Solar PV Panels

Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic cells (also called PV cells) that absorb the sun’s energy and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity.

There are many brands and styles of solar panels, but here are three main types available: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and amorphous thin-film. Monocrystalline are now the predominant type available and Solar Voltaics offer the most advanced versions of these including the latest Topco N-type, glass-glass and Bifacial panels, all with excellent warranties, improved reliability and performance.

Monocrystalline

Monocrystalline solar panels are made from cells using a single silicon crystal and do not have the multiple grain effect which you can sometimes see in polycrystalline cells. The cells are black and most panels now also come in a black frame to improve visual appearance. For residential use these panels are also available in ‘all black’ where both cells, frame and backing are black, giving a very smart contemporary look.

Polycrystalline solar Panels

Polycrystalline

Polycrystalline solar panels are made up from cells which are formed from multiple silicon crystals and normally have a deep blue appearance. This technology is gradually being phased out as more efficient monocrystalline cells are being produced.

Which Panels Should I Choose?

If you’re considering installing solar photovoltaics (PV) one of the factors affecting the final price and performance of the system is which type of solar panels to choose. There are several different types of panel available, but it is worth describing some key factors first.

Efficiency

The term ‘efficiency’ is a much misunderstood term, but it relates to how much power the panel produces for a given area of panel. Note that a 430W high efficiency panel will produce the same amount of power as a 250W lower efficiency panel, but the high efficiency panel will be smaller. Hence efficiency only really becomes important for small roofs, where high efficiency panels are used to maximise the amount of power that can be produced from the roof area. For large roofs there is no real benefit in using high efficiency panels if you can install the size of system you want with standard panels.

Power Class

When the cells that make up a solar panel are manufactured, they are tested for power output and sorted into 3 or 4 groups, so that the highest power cells are all used in one class of panel and the next group all used in another, and so on. This means that each make and type of panel is often available in different ‘power classes’ – typically say 420W, 425W or 430W. The panels from the different power classes will all be the same size and look identical, but will be sold according to their power class.

Yield

The yield of a solar panel relates to how much energy it will produce under typical weather and light conditions throughout the year. It is a very important factor and can significantly affect the overall output of your solar PV system. Panels from different manufacturers with the same power rating of say 430W can have different yields because they behave differently under lower light levels. The power rating of a panel is measured under standard test conditions of 1000W of solar irradiation at 25C, which is equivalent to a very bright sunny day. We rarely have these conditions for very long in the UK, so it is important to select panels that have a good output under lower light levels too. Solar Voltaics use proprietary solar software to analyse the panel power output data under differing light levels to ensure that panels giving the highest yield are specified for our customers. This combination of high yield, quality and competitive pricing is one of our key aims.

Brand

Solar Voltaics works with a range of solar panel manufacturers that are listed as Tier 1 by Bloomberg New Energy. Bloomberg assess a manufacturer’s financial stability and credibility in the market to provide a list of suppliers that are considered ‘bankable’ by financial lenders and have the standing to honour their warranties. We use the same list to ensure that the panels we supply to our customers are of the best quality and are from reliable suppliers.

Our Testimonials

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    • Outstanding Solar Panel Installation Service.
      We recently had solar panels installed at our business premises, and we couldn’t be happier with the service provided. From the initial consultation to the final installation, the entire process was seamless and professionally handled.
      The team demonstrated exceptional expertise and professionalism, answering all our questions and providing detailed explanations about the system and its benefits. They were punctual, efficient, and maintained a clean work environment throughout the installation process.
      The quality of the solar panels and the installation work exceeded our expectations. We’re excited about the long-term savings and environmental benefits.
      We highly recommend this company to anyone considering solar panel installation. Their commitment to customer satisfaction and quality workmanship is truly commendable.
      Thank you for making our transition to solar energy such a positive experience.

      Steven Hale
    • Excellent from start to finish. We can highly recommend Solar Voltaics Ltd. Planning and installation involved a highly professional and knowledgeable team, who stuck to timelines and communicated promptly. Thank you.

      Heidi and Andy
    • From start to finish on our home solar project everything has been handled so well. Great communication, lovely engineers and electricians, all round just an excellent bunch of people. They went above and beyond to get everything working despite some issues with our wi-fi too. Very happy and can’t think of a single negative point, thanks guys 🙂

      Laura
    • Excellent service. We have a difficult roof, with multiple pitches and very little loft space, but the design has worked brilliantly. All our questions and concerns were answered intelligently and helpfully. The installation teams worked swiftly and tidily, leaving no mess anywhere.

      Egan and Jane
    • From our first communication with Solar Voltaics, after finding their details on Portsmouth City council verified supply list for Solar panels. The whole experience has been pleasurable, from initial contact with Jo on the 25th March a desk top quotation was completed and received on the 27th, after comparing the quotation we had from other suppliers, we placed our order paid the deposit which was held in an approved scheme. The survey to double check the the proposed work was completed and the installation was completed by the 23rd April. Thank you to all who were involved in the installation, a totally professional team.

      Nigel

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