36 cells Vs 60 cells Vs 72 cells Vs 144 cells Solar Panels
“In the market, you’ll find various types of solar panels, both large and small. However, you might not know which solar panel would be beneficial for you. This is because all solar panels are manufactured based on different wattage and voltage specifications to ensure they are used correctly.
When you’re purchasing solar panels, you might also be asked whether you want a 36-cell, 60-cell, 72-cell, or 144-cell panel, and whether you need a 12V or 24V solar panel.
But before buying solar panels, you should ensure that the solar panel you choose is compatible with the solar charge controller or solar inverter you intend to use. If your solar panel is not compatible with your solar charge controller or solar inverter, you won’t be able to use it.
Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your solar panel choice. We previously discussed different types of solar panels in a post, which will help you understand the variety of solar panels available. After that, you’ll need to pay attention to the number of cells in the solar panel.
What is 36 Cells Solar Panels
A solar panel with 36 cells is also referred to as a 12V solar panel. This type of solar panel typically has a VOC (Open Circuit Voltage) of around 22V. It is commonly used with inverters that operate with a single battery or in solar systems that use a single battery, such as solar fans, solar lights, and similar applications. The compact size of the 36-cell solar panel makes it suitable for such setups.
In the market, you can find solar panels ranging from 50W to 150W, all with 36 cells. Therefore, if you have a system that operates on 12 volts, whether it’s a solar inverter or a solar charge controller designed for 12 volts, you can use a 36-cell solar panel with it.
What is 60 Cells Solar Panels
A solar panel with 60 cells is also known as a 24V solar panel. This type of solar panel typically has a VOC (Open Circuit Voltage) of around 33V. You can use this solar panel in battery-based systems. However, if you intend to use this panel in a single-battery system, you would need an MPPT solar charge controller or a solar inverter because charging a single-battery system with 24V panels requires the use of an MPPT controller or inverter.
If you wish to use this panel with a PWM technology-based solar charge controller or solar inverter, you should have at least a 2-battery system for it to function properly. This panel is typically found in capacities close to 200W.
What is 72 Cells Solar Panels
A solar panel with 72 cells is also referred to as a 24V solar panel. However, this type of solar panel typically has a VOC (Open Circuit Voltage) of around 45V. Therefore, you can also use this solar panel with an MPPT solar charge controller or a solar inverter. If you intend to use it with a PWM technology-based solar charge controller or solar inverter, you should have at least a 2-battery system for it to function properly.
This panel is commonly found with a capacity of around 390W. However, if you are familiar with the different types of solar panels, you would know that in polycrystalline solar panels, you can find 72-cell solar panels with an output of approximately 330W, while in monocrystalline panels, you can find them with an output of around 385W. Bifacial solar panels, on the other hand, offer an output of around 390W or more due to their ability to generate electricity from both sides.
What is 144 Cells Solar Panels
In the market, you generally find a higher prevalence of 72-cell solar panels. However, those solar panels that come in a half-cut configuration are referred to as 144-cell solar panels.
This nomenclature arises because the panel is essentially divided into two halves, each containing 72 cells, which collectively make up the 144-cell solar panel. These types of solar panels are commonly used in locations where shading tends to affect a significant portion of the panels, as they perform well under such conditions.
Many houses have trees or structures that cast shadows on their solar panels, diminishing the power generation of conventional panels. However, this is not the case with half-cut solar panels. Even if a portion of these panels is shaded, they continue to operate efficiently. Therefore, utilizing this type of solar panel in areas where occasional shading occurs is a prudent choice.
Solar panel Advantages
- Solar panels reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the usage of non-renewable resources like fossil fuels.
- Solar panels help you generate your own electricity from a cheap and plentiful source of energy, which lowers your energy bill.
- By enabling you to rely more on your own power system and less on the grid, solar panels boost your energy independence.
- Due to their relatively lengthy service life of 25 to 30 years and low maintenance requirements, solar panels provide long-term savings.
Solar panels are flexible and can be set up in a variety of places, including fields, rooftops, and even space. - By generating jobs, promoting regional businesses, and enhancing the dependability of the electricity supply, solar panels are advantageous to the community.
- Solar panels can be used in a variety of settings, including residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural ones.
Solar Panel Disadvantages
- The high upfront expenses of solar panels may discourage some potential buyers from making an investment in them.
- Due to their need on sunshine, solar panels may produce less electricity on days when it is overcast, raining, or at night.
- Solar panels need room, thus they might not be ideal for some structures or locations with scarce land or roof space.
- The manufacturing, delivery, installation, and disposal of solar panels and their constituent parts all have an influence on the environment.
- Materials for solar panels are in short supply since some of the components, like silicon, are finite and may grow more expensive or harder to obtain in the future.
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