A Guide to Monocrystalline Solar Panels

Written-by

Janet Richardson

Reviewed-by

Richard Burdett-Gardiner

Updated on

Oct 07, 2024

A Guide to Monocrystalline Solar Panels

Monocrystalline solar cells are the most popular option on the market, as well as the most efficient form of solar cell. While they also tend to be the more expensive option, with monocrystalline cells you are guaranteed decent levels of efficiency in all weather conditions, making them a great option.

Choosing the best type of solar panel for you is an important decision and will directly impact on your solar power system’s cost, efficiency, electricity generation, and effectiveness. Here is some further information on these solar panels, to help you decide which is best for you.

Monocrystalline Solar Cells

These solar cells are also referred to as single crystalline cells. They are easily identifiable by their deep black colour and rounded edges. Monocrystalline solar cells are typically cut into shapes that are octagonal, square with rounded corners, or semi-round. 

Monocrystalline solar cells are also made from a very pure form of silicon, making them the most efficient material for solar panels when it comes to the conversion of sunlight into energy. The newest monocrystalline solar panels can have an efficiency rating of more than 20%. 

Additionally, monocrystalline solar cells are the most space-efficient form of silicon solar cell. In fact, they take up the least space of any solar panel technology that is currently on the market. Because the edges of the cells are cut to form octagons, solar panels can fit more cells into an array.

They also have the great advantage of being the longest-lasting solar cell technology, with their life expectancy currently set at around half a century. As a result of this, you will find that most manufacturers will offer you warranties of up to 25 years on these solar panels, lasting half of their expected lifetime. Some high-quality panels can even last up to 40 years! 

Monocrystalline solar panels have the further advantage of tending to be less affected by high temperatures when compared with polycrystalline solar panels.

While this system does remain superior in practically every way when compared to alternative types of solar panel, it does come with a hefty price tag. Monocrystalline solar cells are considered to be the most expensive option out of all the solar cell types. This is mainly because each of the four sides is cut, which results in quite a large amount of waste. Higher quality materials are used in the manufacturing process of monocrystalline solar panels than for polycrystalline ones and their manufacturing process is more complex. 

Though monocrystalline panels have a higher upfront cost, they can be more cost-effective in the long run because they are more efficient and can produce more energy with fewer panels. This can be particularly important if you have limited roof space. 

The Manufacturing Process 

Monocrystalline solar panels are created through a series of steps that include:

Growing silicon ingots
A crystal rod is dipped into molten silicon and rotated as it is raised, which gathers together layers of silicon to create a single crystal ingot. This process is called the Czochralski process. 

Slicing ingots into wafers
The ingots are then sliced into thin wafers, which are less than 0.5 mm thick. 

Chemical etching and processing
The wafers are chemically etched, diffused, and have an antireflection coating applied. 

Adding metal contacts
Thin strips of metal, usually silver, are printed onto the front of the wafers. 

Attaching to a clear pane
The wafers are attached face down to a clear pane of glass or plastic with an adhesive. 

Adding a backsheet
Another layer of adhesive is added over the wafers, and a protective backsheet is placed on top.

Attaching a frame and junction box
A frame is cut and punched with holes for attaching and grounding the panel, and a junction box is attached. 

Electrical testing
The panel is tested to ensure it meets performance criteria, including measuring output under simulated sunlight. 

The Pros and Cons of Monocrystalline Solar Panels

For homeowners who are looking at various renewable energy solutions monocrystalline solar panels offer numerous advantages but there are some drawbacks too. There is no doubt that these high-efficiency photovoltaic modules harness sunlight effectively, providing clean electricity while reducing carbon footprints. Because their conversion rate is high the power output generated from the available roof space is also high. Although not as important perhaps as the panels’ superior efficiency homeowners also find the sleek, uniform black appearance of these panels more attractive to the eye. However, homeowners on a tight budget may find the polycrystalline alternatives more suitable for their needs.

