Instead of placing individual cells in a grid pattern with gaps in between, shingled modules overlap solar cells on top of each other, like shingles on a roof.
What is the difference between shingled solar panels and conventional solar panels?
Shingled solar modules can also be wired differently to conventional solar panels. Typically, solar cells in conventional solar panels are wired in a series of strings whereas the solar cells in shingled panels can be wired in parallel configuration. What are the advantages of shingled solar panels?
What are shingled solar modules?
A solar panel manufacturing process that has gotten some traction recently is “shingling.” Not to be confused with “solar shingles” used in building-applied photovoltaics, shingled modules cut solar cells into strips and overlap them inside the framed module.
What is a shingled solar panel?
More aesthetically pleasing: Shingled solar panels do not have the visible circuitry that traditional solar panels have, but rather the circuitry is hidden underneath the panels, which effectively improves the aesthetics of the house.
Are shingled solar panels right for You?
Just know that conventional solar panel modules could never achieve such a high active area because of all those busbars shading the solar cells. With no busbars (and visible circuitry) to hold individual solar cells in place, shingled solar panels have the all-black sheen that is definitely going to appeal to you a lot more than you think.
On the other hand, shingled solar panels do not act as a structural component of your roof. The interconnection of this technology consists of cutting solar cells into a certain number of strips which are overlaid by connecting their edges using an electrically conductive adhesive (ECA).
How do shingle solar panels work?
This creates strings that are arranged into a panel structure. In other words, shingled solar panels are attached to the roof using the structural support from the existing roof to place the shingle solar cells (just like traditional modules) while the solar shingles replace your roof itself.