Panels made from mono crystalline cells have been widely used for many years. Although in higher temperatures the power generated is significantly reduced - a reduction of between 12% and 15% is typical for these panels. These panels are more efficient than amorphous counterparts and under standard conditions they have conversion efficiency of sunlight to electricity that is similar to Poly Crystalline panels. Mono Crystalline panels are usually used for large scale solar applications.
Poly Crystalline (Multi Crystalline)
Panels made from Poly Crystalline cells are the most commonly installed and generally found to be a cheaper cost. Under standard conditions the conversion efficiency of sunlight to electricity is 12% - 12.5%, which means that 1 sq. metre of panels exposed to the full sun will generate 120W - 125W of electricity. Although at higher temperatures the output of the panels is significantly reduced. These are generally a smaller size than their mono-crystalline equivalent, and some may argue slightly less efficient. Poly Crystalline panels are generally used in small-medium scale solar applications.
Hybrid Sanyo
These panels utilize a combination of mono-crystalline PV cells, surrounded by amorphous silicon PV cells. These have excellent sensitivity to lower light levels and indirect light. These panels have the world's highest power generation per installation area, for their conversion efficiency for sunlight to electricity. It can be as high as to 22%. These Hybrid Sanyo panel's also have a low-temperature manufacturing process which means fewer materials are used, which minimises the panel's impact on the environment.
Thin film Amorphous
Amorphous cells have been used in portable items such as pocket calculators for many years. Unlike other types of solar panels, their output does not decrease in elevated temperatures. Their conversion efficiency of sunlight to electricity is around, half that of polycrystalline or mono-crystalline panels - they can produce up to 25% more energy on a hot day than crystalline panels. Consequently amorphous panels need more roof space to generate the same amount of electricity, so not they are recommended if there is a limited amount of unobstructed roof space. Thin film panels use 1/500th of the silicon that crystalline panels do to manufacture.
Links to check out:
- Solarshop
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