Here’s how you can pick the best of 3 main types of PV panels for your solar panel installation in Newcastle
Choosing solar panels for your home or business can seem overwhelming at first, not only because you want to make sure you’re making a smart investment, but there are a lot of solar panel types and brands to choose from.
With so many options, many of our customers are lost when they first reach out to us for solar panels in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley. The good news is that the team at Aztech Solar is here to help. Keep reading to find out what the differences are between solar panels and how you can choose the right ones for your property.
Types of Solar Panels
There are 3 main types of PV solar panels on the market:
The solar cells that make up the solar panel determine its type and each type of solar cell has different features, meaning that certain solar panels work better for different energy needs.
Monocrystalline solar panels
Monocrystalline (single crystalline) solar panels are the most common solar panels available; they are also the most efficient. While they tend to be the most expensive option, monocrystalline solar panels are also the most reliable and work in all weather conditions.
Monocrystalline (single crystalline) solar panels are recognisable by their deep black colour. They are made of high-grade silicone, making them the most efficient option for converting sunlight into solar energy.
Monocrystalline solar cells are the most space-efficient option, meaning that they will take up less area on your roof. They also have the added advantage of being having the longest lifespan, with some manufacturers offering up to 25-year warranties.
Advantages of Monocrystalline solar panels
- Highest level of efficiency.
- More space efficient than other types of solar panels.
- 25-year warranty.
- High performance in all weather conditions, including when there are low levels of sunlight.
Disadvantages of Monocrystalline Solar Panels
- More expensive compared to polycrystalline solar panels.
- Can become inefficient due to dirt, dust or shade.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Polycrystalline solar panels, also referred to as multi-crystalline panels, are blue and have a variegated pattern. While polycrystalline solar panels have lower efficiency rates than monocrystalline solar cells, they are the perfect option for home or business owners looking to install solar panels on a budget.
One of the biggest downsides to polycrystalline solar panels is that, due to their lower efficiency rate, they are not as space-efficient and produce less energy per square foot. However, that doesn’t mean that they can’t be a great option for taking care of your energy needs.
When it comes to warranties, most polycrystalline solar panel manufacturers offer similar warranty periods offered by manufacturers of monocrystalline solar panels.
Advantages of Polycrystalline solar panels
- Easier to make therefore cheaper.
- Less wastage of silicon during manufacture.
- Can be used for both small-scale and large-scale installations.
Disadvantages of Polycrystalline solar panels
- Lower efficiency than monocrystalline solar panels.
- Larger, requiring more roof space.
- Made with lower grade silicon and typically look less attractive.
Thin-film solar panels
Thin-film solar panels are not very prevalent; they are less efficient and have lower energy capacities than monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels with an efficiency of between 7% and 18%. While the efficiency is low, they should not be totally ruled out by those looking to install solar panels.
As the name would suggest, thin-film solar panels are small in size and are therefore more lightweight than the other types making them incredibly flexible and ideal for usage with portable devices.
Advantages of Thin-Film solar panels
Here are some of the advantages of thin-film solar panels:
- Thin-film solar cells are predicted to be more efficient than silicon in the coming years
- They are less affected by high temperatures
- Thin-Film cells still have a lifespan of between 10 and 20 years
- They are the cheapest type of solar panels
Disadvantages of Thin-Film Solar Panels
- A lot of space needed.
- Shorter manufacturer warranties.
- Faster degradation than monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels.
Find the right solar panel for your home or business
You might be experiencing an information overload right now. It’s good to understand the benefits of each solar panel type, but ultimately there’s one question on everyone’s mind: “which solar panels are right for my property?”
When it comes to choosing solar panels for your home or business, there’s no clear answer —it really depends on your preference. Though monocrystalline solar panels tend to provide the best performance in terms of efficiency and energy output, they also tend to cost more.
On the other hand, recent advancements in technology mean that polycrystalline solar panels are quickly improving in performance and many buyers are choosing them as their solar energy source due to their cost efficiency and increasing quality.
If you still can’t make a decision on which solar panel system is the best one for you, don’t worry – Aztech Solar’s expert solar panel installers in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley are here to guide you through the process.
Reliable solar panel installers in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley
Solar panels are widely used throughout New South Wales to power homes and businesses. Our customers use them for anything from charging 12V batteries on campervans to powering their entire property. No matter which type of solar panel you choose to install, we will ensure that each panel is worth the investment. To view all of our solar panels in our inventory, click here. We also have solar panel battery storage units and inverters. If you can’t see the product need, or you’d like some advice just call Aztech Solar on 1300992922 or email info@aztechsolar.com.au. Alternatively, click here to chat with us online and we’ll be happy to help.
