BP Solar monocrystalline silicon array, fixed ground mount
Monocrystalline silicon is a proven technology that has been used in a wide range of applications for over 30 years.
Monocrystalline panels convert sunlight with a higher efficiency than polycrystalline and thin film panels. This means that fewer panels are required to produce a given amount of energy. They are often used when space is limited, or when there are high costs associated with installing a lot of panels.
This BP Solar monocrystalline array has a similar kW rating to the BP Solar polycrystalline array installed at the Solar Centre. Their output can be compared over a range of conditions.
A large part of the cost of monocrystalline panels is associated with the production of their silicon cells. These cells are sawn from large single crystals of silicon. The single crystals are grown with high precision in a process that consumes a significant amount of energy.
BP Solar is a global business that designs, manufactures and markets solar electricity systems.
| Electricity produced (annual): | 8.27 MWh* |
|---|---|
| System size: | 5.1 kW |
| Array area: | 37.8 m² |
| Number of panels: | 30 |
| Panel efficiency: | 13.51 % |
| Panel type: | BP 4170N |
| Panel rated output: | 170 W |
| Inverter size, type: | 6 kW, SMA SMC 6000A |
| Array orientation: | True north, at 20º tilt |
| Installation completed: | 11 November 2008 |
*This figure is based on an assumption of 1.622 MWh annually, per kWp of installed solar panels. This may prove to be a conservative estimate for Alice Springs.