Choosing Between Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline Solar Panels
When investing in solar energy, a common question homeowners and businesses face is whether to choose monocrystalline or polycrystalline solar panels. Each type has unique characteristics, and while monocrystalline panels have historically been regarded as superior, advancements in both types have balanced the scales. Today, the manufacturer’s quality and reliability often play a more significant role than the panel type itself.
What’s the difference? Monocrystalline vs Polycrystalline solar panels
Sun-Earth Solar Panels using monocrystalline cells
Visual and Structural Differences
- Monocrystalline Panels: Typically appear as dark black with rounded edges on each cell. These panels are manufactured from a single, high-purity silicon crystal, resulting in high efficiency.
- Polycrystalline Panels: Usually light or dark blue with a slightly fragmented look due to being made from multiple silicon crystals. The differences in appearance come about due to the manufacturing and science behind solar cells, which makes polycrystalline panels more cost-effective but historically less efficient than monocrystalline panels.
Performance Comparison
In the early days of solar energy adoption (circa 2009-2010), monocrystalline panels were seen as superior, primarily due to higher peak efficiency and availability. However, the assumption that they are “better” across the board is outdated; both types have evolved, and many polycrystalline panels now match or even surpass the performance of monocrystalline models.
Tindo Solar Panels using polycrystalline cells
Comparing Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline Panels: Real-World Examples
While efficiency is a key consideration, the real question is often about balancing cost and performance. Here’s a look at how some mid-range and premium models compare:
- Mid-Range Models: GermanSolar’s 60-cell monocrystalline Premium Line panels have an efficiency of 15.47%, slightly higher than Conergy’s polycrystalline PowerPlus modules at 14.13%.
- High-End Models: U.S.-based SunPower offers monocrystalline panels with efficiencies up to 20.7%, slightly edging out Suntech’s high-performance polycrystalline Pluto technology, which has achieved lab efficiency rates of 20.3%.
Key Consideration: Solar Panel Efficiency & Its Impact on Your Solar System
For properties with ample roof space, efficiency is less crucial. While a high peak efficiency may signal a “cutting-edge” product, for most budget-conscious customers, dollar-per-watt is a more meaningful metric. Therefore, choosing a balance between cost, panel quality, and system longevity is essential. Factors like solar inverters, installation quality, roof orientation, and solar panel tilt angle also heavily impact performance.
Beyond Efficiency: Why Manufacturer Reputation Matters
Both monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels are proven technologies. However, the manufacturer’s commitment to research and development (R&D) is crucial. High-quality brands often invest in innovation and durability, like Sun-Earth, indicating their commitment to being in the market long-term. This investment is essential because, while solar systems are expected to operate for 30+ years, warranties typically cover 25 years. Choosing a reputable manufacturer ensures that solar panel warranties remain reliable, reducing potential future costs.
(Read more: Questions to ask your solar panel manufacturer.)
Conclusion: Monocrystalline vs Polycrystalline – Which Solar Panel is Right for You?
While each type of panel has unique benefits, the quality of the manufacturer is often more crucial than panel type. For a long-term investment, focus on cost-effectiveness, system quality, and choosing a reliable brand. By weighing these factors, you can make the best choice for your specific energy needs and budget.
FAQs on Monocrystalline vs Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Are monocrystalline solar panels always more efficient?
Which type of solar panel is cheaper?
What should I consider most when buying solar panels?
He is now the communications manager for energy technology startup SwitchDin, but remains an occasional contributor to the Solar Choice blog.
James lives in Newcastle in a house with a weird solar system.
- Monocrystalline vs Polycrystalline Solar Panels: Busting Myths - 11 November, 2024
- Solar Hot Water System: Everything You Need to Know - 27 February, 2024
- Can I add more panels to my existing solar system? - 8 August, 2023
Dear
I live in a country whose maximum temperature in summers is 40-45℃ and minimum temperature in winters is 4-7 ℃ . So which panels suits me more.
Dear,
In KSA what could be better the mono or polycrystalline considering the hotter climate reaching 50 C in summer ?
Hi Abdelkader,
In heat of 50 Degrees C+, no panel is going to be ideal, however there would be no real difference whether you decided to go with Mono or Poly, despite what some installers will tell you.
