Monocrystalline solar panels, indeed, have been a trendy choice in recent years. That’s not what I am saying. I have reliable data to prove it. Care to check out? According to the data of the Department of Energy – Monocrystalline solar panels beat other popular solar panels such as polycrystalline solar panels or thin film by a significant margin. That sounds like good news. Also, the global economy report shows a boost to the monocrystalline solar panel market. It will reach $829+ million by this year in Japan. The same goes for the other developed countries. What’s more, if you check out the high-rated solar panel models, you will find out, 20 of the top models are monocrystalline. It looks like – the top brands found a great future in this niche and left no stone unturned to develop the best monocrystalline solar panels. Alright, then, Let’s explore the topic from A-Z.
Table of Contents
What is Monocrystalline Solar Panel?
Monocrystalline Solar panel is known as the most traditional and distinguished among the solar panels, backed by the recent data and experts’ opinion. Speaking of construction, the makers use the Czochralski method to make them. Anyway, it’s built from crystalline silicon. So, here is the thing – it’s a solar panel that includes monocrystalline solar cells. You will identify a monocrystalline solar panel by its solar cells. They will be seen as a single plus flat color. Nevertheless, they’re known for their sleeker aesthetics and higher efficiencies, don’t they?
Top 5 Best Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Let’s take a look at some of the
Advantages of Monocrystalline Solar Panel:
Higher Efficiency:
As we know, monocrystalline solar panels are built of top-grade silicone coupled with their single-cell structure. Hence, the efficiency of the monocrystalline solar panel is something worth trusting. The Renogy monocrystalline solar panel that has a 95% efficiency is an excellent choice for residential projects.
Suitable Choice for roofs
Indeed, monocrystalline solar panels don’t take much space. Yet they generate more electricity. Due to their high efficiency, they can generate the exact amount of energy on a small roof as polycrystalline solar panels do on a huge roof.
Long lifespan
Typically, they have a warranty of 25 years. Yes, you heard that right. As it is made of crystalline silicon, which is a reliably stable material, thus it’s no surprise that it will last much more than that. I bet it will serve you for a long time.
Temperature co-efficiency
Undoubtedly, monocrystalline solar panels work best in warmer weather. The reason is straightforward. Now, here’s the catch – when the temperature tends to go up, the electricity production sort of falls. Anyway, it’s not likely to be as severe as polycrystalline solar panels. When you buy a product, it’s stated with the specification thoroughly. Remember to check that.
Disadvantages of Monocrystalline Solar Panel:
Pricey:
The silicon solar cells used to make monocrystalline solar panels are pricer than other products’ manufacturing items. As a result, monocrystalline solar panels are the most expensive solar panels on the market.
Waste:
They generate more waste than other solar panels. Though, the waste can be used to produce polycrystalline panels.
Monocrystalline vs. Polycrystalline Solar Panels: Which are suitable for you?
Needless to say, polycrystalline and monocrystalline are the two biggest giants in the solar panel industry. Most of the time, people go with either monocrystalline or polycrystalline. So, the million-dollar question is – how do you pick up between these two? Now, we will break it down for you point by point.
Personal Preferences:
People have different preferences when it comes to their own products. So, if you’re delightfully quirky about the color, where it is made in, or other things, then I can suggest a thing or two. Case in point, monocrystalline panels commonly have a dark black color. On the other hand, polycrystalline solar panels generally have a blue color. Regarding the manufacturing country, that’s something you have to check while buying the product.
Space constraints:
It’s no secret that monocrystalline solar panels take lesser space than other solar panels. It’s comfortably compatible with small roofs. Though, the case is different from polycrystalline solar panels. It needs a lot of space. Thus, you need a bigger roof for that.
Solar Financing:
Well, monocrystalline solar panels are costlier than polycrystalline solar panels. Seem like if you have a tight budget, you should go for polycrystalline solar panels. But it would help if you also had to think in the long run. Monocrystalline solar panels tend to last longer than polycrystalline solar panels. In that way, if we think, a monocrystalline solar panel seems like a better choice. Don’t you agree?
A short comparison between Monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels.
| Criteria | Monocrystalline Solar Panels | Polycrystalline Solar Panels |
| Efficiency | More efficient (17-20%+) than the latter | Less efficient that (13-16% the former |
| Color | Solar Cells possess a darker black hue | Sollar cells possess a blueish hue |
| Lifespan | More than 25 years | More than 20-25 years |
| cost | Pricier than polycrystalline | Less pricer than monocrystalline |
| Construction | Built of solo silicone cells | Built of myriad silicone cells |
| Performance | Operates efficiently even in the low light | Not too great for cloudy weather |
How to pick up the best solar panels?
Type:
Only two sorts of solar panel that deserves our attention. One is monocrystalline solar panels, and the other one is polycrystalline solar panels. You have to pick up between these two types. And, which one will you pick up? For that, you can have a look at our monocrystalline vs. polycrystalline debate.
Power:
It would help if you chose a solar panel that generates the right amount of power to suit your needs. It necessarily doesn’t have to the maximum power level. But rather something that can fulfill your needs. Case in point, if you’re looking for a solar panel for camping, you don’t need the same amount of power that you need for a residential solar panel. 100 watts is more than enough for camping solar panels. A few months before, my niece and her friends – if I say precisely – 8 months ago, I believe, bought a solar panel for camping. It was from Dokio. That worked beautifully. She used it a few times for various purposes. That Dokio monocrystalline solar panel was foldable and versatile. It can also be used on RV, boats, cars, and motorcycles.
