels, before they are made, they are doped with another element. For example, when silicon is doped with boron, it gains a positive charge and is called P Type. Conversely, when silicon is doped with phosphorus, it gains a negative charge and is called N Type.

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Difference Between P-Type and N-Type Solar Panels

Following is the comparison table between P-Type and N-Type Solar Panels which can help you decide which type of solar panel is best suited for your specific needs and budget.

Feature	P-Type Solar Panels	N-Type Solar Panels
Base Material	P-type silicon (Boron-doped)	N-type silicon (Phosphorus-doped)
Electron Flow	Electrons flow from the P-type to the N-type	Electrons flow from the N-type to the P-type
Efficiency	Generally lower efficiency (around 15-18%)	Higher efficiency (can exceed 20%)
Degradation	More susceptible to light-induced degradation (LID)	Less susceptible to LID
Temperature Coefficient	Higher temperature coefficient (less efficient in heat)	Lower temperature coefficient (better performance in heat)
Cost	Typically lower cost	Generally higher cost
Longevity	Shorter lifespan due to higher degradation	Longer lifespan due to lower degradation
Power Output	Lower power output	Higher power output
Usage	Common in residential and commercial projects	Increasingly popular in high-efficiency applications, such as large-scale solar farms
Manufacturing Complexity	Simpler and more established manufacturing process	More complex and expensive manufacturing process
Sensitivity to Impurities	More sensitive to impurities	Less sensitive to impurities
Application	Suitable for standard applications	Preferred for applications requiring higher efficiency and longer durability

Based on the comparison table;

P-Type Solar Panels are generally less expensive and have a simpler manufacturing process but suffer from higher degradation and lower efficiency.
N-Type Solar Panels are more efficient, have a longer lifespan, and are less affected by impurities and heat, but they are more costly and have a more complex manufacturing process.

Why Choose One Over the Other?

Efficiency: If efficiency and long-term performance are your primary concerns, N-type solar panels are typically better. They offer higher efficiency and lower degradation rates.
Cost: If upfront cost is a major factor, P-type panels might be more attractive. Although the efficiency might be slightly lower, the initial investment is generally less.
Environmental Conditions: For installations in high-temperature areas, N-type panels are preferable due to their lower temperature coefficient and better high-temperature performance.
Project Scale and Budget: For large-scale projects with tighter budgets, P-type panels might be more economical. For projects where long-term performance and efficiency are prioritized, N-type panels could offer better value.

Which Type of Panel is Better for Me? N-Type or P-Type

To decide which solar panels have higher efficiency: N-Type or P-Type? Generally, N Type panels are generally better. The reasons are as follows:

N Type panels have more charge carriers, allowing them to absorb more light because a free electron remains when phosphorus reacts with silicon. In contrast, in P Type panels, when boron reacts with silicon, all four valence electrons pair up, leaving behind a hole (an empty space), which leads to oxidation. During oxidation, oxygen from the atmosphere reacts with boron, causing the solar panel to degrade over time, reducing both its efficiency and lifespan.

For this reason, N Type panels, due to the majority of charge carriers, have a longer lifespan and higher efficiency.

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How to Know if a Panel is P-Type or N-Type?

To determine if a solar panel is P-Type or N-Type, follow these steps:

Check the Manufacturer’s Specifications:

Look at the datasheet or technical specifications provided by the manufacturer. This information is often available on the manufacturer’s website or included with the panel’s packaging. The type (P-Type or N-Type) should be listed under the panel’s technical details.

Scan the Barcode or QR Code:

Many solar panels come with a barcode or QR code printed on them. You can scan this code using a smartphone or a barcode scanner. The scan should direct you to the manufacturer’s website or a database where you can find detailed information about the panel, including whether it is P-Type or N-Type.

Visual Inspection:

Sometimes, the type of solar cell is indicated on the panel itself, either through a label or marking. This is less common but can be useful if available.

Consult the Installer or Supplier:

If you are purchasing through a retailer or having the panels installed by a professional, ask them directly. They should have access to the necessary information and be able to tell you the type of panel.

Contact the Manufacturer:

If you are still unsure, you can contact the manufacturer directly with the panel’s model number and serial number. They should be able to provide you with the specific details about whether the panel is P-Type or N-Type.

By following these steps, you should be able to determine whether a solar panel is P-Type or N-Type.

Where to Use N-Type and P-Type Panels?

N-type solar panels are generally considered superior in terms of efficiency, performance, and durability, though they come at a higher cost.

N-Type solar panels are suitable to use:

N-Type panels are recommended for projects where high efficiency and performance are crucial, such as commercial and industrial installations.
Sea-side homes and premises as it has better resistance to marine corrosion.
If the temperature is high, N-Type panels have lower temperature coefficient which means, it will not affect the power generation of solar cell even if the temperature increases.
If you want to decrease the carbon emission footprints.
If you are not worried about the initial cost and interested in higher efficiency and longer life.
If there are shades or the area covered by trees especially in low light conditions.

P-type panels, while slightly less efficient and more prone to degradation, are more affordable and have a significant presence in the market. The choice between P-type and N-type solar panels depends on specific project needs, budget constraints, and long-term performance goals.

P-Type solar panels are suitable to use:

For commercial business and industrial building without exposure to excessive heat and corrosive, which resides in direct sunlight. it is suitable to install p-type panels on the roof to reduce the cost while having maximum efficiency.
P-Type panels are ideal for installations where cost is a significant factor. They offer a balance between performance and affordability, making them suitable for large-scale projects with tight budgets.
Since P-Type panels are the industry standard and widely researched, they are suitable for typical and standard solar energy applications where advanced performance features are not critical.