Here we have listed some of the advantages and disadvantages of monocrystalline solar cells:

Advantages

• Higher efficiency: They have the highest level of efficiency ranging from 15-24% making them more efficient than polycrystalline panels. They perform better due to their single-crystal silicon structure that allows electrons to move more freely, enhancing electricity flow and output.
• Space efficiency: Fewer panels are required to generate the same amount of power due to their high efficiency which makes them ideal for limited spaces. 
• Greater durability: Manufacturers state that this form of solar cell lasts the longest, with most giving them a 25-year warranty.
• Better performance in low-light conditions: They perform better in low levels of sunlight and cloudy conditions. The lower temperature coefficient ensures consistent energy production regardless of seasonal temperature fluctuations.
• Aesthetically pleasing: Their uniform black appearance is often considered more pleasing to the eye.

Disadvantages

• Higher cost: They are the most expensive solar cells on the market due to their complex manufacturing process and so not in everyone’s price range. 
• Sensitivity to higher temperatures: Their performance levels tend to suffer from an increase in temperature. However, it is a small loss when compared to other forms of solar cell.
• Sensitivity to shading: Shading can have a significant effect on the performance these panel. The entire system’s output can fall if even a small part of a panel is shaded.
• Fragility: These panels are more fragile and prone to damage than other types of panels.
• Large amount of waste material during manufacture: There is a lot of waste material when the silicon is cut during manufacture.

Typical Use Cases and Applications 

Residential and commercial installations
Monocrystalline panels are an excellent choice for residential and commercial installations because they are efficient and can be used in areas with limited space. 

Rooftops
Monocrystalline panels are often the preferred choice for residential rooftop installations because they are efficient as well as having an aesthetically pleasing appearance. 

Lighting
Monocrystalline panels can be used to illuminate gardens, streets, and more. 

Charging devices
Smaller panels that produce 5 to 25 watts of power can be used to charge phones, cameras, and laptops. 

Powering appliances
Panels that produce 40 to 130 watts can be used to power higher-wattage appliances like refrigerators and microwaves. 

Rural homes
Monocrystalline panels can be formed into arrays and used to power rural homes. 

Regions with less consistent sunlight
Monocrystalline panels are preferred in these regions because of their superior low-light performance. 

The UK government offers several schemes to help with solar panels, as well as other renewable technologies including: 

ECO4 scheme
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) is a government-backed initiative that provides funding to help homeowners in the UK improve their home's energy efficiency. ECO is an obligation placed on energy companies to deliver energy efficiency measures to domestic premises. The scheme is designed to tackle fuel poverty and help reduce carbon emissions. Eligible households can receive free or discounted solar panels and insulation. The level of support provided will depend on the household’s circumstances and energy supplier. 

Home Upgrade Grant
The Home Upgrade Grant scheme aims to deliver energy efficiency and low-carbon heating improvements to low-income households living in poorly performing homes. The scheme is open to households that are not connected to the gas grid, have an energy performance certificate of D, E, F, or G, and are on a low income. 

Smart Export Guarantee
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a government-backed scheme that pays small-scale generators in the UK for low-carbon electricity they export to the National Grid. To qualify for the SEG, you must have an installation of one of the following technologies up to a capacity of 5 megawatts (MW): Solar photovoltaic (solar PV), Wind, Micro combined heat, and power (micro-CHP), Hydro, and Anaerobic digestion (AD). 
To receive the payments, you must sign up for an SEG tariff with a licensed electricity supplier. 

Home Energy Scotland Grant
The Home Energy Scotland (HES) Grant and Loan Scheme is a Scottish Government program that offers grants, interest-free loans, or a combination of both to help homeowners and landlords make energy efficiency improvements. Up to £7,500 in grants is available for efficiency measures such as insulation or double glazing.

Energy efficiency improvements: Up to £7,500 in grants is available for measures like insulation, double glazing, or solar panels and for clean heating systems like heat pumps or biomass boilers and stoves. There is also the rural uplift available for an additional £1,500 in grants for rural and island homes. 

0% VAT 
The UK government has introduced a scheme to drop VAT on solar panels and other energy-saving products to 0%, aiming to promote sustainability and reduce household energy costs.

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