Polycrystalline silicon array, fixed ground mount
Polycrystalline crystalline panels are installed widely in Australia. Their performance efficiency is slightly lower than monocrystalline panels, and 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 crystals are grown in a cluster, which is sawn into wafers.
The crystal grain boundaries between these smaller call can be seen across the panel's surface. These can trap electrons, reducing the efficiency with which the panel produces electricity.
While the efficiency of these panels is lower than for monocrystalline cells, they are more resistant to the effects of heat.
BP Solar has supplied solar solutions in the Australian market for over 30 years.
| Electricity produced (annual): | 8.0 MWh |
|---|---|
| System size: | 4.9 kW |
| Array area: | 37.8 m² |
| Number of panels: | 30 |
| Panel efficiency: | 13.1% |
| Panel type: | BP 3165 |
| Panel rated output: | 165 W |
| Inverter size, type: | 6kW, SMA SMC 6000A |
| Array Orientation: | True north, at 25º tilt |
*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.