All Solar panels currently on the market have been manufactured with silicon cells, the second most abundant mineral element in the earth\’s crust that is mined as quartz or similar.
Depending on the transformation process to which we subject the silicon, we will obtain monocrystalline or polycrystalline cells.. These cells are what they use to do two different types of solar panels that still share many characteristics.
The process by which silicon becomes the solar module consists of several transformation phases. First, silicon is mined and purified. It is then melted in crucibles to obtain ingots, which can be cylindrical to obtain monocrystalline silicon or square to obtain polycrystalline silicon.
In the third phase, the ingots are cut into thin sheets, obtaining through this process wafers, the substrate on which various chemical processes are carried out until the generation of solar cells. Finally, these solar cells are assembled, which are very thin and connected together to form part of the solar panels.
monocrystalline solar panels
Coward monocrystalline cellsused since historical times, they were made with high purity silicon and They are distinguished by their blackish color and rounded edges. Its most important features are the following:
- Monocrystalline silicon has a slower manufacturing process with a high energy cost.
- Monocrystalline solar panels are very useful for places where there is little exposure to the sun during the day because they provide very good low light performance.
- Monocrystalline solar panels have a long life span, between 25 and 50 years.
- Needing more silicon, the price of these panels is higher to solar panels that used polycrystalline silicon in their manufacture.
- There are many monocrystalline silicon solar panels more efficient than those of polycrystalline silicon.
polycrystalline solar panels
Polycrystalline silicon cells began to be produced much later than monocrystalline cells. Was in the 80s of the 20th century when work with this material began. The most notable features of polycrystalline solar panels are the following:
- Are production is faster and cheaper than that of monocrystalline panels because less mineral is used in the production process than in the transformation process of these panels.
- Although they are less efficient than monocrystalline panels, are the most widespread worldwide in the residential area.
- When the sun hits them they acquire a dark navy blue color.
- Polycrystalline panels provide a high speed in the heating process.
What type of panel to choose?
However, it cannot be categorically assured that one solar panel is better than another depending on the geographical area in which place to live or the company where we install the panels, There will be more efficient to use one type or another depending on the climate of the place.
For example, it is recommended to install monocrystalline solar panels in cold climates in which usually occur phenomena such as storms, snow or fog, because this type of solar panels They absorb solar radiation much better.
Rather, installation is recommended polycrystalline solar panels in warm climates.
Still and despite everything, monocrystalline solar panels offer better value for money.
