*2.1.3 Different types of PV cell*

Typically, there are four primary kinds of solar cells, which include the following: (1) Monocrystalline solar cells, (2) polycrystalline cells (multi-silicon cells), (3) amorphous solar cells, and (4) thin film solar cells.

(1) *Monocrystalline solar cells*, which are also known as single crystalline cells (**Figure 1**), can be differentiated from other types of solar cells by their dark black appearance. As a result of this look, monocrystalline solar cells are easily identifiable in comparison to other forms of solar cells. They are made using an incredibly pure type of silicon, which is what has driven them to the position of being the most effective material for the process of converting sunlight into electricity. As a result of this, solar panels have risen to the position of being the most effective material. Solar photovoltaic cells made from monocrystalline silicon have an efficiency of 15%\*, making them the most effective but also the most expensive option. They are capable of producing up to four times as much electricity as

**Figure 4.** *Polycrystalline.*

thin-film solar panels, but they only take up a small fraction of the space. In environments with low light, their performance is superior to that of other panels, and they have a longer lifespan. The most major downside of this option, as well as the primary reason why it does not enjoy more popularity among homeowners, is the high cost. In addition, dust and shadows can cause the circuit to malfunction, and the method of manufacturing that involves cutting the cells into wafers is usually regarded as being inefficient.

(2) At the very beginning of the 1980s, the solar industry developed polycrystalline cells (**Figure 4**), which are also known as *multi-silicon cells*. These cells were the very first solar cells ever made for use in commercial applications. Inside the cell, the process of synthesis can result in the formation of a number of crystalline formations. It is less difficult to put into action in a production line. It is far less expensive than monocrystalline, despite the fact that it is less effective.

(3) *Amorphous solar cells*, which are neither organised nor crystallised at the molecular level (**Figure 5**), were traditionally used for smaller-scale applications because the term "amorphous," which means "shapeless" in English, gives the impression that they are.

(4) *Thin film Solar cells—*During the manufacturing process, several layers of photovoltaic material are layered on top of one another and stacked in the form of modules that are constructed of thin film solar cells. Using this process to develop a cell (thin film) results in a lesser requirement for silicon, which in turn results in cheaper production costs. In most cases, it is less expensive, but the rate of efficiency it achieves is significantly lower [7].
