A solar panel is technically known as PV or photovoltaic panel because each comprises small, interconnected PV cells. By the way, do you have a solar panel? Which one do you have: poly, mono, or thin film? Yes, there are different types of solar panels based on their efficiency. Today we will find in detail what is monocrystalline solar panel, its features and advantages.
What is Monocrystalline Solar Panel?
They are made from monocrystalline solar cells formed from a single piece of silicon. This gives an easy path for electricity to pass through them. The cylindrical silicon ingot generated from high-quality single-crystal silicon is the reason behind its name.
Monocrystalline panels have a larger surface area due to the pyramid cell pattern. This enables them to gather more energy from the sun. As they are made without any mixed materials, they offer the highest efficiency in all types of solar panels. Thus, they are considered the highest quality option in the market.
Based on their size, a single monocrystalline panel may contain 60-72 solar cells, among which the most commonly used residential panel is a 60-cells.
Features
- A larger surface area due to their pyramid pattern.
- The top surface of monocrystalline panels is diffused with phosphorus, which creates an electrically negative orientation.
- The bottom surface of the panel is positively charged.
- These panels have a silicon nitride coating that effectively reduces reflection and increases absorption.
- Metal conductors printed on the monocrystalline solar cells to collect the generated electricity.
Working
Even though the PV cells used in mono panels are very small, they are highly efficient when working together.
The equation controlling the complex process is = Power (P) = voltage (V) * current (I)
Panels generate Direct Current (DC) which is then converted into Alternating Current (AC) by a solar inverter. Usually, we have AC appliances, but DC appliances are also available. If required, DC power generated from panels can directly power the appliances.
On sunny days, more energy is absorbed further producing more electricity. However, they will work well enough even on a cloudy day. But does ring solar panel need direct sunlight?
Applications
- Solar power systems for rooftops in urban and rural areas.
- To charge phones, laptops, and cameras due to their power generation range of 5 to 25 watts.
- Used for lighting systems in the garden and work best as stand-alone panels for street lighting.
- Recommended for large-scale solar power systems like on vests of tracts of uncultivable land.
- Used for powering ovens and refrigerators, they can generate 40 to 130 watts.
Also See: How Many Solar Panels and Batteries to Power a House
Monocrystalline Silicon Solar Panel Wattage
Mostly residential mono-panels produce between 250W and 400W. A 60-cell mono-panel produces 310W-350W on average. Due to their single-crystal construction, monocrystalline panels have the highest power capacity.
Cross-Reference: How much energy do solar panels produce for your home
Note – The power produced is subject to vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and brand to brand.
Monocrystalline Solar Panel Efficiency
They are considered the most efficient with an 15% to 20% rating, or even higher. In terms of efficiency, monocrystalline panels are on the top. The efficiency rating means from 100% of the sunlight falling on the panels only about 15 to 20 percent is absorbed and converted into electricity.
Do you know: In 2019, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory set 2 new world records with a six-junction solar cell with an efficiency of 47.1%.
The range of efficiency may vary among different manufacturers. The overall efficiency of solar panels declines by a certain percentage every year after installation.
Also Read: How to Test a Solar Panel Without a Multimeter?
Temperature Affects Monocrystalline Solar Panels Efficiency
Generally, their temperature coefficient is around -0.3% / °C to -0.5% / °C. In this case, as temperature rises by 1° C (32° F), monocrystalline cells temporarily lose their 0.3% to 0.5% efficiency.
Monocrystalline Panel Size
A small 5-watt solar panel takes up space of less than 1 square foot. The standard size of a solar cell is 6 by 6 inches (156 * 156 millimeters). There are different sizes available depending on the number of cells because a solar panel is made by the parallel arrangement of interconnected solar cells.
No. of cells | 60-cell | 72-cell |
No. of Rows | 6 | 6 |
Cell Width | 6 cells | 6 cells |
Cell Length | 10 cells | 12 cells |
Size | 39 inches * 65 inches (3.25 feet*5.5 feet) | 39 inches * 77 inches (3.25 feet*5.42 feet) |
Similarly, a solar panel array size is determined by the number of panels and their wattage.
Cross-Reference: Solar Panel Dimensions and Sizes: Complete Guide
Advantages and Disadvantages of Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Pros | Cons |
Highly efficient and requires less space | Expensive than others |
High heat resistance due to material purity | One-cut production processes create lots of waste. |
Works well in cloudy areas and low sun intensity | High temperatures affect performance levels. |
Lifespan of Mono-Panels
Mostly they come with 25 or 30 year warranties. However, you can expect your system to last for up to 40 years or more.
Solar cell lifespan is determined by its degradation rate (yearly energy production loss), that is mostly 0.3% to 1%. Mono panel’s degradation rate can range around 0.35% to 0.8% per year.
Factors affecting lifespan of mono panels are as follows:
- Poor installation or manner of installation
- Faulty racking system and exposed wires
- Physical damage due to extreme weather conditions
- Frequency of usage and overall environment
- Number of time and quality of maintenance received by the panels
IMP: You can determine that the efficiency and lifespan of a solar panel are declining when the light and electricity production is less than usual.
Ways to maintain or increase lifespan:
- Regular inspections to detecting a problem early and fixing is a major thing.
- Clean Panels once every couple of months to maintain absorption and conversion rates. Panels covered with dust, snow, or water face decline in productivity. Even bird droppings, water stored in its rim or the debris on the panels is harmful.
- Battery Backup to reduce heavy electrical loads stress from the solar panels.
Cross-Reference: Monocrystalline vs Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Well today we not only learned about what is monocrystalline solar panels, but also about their wattage, efficiency, and lifespan. They surely are expensive but offer the best service and last the longest. Visit our solar section for more such informative blogs.
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