Types of Solar Panels

While all photovoltaic use similar structure of cells, there are many different types of cells and panels that can be used. Photovoltaic vary in their basic materials, ability to produce electricity, and costs. The following are some of the types of panels available.

1. Monocrystalline

Monocrystalline panels are the most popular and robust panels commercially available in Australia, they are the most efficient, best backed and most suitable for the Australian conditions. One of their main distinguishing features of monocrystalline panels is that they are made from a single crystal cell, not numerous crystal cells connected together, meaning they harness the suns energy more efficiently. These panels, though, like all types of panels, start losing a small percentage of their efficiency when temperatures rise above 50 degrees or below 15 degrees. Monocrystalline panels are also 5%-10% more expensive than other panel varieties.

However that increased cost is surpassed by energy efficiency and also means that you can fit more panels on your roof. The average lifespan of a monocrystalline panel is usually around 20-25 years, Sun Connects panels pump out at a healthy efficiency for up to 30 years.

For anyone serious about medium and long term return on their investment monocrystalline panels should definitely be considered, they are the most reliable, efficient, and popular panels in Australia.

2. Polycrystalline

Polycrystalline panels, as the name suggests, use multiple crystal cells to harness the suns light.  These panels are generally cheaper and easier to install than mono and thin film panels and are very good for people that are after a small solar system for the business or home. They also operate slightly better than most other panel types in extreme temperatures. As mentioned above, they are less efficient and don’t last as long, but if you’re want to minimize your investment then these panels are a very good place to start.

3. Amorphous or thin film cells

Thin film cells are solar cells that are produced by placing one or more thin layers of photovoltaic composite on a substrate. Thin film solar panels are different from the above two varieties in that they are more flexible and can be put onto a variety of different surfaces, curved and straight.

They are also very close to even with the efficiency of monocrystalline panels, but in recent years reports suggest that mono panels have gone past thin film in power generation for the home. One drawback for thin film panels is their cost, they are the most expensive panel variety on the market currently, but, they will be coming down in price in coming months and years as the cost of manufacturing them is become cheaper and cheaper.  They are also light weight so very good for weaker rooves or potentially for garages or outdoor gazebos.

Sun Connect does not currently stock thin film solar, but as the technology improves and the price of this relatively new technology becomes more realistic for our customers we will look to start trialling these panels as another option.