Polycrystalline panels - Solar Technology
Polycrystalline silicon is created by melting silicon with a very high purity. The silicon is brought to a very high temperature and as it is then cooled down, multiple crystals build in it, creating a multi-facetted look. The typical blue colour of the crystals can be attributed to an anti-reflective layer which identifies the colour blue to absorb the maximum amount of light and not reflecting it as much.
The size of the crystals that form in the cooling down process defines how efficient the panels are. The bigger the crystals, the bigger the surface area of them. Many very small crystals would mean that the surfaces where the crystals touch, called grain boundaries, do not allow as much current to flow. Depending on the crystal size in the solar cell, polycrystalline panels are usually between 11 and 14% efficient. Polycrystalline panels tend to work slightly better in diffused light and are therefore very much suited for Northern English conditions.
Polycrystalline panels are a much easier and faster to produce solar technology than Mono Crystalline panels, which makes them slightly cheaper. However, due to the slightly lower efficiency of polycrystalline panels, a larger surface may be required to create the same output as a Mono Crystalline panel.
From the experience we have gained from all out installations, we have learned that neither polycrystalline nor Mono Crystalline out-perform each other. Ultimately it comes down to which solar technology is best suited for your roof.
For more information and a free quote, call Electrotect on 01274 816782 or get in touch with us via e-mail.
