The awareness of the depleting sources isn’t hidden from anyone, and that’s the main reason why people in some last decades have started using natural resources for the generation of energy, basically that is electricity. Where wind and hydro energy has been in use for a few decades already, the generation of electricity using solar energy has also been in trend for some time now. People are now using solar system for this purpose quite to a great extent and its use is still growing. But, what does a ‘solar system’ consist of? Well, it simply consists of solar panel, of course, a battery, an inverter, and a charge controller. There are many aspects to these also, but a solar panel being the core requirement of a solar panel.

What is polycrystalline solar panel?

Talking about solar panels, what comes to your mind? Some surfaces that absorb the heat of the sun and transforms it into electricity. Right? But, there’s a lot to a solar panel. Firstly, explaining what a solar panel is, a solar panel is simply a collection of solar cells arranged in a grid-like pattern on the surface of that plate-like structure that can be used to generate electricity with the photovoltaic effect. There are two basic types of a solar panel- polycrystalline and monocrystalline solar panel. One more type of solar panel has recently been developed by Loom Solar called ‘bifacial solar panel’, which is much more advanced than both of the mentioned types of solar panels.

Coming to the polycrystalline solar panel, it of course, is a type of solar panel made up of multiple solar cells that are in turn made up of crystals of silicon. But here is the thing. These solar panels consist of so many silicon crystals, that make them less efficient as they do not allow much movement of the particles that generate electricity from the sun’s heat.

How do polycrystalline solar panel work?

Being just another type of solar panel, a polycrystalline solar panel too absorbs heat of the sun and converts it into electricity that is in a DC form. This energy can be further stored in a battery and the inverter changes its DC form into an AC form that can be further used in the appliances. Not to forget, most appliances use an AC type of current.

Technically speaking, the silicon crystals “activate” both the particles- electrons and protons- that get to work once they receive the sun’s heat that contain photons, and start flowing, and gradually starts to form into energy (electricity).

Benefits of polycrystalline solar panel

Everything’s fine, but is a polycrystalline solar panel really that good as it is considered, especially in a world where everything is so hyped up for no real reason? The answer is, yes. Polycrystalline solar panel are worth the hype because of the following of its benefits:

• Eco-friendly, as it wastes less of silicon crystals used in it.
• Cheap and simple, as they are easy to set up.
• Long-lasting- as most solar panels last for 25 years and/or more.
• Saves electricity bills, as this is obviously, one of the reasons why one uses a solar system.

What is the cost of a polycrystalline solar panel?

When everything goes as per plan, the most important part comes in the minds of most people- budget. If the price of the product they are planning on buying doesn’t fit in their budget, all of the research and other efforts put in knowing it more and gathering more information about it goes in pure vain. And this issue arises in the places where the majority people fall under the category of middle class or poorer sections of the society. And they are also the ones that think of savings in most things the most.

Talking about the price of polycrystalline solar panel(s), they of course vary. For instance, Loom Solar’s 335W polycrystalline solar panel ranges from around Rs 23,000 to Rs 25,000.

Best polycrystalline solar panel in India

Everyone wants the best of everything, or at least one of the best ones, not the bad ones. The following brands offer the best polycrystalline solar panel(s) in India:

• Loom Solar
• Luminous
• Exide
• Waaree
• Solar Universe
• Livguard, etc.

FAQ

1. What is the difference between polycrystalline and monocrystalline solar panels?

Monocrystalline solar panels produce more energy, last longer, but are a little expensive in nature. Whereas, a polycrystalline solar panel generate less energy, last the same, but are cost-effective.

2. Which type of solar is best?

Generally, monocrystalline solar panels are considered the best as they are more efficient, long-lasting, effective, etc.

3. What is the advantage of polycrystalline?

Polycrystalline solar panels are cost-effective, less wastage of resources, saves electricity bills, etc.

4. How long do polycrystalline solar panels last?

Any solar panel generally lasts at least 25 years and with a little care, they can last even as long as 50 years.

5. Can you mix poly and mono solar panels?

Although it isn’t recommended to mix a polycrystalline and a monocrystalline solar panel, it can be done on the basis of the guidelines provided by the company. 

6. Is mono better than poly?

In comparison, a monocrystalline solar panel is considered better than a polycrystalline solar panel, as it is more effective, efficient, long-lasting, etc.