Sungrid polycrystalline silicon array, fixed ground-mount
Polycrystalline cells are cut from silicon blocks composed of multiple silicon crystals of varying size and orientation.
The different crystals that make up polycrystalline cells can be seen on their surface as a mosaic-like pattern. Polycrystalline panels are typically less efficient than monocrystalline panels because of inefficiencies associated with the defects that form between the borders of crystals. However, polycrystalline panels are generally less expensive than monocrystalline panels due to their lower manufacturing costs.
These Sungrid polycrystalline panels have been designed in a large size format so that fewer panels are needed for an array. This can reduce installation costs.
Sungrid is an Australian solar energy company that distributes high quality solar panels to customers around Australia, New Zealand and the UK.
| Electricity produced (annual): | 8.17 MWh* |
|---|---|
| System size: | 5.04 kW |
| Array area: | 35.12 m² |
| Number of panels: | 18 |
| Panel efficiency: | 14.4 % |
| Panel type: | Sungrid SG-280P6 |
| Panel rated output: | 280 W |
| Inverter size, type: | 6 kW, SMA SMC 6000A |
| Array orientation: | True north, at 20º tilt |
| Installation completed: | 15 March 2010 |
*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.