We want to install 28MWp solar power plant in Bangladesh. My question, which type of panel is better for us Polycrystalline silicon or Monocrystalline silicon? My plant site climate data here as below.
Max temp and Avg temp: 39 & 23.
max wind speed: 260Km/h
Humidity max and Avg: 99&78
Daily max intensity of rain: 205mm/day
yearly Avg intensity of rainfall: 47000mm/year
Hi Mizan,
We operate only in Australia, so I recommend you try getting in touch with someone locally with your query. Different panels will be rated differently for humidity, heat, etc – I’d recommend looking at the specifications and certifications of different panel brands & models as opposed to simply comparing mono vs poly panels.
Best of luck.
Hi, I write in from Port Moresby , Papua New Guinea.
I need technical advise on Water pumps?
Which water pumps are efficient? Is it 240 volt pumps run on solar powered inventers or DC water pumps? If DC then, is it 12 volt or 24 Volt pumps are better?
Advise much appreciated.
Hi Peter. We are not really in a position to offer technical advice of this sort – we deal mainly in rooftop solar and operate only in Australia. We wish you the best of luck with your project, though.
Good day,
Can I install monocrystalline with polycrystalline panels.
Thanks
Isaac.
Hi Isaac,
You can install a combination of panels as long as you group them on separate strings (e.g. 10x mono panels on one maximum power point tracker input and 12x poly panels on a different input). In most cases, however, it makes the most sense to ensure that all the panels used are the same make & model and have the same specifications. Alternatively, if you have microinverters or power optimisers you should be able to mix and match panels (although it probably wouldn’t look fantastic).
Best to speak to a solar installer about anything more technical than this, though.
I Live in Multan, Pakistan and my city temerature touches 50 C in summer, what should I do? What should I prefer?
I want to buid a 45 Killo watt power from solar and want to use in for pump used for irrigation.
Best Regards
Hi Ali,
It’s best to check the individual specifications of the panels that you are considering. As noted in the article above, monocrystalline panels generally perform better in heat than poly panels do, but the actual performance will depend on the manufacturer more – some poly panels may actual perform better in heat than some mono panels.
Good luck with your system.
Dear
I have a requiremnet of around 3000 Watts of power of 220volt with inverter, batteries, solar panels and charge controller etc for this system.
Please quote the prices and specificatons.
Regards
Hi Tahir.
What’s your location? Thanks.
for the mono crystalline plates , is it possible to give a shape of parabolic type reflector, so that we can use it reflecting property as a reflector,
hoping need full reply from you
Hi Raju,
Crystalline silicon is not flexible like some other photovoltaic materials, so it would not likely be possible to create the sort of parabolic reflector with them as you’ve mentioned.
I have a Conergy 2.75 KW system installed. Eleven panels and a 3KW Inverter.
The panels are Monocrystalline, and I would like to add another panel to make it up to 3KW.
Would the new panel have to be Monocrystalline like the others or can I add a Polycrystalline into the existing system.
I can pick up a Polycrystalline panel easy, but Monocrystalline is a bit harder to find.
Hope you can help.
Hi Keith,
Generally speaking, when adding a new solar panel to a system with a centralised string inverter, you’ll want to make sure that the additional panel is an exact match with the others – this means brand, panel type type and panel size. So yes, you’d need a monocrystalline panel of the same brand and the same size and capacity – probably not easy to come buy and buy individually. This is why we generally advise against upgrading panel arrays after the initial installation.
If, however, your inverter has a second, unused MPPT input, that may be the best place to plug in the new panels as it will then treat them as part of a new ‘string’ and performance will not be impacted negatively, even if they are a different brand and type (and provided they meet the inverter’s minimum input voltage requirements). Alternatively, if your system uses microinverters (such as Enphase), then upgrading will be relatively easy.
