There are three main types of solar panels available today: monocrystalline (mono) panels, polycrystalline (poly) panels, and bifacial panels. In most residential and agricultural projects in Saudi Arabia today, monocrystalline panels are the practical choice, while bifacial panels are useful when the installation is elevated and the surface beneath it is light-colored.<\/p>\n
Each solar panel is made of silicon cells that convert sunlight into direct current. The differences between the types come from the way the silicon itself is manufactured, the design of the cell, and the way the panel is coated on the back.<\/p>\n
These differences directly affect three things that matter to you: how many watts you get per square meter, how much the panel loses in heat, and how many years it maintains its performance. If you're new to the topic, start with the article. Components of the solar system<\/a> To determine the location of the board among the other pieces.<\/p>\n Mono cells are made from a single, pure silicon crystal, resulting in a uniform black or dark color. The crystal's purity allows for easier electron movement, leading to higher efficiency than polycrystalline cells.<\/p>\n Most of the common panels on the market today with a power of 550 to 650 watts per panel are of this type, with approximate dimensions of 2.2 to 2.4 meters in length and 1.1 to 1.3 meters in width.<\/p>\n You'll hear names like PERC, N-type, TOPCon, and HJT. These are all improvements to the monocrystalline cell, designed to increase efficiency and reduce degradation over time. You don't need to be an expert, but ask your supplier about the cell type and request the technical data sheet to compare the figures yourself.<\/p>\n Most modern solar panels have cells divided into two halves. This design reduces the current in each half, thus reducing heat and internal losses, and making the panel less affected if a partial shade falls on one half.<\/p>\n Polycarbonate cells are made by melting and casting many pieces of silicon together, resulting in a blue color with distinct crystalline patterns. The manufacturing process is simpler, but the boundaries between the crystals slightly impede electron movement, thus reducing efficiency.<\/p>\n The practical result: To achieve the same capacity, you need more panels, a larger surface area, and more structures. This is why polycarbonate is less common in new projects, and you might occasionally find it in older stock or small systems.<\/p>\n If you are offered a poly sheet, check the manufacturing date and warranty terms, and calculate the space it needs before comparing it to mono sheets.<\/p>\n The bifacial panel has cells that receive light from both the front and back, and the back cover has transparent glass or a transparent layer instead of an opaque one. The front side functions like any monofilament panel, and the back side captures light reflected from the surface beneath the panel.<\/p>\n If you install the panel against a metal ceiling or a dark surface, very little light will reach the back, resulting in minimal gain. The amount of light gain from the back face is not a fixed figure; it varies depending on height, color, and angle. Therefore, don't rely on advertised figures; request a calculation for your specific location.<\/p>\n An added advantage: Many of the double-sided panels are made of glass on both sides, which gives them good durability against humidity and heat, and is useful in coastal cities such as Jeddah and Dammam.<\/p>\nMonocrystalline sheets (mono-crystal)<\/h2>\n
Technologies within the Mono family<\/h3>\n
Half-cut cells<\/h3>\n
Polycrystalline (polycrystalline) panels<\/h2>\n
Bifacial panels<\/h2>\n
When will you actually benefit from it?<\/h3>\n
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When is its usefulness limited?<\/h3>\n
Quick comparison between types<\/h2>\n