Mono vs Mono-perc Solar Panels: Which one is best for you?
With the increase in demand & recent technological advancements, solar energy is becoming more & more efficient day by day.
From traditional poly panels to mono & bifacial modules, we are continuously evolving. You might have heard of mono-crystalline panels – but have you ever heard of mono-perc?
Mono-perc is an advanced version of mono-crystalline panels that are considered to have higher efficiency even in low-light conditions.
In this guide, I am here with a detailed guide on mono-perc solar panels. We will also learn how mono-perc modules are different from standard ones.
Before I begin, let me give you a brief overview of both monocrystalline & mono-perc panels.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Mono-crystalline, as the name suggests, are PV panels with cells made up of a single (mono) crystal of Silicone. On the other hand, if we use multiple crystals in a single cell, then it is called a multi-crystalline or polycrystalline panel.
Silicon wafers are used in the process of manufacturing mono-crystalline cells. These wafers are formed by making very thin slices of silicon boules or ingots.
In our previous post, we have discussed a step-by-step guide on the manufacturing of monocrystalline solar panels – for a detailed overview, you can go through it.
Mono-Perc Solar Panels
Mono-perc solar panels are slightly different from the standard monocrystalline panels.
PERC stands for Passivated Emitter & Rear Cell is a modern technology used to increase the efficiency of standard solar modules. This is done by adding a passivated layer in the rear of the cell.
Note: The passivated layer can be added in all types of PV modules (i.e. Poly, Mono & others). Since mono-perc are quite popular, thus we have only taken it into consideration.
In Mono-perc modules, the same passivated layer is added in the back (rear) side of the solar cells.
But what’s the benefit of adding it?
Let’s understand it by having a look at how both panels behave when sunlight falls on their surface.
The sunlight that falls on the surface of a standard module is either reflected, absorbed, or passed through the surface.
On the other hand, the light passed through the cells can be used again in case of the perc modules.
In mono-perc modules, a passivated layer is added on the rear side of the standard modules. This layer is capable of reflecting back the photons passed away from the panel.
In this way, more light is absorbed by the module & thus higher production. This is how mono-perc solar modules work.
Let us understand the major differences between the two (mono vs mono-perc solar panels) & which one is best for you?
Mono vs Mono-perc Solar Panels
Till now, we have learned a lot about both mono & mono-perc panels. Let us now compare both of them based on factors like efficiency, cost, space required & temperature.
01. Efficiency
Efficiency is defined as the energy in the form of sunlight that can be converted into electricity by solar modules.
Since more light is absorbed by the surface of mono-perc modules, thus the overall production per unit area is high & hence higher efficiency.
Conclusion: Mono-perc Solar Panels are more efficient in comparison to standard mono cells.
02. Cost
In terms of cost, mono-crystalline (standard) panels are slightly cheaper compared to perc modules.
The extra cost associated with the use of passivated layers in mono-perc modules increases the overall pricing. However, if we compare price with per unit of energy produced – then it is the same for both modules.
Conclusion: Mono-perc modules are expensive compared to standard mono panels. However, the price per unit of energy is somewhat equal in both technologies.
03. Space Required
While comparing mono-perc modules with standard mono-crystalline panels, we have found that the space requirement for mono-perc modules is less compared to standard ones.
Here the space requirement refers to the area required by modules to produce a certain amount of energy.
Conclusion: Lesser space is required for mono-perc panels.
04. Temperature
In adverse temperature conditions, both mono & mono-perc panels produce an almost equal amount of energy
FAQs
Related:
- Monocrystalline vs Polycrystalline Panels
- Transparent Solar Modules
- BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaics)
Over to You!
I have compared mono vs mono-perc solar panels based on several factors like efficiency, cost, space requirement & temperature. Standard panels are best in terms of cost, while mono-perc is leading in many other factors.
I personally use mono-perc panels & would also suggest using them as the overall energy production is higher. You can also go for mono-perc bifacial modules or triangular solar modules that we have covered in our previous post.
Which PV module are you using (standard or perc) or planning to use? Let everyone know in the comments section – because your opinion matters!
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