Solar Panels
Two main components constitute a solar PV system: solar panels and inverters. In this section, our focus will be on solar panels and the various types that exist.
Solar panels have the primary function of harnessing sunlight to generate renewable energy in the form of solar electricity. There are three primary types of solar panels:
- Monocrystalline
- Polycrystalline
- Thin-film
In Australia, the two most prevalent types are Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline panels, while Thin-Film panels are less common in this region.
Both Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline panels offer reliability and efficiency. While debates persist within the industry about which one is superior, the distinctions between them have become increasingly marginal. Therefore, the crucial factor to consider, regardless of panel type, is the quality of the chosen make and model, as well as the proficiency of the installation.
Now, let’s compare the key differences between Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline solar panels so that you can better understand your options when configuring your solar PV system.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels:
- Highly efficient
- Dark black in color
- Slightly higher cost compared to Polycrystalline
Monocrystalline panels are crafted from a single continuous crystal structure, which is identifiable by the uniform appearance of the solar cells.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels:
- Highly efficient
- Light or dark blue in color
- Slightly larger roof space requirement for the same power output
Polycrystalline panels begin with a silicon crystal ‘seed’ immersed in molten silicon. Unlike Monocrystalline, the vat of silicon is allowed to cool, leading to the characteristic edges and grains in the solar cells.
Thin-Film Solar Panels:
- Less efficient than Monocrystalline or Polycrystalline
- Requires more space
- Solid black in appearance
Thin-Film panels offer lower power efficiency, necessitating more panels and roof space to produce the same energy output as Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline options. They represent a distinct technology from the latter and can be recognized by their solid black appearance.
When it comes to solar panel sizing, it’s worth noting that 300-watt panels, while once common, have become less prevalent due to advancements in technology. Residential installations now typically incorporate panels with ratings of 350 watts or more, with 370-watt panels being quite typical. For commercial installations, 400-watt and larger panels are frequently employed.
A common size for residential installations in Australia is a 6.6kW solar system. Using 370-watt panels as an example, such a system would comprise 18 solar panels. The daily energy production, assuming 8 hours of sunlight, would be around 26kWh. However, this output is not constant and fluctuates with seasonal changes and geographical factors, such as location and shading.
Your solar panel installer can provide detailed specifications, estimated production figures, and payback periods tailored to your home’s specific circumstances.
When deciding between Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline solar panels, focus on:
- A reliable product and performance warranty
- The presence of the manufacturer in Australia, including a warranty service department for potential claims.
These criteria ensure that your solar panels will stand the test of time, rather than trying to identify one superior panel technology.
Solar Panel Installation: The success of your solar panel installation can significantly impact your electricity cost savings and how quickly those savings offset your initial investment. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose the right provider for your solar panel installation.
A reputable installer ensures that your solar panel system is optimized to match your electricity needs and your roof’s energy generation capacity.
At Renewable Quotes, we simplify the process of finding the right solar panel installation at a competitive price. We’ll connect you with three solar panel installers, each offering free, no-obligation quotes for your consideration.
It’s a fast, free, and hassle-free process – simply complete our online form to determine the cost of solar panels for your specific situation.
Top 4 Solar Panel Brands in Australia:
Numerous solar panel brands are available in Australia. If you wish to explore highly-rated brands in the country, please click here.
Solar Panels FAQs
How many solar panels do I need?
How many solar panels you should install will depend on:
- when and how much electricity you consume
- the amount of roof space you have; and
- the wattage and efficiency of the solar panels you choose
If you want a 6.6kW system, which is a pretty common system size in Australia, and each panel is around 390 Watts, you would need 17 panels on your roof. Each panel will be around 100cm x 165cm in size. For 17 panels you will need around 28 square metres of roof space.
The panels can be located all in one spot facing the same direction, or split over 2 or 3 areas of your roof to capture the sun at different times of the day as it moves through the sky.
Depending on what times of the day you use electricity the most, it can be better to have your panels facing different directions:
- East if you’re a heavy morning user;
- West if you’re home in the afternoon.
North is always a safe choice.
How long do solar panels last?
Good quality solar panels should last at least 25 years. However, they do lose energy conversion efficiency over time, so you may consider replacing them earlier if the economics add up.
Many Australian households are getting an excellent return on their solar investment, with the savings on their electricity bill paying back the upfront cost of their system in less than 3 years! For so many Australians solar is a no-brainer.
How efficient are solar panels?
Solar cell efficiency is the rate that a solar panel converts light energy – from the sun – into electrical energy – which you can use in your home to power appliances.
The average cell efficiency is 15 to 22%, meaning that is the proportion of sunlight that can be turned into usable electricity. More efficient solar panels produce more electricity per square metre.
The cell efficiency will vary between manufacturers and models, depending on the materials used and the quality of the build.
How many panels in a 5 kW solar system?
If you are using a 300-watt solar panel, you will need 17 panels to make up a 5 kW solar power system. If each solar panel is around 1 x 1.6 m, you will need just over 27 m² of roof space in total.
Many homes are now installing 6.6kW of solar if their roof has the space. A common solar panel is 390 Watts. In this example, you will need 17 panels, taking up around 28 square meters on your roof.
If you’ve got the roof space, it doesn’t really matter if you choose a 300-watt solar panel, 350-watt panels, 370-watt panels, 390-watt panels, etc.
The upside of going with a higher watt panel is that you can fit more panels and therefore produce more electricity from your roof. That said, you may not need the extra capacity depending on your energy usage.
That said, if you’re planning on adding a battery in the future, installing higher capacity solar panels with greater net energy output means you will have extra energy to store and use when the sun is not shining (provided you’ve got a battery big enough to store all that extra energy!).
How many panels in a 10 kW solar system?
There are 1,000 watts in a kilowatt.
Assuming 370 Watt panels, you will need 27 solar panels for a 10 kW solar power system.
If you’re using 390 Watt panels, you would need 26 solar panels.
If using 300 Watt panels, you would need 34 solar panels.
And so on….
How do you clean solar panels?
Mostly, solar panels require very little maintenance and do not need to be cleaned. Only if you live in a very dusty environment or there is excessive bird poop would you need to clean your solar panels.
Generally, rain is enough to give your panels a clean.
If you really must clean your panels, use a hose to wash them off.
For persistent poop, hose the panel down, wait 10 minutes for it to soften, and then come back and repeat the process to get the remaining poop off.
Never ever stand on a solar panel!
If you’re worried that your solar panels look a little dirty, before getting on the roof first check your system monitoring to see if it is producing as it’s meant to (or check your electricity bill… if it’s still low you’re all good!). You may be pleasantly surprised that all is in order even if they look a little dirty.
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