TYPES OF PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS: WHAT IS WORTH KNOWING?
Panels are one of the key elements of a photovoltaic installation. They intercept solar radiation and then convert it into electricity. That is why it is so important not only to mount them correctly, but also, among other things, efficiency and power. The panels that are currently for sale are divided into two types. What are the most important technical differences? Which one is worth choosing?
Construction and performance:
monocrystalline panels
The main differences between the panels result from their construction, and more specifically from the use of technology for the production of individual silicon plates that make up the entire photovoltaic panel. For this reason, we divide photovoltaic panels into monocrystalline and polycrystalline. The most important thing for the user is the fact that monocrystalline panels are characterized by higher efficiency. From one square meter of said module, we can obtain a performance between 3% and 4% higher. That is why they are used especially in those projects where the roof area is limited. With such a project, the photovoltaic installation must have a smaller number of panels, so they must produce a little more electricity. Its indisputable advantage is the very high resistance to weathering and durability.
polycrystalline panels
On the other hand, polycrystalline panels are made of silicon particles combined with dirt. They have a slightly different color, lighter – blue. Polycrystalline panels have the advantage over monocrystalline panels that they work better in shaded situations (shade cast by a tree or on cloudy days, when sunlight is scattered). Due to the slightly lower efficiency, installations using these panels require more development space, so they cannot be used in all cases. However, this does not change the fact that polycrystalline panels are also quite durable and their price is slightly lower than in the case of monocrystalline panels.
Types of photovoltaic panels
number of cells and the presence of bypass diodes
Throughout the year, the modules are exposed to the direct influence of various climatic conditions. Therefore, manufacturers do everything to prevent their failure. One of these methods is bypass diodes. Its presence in photovoltaic modules prevents the phenomenon of reverse polarity. What exactly is it about? Modules are made of cells. When a module is partially shaded (for example, by the presence of leaves or the shadow of a building), some solar cells receive less sunlight. Therefore, its current flow is slightly weaker. They then take it from neighboring better lit cells and then lose it. This, in turn, can lead to burnout. The role of the bypass diode is to prevent this, thus not exposing the user to costly module failure and replacement.
2 panels in 1
A very interesting and above all practical solution are photovoltaic panels, the so-called Half Cell. This solution consists of building the module in two smaller ones. Such a system is perfect when there is shade on some of the panels. So the shaded half does not affect the performance of the latter, which in turn remains exposed to sunlight without any obstruction.
Therefore, the use of high-quality panels is not dictated solely by the desire for more profit on the part of the installation companies. It is primarily a capital investment. The better we spend it, the faster it will pay for itself without exposing us to costly failures and breakdowns. That is why it is worth choosing the best quality photovoltaic panels.
Therefore, if you are interested in carrying out a photovoltaic installation or do not know if it is better to mount photovoltaic panels on the roof or on the ground, contact us. Our consultants will not only answer all technical questions. They will also provide you with all the information on the financing of the photovoltaic installation.
