Monocrystalline-polycrystalline-Thin-Film Solar Cells (TFSC)
Solar Panels by Type
You are thinking about buying solar panels, but got confused about which type to go for? You’re at the right place. There’s a myriad of variables that you should take into account when you are buying a solar photovoltaic (PV) system – our job here at Cymru Solar Informative is to help you sort through them!
Monocrystalline Panels
The main advantage of the monocrystalline solar panels is that they have highest efficiency ratings as the are made from the highest grade silicon. The efficiency rating is typically between 15-20%. They are also space efficient, as they yield the highest power output, they also require less space in comparison with other panels. Monocrystalline panels also outlast polycrystalline or thin-film solar panels and they tend to perform better than similarly rated polycrystalline panels in low-light conditions.
Polycrystalline Panels
The efficiency of the polycrystalline solar panels is typically between 13-16%, as they have a lower silicon purity, they don’t tend to be as efficient as the monocrystalline panels. In general you need to cover a larger surface to output the same electrical power as you would if you were using monocrystalline panels.
Thin Film Panels
Depending on the technology, thin-film modules have an efficiency of between 7-13%. Thin-film solar panels are not very useful in most residential settings. They are a cheaper option but require a lot more space. Low space efficiency also means that the cost of PV-equipment is likely to mean increased costs and the warranty is much less on the panels as the tend to have a much shorter lifespan.
Environmental benefits
Solar Panels are “no carbon” technology, which means they generate electricity, heat and hot water without producing any greenhouse gases and they do not cause pollution. Each kilowatt-peak (kWp) of electricity produced can save approximately 455 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions compared with electricity generated from fossil fuels.
How do Solar Panels work?
A solar PV system is an energy system which directly converts energy harnessed from the sun into electricity. This electricity is used throughout a building in the same way as conventional electricity imported from the grid. (PV requires only daylight, not direct sunlight to generate electricity and so the system generates electricity whatever the weather).
The average UK home could generate 60% of the power needed to supply its electricity – providing it is used efficiently. It’s more than possible that properties can achieve 100% generation dependent on the size of system installed and their individual energy requirements.
Photovoltaic systems pay off even in low-light countries like Great Britain
Thanks to innovative technologies, solar energy can be highly profitable even in countries less blessed with sunshine. A solar system performs best on sunny days. But even when the sky is cloudy, it still yields significant energy recovery, because solar cells can also efficiently transform diffuse light. In addition, the efficiency of modern solar systems – i.e. their electric output yield as related to the solar irradiation received – is constantly on the increase.
There are two main types of system:
Grid connected system; this is where your system is connected to the national grid. This offers the benefits of still receiving an electricity supply when your system is insufficient and the opportunity of selling your excess electricity back to your supplier when your system is generating surplus electricity.
Off Grid / Stand alone; mainly used in rural areas where a national grid connection is not available. This system uses batteries to store the electricity being generated to use when required.
If you invest in a Solar PV system for your home, you get free electricity and can sell your surplus generation to the National Grid; plus the government pays you the Feed-in Tariff just for generating that electricity. Combine all these and typically the rate of return on your investment is 8%-11% tax free, index linked and guaranteed for 20 years. Where else can you find an investment like that while you help save the planet? And with electricity prices set to increase by around 10% each year, the benefit of your PV system will stretch long into the future.
Do the panels need any maintenance?
Solar panels are virtually maintenance free – you’ll just need to keep the panels fairly clean and make sure trees don’t cause any shading issues. In the UK panels that are tilted at 15° or more have the extra benefit of being cleaned by rainfall to ensure optimal performance. Debris is more likely to build up with a ground mounted system.
Most of the Research has found that solar panels mounted at an angle of less than five degrees caused bigger losses in efficiency. That’s because dirt slips off panels that are installed at a steeper angle. Solar panels heavily soiled with bird droppings should be cleaned. That’s because the droppings essentially block all sunlight and will not be washed away when it rains. Engineers also found that at a few sites, photovoltaic panels were dirty enough to warrant cleaning due to very specific and localized circumstances. For example, being directly next to and downwind of a motorway, factory or agricultural field may generate enough dirt to warrant cleaning.
Does my property need to face due South?
Solar PV panels will operate at maximum efficiency if they are orientated towards the south. The most efficient tilt angle can be calculated by subtracting 20° from the geographic latitude.
Do I need planning permission for Solar Panels?
Domestic solar installations are considered a permitted development so you won’t need planning permission so long as they meet the following criteria:
- The solar panels do not protrude more then 200mm above the roofline of your property.
- The building is not listed or in a conservation area.
If you are unsure you should always check with your local planning authority for complete peace of mind.
Contact us now for further information on 0800 023 8977
Monocrystalline Panels
The main advantage of the monocrystalline solar panels is that they have highest efficiency ratings as the are made from the highest grade silicon. The efficiency rating is typically between 15-20%. They are also space efficient, as they yield the highest power output, they also require less space in comparison with other panels. Monocrystalline panels also outlast polycrystalline or thin-film solar panels and they tend to perform better than similarly rated polycrystalline panels in low-light conditions.
Solar Panels by Type
You are thinking about buying solar panels, but got confused about which type to go for? You’re at the right place. There’s a myriad of variables that you should take into account when you are buying a solar photovoltaic (PV) system – our job here at Cymru Solar Informative is to help you sort through them!
Solar Panels by Wattage
Output is King
Instead of evaluating a solar system by its capacity in kilowatts (kW), get your solar advisor to
quote how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) the solar system is expected to generate in its lifetime. Divide
this number with the cost of the system.
You are now left with how much you are paying for every kWh of electricity the solar panels produce
(£/kWh). Divide again by hundred to get pens/kWh.
What are the most efficient solar panels? is a question we get asked all the time here at Energy
Informative. Homeowners constantly get hung up in conversion rates (efficiency) of solar panels, but
what they really should be looking at is price.
What Are the Most Efficient Solar Panels? Comparison of Mono-, Polycrystalline and Thin Film
Last updated September 24, 2014 by Mathias Aarre Maehlum
We have categorized the best performing solar panels into three categories: Mono-, polycrystalline and
thin-film. You will find similar lists containing solar panels with higher efficiency ratings around
the Internet, however these also include solar panels that no longer are in production. This is also
true for our own solar panel comparison tool.
Which Solar Panel Type is Best? Mono- vs. Polycrystalline vs. Thin Film
You are thinking about buying solar panels, but got confused about which type to go for? You’re at the
right place. There’s a myriad of variables that you should take into account when you are buying a
solar photovoltaic (PV) system – our job here at Energy Informative is to help you sort through them!
