All You need to know about Monocrystalline solar panels.
With the need to go green, most of our customers are calling for effective energy alternatives. It was on a Monday morning when we had just opened for business and the first customer asked for solar installation. However, we needed more information to determine exactly what he wanted.
“I have always wanted to install a solar unit in my home, but have equally been worried if it would support my energy needs,” He explained. “Nonetheless, I would consider solar panel installation to complement on my electricity. In such a way that, I could use both, but mostly dependent on solar power.”
I knew what his worries were and we were going to offer the exact solution to his problems. We needed a cost-effective installation yet highly efficient energy option. So, we decided to go for a monocrystalline solar panel. Here’s all you should know about this type of solar power;
Monocrystalline solar panel appearance and overview
For many years now, monocrystalline has been what many people go for when it comes to solar panels. They are, by far the most dependable and efficient solar panels used to produce solar energy. Their black color mostly recognizes these solar panels and at times comes in blue color. The monocrystalline solar panel has a single silicon crystal, just as its name suggests. It is highly efficient, which probably makes it more expensive of the other types of solar panels.
Their construction
Monocrystalline solar panels came to be through the Czochralski method. This involves placing the silicon crystal seed in a vat of molten silicon. This crystal seed is then drawn up with the molten silicon which forms a solid crystal structure around the seed called the ingots. This solid structure is then sliced to a silicon wafer. This silicon wafer then makes a cell.
Why use monocrystalline solar panels
The benefits you get from a solar system is what makes you go for one and leave the other. When it comes to monocrystalline solar panels, there is a lot to gain when you purchase them. The following are some of the advantages of using this solar panel;
Longevity
Monocrystalline solar panels technology has been in use for years now, which is evidence that they are durable and have a long life. Some of the researches done show that with proper care, these solar panels can even last for up to 30 years. This is because it is a product of a silicon crystal which is more stable and inert.
Efficiency
Monocrystalline panes, as mentioned earlier, convert the highest amount of solar energy to electricity as compared to other solar panels. It converts up to 22% of sunlight into electricity. Also, this panel is ideal for urban settings where space is limited. Monocrystalline solar panels are efficient even in areas with this limited space. They produce more power per square foot of space used in an array.
Monocrystalline solar panels are more efficient as warm weather. Other types of solar panels reduce their efficiency in the production of electricity as temperature increases. However, in monocrystalline panels, high temperatures impact them differently. They tend to be more resistant to high temperatures but up to a certain level.
Disadvantages of monocrystalline solar panels
As much as there is much to enjoy in purchasing monocrystalline solar panels, there are also some downfalls to it.
Monocrystalline is quite expensive compared to other solar panels. Also, when the panel gets snow all over it or other debris, this breaks the entire circuit. Therefore, no energy can be produced. The efficiency of this panel decreases with decrease in temperature. Hence when the temperatures fall, little energy is produced.
How to determine whether to use monocrystalline or polycrystalline solar panels
Though these solar panels perform similar functions of converting solar energy into electricity, some aspects will make you go for one type. Some of these factors include
Cost factor
There is no doubt that we always want to save up some amount when purchasing an item. Generally, solar panel system reduces the energy bills and ensures that you enjoy electricity all the times in your place or work or at home. If you are working on a tight budget, polycrystalline solar panels are the ones to go for. It will cut on the electricity bills and also the amount spent when purchasing it.
Individual preference
Your taste and preference are other aspects that significantly push to purchase an item and leave the other. When it comes to monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels, their colors can help you choose one. If you love black over blue then, monocrystalline is your viable choice. Also, a brand is another preference aspect that will push you to purchase a solar panel. If you like a specific company and it produces one of the two panels, you are likely to go for that product, due to the company’s reputation.
Space available
If you have a small area on the roof to place your solar panel, you will need to go for space active solar panel. This is the monocrystalline solar panel.
