Poly or Mono PV?

ligwyd
ligwyd Registered Users Posts: 209 ✭✭
Hi all,

So, next thread  - Poly or Mono panels. I think it is pretty straight forward. Poly is generally cheaper and more mass produced and may not be a bad idea for the budget minded and if space avail to mount PV is not limited. Mono is generally more money due to more costly manufacturing process and produces a little more power so you can maximize output if space is a limiting factor. Also,if you want to keep the business in North America you can buy mono PV made here. Most will probably tend toward bang for buck scenario, however just wanted to put this out there to get the thoughts and opinions of you guys who know best :smile:

Thanks,
John

Comments

  • mcgivor
    mcgivor Solar Expert Posts: 3,854 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    The performance difference is not as great as it once was, to the point where is really comes down to space availability. Some say they perform better in lower light, others disagree, but in the end they both work well, kind of like the comparison in car peformamce, car A's 0-60 time is 5.6 seconds, car B which does it in 5.7 seconds, so car A is better.......but it costs more. 
    1500W, 6× Schutten 250W Poly panels , Schneider MPPT 60 150 CC, Schneider SW 2524 inverter, 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Battery Bodyguard BMS 
    Second system 1890W  3 × 300W No name brand poly, 3×330 Sunsolar Poly panels, Morningstar TS 60 PWM controller, no name 2000W inverter 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Daly BMS, used for water pumping and day time air conditioning.  
    5Kw Yanmar clone single cylinder air cooled diesel generator for rare emergency charging and welding.
  • Estragon
    Estragon Registered Users Posts: 4,496 ✭✭✭✭✭
    IIRC, there may also be a minor difference in temp coefficient, which might be a factor in very hot or very cold locations. They also look a bit different, if that's a consideration.
    Off-grid.  
    Main daytime system ~4kw panels into 2xMNClassic150 370ah 48v bank 2xOutback 3548 inverter 120v + 240v autotransformer
    Night system ~1kw panels into 1xMNClassic150 700ah 12v bank morningstar 300w inverter
  • OldMan
    OldMan Registered Users Posts: 128 ✭✭✭
    Mono for me. Poly seems like a waste of money, to me.