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Which Solar Panels are the Most Efficient?
With solar panels becoming increasingly popular, the question of which type is the most efficient often comes up. Solar energy is a much greener way to fuel your home, and with no emissions, while it is running you can help play a part in protecting the planet from further damage.
However, you also want the best and most efficient panel for your home, so you know that things will keep running even when it’s a little cloudy outside. This page takes you through which solar panels are the most efficient, as well as benefits of having solar panels installed.
The Most Efficient Solar Panel
Monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient choice you can make. Their name can also be single crystalline cells, and they are easy to identify by the black colour of the cells as well as the cut edges. The reason that monocrystalline cells are the most efficient is because they are made from a very pure form of silicon, allowing them to capture more sunlight and convert it into energy.
Monocrystalline solar cells also offer the best deal when it comes to saving space and using that space efficiently. They take up less space than any other solar panel on the market, making them a great choice if you have a small roof. They also have the advantage of an incredibly long lifespan – the longest of any solar cell technology that is currently on the market.
It is estimated that they will last around 50 years, and as a result, you will find manufacturers offering 25-year warranties. This covers half of their expected lifespan, which is quite phenomenal. Of course, nothing this amazing can be without its faults, and the main one that comes with monocrystalline solar panels is the large price tag.
They are the most expensive solar panel option available. The main reason for this is because of the way they are cut on each of the four sides when being manufactured. This creates a lot of waste and takes more time, raising the total price. This is why polycrystalline is offered as a cheaper alternative, but it is also less efficient.
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What Are Solar Cells?
Solar cells are also known as photovoltaic cells (PV), which work to generate electricity directly from sunlight. This is different to photovoltaic thermal cells (PVT), which work to provide heat for water in the home. Photovoltaic cells are connected electrically, and neatly organised into a large frame that is known as a solar panel.
The actual solar cells are made of silicon semiconductors that absorb sunlight and then convert it into electricity. At the moment, solar panels that are used purely for domestic purposes are only able to convert around 20% of the sunlight that they absorb and turn it into electricity, and it is this that is known as solar efficiency. There are solar cells on the market that have an efficiency rating of up to 40%.
However, these are only really available for commercial and industrial purposes, and the price tends to be a lot higher than domestic models. The great thing about solar power is the fact that research and development are still an incredibly strong area, and advancements are being made every day – raising the overall quality and efficiency. As this continues, it is expected that the efficiency will rise and the cost will decrease, making them more widely available to those who want them.
The Benefits of Solar Panels
Most of the energy sources that we use rely on fossil fuels. This is a method that is not sustainable and causes a great deal of damage to the environment. However, solar power relies purely on the energy that is provided by the sun.
Unlike fossil fuels, this form of energy will not run out anytime soon (especially considering the sun is only around half way through its lifespan), and it also provides a greener form of power generation. Here are some of the other benefits you can expect from solar cells:
- Solar cells provide energy that is completely environmentally friendly. There are no pollutants or harmful gases emitted while it’s in use.
- They don’t produce any noise, which is nice for you and the environment.
- The process of installation is quick and easy, so there’s no hassle.
- Solar cells require hardly any maintenance once it has been installed and there are no significant additional costs, which is a plus for your bank account.
- Solar cells have an incredibly long lifespan of around 30 or 40 years, and the technology is constantly being worked on and improved.
- The initial investment pays itself back to you after just under ten years, and you can even make money off it by selling excess energy to the grid.
Want to Know More?
Have you found yourself interested in solar panels? If you want to know more then make sure you head to our marketplace where you can find our full range of products, each with the relevant information. Or simply give us a ring using the number at the top of this page and have a chat.
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