Hope this helps.
hi. i live in mt embu, around the centre of kenya in east africa. ther is plenty of sunshine everyday and temparatures go as high as 30degrees on hot day. i am confused which brand of panel to buy in nairobi. available are kyocera panels that r damn expensive but of 140watts and monocrystaline. and a brand caled sunshine just labeled ”cells made in germany” of which i believe its chinese brand but of 160Watts and it is polycrystalline.the 140w kyocera is costing usd 300 whereas the 160sunshine is costing 200usd. please advise which one i better of the two
Hi Macharia, we are from india we do lot of wonders in solar systems , we can do the best solar system, and we are also having the office in sudan, if you are interested with us, u just mail to us, I will explain you everything about the solar and pricing, I think cost of solar panel very very high. we will give the better solar solution and also a business establishment opportunity too. you can mail us also viki@emaar.in
Hi
I’m in my final year in the university studying electrical/electronics engineering and i want to build a solar panel from scratch preferable a 40 watts solar panel but i’m new at this and i dont have the faintest idea of how to start
Hi Josh,
Explaining that is a bit beyond the scope of what we do! We’d recommend doing a Google search for ‘how to build a solar panel from scratch‘ and checking out the results – there’s lots of information out there.
In any case, you’ll probably want to start with some pre-fabricated silicon wafers in order to avoid doing all the mining and initial fabrication yourself. These days you should be able to get your hands on some easily enough looking around online.
Best of luck!
Hi,
I live in Mumbai India, it was good to read the discussion here on the page. informative, I must say,
I have a consumption of 500 kwh per month. Can you help me install the Solar PV for my house?
Hi Asutosh,
Thanks for commenting. At the moment, we operate only in Australia so unfortunately are unable to help you at this time.
Best of luck with going solar!
We are considering a Stabimatic inverter. That was auto-correct. It’s monocrystalline panels. The set up is on grid & will be used about 12-15 hours daily. Public power at other times – also 12-15 hours, so say 50/50 usage. Thanks again
We r looking to install a 5kv inverter, solar, battery backed up hybrid system. It is for a 6 bedroom duplex & will also power about 5 LED street lights. We r in Sango-Ota, Nigeria where on the average there is about 6 – 7hours of sunlight daily.
We are considering 140w Yingli solar panels (12 units) maybe 6 poly & 6 monosodium to get the best of both worlds, 6 Qantas 200ah batteries, &a 60A MPPT solar control charger. What do u advice on this set up? Ve we factored in enough panels? Thanks for your expected response!
Hi
I’m living in the South Pacific, Solomon Islands.. my country is a hot and sunny home. I’m want to buy a solar panel of 260W, Renesola product. My first question is which type should i purchased Mono or Poly solar panel? Secondly, is the Mono solar panel functions best during the sunny hot days?? If yes or no then why?? Thirdly, which of the two types of solar from Renesola company can last for many years? Finally, during lightning strikes which of the two Renesola type withstand the lightning or won’t damage??
Looking forward to hear from u ..
Leslie
I am trying to install a solar power generator for my home, i live in nigeria where the weather is hot even a part of the night too. What type should i use, poly or mono?
Hi Timilehin,
Either one should be fine – just make sure you look at the specifications of the individual products that you’re comparing.
Hi there,
Really interested in reading all comments about solar power recommendation. I just starting filling in the comparison quote form , but notice I won’t be able to as I’m from the south Pacific country ( Nauru island). Where I’m hoping to install my solar power for my house. I’m an electrician by trade and currently studying in Taiwan on renewable energy as well.
My country is located near the equator and weather temperature is between 30-35*C during the day time with humidity around 70%. 12 hrs of warm sunny day. I’m able to install my own solar power. Once I’ve installed and tested the quality of the solar power over time, I’ll then start ordering more and selling to customers on my country as I own an electrical contracting company in my country. Can advice on how overseas customers can fill in the comparison quotes so I’ll be able to meet my type of solar power requirements suited for my country.
Cheers
Hi Maruan,
Thanks for commenting. Unfortunately, at this point we’re only able to help people who are in Australia (or maybe the UK). We do wish you the best of luck in getting a system.
I can recommend getting in touch with GSES, an Australia-based company know do a lot of work on Pacific Islands.
Best of luck! Sounds like you’re in a good place to take advantage of the sun!
Hi, when I spoke to a travelling salesman a few months ago, he was offering German-made polycrystalline units cost $11,973 for a 8panel 2kW set up. Installation costs would be $4-6K even though the a crew would be tackling 20 jobs in our local area at once.
