Introduction
According to Energy Sage, both monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels are built to serve the same function in the overall solar PV system: they capture energy from the sun and turn it into electricity. They are also both made from silicon, which is used for solar panels because it is an abundant, very durable element. Many solar panel manufacturers produce both monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels.
Both monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels can be good choices for your home, but there are key differences between the two types of technology that you should understand before making your final solar purchase decision. The main difference between the two technologies is the type of silicon solar cell they use: monocrystalline solar panels have solar cells made from a single crystal of silicon, while polycrystalline solar panels have solar cells made from many silicon fragments melted together.
Monocrystalline solar panels
Monocrystalline solar panels are generally thought of as a premium solar product. The main advantages of monocrystalline panels are higher efficiencies and sleeker aesthetics. Mono solar panels have the highest efficiency rate (between 15%-20%);
To make solar cells for monocrystalline solar panels, silicon is formed into bars and cut into wafers. These types of panels are called “monocrystalline” to indicate that the silicon used is single-crystal silicon. Because the cell is composed of a single crystal, the electrons that generate a flow of electricity have more room to move. As a result, monocrystalline panels are more efficient than their polycrystalline counterparts.
Polycrystalline solar panels
Polycrystalline solar panels generally have lower efficiencies than monocrystalline options, but their advantage is slightly lower prices.
Polycrystalline solar panels are also made from silicon. However, instead of using a single crystal of silicon, manufacturers melt many fragments of silicon together to form the wafers for the panel. Polycrystalline solar panels are also referred to as “multi-crystalline,” or many-crystal silicon. Because there are many crystals in each cell, there is less freedom for the electrons to move. As a result, polycrystalline solar panels have lower efficiency ratings than monocrystalline panels.
Pscsolaruk enumerated the adavantages and disadvantages of Mono and Poly panel Thus
Advantages and Disadvantages of Monocrystalline Solar Panels Modules
Advantages:
- Mono solar panels have the highest efficiency rate (usually around 15%-20%);
- Monocrystalline modules are space-efficient. Because these modules deliver the highest power output, they require the least amount of space comparing to other solar panels;
- Mono solar panels have a long lifespan – most manufacturers offer a 25-year warranty on their mono solar panels;
- They perform better than other types of solar modules in low-light conditions.
Disadvantages:
- Monocrystalline modules are the most expensive;
- If they are covered with dirt, the entire system may be affected;
Advantages and Disadvantages of Polycrystalline Solar Panels Modules
Advantages:
- The process used to manufacture poly solar panels is simpler and, thus, less pricey.
- They usually have a lower heat tolerance than monocrystalline modules.
Disadvantages:
- Because the silicon purity is lower than mono modules, poly solar panels are less efficient than their mono counterparts. Their efficiency is usually rated at around 13%-16%.
- Not only that they are less energy efficient, but they have a low space efficiency as well. You need to cover a larger surface to get the same power as you would with monocrystalline modules.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panel
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How Does Solar Power Works?
Solar Power is one of the cleanest renewable energy source which works by converting sun’s rays into power electricity. The component used in harvesting this Sun’s rays is called solar panel (PV panel or photovoltaic panel) which is made of arranged silicon cells excited by photons when the sun’s light falls on it, the difference of potential created at the junction, potential difference, also called voltage difference. A Direct Current (DC) is generated from the panel which is converted to an alternating current (AC) best for powering devices like your Television, Fridge, Washing machine etc through the use of an Inverter.
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What is Solar Power Solution?
A Solar Power/Energy Solution comprises of Solar Panels, Controllers, Solar Inverters, Battery and sometimes battery monitoring system and apps to monitor power solution remotely. In other words, a solar solution system is a complete power generating installation which starts from harvesting of Sun’s rays to Solar cells positioned at a point to conversion from DC to AC through an Inverter with MTTP/Charge controller monitoring voltage input for maximum current exchange, then the battery serves as energy storage firms rated in Ah at different voltages.
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How do I get electric energy at night or on cloudy days?
