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!
Using solar power is really efficient and can save us money! This one looks good! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks Risa for your comment 🙂
Please post cost benefit of mono-percent and Pv modules
Hi there,
In terms of cost, mono-crystalline (standard) panels are slightly cheaper compared to perc modules. While if you look at the degradation period then, it is almost the same (0.5% per year).
I must say that the information you provided here is very helpful although they are a bit technical. It’s like science education once again.
Hi Ivan,
For your convenience, I have tried to make things as simple as possible. If you have a question, then you can ask us & we’ll try our best to assist you asap 🙂
Living in a place whereby solar panels are not as popular but powercuts are quite frequent i am glad i came across this post. This is a possible future investment for my home and i now know that there are certain factors to consider before doing so.
Hi Chi,
if you are on a tight budget, you might want to look into solar-powered appliances or 3D solar panels by Backyard Revolution (low-cost investment options).
My husband and I have talked about going to solar power but we haven’t done the research yet. This information will help when we decide to make that decision. Great post!
Hi Dominique,
If you plan on installing solar panels at your house and have a good budget, it may be worthwhile considering bi-facial solar panels. You can learn more about them here: Bifacial Solar Panels: Working, Advantages & Disadvantages
This looks cool. I’m looking to use them on my future house haha. Thank you for sharing!!
Hi Fransic, if you intend to install solar panels at your house and have a good budget, consider bi-facial solar panels. You can learn more about them here: Bifacial Solar Panels: Working, Advantages & Disadvantages
This is fantastic – solar panels are such a great way to generate energy in a sustainable way.
Yes, you are right. Thanks for your comment 🙂
I definitely want to add some sort of solar panels to my house. I didn’t realize there were different kinds of solar panels though. Thanks for this info!
Hi Jasmine, thanks for your comment. If you want to know more about other types of solar modules, then make sure to read this post: Types of Solar Panels (Mono, Poly, Thin-Film & 3 Others)
Thank you very much for the info and I learned a lot from it :), I would be interested to know more about how the solar panel works and look forward to your next post! – Knycx Journeying
Hi Kyncx, we have covered a lot about solar energy in our previous posts. I hope you will find it informative. Also, you can subscribe to our newsletter for upcoming posts!
Thanks for the detailed review and comparison. I would also suggest mono-perc panels.
Yes… Mono-perc panels are better in terms of overall energy production.
I strongly believe in usage of solar energy. It’s a very important resource. thank you for making it easier for us to work it
Thanks, Lyosha for your comment 🙂
That’s very interesting post. Got so much knowledge
Thanks, Khusboo for your comment 🙂
PV technology evolution has made it feasible to deploy it for home application. So far we, are only exploiting visible region of solar light spectrum and different technology Poly , mono crystalline PV cell-leading to typical 20% efficiency as on date. In case we can extend the PV cell range to say infra red, and UV region: this will definitely lead higher efficiency may be ~30% or so. In that case, solar PV cell have lot of potential to make them deploy-able ever where. In this context, my question is do we have PV cell that generate electricity in all 3 region of solar spectrum . If yes, what is the cost and efficiency.
Hi Bharat,
This is what you’re looking for: http://www.123seminarsonly.com/EC/Infrared-Plastic-Solar-Cell.html
Hi Harish,
Thanks for explaining the difference between mono and mono perc panels. It really helped me a lot to decide which one to install on my rooftop.
Hi Harish,
The efficiency of solar panels are still hovering around 20% and with technology in a matter of 4 years the panel that is bought becomes not replaceable, do i need to live with it by going for a newer tech panel.
Sir, we have a UPS with a 12V 150Ah tubular battery at home. I am thinking of turning it into a hybrid version by adding a solar power system. I want to buy mono perc panels. Is a 180W mono perc panel okay?