An introduction to Monocrystalline Panels
How they compare to Polycrystalline and which are best
With electricity becoming more unstable in South Africa, many people are turning to renewables. Renewable energy is harnessed from renewable resources. They are naturally replenished on a human timescale. Renewables include sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat. Additionally, they are carbon neutral and don’t cause pollution.
South Africa has a sunny climate. Therefore, solar energy is one of the most popular renewables. Monocrystalline Panels are one way to access this. Let’s start at the beginning. Read more.
What are Monocrystalline Panels?
Monocrystalline Panels are solar panels made up of monocrystalline solar cells. These cells are made from a cylindrical silicon ingot grown from a single crystal of silicon of high purity in the same way as a semiconductor. The cylindrical ingot is sliced into wafers forming cells. These types of panels are called “monocrystalline” to indicate that the silicon used is single-crystal silicon.
Monocrystalline vs Polycrystalline Panels
The difference between Monocrystalline panels and Polycrystalline Panels lies in their cells.
Both Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline solar panels serve the same purpose in a solar energy system. They capture energy from the sun and turn it into electricity. Moreover, they are both made from silicon. Silicon is used for solar panels because it is an abundant, very durable element. Many solar panel manufacturers produce both types of panels.
Both Monocrystalline panels and Polycrystalline solar panels can be good choices. However, there are key differences between the two types of technology that you need to know before making your final decision. Check your options. Do some research. Spend time on this.
The main difference between the two technologies is the type of silicon solar cell they use. Monocrystalline panels have solar cells made from a single crystal of silicon. However, polycrystalline solar panels have solar cells made from many silicon fragments melted together.
Benefits of Monocrystalline vs Polycrystalline Panels
Monocrystalline panels are generally thought of as a premium solar product. Their main benefits are higher efficiencies and sleeker aesthetics. Hence, they produce higher output and look neater.
Because the cell is composed of a single crystal, the electrons that generate a flow of electricity have more room to move. Therefore, monocrystalline panels are more efficient than their polycrystalline counterpart.
Polycrystalline solar panels generally have lower efficiencies. Nonetheless, they generally have a lower price point. Therefore, they are more affordable. Furthermore, polycrystalline panels tend to have a blue hue instead of the black tone of monocrystalline panels. Many people prefer the blue look.
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.
They do tend to have a similar lifespan if bought in similar quality and installed properly.
Which are best for you?
Saving money is one of the most popular reasons to go solar. Either way, whether you choose Monocrystalline Panels or poly solar panels, you will save money. The route you take comes down to your personal preferences, space constraints, and your financing options.
If the color of your solar panels is important to you, remember that they look different. Monocrystalline Panels tend to have a darker black color, while the typical polycrystalline panels are bluer. If where your panels were manufactured is important to you, then ensure you know enough about the company that made panels. If space is an issue, you will want to maximize efficiency. Therefore, paying extra for Monocrystalline Panels will be worth it. This way, you will maximize your electricity production and save more.
