Pflugerville, Tx, has a vibrant residential solar energy industry, which is not surprising for a state that has always been an energy powerhouse. Relatively affordable solar equipment and great solar incentives have contributed to this industry. Once you decide to go solar, you’ll be presented with numerous options in terms of equipment. One area that deserves your attention is the solar panel type.
There are two types of commercially sold solar panels. – monocrystalline and polycrystalline. They differ in terms of manufacturing process, power generation efficiency, and cost.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
In the case of monocrystalline solar panels, each solar cell is made of a single crystal of cell. The crystals are grown in cylindrical log shapes and sliced perpendicular to their length into wafer-thin discs. Each circular disc is subsequently shaped into a hexagonal cell. This way, the hexagonal cells fit together in a honeycomb structure without any space between adjacent cells.
Pros
- They have high power generation efficiency
- Solar panels require less space
- Do not easily lose their power generation efficiency at high temperatures
- Black panels seamlessly blend into the background (shingles, foliage, and roof)
- Have a long life
Cons
- Significantly more expensive
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Polycrystalline solar panels are created by melting together innumerable silicon crystals. Generally, silicon is extracted through a less meticulous process, which leaves it highly fragmented. To unify the fragments into individual silicon cells, the silicon is melted and amalgamated into cubes. These cubes are then sliced into square wafers. These square solar cells have a distinctive blue color to them.
Pros
- Easy to manufacture
- More affordable
Cons
- Their lower solar power generation efficiency means that you need more solar panels, which occupy more space
- Less sustainable production
- Their power generation efficiency drops at higher temperatures, such as during noon and summer
- Have a short product life
Choosing the Better Option
Solar installers often peddle low-quality polycrystalline solar cells to keep the costs low. However, their short life, low energy efficiency, and low heat tolerance leave the customers shortchanged in the long run. But, by then, it will be too late.
Most trusted solar companies exclusively offer monocrystalline solar panels to their customers. They produce more power, occupy smaller space, and have a longer life.
Here at Green Power Energy, we solely offer monocrystalline solar cells with a 25-year warranty, which usually lasts as long as 30-40 years. In comparison, polycrystalline solar panels reach the end of life in 10-15 years.
Consumers are strongly advised to choose monocrystalline solar panels for their home solar system.
If you would like to speak with one of our solar experts on anything we have highlighted in this blog feel free to contact us here.
