Solar panels
View the various solar panel options available to choose from!
Solar Panel Suppliers South Africa
Solar panels are devices which are used to absorb the sun’s rays and convert sun rays into electricity or heat. It is actually a collection of solar cells (also called photovoltaic which basically means ‘light-electricity’), which are used to generate electricity through photovoltaic effect. These cells are arranged in a grid-like pattern on the surface of solar panels. Lots of small cells spread over a large area works together to provide enough power to be useful. The more light that hits a cell, the more electricity it produces. Most solar panels are made up using crystalline silicon solar cells.
Solar panels help in combating the harmful emissions of greenhouse gases and thus help to reduce global warming. Solar panels are called a ‘clean source of energy’ because they do not lead to any form of pollution. Solar panels also decrease our reliance on fossil fuels (which are limited).
As long as there is sunlight available, you can basically install solar panels wherever you want. The installation of solar panels will help to reduce your monthly electricity bill.
Today, solar energy is used in a variety of ways because more and more people understand the advantages of solar energy. This is due to the rising cost of fossil fuels and the increase of solar panel technology.
Manufacturing Process
Multi Crystalline Solar Panels (Poly Crystalline)
The Multi Crystalline (Poly Crystalline) high-efficiency Solar Panels are designed to suit applications from pumping systems to large scale power plants and solar farms. A good choice for high temperature applications due to its colour and silicone composition.
IEC Certifications:
- 61853, 61215, 61730, TS 62804
- IEC 61701 (Salt mist corrosion resistant – Severity 6)
- IEC 62716 (Ammonia corrosion resistant)
- IEC 60068-2-68 (Sand Abrasion)
- UL Certified 1703
Warranty - 10 Years
Yield 25 Years @ 80%+
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All product specifications are available on the store pages relevant to the specific models to choose from.
Mono Crystalline Solar Panels
The Mono Crystalline high-performance Solar Panel Modules are designed for on-grid as well as off-grid applications. Superior quality at an affordable price.
IEC Certifications:
- 61215, 61730, TS 62804, 61853
- IEC 61701 (Salt mist corrosion resistant – Severity 6)
- IEC 62716 (Ammonia corrosion resistant)
- IEC 60068-2-68 (Sand Abrasion)
- UL Certified 1703
Warranty - 10 Years
Yield 25 Years @ 80%+
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All product specifications are available on the store pages relevant to the specific models to choose from.
Galactic Series Solar Panels
The ‘Galactic’ series includes 340 Wp & 365 Wp Multi-crystalline PV modules and 355 Wp & 380 Wp Mono-crystalline PV modules. The 365 Wp & 380 Wp PV modules are made with PERC cells.
These modules are engineered to utilize a smaller installation space and obtain a greater output per square meter. They also enable a reduction in the hot-spot effect, thus ensuring the longevity of the products.
Warranty - 10 Years
Yield 25 Years @ 80%+
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All product specifications are available on the store pages relevant to the specific models to choose from.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN:
MONOCRYSTALLINE & MULTICRYSTALLINE (OR POLYCRYSTALLINE)
One cannot look at monocrystalline without also looking at multicrystalline (also known as polycrystalline) solar panels as both monocrystalline and multicrystalline solar panels serve the same function which is that both capture energy from the sun and turn it into electricity. They are also both made from silicon, which is available in abundance and is a very durable element. Many solar panel manufacturers produce both monocrystalline and multicrystalline panels.
Both mono and poly solar panels can be good choices for your home, but there are key differences between the two types of technology that you should understand before making your final solar purchase decision.
To make solar cells for monocrystalline solar panels, silicon is formed into bars and cut into wafers. The name “monocrystalline” is to indicate that the silicon used is single-crystal silicon. As the cell is composed of a single crystal, the electrons which generate a flow of electricity have more room to move with the result that monocrystalline panels are more efficient than their multicrystalline counterparts.
A good way to differentiate between mono- and multi crystallinesolar panels is that polycrystalline solar cells look perfectly rectangular with no rounded edges.
The biggest advantage of monocrystalline over multi crystalline solar panels are that monocrystalline panels have the highest efficiency rates since they are made out of the highest-grade silicon. Monocrystalline silicon solar panels are space-efficient because they require a smaller surface area which is a bonus when you have limited space. Monocrystalline solar panels also has the longest livespan and most solar panel manufacturers put a 25-year warranty on their monocrystalline solar panels. Monocrystalline solar panels also tend to perform better than similarly rated polycrystalline solar panels at low-light conditions.
The single-crystal silicon is more expensive to manufacture and as such it must be noted that monocrystalline panels are more expensive to manufacture than their multi crystalline counter parts. There is also more silicon wasted in the manufacturing of monocrystalline panels, which is also a contributing factor to the higher cost of monocrystalline panels.
Particulars | Multi | Mono |
Production method | Molten Silicon is poured into cast | Single pure crystal is being made |
Efficiency | Light conversion is much lower. Average efficiency – 18.4 % | Efficient light conversion. Average cell efficiency is around 19.8% higher |
Appearance | With impurities blue shade and impurities added makes it less aesthetically friendly | Dark cells can for more pleasing aesthetics |
When to use | Lower price allows faster return of investment – usually if budget for such systems are to be considered | When peak efficiency is more considered than costs |
Performance at higher temperatures | Because cells are blue in colour, it absorbs less heat, thus resulting to higher efficiencies at high temperatures | Solar cells are darker, making them absorb heat that reduces efficiency at high temperatures |
Shape | Perfect square | Square with curves at the corner structure |
Flow of electrons (Electricity)
| Polycrystalline solar panels are also made from silicon. However, instead of using a single crystal of silicon, manufacturers melt many fragments of silicon together to form the wafers for the panel. Polycrystalline solar panels are also referred to as “multi-crystalline,” or many-crystal silicon. Because there are many crystals in each cell, there is to less freedom for the electrons to move. As a result, polycrystalline solar panels have lower efficiency ratings than monocrystalline panels. | To make solar cells for monocrystalline solar panels, silicon is formed into bars and cut into wafers. These types of panels are called “monocrystalline” to indicate that the silicon used is single-crystal silicon. Because the cell is composed of a single crystal, the electrons that generate a flow of electricity have more room to move. As a result, monocrystalline panels are more efficient than their polycrystalline counterparts. |
Warranty | Product warranty – 10 years Performance warranty – 25 years | Product warranty – 10 years Performance warranty – 25 years |