Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Panel Facts
Posted Monday, 10 October, 2011 at 1:19pm
Here are some points of interest that may help you in your decision making:
- A typical solar PV panel is about 1.65 metres x 1 metre. You could estimate how many could be fitted onto your roof space.
- The amount of power one panel produces will be in the range 170W to 220W. The exact amount depends on the type of panel (see below). This is being improved all the time.
- Suppliers quote a peak output. This is the maximum amount of power that would be produced by the panel under standard test conditions. In shady and low light conditions the amount of power will be less. How much less depends on the type of panel. Better, more efficient panels cost more.
- The cost of PV panels ranges alarmingly. So we recommend getting quotes from more than one supplier for comparable systems with the same peak output.
- Always ensure the supplier you decide on is MSC accredited and has signed up to the REAL assurance code of conduct.
| PV type | Hybrid System | Monocrystalline | Polycrystaline | Thin-film Technology |
What is it? | Made up of monocrystalline and thin-film amorphous silicon | Made from a single large cell of silicon. Difficult to grow | Made up of many small individual silicon cells | Thin and very flexible |
| Comparitive Cost | Most expensive | Expensive | Cheaper than monocrystalline | Generally cheaper than panels. |
| Efficiency | Most efficient system | Good efficiency | Less efficient | Least efficient type |
Notes | Suitable in low light and shady areas. The thin-film layer boosts its efficiency above monocrystalline | Good in low light and shady areas | In full sunlight efficiency nearly equals that of monocrystalline. Efficiency goes down when shaded and in low light conditions | Good in low light and shady areas. Can come in the form of roof tiles for conservation areas not keen on a panel on the roof. |