I have run some basic economic calculations. I took into account increased premium for hail damage of $200 per year. I assumed a useful 8hrs of conversion per day on the basis of what the salesman told me. I assumed that power charges would rise linearly from 30-60c/kWh over 25 years. The payback period for a 10% discount rate turns out to be 12 years – pretty unreasonable, I could double glaze my house and it would be more effective!
Does polycrystalline really have a huge advantage over monocristalline in it’s claimed 17% conversion regardless of weather conditions, or angle to the sun? The panels I’m talking about are GY250P-60.
cheers, Dean
Dean,
First of all, paying almost $12k for a 2kW system in Australia these days is absurd. We regularly publish solar system prices from around the country and we haven’t seen figures like that since well before 2010! These days, the the upper limit should be around $6-7k or maybe $8k at most for a very high-quality system. We work with a number of installers from across the country, and since we are a broker (not selling systems ourselves) we are ideally positioned to give sound advice. Of course we don’t know the exact details, but our gut feeling is that the reason the payback periods you’ve calculated are so unattractive is that you’re probably being sold some kind of dodgy deal.
I would recommend getting a Solar Quote Comparison from us (fill out the form to the right of this page) to get a better of idea of what the range of prices is in the market in your area. You can also play with our solar ROI calculator using the prices you get from our system.
To address your second point: As per our article above, the ‘monocrystalline’ vs ‘polycrystalline’ debate is basically over–there are all ranges of quality among both types (not to mention amorphous silicon). You should judge each panel by its own merits.
Hope this helps!
I live in South East Queensland and I am considering solar panels. I have a north facing roof with no shade or trees nearby. Could you please tell me what your opinion is on Phono Solar Panels. I am worried that I may be ripped off.
Hi Danielle.
We’ve definitely heard of Phono Solar before and have at least one installer in our network that deals in their products.
If you’re concerned about being ‘ripped off’, the main thing you would need to be careful of is how much they’re offering the system for. Shop around for comparable products on offer and the prices associated with systems. To keep solar customers informed, we here at Solar Choice publish monthly articles about the going rates for solar PV systems in all of Australia’s capital cities. You can check out the articles here.
And of course, you could always get a customised quote specific to your area by filling out the Quote Comparison Request form to the right of this page.
Hi There,
I live in the south of France and want to convert my house to solar power. I am not great at internet searching and was wondering if you could advise me on the process? I believe I consume about 32kwh per day.
What do I need with respect to battery bank, panels and installation? Also, can you recommend anyone in this area for installation?
Hi Robster,
Unfortunately we don’t know anyone who does solar in France, although we do have an office in the UK, where we operate under the name of Solar Selections.
Just a couple of notes for you: Most solar systems these days are grid-connect systems, which means that they don’t have or need battery packs. If you’re in a remote area, you might indeed be looking for a system with a battery bank, but these sorts of ‘off-grid’ systems are relatively uncommon–and more expensive.
France does have a solar feed-in tariff (which pays grid connected solar system owners for all or a portion of the power that their systems produce), but I am not across the details. What I do know is that this incentive, combined with falling solar installation prices, has resulted in rapid uptake of grid-connect solar systems there. This has also been the case in Australia and pretty much everywhere else on the globe over the past 3 years or so.
Best of luck! Sorry we can’t help more.
Hi,
Can u plz tell me these solar panels work on light or by heat?
Hi Hamza,
All the solar panels discussed in this article convert sunlight into electricity. Heat actually diminishes their potential output.
I have enjoyed reading all of the Q & A regarding PV installations and as I live in Ireland where conditions are very different to those in Aus.I
wonder if you could reccomend the most suitable equipment for this location Joe
Hi Joe,
Solar panels have seen massive success in the UK, where weather conditions are largely similar to those of Ireland, as I’ve been led to believe. Most standard crystalline silicon solar panel technologies should work just fine, although thin-film panels are said to be better in diffuse lighting conditions (e.g. where it’s cloudy a lot of the time).
A local installer there would have a better idea of what would be most appropriate. Have you contacted any?
Hi there, ive been doing quiet a bit of reading on solar panels and although more enlightened i now fear I am also more confused. as you have said in previous posts it seems to come down to the value for money scenario. I have now narrowed it down to an aurora inverter but cant decide between panels which are suntech and perlight both are for the same price. I was leaning toward suntech as you hear about them a lot but then perlight have been around for 30 years so they must be doing something right. Which do you favour ?please please…thanks…Russ
Hi Russell.
