Monocrystalline crystal difference?

System
System Posts: 2,511 admin
in Solar Beginners Corner #1
Just wondering if there is,or could be a difference in the crystal used in panel construction? I found a web site explaigning how it is made. Just do not really know if one company is better than the other? Is it like gold is gold,silver is silver,and crystal is crystal no matter where it comes from?
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  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #2
    Re: Monocrystalline crystal difference?

    Yes, there is a difference. How much it matters.... The "better" the crystal lattice is, the longer the panel lasts. Eventually, sunlight breaks up the lattice structure and the panel looses power. I think it's on the order of 1% a year, or something like that. The more resistant the lattice, or the less flaws to begin with, the longer the panel lasts (from that failure mode)
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,

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  • System2
    System2 Posts: 6,290 admin
    #3
    Re: Monocrystalline crystal difference?

    The reason I ask is because I am considering Hyundia panels (because of price). Did not know if they were or might be substandard?

    Is it OK to post a link to the page? It is not a sale page, it just shows the steps it takes to make the silicon wafers. In case anyone else may be curious.

    Thanks for the info.
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  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #4
    Re: Monocrystalline crystal difference?

    OK with me. There's many ways to make wafers, and evergreen doesn't even use slices, they grow wafers from the raw melt. (like a soap bubble)

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/String_ribbon
    excerpt: String ribbon is a method of producing multi-crystalline silicon strips suitable for the photovoltaic industry.
    The name describes the manufacturing process, where high temperature resistant wires are pulled through molten silicon to form a multi-crystalline ribbon of silicon crystals. The ribbon is then cut into lengths which are treated with traditional processes to form solar cells.
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,

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  • jaggedben
    jaggedben Solar Expert Posts: 230 ✭✭
    #5
    Re: Monocrystalline crystal difference?

    I think any differences between the crystal quality from one manufacturer to the next are mostly due to the level of impurities in the silicon. The differences nowadays are tiny, and in my opinion you shouldn't be concerning yourself too much with them when it comes to choosing between manufacturers. Any of the major suppliers are comparable on most of the details, and price per watt is going to be the major choosing point, followed by efficiency, appearance, and political concerns (e.g. wanting to 'buy American').

    I would be a little wary of Hyundai just because I would wonder why, as an installer, I've never seen any of their panels. But on the other hand, Hyundai is a huge company that won't disappear on you if you have warranty issues, so that inspires confidence.
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  • System2
    System2 Posts: 6,290 admin
    #6
    Re: Monocrystalline crystal difference?

    Here is the page I was referring to...

    http://www.processpecialties.com/siliconp.htm

    Still considering the Hyundia panels,price per watt is pretty cheap.Like you said they will probably be around for a long time as well.
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