BP Solar polycrystalline silicon array, fixed ground mount
Polycrystalline panels are installed widely in Australia. Their performance efficiency is slightly lower than monocrystalline panels so slightly more panels are required for a given amount of electricity – however the cost of these installations will often be lower.
Polycrystalline panels have a simpler manufacturing process than monocrystalline. Smaller silicon crystals are grown in a cluster, which is sawn into solar cell wafers.
The different silicon crystals that make up polycrystalline cells can be seen on their surface as a mosaic-like pattern. The boundaries between crystals can trap electrons, reducing the efficiency with which the panel produces electricity.
BP Solar is a global business that designs, manufactures and markets solar electricity systems.
| Electricity produced (annual): | 8.03 MWh |
|---|---|
| System size: | 4.95 kW |
| Array area: | 37.75 m² |
| Number of panels: | 30 |
| Panel efficiency: | 13.11 % |
| Panel type: | BP 3165N |
| Panel rated output: | 165 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.