Monocrystalline solar panels
There is a variety of different solar panels on the market and it might get confusing which solar modules will work best for your needs. In this article, you will find all the information about monocrystalline solar panels that will help you decide whether or not these highly efficient modules are the best option for you.
What are monocrystalline solar panels?
Monocrystalline solar panels were the very first solar modules in the market. As the name implies, solar cells of monocrystalline solar panels are made from a single crystal of pure silicon. Monocrystalline modules can be distinguished by their uniform color and structure, which give then a much sleeker aesthetics compared to other panels.
Monocrystalline solar panels are made through a special Czochralski method, which allows the production of silicon as pure as possible without impurities. The already prepared single crystal must solidify before it is divided into flat parts known as wafers, with a thickness of only 250 microns. Then, a grid consisting of metal electrodes is superimposed on these wafers thus making it a monocrystalline solar cell. This method is more expensive than the production of other types of solar cells since large quantities of the original silicon are wasted in production.
The efficiency of monocrystalline solar panels
Today monocrystalline solar panels have the highest efficiency - up to 22.5%. Monocrystalline solar cells are made from a single silicon crystal and as a result, they are approximately 10-15% more efficient than polycrystalline modules of the same size.
Advantages of monocrystalline solar panels
- Monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient panels (modern modules have an efficiency of more than 22%).
- Monocrystalline solar modules take up less space since they have greater energy output compared to other types of solar panels.
- Monocrystalline modules are more durable than other panels. Most manufacturers give at least a 25-year warranty on these panels. Moreover, only elements that surround the silicon age in a monocrystalline solar panel. The single silicon crystal itself does not age and has stable characteristics over the entire service life.
- Monocrystalline solar panels tend to work better in low light.
- Monocrystalline panels perform more efficiently in warm weather. As the temperature rises power generation goes down but not as much as with other types of panels.
Average prices of monocrystalline panels
Depending on the power output and the manufacturer, the price range of monocrystalline solar panels ranges anywhere from $170 to $550 per panel.
Capacity
The capacity or the wattage is the amount of energy or the power output that is generated by either a single monocrystalline solar panel or solar power system.
Also called rated power, this indicator is included in every datasheet and is served as the main criterion for assessing the power output of a monocrystalline solar panel.
Monocrystalline solar panels have the highest efficiency and therefore they have the highest rated power or capacity. However, it is important to remember that solar panels are rated based on the power output they generate in perfect sunlight conditions. These conditions are not possible to sustain every day and change depending on the climate, the weather, the sunlight intensity, possible shading, and the size of the overall solar power system.
Lifespan
Manufacturers of monocrystalline solar panels guarantee that they will last 25 to 30 years. This already speaks of their longevity. Monocrystalline panels have a lifespan of up to 30 years. However, It is important to understand that after a certain period of time (usually 15-20 years), a decline in power production will occur, nonetheless, the panel will still generate energy, but in a slightly smaller amount.
For the warranty period, the manufacturer gives a guarantee that the generation of electricity by the panels will not decrease by more than a certain percentage from the original.
How to choose the right monocrystalline solar panel
When choosing a monocrystalline solar panel, consider the following criteria.
Rated Power.
This is one of the most important indicators of the efficiency of the solar panel. It is important to pay attention to Power Tolerance as this value shows how much a panel can deviate from its specified rated power and potentially affect the final performance of your monocrystalline solar panel.
Space.
When the space is limited or shaded consider choosing monocrystalline solar panels with the highest power output. They will maximize any limited area with their top efficiency.
Durability and Quality.
Monocrystalline solar panels are very durable and guaranteed to perform for many years. While all solar manufacturers offer great warranties on their panels and equipment, it is important to research which guarantees each manufacturer offers.
Price.
Monocrystalline solar panels are well recognized as the most efficient and the most compact in size, but they are also the most expensive.
To choose the right monocrystalline solar panel, it is necessary to research different manufacturers and get familiar with all the certificates, warranties, and datasheets.
Please contact a specialist who will help you understand the details and choose the right option for your specific needs.
Applications
With each day there are more and more applications for monocrystalline solar panels. These panels successfully prove themselves in the field of industry, agriculture, military and space industries, and of course in everyday life. Some of the common uses for monocrystalline solar panels include the generation of electricity for residential and commercial buildings as well as off-grid power production for remote cabins, RVs, boats, and back-up power.