Two of the most popular types are monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels. Which ones are the best for your home in Frederick is not the easiest of questions to answer. The best way to help you come to a decision is to look at the advantages and disadvantages of both.

Monocrystalline Panels

These are different in appearance because of the way the cells are made. In this type, they are black or a very dark blue color. They are cut into wafers which are made from a conical silicon ingot that is then covered in wire. The ingot is manufactured in a lab by melting silicon rocks at a temperature of 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit. The high temperature creates a slush into which a seed crystal is lowered. It is then pulled up very slowly, while at the same time being rotated. It is then cut into a square shape. The shapes usually have rounded corners in order to reduce the amount of waste.

Polycrystalline Panels

These are made in a very different way. Silicon rocks are loaded into a mold in order to create the square shape needed. The rocks are heated and take as long as 20 hours to melt, after which it takes a number of days for the melted shape to cool down. Once this process is finished, the product has a mottled appearance, much like particle board. Cutting this type into squares produces much less waste and the manufacturing process is less expensive.

Price

The higher manufacturing cost of polycrystalline means these will be a little more expensive than monocrystalline, although developments in the process means the difference is becoming smaller.

Efficiency

Monocrystalline is slightly more efficient than polycrystalline, on average around 2%. This means that a little more power can be produced from the same amount of space.

Temperature

Another difference between the two types is how they react to temperature. Monocrystalline panels can handle heat and lower light conditions a little better. In the desert, the difference is significant. However, for the average residential location, the difference is negligible.

Shade Performance

Monocrystalline panels perform a little better when the light is less than perfect. However, we should point out that there are very few types that perform well in the shade. Living in a location where there are plenty of hazy skies means choosing monocrystalline because they will perform slightly better.

When you’re looking for solar panels for your home in Frederick, there are plenty of important decisions you need to make. Ensure that you do all your research and ask the experts for advice. This way, you will have the most efficient system.