What’s the differences of solar panels? And which is best for me?

When looking for a solar system for your Victorian home, you are likely to encounter specific names for the solar panels, like “mono”, “poly” or “film”. What do they mean? And how do they affect the performance of your solar system?

By Sundra Energy solar panel installation, here’s what you need to know.

What are the names referring to?

“Mono”, “poly” and “film” refer to monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin film amorphous respectively.

While all using silicon in some form, the three types of panels have slight differences in efficiency, cost and other relating factors. The impact to the performance of your solar system albeit minimal is more reliant to the manufacturing process of the panels.

In the meantime, the efficiency of your solar system is also impacted by other components in the system. Therefore, a cost balance between different parts of the system is more critical than buying the most efficient solar panel.

Monoctystalline

The “mono” is the first alteration of solar panels. The panel is named after its single layer structure that brought its flat colour across the panel.

As a starter in the field, the mono is highly developed with a better solar-to-power conversion rate at about 20%. Companies like SunGrow, Panasonic and continuously improve their products to enhance the efficiency while lowering the cost.

Because of its high efficiency, mono panels are best for producing energy in smaller spaces, like rooftops. These panels are also durable with manufacturers offering 15-25 years of warranty.

While all sounds good, the only catch of mono panels is its affordability. Even being highly developed, mono panels are still more expensive than the other two alternatives.

Polycrystalline

Altered from the mono, poly panelsare essentially multiple layers of structure.

As mentioned, the poly variant is more affordable than mono panels. However, the poly is not all great and good, especially when considering its efficiency and appearance.

Most of the poly panels can only reach efficiency rate of around 11%-15%. While the difference is not huge for solar arrays, it can be impactful for space-limiting rooftops.

Personally, I do not prefer the varying colour of poly panels, especially when installing for stylish houses.

Poly panels are also shorter in terms of lifespan for the overall cost efficiency across the lifetime of the system.

Thin Film Amorphous

Being a new introduction to the solar panel space, the “film” variation is not more efficient than the above older brothers.

However, it does stand out with its flexibility. It allows the panels to form along the exterior curves of the building. Green energy does not mean sacrificing designer structure.

Furthermore, despite the lower efficiency, mass-production of “film” is simpler that might lead to cheaper manufacturing cost.

All being said, the 7%-10% conversion rate meant “film” is less commonly used for residential buildings.