Thanks for the comment. I see that you’ve come onto our website and requested a quote comparison as well. One of our brokers would be happy to speak with you to about the pros and cons of each of the manufacturers you’ve mentioned.
Suntech’s recent troubles are indeed worrying, and although the technology is generally considered to be of good quality, the servicing of warranties on their products into the future could prove to be a deterrent for those considering using their products.
Any comments and advice comparing Sharp to Sunpower and Motech.
The panels I am considering are
Sharp ND240QCJ, Sunpower SPR-225E-Blk-d, and Motech Americas IM60-250.
I have several bid proposals using these panels with Endphase 215 inverters, and am very confused about what direction to go in.
Hi Don,
Thanks for the comment.
Sunpower and Sharp are generally considered ‘premium’ products with strong brands, while Motech is more generic.
We’re happy to speak to you more and clarify for you the differences between inverter options–Enphase makes microinverters, which are different from conventional inverters in that they’re installed on a 1 or 2-per panel basis as opposed to having just 1 central inverter.
Feel free to get in touch with us by filling out the form to the right of this page or calling us on 1300 78 72 73. Our services are completely free to our customers.
Hi, i am looking into getting solar panels on my roof, I am supplied by AGL and they have given me a quote using mono panels 6 x 250 watt panels (EE250Rand a 1 x Eko Energy 1500S inverter, I have also talked to another company who have told me the trina delta honey panels are the best as I live in the blue mountains where the weather can be extreme , very cold in winter, cloudy and some days we get fog/mist that can last all day, so he said the mono is not good for my area as mono only revieves the suns rays from one direction and the trina delta accepts the rays from many directiona making it much more efficient. he also said they install a cheaper brand called Jinko. I really would like to get the job done by AGL as they have been around for 125 years and also supply my slectricity and gas. Can yo tell me which way I should go. i think i will need a 2.5kW system so as it almost makes me energy self sufficient.
Hi Peter,
The Trina Delta Honey panels are indeed a quality product, but it’s important to make sure that you’re getting the best deal possible on the whole system.
We can show you a wider array of options available in your area than the 2 you’ve mentioned–in a format that is easy to understand and facilitates making straightforward comparisons. There’s even a chance that one of the installers that we work with can beat the price you’ve been quoted with comparable or the same components.
I don’t know what sort of prices you’re looking at, but by filling out the Quote Comparison Form to the right of this page you will receive an instant comparison of up to 7 installers, with prices and components clearly laid out for you. One of our staff will be happy to follow up and answer any questions that you have about your project. If you go through Solar Choice you’re guaranteed a better price than going to that installer directly.
You can also call us up directly on 1300 78 72 73.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Hi
I have Been quoted on a 3kw Eversolar 3000TL
With 12 Polycrystalline, multi diode panels. Meant to be brand new tech and is verified by there german parent company M+W GROUP. off true value solar For $3500 AUD
The panels are going to be either from SERAPHIM SOLAR SYSTEM Co.
Or renesola. A few people have said that if these panels where mono
It would be the deal of the year. Is the price to good to be true ?? I live in Perth Western Australia
Thanks
Hi Simon,
Thanks for the comment.
$3500 for a 3KW solar system is indeed a good deal if it’s for real. Make sure that the warranties all check out all right, though.
Eversolar, Renesola and Seraphim make regular appearances on our Solar Quote Comparisons–they are popular, cost-effective options. Have you shopped around much? If you haven’t done so already, it might be a good idea to put your details into the form to the right of this page so we can send you a free comparison of the installer offerings Solar Choice has for your area of Perth. Having a chat with our staff is also cost- and obligation-free.
Hi
I live in SE Qld and I’m looking at installing a 5kW system with an SMA 5000TL inverter. I’m having difficulty choosing between LG 280 W, REC 250 W and Bosch 240 W panels. The cost difference is not an issue. Can you help me choose please?
Thanks
David.
Hi David,
I’m afraid I can’t tell you want to do! They are all great panels you won’t go wrong with an of them. Sometimes when you have a situation like this either cost or the reputation of the installer is sometimes the best option. Alternatively you might want to check what country the product warranty is held in, if something does go wrong you may want to talk to someone within Australia rather than abroad.
