Working with different types of solar panels is interesting because each has different qualities and distinct efficiencies. With persistent efforts and experimentation, mono PERC technology was introduced and soon mono PERC solar panels were launched. People often get confused about whether or not they should buy mono PERC solar panels. So here are mono PERC solar panel advantages and disadvantages for you all. They can be a relevant determinant Are mono PERC solar panels good, and if so why.
What are Mono PERC Solar Panels?
The term PERC stands for Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact or Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell. A PERC solar cell is considered more efficient which means it can more easily convert sunlight into electricity. Solar panels made from monocrystalline PERC solar cells are mono solar panels and the only thing that differentiates them from standard solar panels is the back surface passivation layer. It is a layer of material providing three main benefits to boost efficiency.
3 Mono PERC Solar Panel Advantages and Disadvantages
PERC technology can be used in all types of solar cell modules. PERC technology combines local rear contacts and rear wafer surface passivation to maximize the amount of light captured by solar panels. Thus, increasing the efficiency of the photovoltaic system. Two additional steps are required in manufacturing PERC solar cells, and these are:
- Application of back surface passivation layer
- Chemical or laser etching to open small pockets in the passivation layer
Mono PERC panels are advantageous, but there are a few drawbacks too. Let us find out.
What are Mono PERC Solar Panel Advantages?
Taking into consideration the technologies of all other solar panels, mono PERC solar panel advantages are determined. This will also help you explore are mono perc solar panels good or not.
1. Cost-Effective and Efficient
Although mono PERC solar panels are more expensive than other panels, the increased efficiency of each panel justifies the price. However, this lesser panel will be required for meeting the energy requirements for your house. The cost of installation, along with other components like wiring, racking, and other balance of system (BOS) costs will also be reduced.
Mono PERC solar panels are the most innovative solar energy capturing device and with the latest design technology, the efficiency of solar panels increased from around 22% to 25%. With fewer panels required for your solar system, mono PERC solar panels will generate energy in low-light conditions also. Also, you will get enhanced energy density per square foot and increased light absorption by solar cells. With anti-reflective coating, efficiency, and absorption are enhanced.
Also See: All About Fuel Cell Advantages
2. More Productive With Slow Degradation Rate
These panels begin power generation in the early hours and perform till late evening thus producing more energy. This along with more efficient panels results in more power generation. In long-term usage, the overall degradation rating of mono PERC solar cells is low in comparison to traditional models. This means your solar module will be productive enough even after years of installation. There is much more to discover about mono PERC solar panels advantages and disadvantages.
Cross-Reference: Reliability and Power Degradation Rates of PERC Modules Using Differentiated Packaging Strategies and Characterization Tools
3. No Space Restriction and Few Modifications Required
You get more options during the installation and placement process and these changes will not affect the overall efficiency of the panels. These panels are suitable for places with space restrictions or small rooftops.
This is applicable from manufacturing processes to existing or installation processes. Mono PERC solar panels do not include huge amounts, and machines to be installed.
Also Read: 4 Advantages Of Solar Water Heater
What are Mono PERC Solar Panel Disadvantages?
Despite their pros, mono PERC solar panels also have a couple of drawbacks. Here is a brief description of mono PERC solar panel disadvantages.
1. Slightly More Fragile
As with most solar panels, strong winds & fallen tree branches can break Mono PERC solar panels. They are more susceptible to damage by dirt & snow and thus deemed to be slightly less durable than polycrystalline version; while the jury is still out on their long term durability & performance.
2. High Purchasing Cost
In comparison to the purchasing costs of other solar panels, they are slightly more expensive. It is because of the high initial production cost itself as they are manufactured using very pure type of crystal silicon.
3. Performance Reduction
There is a higher risk of metallization corrosion in white EVA encapsulated samples, particularly with Al-BSF cells. They might lose some efficiency (remaining less than 1% per year) on account of continuous exposure to high temperatures. Additionally, they have been reported to be more sensitivity to shading.
Cross-Reference: Photovoltaic Degradation Rates — An Analytical Review
Also See: 5 Disadvantages of Solar Water Pumping Systems
What is Mono PERC Solar Panels Price?
A Mono PERC solar panels price depends on the wattage, volts, size, number & types of panels, efficiency rating, and manufacturer, along with other components included. However, the average price range can be between $79 and $630.
What are mono PERC solar panels? The answer to this is quite simple because these panels are produced from monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar cells combined with PERC technology. So, with the complete list of mono PERC solar panel advantages and disadvantages you got a clear idea of the same. Now it is easier to decide whether to buy mono PERC solar panels. By the way, what are your views on the same? Which type of solar panels do you have?
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2 Comments
Thank you for seeking to inform the public about this interesting technology. At the same time, you might want to edit the text after considering a few observations offered below.
– 2. More Productive With Slow Degradation Rate
“These panels begin power generation in the early hours and perform till late evening thus producing more energy.” Isn’t it a property of all solar panels to deliver some electric power while exposed to sunlight? If a claim is to be convincing, it must be supported by some meaningful data. How are your panels different from the all the others in this regard? By the way, PV panels CONVERT energy (solar in this case into electrical energy); energy is only converted, not produced.
– “This along with more efficient panels results in more power generation.” Repetitious /does not add more useful information.
“In long-term usage, the overall degradation rating of mono PERC solar cells is low in comparison to traditional models.” If so, that claim should be quantified since without numbers, it is essentially meaningless.
” This means your solar module will be productive enough even after years of installation.” This declaration isn’t supported by any fact – therefore its utility is questionable.
Under “What ARE Mono PERC Solar Panel Disadvantages?” Presumably the comparison is made with non-PERC solar panels. In this case, the article does not attribute any cause for the fragility claim. What exactly would cause the Mono PERC Solar Panel to exhibit greater fragility than standard products?
” 2. High Purchasing Cost” This title is confusing since the text in the paragraph only states that “they are SLIGHTLY costlier”. And then it goes on to talk about “high initial cost”. So is it a high or a low cost difference?
Incidentally, it is claimed that “monocrystalline panels are expensive due to their high efficiency.” The price may possibly be justified to reflect added manufacturing steps required to obtain the higher efficiency but more likely than not, the PRICE may be higher because greater value or performance may justify a higher price.
“3. Performance” The claim here is not substantiated by any quoted data. How is one to get a sense of the magnitude?
It is understood that the presented material is aimed at a wide public. Still, some of us are more critical than others and to be influenced, we need hard data rather than vague claims.
Dear Reader (Alain Gronner)
First, we would like to thank you for being our reader and also appreciate you for bringing this to us.
Let me begin by clarifying that our intent is to create awareness amongst our audience about all aspects (positive and negative) of green energy sources, products, services & technology; so that they make take an informed decision as they see fit. We do not sell or promote any specific products or services via Affiliate marketing.
As far as other queries are concerned, the fragility and performance related info has been researched from credible publications actively working in this field.
One study has found greater efficiency of Mono PERC panels and another that found less degradation yet close to 1% each year. The same have been linked in our blog.
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