Solar Panels Explained

All about Solar Panels

Solar Panels Explained, we have all seen them on roof tops and even on the top of vans and caravans. But when you look at buying one you will see that there are a dozen options all telling you they are the best.
Well to be straight they all are. They all have a place. So here Eos Solar Solutions will help you understand the difference and help you select the right one.

Now on this page we are not going to get too deep into the construction of Solar Panels. We are going to focus on the main types of construction and the efficiency of each.

Polycrystalline or Monocrystalline 

Firstly the two main types are Polycrystalline and Monocrystalline. All are rated in efficiency as shown below. Mixed in with this are half cut. These are different ways of forming the cell.

Therefore the most efficient is Monocrystalline N-type at 19 to 20.5% but always remember that positioning and temperature affect this number. Also these are the most expensive.

  • Polycrystalline – 15 to 18%
  • Monocrystalline – 16.5 to 19%
  • Polycrystalline PERC – 16 to 17% (See below)
  • Monocrystalline PERC – 17 to 19% (See below)
  • Monocrystalline Shingled  18 to 20% (See below)
  • Half-cut PERC 18 to 20% (See below)
  • Monocrystalline Half-cut PERC MBB 19 – 20.5% (See Below)
  • Monocrystalline Shingled PERC 19 to 20.5% (See below)
  • Monocrystalline N-type – 19 to 20.5%
  • Monocrystalline N-type HJT – 19 to 21.7%
  • Half-cut MBB Heterojunction – 20 to 22% (See below)
  • Monocrystalline N-type IBC – 20 to 23% (See below)

Finally remember this list of options is still growing as the technology is further developed.

As well always remember to consider the Polycrystalline at 15 to 18%
Because if you have a small system and a small battery to re-charge then this could be good for you. The price of these is very low.

So which one should I choose?

Well that’s all about watts or power.
If you are in the UK and have a large requirement of power after dark and your battery needs charging from quite low then look to select the Polycrystalline N-Type.

Therefore If your consumption is low and the battery is still quite charged the following morning then a Polycrystalline PERC would do the job just fine.

Read the Design a Solar System Page to learn more about selecting the right Solar Panels for you.

EOS Solar Solutions offer a range of Solar Panels