Hope that helps you make a choice.
I want to installed 2 x 200 W solar panels in Coimbatore, India, where the summer temperatures can be as high as 38 to 42 degrees Centigrade. One supplier says I should go for monocrystalline panels, as 400 W monocrystalline is equivalent to 480 W polycrystalline, and that mono will start generating power even from diffuse light.
The seller of polycrystalline says, monocrystalline is meant for cold countries like germany, and in hot countries, polycrystalline is better.
Monocrystalline is costlier in India, as the suppliers claim, it is being imported from Germany. Polycrystalline is assembled in India.
Can you help me out of this confusion, especiallly, the suitability of monocrystalline in hot climate. I have noticed that mono charges the battery even before full sunlight falls on the panel (around 7 am) whereas poly starts after full sunlight
Please help me choose.
Hi,
A good quality panel should be able to stand up to high temperatures whether it’s monocrystalline or polycrystalline.The mono panels may start charging the battery sooner as they are slightly better are capturing the light due to the way the cells are produced. Today’s polycrystalline panels are very efficient, and the difference in performance between mono and poly is small, although mono does perform slightly better. As long as you’re going with a reputable manufacturer then you should have no problems and both sets of panels will do the job.
The decision should be based on getting the best system for you money, use a reputable manufacturer for both the panels and inverter. At the moment European made inverters are the most reliable option, there is one Chinese manufacturer whose inverter does seem to rival the European models but has not been around long enough to really prove itself.
Hope this helps you make a choice!
which one is better polycrystalline or monocrystalline panels for average quality(economical) solar systems ? which is prefferd in southern India (KERALA) having an average sunlight?????
Hi Romy,
There is no significant difference between monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels. Cost wise mono is slightly more expensive, but they do perform slightly better, with regards to location, again the technology makes no real difference it’s the manufacturer you need to look at. If you want a system that will last and can cope with the elements, one of the Premium manufacturers would be a better option for you, as they tend to spend more testing their panels to the extreme, they also have a history you can look at. Inverter wise, we have yet to be fully convinced by any Chinese designed and manufactured component. There is one that has performed well in the short term but it hasn’t been around long enough to fully prove itself.
Hope this helps
Hi There,
Could you pls give me some perspective between choosing a 3KW SMA inverter vs. 3 KW Sunteams inverter? I am un-sure on investing another AUD$1500 for SMA over Sunteams in the current rebate scenario- which will take multiple more years for me to get the payback with my usage. Thanks Asif
Hi Asif,
This is exactly the kind of question our Solar Brokers can help answer. When you complete a FREE, Solar Quote Comparison you are allocated a solar broker who will help you make an informed decision based on the quote comparison sent out.
You can complete the Quote Comparison form online, it’s located to the right of the screen, or call us on 1300 78 72 73 to speak with a Broker directly.
We look forward to helping you soon.
Hi there,
Can anyone pls give me bit of idea about CSUN 250- 60Polcy an Mono panels + CSUN inverter? Are these good and should I go for Poly or Mono. I leave in NSW and I have north facing roof without any shade. Thanks
Hi Asif,
We haven’t come across this manufacturers products as they are not offered by any of the installers on our network. If you want to get some alternative options you can complete our Solar Quote Comparison to the right of the page, that way you’ll know if you’re getting a good deal and can see what other panels are available on the market.
We hope to help you soon
Can you give some temperature ranges for efficiency conditions? What is considered hot for solar panels. I’m not sure what constitutes hot or cool conditions?
Hi Tom,
The optimum operating temperature for solar panels is around 25 degrees, the ideal conditional a cool bright days as solar becomes less productive as they heat up. Good quality solar panels should be able to cope with a range of temperatures, indeed companies like Suntech expose their panels to quality tests to simulate extreme changes in temperature over a 25 year period and can offer customers a minimum performance warranty over this time.
You can take a look at the information produced by Desert Knowledge, they have information on how selected panels perform and are based near Alice Springs.
Hope this helps.
Hello
I have a 3.08kw solar system made up of 8 x 190w Suntech monocrystalline panels (initially installed) and then an additional 8 x 195w Suntech monocrystalline panels (added 12 months later). The inverter is a Xantrex GT 2.8 AU with a recommended PV array power of 3.07kw with input for 2 parallel strings. When the installer added the second set of panels he used the original cable (6.0 mm2) for both sets of panels. Was this good practice?