When Solar energy is generated during the day, if stored properly using storage devices like a battery, it is possible to have electric energy for home use at night. Solar electricity works when Sun’s light is available because it is this sun’s photon that strikes the Solar panels that are converted to electricity for home and business use. During cloudy days, minimal energy can be stored since solar needs the Sun and at night it is only the capacity of the energy stored in the battery that the inverter converts for use.
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Why is Solar Energy Electricity so costly?
It is true that the initial cost of solar energy for home and businesses can be high just like the initial generation of all other sources of energy to the National and state grid but when the cost is spread over the lifetime of use, solar can then be used very cost-saving as it is well known that inflation will always increase the cost of National electricity to the residence, business, and Industry. It is expected that your initial solar installation should serve from 25 to 35 years depending on design, installation, quality of components, and the method of use.
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How much will I save?
It depends on the way you look at cost-saving, for short term projection, it may look as if you are not saving much due to the initial cost but it is well known that when the cost of powering your appliance with petrol, generator, replacement/maintenance of generator parts and National grid cost factored in, over a period of ten years and 15 years, the cost of Solar seems cheaper overtime.
Why should I even choose Solar Solution
There are plenty of reasons to go for Solar Solutions but the most important one is the long-term cost saving for yourself, others are the beauty of having a green and noiseless environment. Knowing that inflation will definitely affect the prices of fueling and this rising cost will have an impact on income and other aspects. Here is the analysis we did concerning the cost-benefit at Vesselnet Solar.
Can I go off-grid (without connection to National Power Source) with Solar?
You can always go off-grid depending on the kind of Solution installed for you and the weather condition around you. The desire to completely go off-grid is dependent on these two. If the weather condition is favorable for solar that is to help charge the number of batteries you have daily, then going completely off-grid will save you some money.
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How many Solar Panels can charge a 200Ah battery?
For a 12V 200Ah battery, the total Wh derived would be 2400Wh. Assuming the sun was able to charge the battery for 5hours., then we will have 480 watt which practically means two 250W to 260W should be sufficient to charge a 12V 200Ah Solar battery full for 5 hours duration.
What Solar Capacity will I be needing for my 3 bedroom flat?
The best way to determine what any three-bedroom flat would consume will be to know
- The number of appliances to be power by Solar
- The rating of each appliance
- How long they will be powered
- The number of batteries to be used and other factors.
Always ensure you list out correctly the wattage of each appliance that will be powered using solar for the engineers to choose capacity appropriately. You can get a free Solar quote from us. Send a mail to info@vesselnetintegrated.com or call 09063063687
How often do I need to clean my Solar Panel?
Dust and debris will overtime accumulate on the solar panels which may not seriously have an impact on the output of the Solar Power Output. It will require that you clean when output on the system drops noticeably. Solar installation generally requires minimal maintenance and usually, we recommend maintenance every 18 months-24 months.
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How many solar Panels will I be needing for a 1kW system:
Depending on the rating of your PV modules (solar panels), just divide the rating say 200Wp with the 1kW. In this case, you will be needing a minimum of 5 Solar Panels to get 1kW. Considering the normal condition of things as it may not be possible to get the maximum power from the rated solar panel. It is advisable to go for a higher rated panel. Four 260Wp solar modules will be suitable than four 250Wp of the same quality and specification.
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How long will my Solar Energy Solution Last?
A good Solar installation is meant to last for over 20 years as the line performance will decrease over time, panels can be replaced and the system power output got back from the source.
How many batteries would I be needing for a 1kW system for 24 hours supply?
Depending on usage, a minimum of four good 12V 200Ah batteries would be best suitable to give 9.6kWh.
Know more about our 1kW or any other solution from here.
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Which One Should I Choose?
The larger and purer the crystal is, the more efficient the solar cells will be. As a result, monocrystalline modules are around 10% to 15% more energy efficient than their poly counterparts.
Polycrystalline modules, on the other hand, were often thought to be inferior to mono solar panels because they are less efficient. But, here’s the catch: because of the cheaper process, it costs around 20% less to create solar modules with monocrystalline structures. More than that, poly modules have been improving their performance constantly in recent years, pushing the standard to greater limits.
Conclusion
Facts are always to be considered when getting a solar panel for electricity generation. As listed above, monocrystalline solar panel should be considered to polycrystalline solar panel.
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