Monocrystalline Vs. Polycrystalline Panels: Pros And Cons

Environmental Blog

Solar panels are a great way to make your home more energy efficient. There are two main types of household solar panels: monocrystalline and polycrystalline. The difference between them has to do with how they're manufactured installed. Monocrystalline panels are comprised of pure silicon cut in evenly-colored wafers. Polycrystalline is formed when a single silicon seed is poured into a mold. The cooling process creates many different crystals giving the panels their name. Both types are suitable for home installation, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages of monocrystalline panels:

Monocrystalline has the advantage of being around for decades, so it has been perfected over time. It is known to have extremely high efficiency. They do well in shady areas if you set up micro-inverters and, because of their efficiency, they need less space. They are also time-tested and known to be durable and long-lasting. Many people also like their uniform look.

Disadvantages of monocrystalline panels:

There are few disadvantages to monocrystalline panels, but there are a couple that may be a problem for some people. For example, they may be out of the price range of many homeowners, or they may not be cost-effective depending on household use factors. Also, their production produces a lot of waste, so if that's important to you, then they may not be an ideal choice. Though they work well in warm areas, they do tend to lose efficiency as the temperature rises.

Advantages of polycrystalline panels:

Polycrystalline has the advantage of being more affordable than monocrystalline panels because of their efficient manufacturing process. This process also produces much less waste as less material is discarded. Polycrystalline is also widely available nowadays, so its easy to find. They don't lose as much efficiency in hot temperatures compared to monocrystalline panels, so they are better for hotter areas.

Disadvantages of polycrystalline panels:

The biggest disadvantage to these types of panels is that you need more room to place them compared to monocrystalline panels. If you have a small roof or other constraints, then this may not be a good choice. Another issue is that they are less efficient, but not much less, so it may not make a difference to most homeowners. However, if it's important that your panels have high efficiency, then monocrystalline may be a better choice. Polycrystalline panels have a less uniform look and color which many homeowners do not like.

Whatever choice you use, going solar will help you with being energy efficient in the long run and have positive environmental impacts. Both types of panels have advantages and make a great choice depending on your home and personal tastes. If you are in the market for solar panels, then talk to an installer and compare features and prices to see what is best for you.

Share

23 August 2017

Saving Power Every Day

When I purchased a business a few years ago, I realized that one of the leading expenses every month was the power bill. I knew that I needed to do something to make things right, so I started focusing carefully on saving power each and every day. I wanted to make things right, so I worked with my team to see what they could do to make things right. Within a few months, we had reduced our consumption by almost a third, and it was really paying off. This blog is all about saving power every single day by doing small things.