The following are the system performance measurements
Max daily recorded generation 18.7kwh
Average daily generation Oct 2012 15.37kwh, Nov 2012 15.25kwh, Dec 2012 16.06kwh
Best instantaneous power recorded 2853kw
Installation is in QLD just south of Brisbane.
Given these figures, is the generation being acheived acceptable?
What is the best parameter to record to ascertain if there is any fall off in performance or component failure in the system?
Is there any other parameters I shouls be measuring?
Regards
Chris
Hi Chris,
What I believe you’re asking is whether they should have used a bigger cable for the 195 watt panels? For such a small increase it’s fine for you’re installer to have used the same sized cable. I would have expected each set of panels to be placed on a separate string to optimise their output as systems will be only perform as well as the worst panel.
The best you can expect to get from your system is about 90% efficiency, as I mentioned the performance of your panels will decrease over time which will lead to decreased generation. I’m not sure about the older Suntech panels but the new once come with a 25 year performance guarantee so you can expect a certain level of performance over the first 25 years of your systems life. The figures look good to me, but I would advise that you clean the panels every few months and get the system serviced regularly to ensure it’s performing at it’s optimum level.
Hope this helps
Hello,
I was quoted a Growatt 5000MTL inverter with 22 x ECSOLAR 230 watt mono panels and the installer has since said he can’t do the same instal date unless he uses anothe panel. He is offering BYD panels which are 215watt polys x 24. Just wondering if BYD are OK and will there be any real difference between the ECSOLAR and BYD panels. BYD X 34 = 5.16KW and ECSOLAR X 22 = 5.06 KW.
PS I plan on splitting the panels evenly on the East and West side of the roof. No north facing roof.
Hi Ray,
I’m not familiar with BYD panels and wouldn’t like to comment. We undertake the due diligence on behalf of our customers but still advise doing the research before you sign with an installer. There are a lot of manufacturers and installers who have only recently entered the industry, with such a large investment it pays to make sure both the installer and manufacturer are likely to be around a few years down the line.
If you type in the details of the panel and ‘review’ into your search engine you should be able to get further information. As your comment was left after 1 January 2013 you will not receive additional discount from the Solar Credit Scheme (unless you signed with the installer before 16 November 2012 or they are honouring last years price), it may be worth your while waiting for the original stock to arrive and proceeding then.
Sorry we can’t be of more help!
can you tell me why monocrystalline solar cells are used in more number than polycrystalline though it is costly than polycrystalline….and why monocrystalline works better in cool condition and polycrystalline in hot….???
Hi there,
In Australia monocrystalline panels are much more popular because, when the solar industry took off, new manufacturers advertised monocrystalline cells as ‘new’ technology and said any manufacturer using multi(poly)crystalline cells were using old out of date technology. In reality there is very little in terms of performance.
When it comes to temperature, all PV cells operate best at cooler temperatures with bright sunshine (so first thing on a sunny day before the panels have heated up). If you live in the NT or FNQ (or somewhere with equally harsh climes) it’s worth investing in one of the Premium panels which tend to go through a longer development period and more stringent check to ensure they will last and perform at minimum standards for far longer the a cheaper panel. Some of the Premium manufacturers even offer a performance guarantee in their warrantees.
If you want to get a Quote for a Solar PV System please complete the information in the green box to the right of the screen, alternatively you can call us directly on 1330 78 72 73.
G’day, I have just signed up for a solar system with Q cell polychrystaline panels rather than the Mono. I have chosen an SMA SunnyBoy inverter to cap them off. Have I made a wise decision. I am north facing –30 degree roof pitch in hot Qld conditions. Cheers, Hully.
Hi Hully,
Q Cells are one of the best PV manufacturers in the world and the Sunny Boy also has good reviews. The Polycrystalline vs Monocrystalline debate has been raging for some time but there is no real difference in the performance, the real reason one is now preferred over the other was actually a marketing tactic by some of the newer players on the market.
