Can monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels be mixed?

There are different types of solar panels that offer different benefits. Depending on several aspects, such as the energy consumption that we estimate to achieve, the location of the property, etc., we have to select one solar panel or another and we can consider monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels are mixed. The typology of the different solar panels is therefore based on the use we will provide: electricity production, water heating or both. Based on this fact, solar panels are divided into:

  • Photovoltaic solar panels: monocrystalline and polycrystalline.
  • Thermal solar panels.
  • Hybrid solar panels: Photovoltaic + thermal.

It should be noted that once we have installed a certain type of solar panels it will be difficult to switch to anotherFor this reason, it is a decision that must be considered and made with the help of specialized professionals in the sector who advise us according to our needs. place to live a company.

Let\’s see below and in detail the differences between the two types of photovoltaic solar panels, their characteristics, and thus know if it is possible to mix both types of solar panels in the same facility.

Photovoltaic solar panels, what are they and types

Through these types of panels, converts energy from the sun into electricity. They are the best clean and renewable energy option to generate the electricity we need.

Photovoltaic solar panels are consisting of silicon photovoltaic cells They convert energy from sunlight into electricity. This process occurs when photons (particles present in sunlight) impact the silicon atoms of the solar panel, which causes the electrons to break and release some of them, which are what generate the electric current.

Lost Photovoltaic solar panels are classified according to how the photovoltaic cells are composed:

  • Monocrystalline panels: Very useful for places where there is little exposure to the sun during the day as they offer very good performance in low light conditions.
  • Polycrystalline panels: Although they are less efficient than monocrystalline panels, they are the most widespread in the residential area. They provide high speed in the heating process.

The the basic difference between a monocrystalline and a polycrystalline solar cell It is silicon crystal composition. Coward monocrystalline cells They are made of a single type of silicon crystal, meaning that when the crystal was manufactured, its growth was controlled so that it only formed in one direction, achieving a fairly perfect alignment of all the components of the crystal. On the contrary, in polycrystalline cells the growth of the silicon crystal is not controlled, i.e. the crystal grows in all directions creating a set of different crystals joined together.

at present very similar yields are obtained with both technologies, monocrystalline and polycrystalline. We can always check the percentage of performance in the data sheets of each of the photovoltaic modules.

Monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels in the same installation

If we have a photovoltaic installation and want to expand it, it can happen at any time the question of whether I have to place the same type of panels in it or if, on the contrary, I can use panels of a different classmore modern and more efficient compared to the ones we had installed for years.

The answer is clear yes, you can mix monocrystalline and polycrystalline photovoltaic solar panels and which offer different powers. Therefore, it will not be necessary to look for solar panels equal to the ones we already have, which may even be discontinued, as it is not necessary.

only two conditions that we must meet to be able to associate two groups of different panels in the same circuit are the following:

  • It is not necessary to combine panels or series of panels of different voltages in parallel. Each branch in parallel should have a similar voltage and be of the same number and type of cells.
  • Lost PANELS which make up a the string series must all be identical.

If these two requirements are not met, we will not be able to associate two groups of different panels in the same circuit, but they can be included in the same installation.

if we want Include panels of different power and/or voltage in our installation, we have a wide range of possibilities:

– We have 12V solar panels, but with a much lower power than the newly purchased ones. In this case, nothing needs to be changed in the installation, it will only be necessary to purchase a regulator according to the panels we purchased.

– We have 24V solar panels, but with a much lower power than the newly purchased ones. In this case, we don\’t have to change anything in the installation, we just have to buy a regulator according to the panels we bought.

– We have a 12V installation and have purchased 24V solar panels or off grid and want to connect them to the installation we already have in the most economical way possible. In this case we only need an MPPT regulator that will regulate the output voltage to 12V connected directly to the batteries, giving the maximum possible performance to the new boards.

– We have a 24V installation and have purchased 12V or mains connection panels and want to connect them to the installation we already have in the most economical way possible. We will need an MPPT regulator that will regulate the output voltage to 24V connected directly to the batteries and give the maximum possible performance to the new panels.

– We have a 12V installation and we want to replace it with an installation with a higher voltage than 24V, keeping the panels we have. In this case we only need an MPPT charge controller that will regulate the output voltage to 24V connected directly to the batteries and provide the maximum possible performance in the new panels.

– We have a 12V installation and we want to replace it with an installation with a higher voltage than 48V, keeping the panels we have. We need an MPPT charge controller that will regulate the output voltage to 48V connected directly to the batteries and give maximum performance to the new panels.

– We have a 24V installation and we want to replace it with an installation with a higher voltage than 48V, keeping the panels we have. We need an MPPT regulator to regulate the output voltage to 48V connected directly to the batteries, giving the maximum possible performance in the new panels.

Through these cases It collects a large part of the situations that can arise when purchasing new solar panels. for our facility or when you need to expand an existing facility