Anyway, more to the point, you can’t use that solar panel as a residential solar panel. Can you? No, the power level of that solar panel is 100W, where a residential solar panel must need a power level of 300W like the Renogy residential solar panel offers. So, what’s the bottom line? The power level depends on your needs. The first one can be used on vehicles or in a small tent but not compatible with big projects. For that, you need a superior power level.
Efficiency:
Solar Panel efficiency means what amount of sunlight you can transform into electricity. Well, it’s usually 15-22% that can convert into usable power. However, here is the thing – it also depends on weather conditions, orientation, and placement.
Temperature co-efficient:
If the temperature rises, the panel’s efficiency, indeed, will be affected by it. So, you must know how much it will be.
Size:
Wherever you’re putting this, you must check if it’s compatible with the size of your roof. For instance, if your space is limited, the panel size should be your top priority.
Weight:
I must have to admit, from my experience, people don’t give this factor much consideration. But you should be. You know about your house’s construction better than anyone. If it’s not strong, go for a lighter one.
Product Warranty:
A warranty makes sure that we can trust a product. So, check it, please. Anyway, if you’re buying residential solar panels, the warranty must be between 10-25 years. But if you’re purchasing a solar panel for your vehicle, then a one or 2-year warranty sounds absolutely alright.
Performance degradation:
The solar panel follows small margin degradation in its lifecycle. It’s totally normal. After one year, standard degradation is 2%, after that o.2-2.7% will follow. Anyway, remember to follow this factor while buying.
Maximum wind load:
There could be some natural disaster that happens in your region once or twice a year. But it follows each year. Case in point, it could be a hurricane or strong winds. Therefore, your purchased solar panel must have superior tolerance. Also, check if the manufacturer tested it for such an occasion. Now, you’re set to buy a solar panel.
How Many Solar Panels do you need?
Well, it depends on certain circumstances such as:
- How much consumption of your current electricity is.
- Your energy aims – a goal where you put a standard is that much electricity you need.
- The capacity of your roof.
- Is your area sunny – if it is, how many hours the sun shines?
Needless to say, these factors vary from area to area, house to house. Thus, it’s vital to assess it uniquely.
How to calculate your solar needs?
Step 1:
First, check the electricity bills and identify current power consumption. Measure this kWh(kilowatt-hours). Now, you can calculate it month by month or quarterly.
Step 2:
You have to decide how much power consumption you like to cover with your monocrystalline solar panels. It could be – 10%, or 20%, also could be 100%. When you make this decision, we can move on to the cost and size.
Step 3:
Now, you have to pay attention to your roof space, and how many monocrystalline solar panels will fit there? A standard solar panel takes approximately 1.44 m2of your roof space. Also, include 30cm from your roof’s edge. Now, adjust the size to follow this method.
Which factors affect your solar panel efficiency?
To maximize the efficiency of your solar panel, you should consider these four key factors. They are – location, direction, roof’s suitability, and angling.
Location:
There is a particular time when the sun shines at its best. For instance, here where I live, it’s from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. So, you must ensure that your solar panels are perfectly exposed to the sunlight at that particular time.
Direction, Roof’s suitability, and Angling:
Your roof’s angle has a huge role to play – how much daylight exposure your solar panels can get. Anyway, to get the best results, domestic panels must face south. In that way, solar panels are exposed to sun sunshine as prolonged as possible. In research, it found that a 34-degree roof tilt angle is the fittest one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are monocrystalline solar panels the best?
Well, if we consider it in terms of efficiency, then mono crystalline solar panels possess better efficiency than any other solar panel. So, yes, I think so.
Can you mix polycrystalline with monocrystalline?
Yes, you can mix any technology and module.
What is the lifespan of a solar panel?
It’s between 25-30 years or more. Though, it doesn’t mean the solar panels will stop generating electricity. It’s just the power degradation gets worse with time, and the solar panel might fail to produce average energy needs.
Why solar panels are a good investment?
Solar panels produce power by using the clean energy of the sun. The world’s resources are limited. But, if we can use the sun’s energy, it reduces the pressure from our resources. Not to mention, it helps the environment enormously. At the same time, we’re 21st century people. And, whatever we do, we must see it from a financial perspective. There you go. In each month, it will save a fixed amount of money. Besides that, it will also increase the value of your home. Recent data show that the houses with solar panels are worth up to $5000 more than the comparable house that doesn’t possess solar panels.
Can a solar panel work without sunlight?
Yes, they do. It can function from other sorts of light. Though I won’t say, it’s very efficient.
Do solar panels work in winter?
It’s a popular myth that solar panel doesn’t function during winter. But there isn’t an ounce of truth in it. In fact, the cold temperature enhances solar panel production.
Do solar panels work in cloudy weather?
PV panels use indirect or direct sunlight to produce power. Certainly, they’re more effective if they get direct sunlight. Yet they will work even if clouds block the light.
Can a solar panel work through glass?
Indeed, it can. But I must warn you; the efficiency will be compromised. It will work with limitations. So, it’s better not to keep the solar panel behind glass as it’s more compatible with direct sunlight.
Are monocrystalline solar panels worth getting?
Needless to say, solar panels have so many environmental benefits. With the latest technology and research, they’re becoming more affordable and long-lasting. Case in point, they easily last 20-25 years. Not to mention, the lasting time could be higher than the mentioned one.
Indeed, in the future, the construction will be developed more. And everything will be updated as so myriad developers and scientists are working on this project. The recent data and research indicate that this industry will revolutionize the world economy; that’s something for sure. Thus, purchasing the best monocrystalline solar panels could be an excellent investment for the future. You become self-reliant. No need to depend on the system for power. That’s a good thing. So, in every way, I believe monocrystalline solar panels are worth getting. Don’t you agree?