If you want a second opinion on your quote you can fill in the Solar Quote Comparison for free, you’ll get information for a range of installer who operate in your local area. All the installers on our network have Clean Energy Council certification and use products from trusted manufacturers, if you get out quote and it matches what you’ve been offered you know you have a good deal if not there should be a cool off period where you can cancel or go back and negotiate the price further.
We look forward to helping you soon.
Sir could u send me the efficiency perfromance of polycrystalline over monocrystalline
Hi Gowtham,
As the article states there are different efficiencies between different manufacturers as well as between polycrystalline and monocrystalline. If you are looking for a solar PV we would recommend filling in our Solar Quote Comparison, you’ll get a free instant quote for up to 7 installers who operate in your local area, you’ll also have your own dedicated Solar Broker who will be able to impartially walk through the quote with you helping you select the best installer and technology for you needs. If you’d rather talk to us directly please call 1300 78 72 73.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Hi, I would like to see some comparisons of solar arrays on houses and mobile units (RV’s). However, the most important thing for mobile units is how you face the sun! Is this your take on it or should mobile units even be concerned with this? I know that we need a certain a amount or “alignment” to obtain enough Solar Charge.
Is there a panel type that out performs on a mobile location?
Paul
Hi Paul,
The information we provide relates to residential and commercial properties due to the different set up requirements for mobile units. I believe there are panels designed specifically for RV’s which are able to stand up to the stress of the movement and vibration associated with being attached to a moving vehicle. Unfortunately I don’t have any details of where you may be able to get a hold of this type of panel but an internet search should help you find a manufacturer who should be able to answer your question better than myself.
Generally speaking we advise that panels face north and are free from shade is it drastically reduces the effectiveness of the whole panel.
We hope this help.
Renogy makes a flexible flat panel that is like 2mm It can be attached with industrial Velcro. Walked on and doesn’t get damaged by vibration. Cool technology. A little more expensive though. Low profile is better for aerodynamics. No weight either. Nobody can see them if you put on a van, they are so thin.
I have some questions. I live in South East Queensland, so it is warm but I have quite a lot of winter shade on my roof owing to my nearby gum trees. My question is whether solar panels will be effective in these conditions for a regular supply of electricity, and what size unit is the most effective way to go? Also what type of solar panels and who is a reliable supplier and fitter on the south east coast?
Thank you for any help you can offer.
Hi Michael,
I think our article ‘Why even partial shading is bad for solar power systems‘ might answer your question relating to shade, essentially any shade will significantly reduce the output of your solar panels so it’s best to avoid. There are solar panels that can deal with this but they are significantly more expensive than the industry standard.
What we’d recommend to answer the rest of your questions is filling in our Solar Quote Comparison located to the right of the page, this will generate a FREE quote for up to 7 installers who operate in your local area. You will also be located a personal Solar Broker who will contact you to talk you through the quote and help you make a decision on the best option for you. Alternatively you can us directly on 1300 78 72 73.
We look forward to helping you with your solar project.
Thank you for sharing this post with us, especially for those who are willing to install solar panels in their homes and offices. I think, whichever solar panel you choose or buy, get it from a reputed company. Products of leading solar module manufacturers are always safe and last long. You should only invest in a product when you seem to be satisfied with its features, user-friendly interface and price.
Would u be able to tell me what panels r better on a north facing home for a 5kw system in Victoria. I’m looking at Renesolar 250 watt mono crystalline,250 watt perlight monocrystalline & 235 watt Avim polycrystalline solar panels & Fronius or SMA inverters. Not sure wether the mono is better than the poly!! Thanks
Hi Julie,
Generally speaking, polycrystalline silicon technology is better in the heat (e.g. midday sun), but you would have to check the individual specs of the products at hand. As far as Fronius or SMA are concerned, they are both reputable companies that offer quality products.
Hi guys,
If I have understood it correctly monocrystalline is more for a moderate climate and poly is more for hotter climate where the sun shines fearsly.
I have mono panels and on a very hot day their efficiency runs back.
But on cooler days with sun I get full power.
I live in The Netherlands.
Please correct me if I have ik wrong.
See you Dolf.
Hi Dolf,
That’s a good point. Generally speaking, polycrystalline silicon panels do perform better in hot conditions, but the differences will depend on the actual manufacturer and product in question–check the specs! That being said, all electronics like cooler conditions, and solar panels are no exception.