Before making a decision on which solar cell technology you’d like, it is important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each. That is why the team at Energis have put together this list of 5 things to consider when choosing solar panels for your property. Remember, these panels will be on your property for multiple years and ultimately, it is about the best return on your investment so remember to consider factors aside from the price tag!
Types
So, what are your options? Well, there are three main types of solar PV panels. They include monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin film solar cell technology. However, only monocrystalline and polycrystalline is available, as thin film technology is no longer available to use for residential installations in Australia. Each of these types differ in their composition and how they are made.
Quality
The most important factor out of the 5 things to consider when choosing the best solar panels for your property, is quality. Including what materials are used, how they are manufactured and the brand!
Despite its age, monocrystalline is still considered to be the highest quality technology. They are made from single crystals of pure silicon and are then divided into individual wafers to make up a solar cell. It is more expensive to manufacture than polycrystalline, which is constructed of less pure silicon that is cast into blocks rather than from singular crystals. However, monocrystalline and polycrystalline have very similar degradation and performance.
As for thin film, the manufacturing method is completely different. A film containing silicon is applied to the surface of what then will become a solar panel. It is much cheaper to manufacture panels this way, however, the quality is considerably less than mono or polycrystalline. Thin film solar panels have been known to degrade by up to 20% within the first year.
When determining the best brand, it is important to purchase solar panels that are manufactured by reliable companies who have invested a lot of time into research and development. An example of a reputable, tier 1 quality solar panel is JA Solar. The Team at Energis has been recommending this brand for many years.
Appearance
Below is a picture of a monocrystalline array. As you can see it has a very distinctive white diamond pattern and closely resembles bathroom floor tiles. Monocrystalline panels are particularly suitable for properties with limited installation space.
Below is a picture of a polycrystalline array. The cells are close together and perfectly square and they do not have any wasted space between corners.
As for thin film solar panels, they are uniform in colour and do not have a unique matrix pattern. The array size is significantly larger than those of mono or polycrystalline and therefore, will take up more space and can be easily spotted.
Efficiency
When it comes to the overall efficiency of solar cells, monocrystalline is the winner. They have a conversion efficiency (converted light to electrical energy) of 15-18% whilst polycrystalline has a slightly lower efficiency of 13-16%.
Additionally, monocrystalline can be manufactured using various techniques that create ultra-high performing solar PV modules which can produce efficiencies of over 20%! However, keep in mind, the higher the efficiency of the panel, the more you will pay.
Thin film technology typically produces a conversion efficiency of 8-10%. They are approximately double the size of monocrystalline and polycrystalline for the same quantity of power. Remember, in the long run it will cost you a whole lot more if you opt for poor quality, lower efficiency panels.
Durability/Warranty
The warranty and durability of your solar panels is a very important factor to consider. It can be a strong indicator of the manufacturer’s confidence in its products. For example, our key modules; JA Solar, have a 25-year performance warranty period.
However, warranties will only be honoured for as long as the company continues to operate. So it is very important to do your research and choose a reputable company that has been in the industry for a long period of time! With over 10 years in the industry, Energis has demonstrated its commitment to industry best practice and is a CEC Approved Solar Retailer. This ensures the best possible standard of solar PV installation. We focus on bringing customers top-quality products and services. We only work with the most respected manufacturers and Tier 1 panels and experienced CEC Approved Installers.
