Since the invention of solar panels, it has evolved where new features are added to it to ensure its efficiency. The most recent advancement in solar panels has produced the Mono PERC Half-Cut and Bifacial solar panels. In this guide, we are going to look at these two amazing solar panels and compare them using different parameters to enable you to choose the one that suits you, should you need them.
The Mono PERC Half-Cut are built such that they can only capture sunlight from the front side, while the bifacial solar panels capture sunlight from both sides—the front and backside of the panel. However, there is more to the Mono PERC Half-Cut and bifacial solar panels that we are going to reveal in the course of our discussion. Stay tuned!
What is Mono PERC Half-Cut
Before we proceed with our discussion, let’s lay a good foundation to enable us to understand the concept better. Hence, we are going to start by defining the lay terms in this guide. Let’s proceed.
The Mono PERC half-cut solar panels are made using Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell technology. These solar panels capture sunlight from only one side, just like the traditional solar panels but the difference is that each cell in Mono PERC half-cut solar panels is cut in half, which is where it derives its name ‘half-cut’. Because of this cut in the solar cells, there is a high reduction in resistive loss. Even though Mono PERC half-cut solar panels have a similar mode of operation to the traditional solar panels, they are more efficient and durable than the traditional solar panels because of the PERC technology which was used in their production.
What are the bifacial solar panels?
Unlike the Mono PERC half-cut solar panels that only capture light from the front, the bifacial solar panels, just as the name implies – ‘bi – capture light with both sides, front and back. The bifacial solar panels capture light with the back side through reflection. It can capture reflected light on bright surfaces, like shining ground, transparent water, and other bright reflective surfaces. The bifacial solar panels come in different forms – monocrystalline and polycrystalline – and even those produced using PERC technology. This solar panel has often bright and transparent glass layers on both sides that enable it to capture light from different angles. The bifacial solar panel is most effective when mounted on an elevated surface or ground with an outstanding reflective surface.
Now that we have understood the meaning of Mono PERC Half-Cut and bifacial solar panels, let’s proceed to the next section of our discussion where we’ll compare the two solar panels but before then, let’s quickly look at their pros and cons.
Mono perc half cut vs bifacial solar panel pros and cons
For us to further understand the concept of mono PERC half-cut and bifacial solar panels, let’s look at their pros and cons before proper comparison.
Pros of Mono perc half-cut Solar Panel
- It is highly efficient under shaded condition
- There is reduction in loss of energy
- It has an extended lifespan
Cons of Mono perc half-cut Solar Panel
- It can’t capture sunlight from both sides
- It may experience soldering effect leading to hotspot on the panels
Pros of Bifacial Solar Panel
- It captures light from both sides, leading to higher performance
- There is no loss of energy
- It is durable
Cons of Bifacial Solar Panel
- They are expensive
- It need reflective surface to function optimally
- The installation process is complicated.
Mono PERC Half-Cut vs Bifacial Solar Panel: Which is Better?
The answer to which is better between Mono PERC Half-Cut and Bifacial Solar Panels is not one-size-fits-all. There are many factors to consider when choosing between the two solar panels. For the sake of clarity, let’s compare them using the factors below
Cost
When it comes to cost, Mono PERC half-cut solar panels are relatively affordable. In fact, the initial cost of bifacial solar panels is always high, coupled with the high installation cost. So, if you want a solar panel that is relatively affordable, and you want to choose between Mono PERC Half-Cut and bifacial solar panels, then you should go for Mono PERC Half-Cut .
Efficiency
Both Mono PERC Half-Cut and Bifacial Solar Panels are efficient. The mono PERC half-cut solar panels often have a 20% to 22% increase in energy production, while the bifacial solar panels normally have a 5% to 30% increase in energy production depending on the reflective capacity of the surface.
Thermal Stability
The mono PERC half-cut solar panels are thermally more stable in extreme and fluctuating temperatures than the bifacial solar panels. This means that if you are living in a temperate region with extreme temperatures, you should go for mono PERC half-cut solar panels.
Installation Space
If you have limited space to install solar panels, you can consider mono PERC half-cut solar panels because they don’t require a large space before they can be installed, unlike the bifacial solar panels that need a reflective and large surface before they can be installed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the disadvantages of bifacial solar panels?
The disadvantages of bifacial solar panels are
- They are expensive
- They require reflective surface to function optimally
Which solar panel is best, bifacial or mono?
Both of them are good depending on your energy needs. Bifacial solar panels are the best if you need an exponential increase in energy production but their initial upfront cost is high. Meanwhile, a mono PERC half-cut solar panel is most suitable if you reside in a shaded environment with limited space. The initial upfront cost for mono PERC solar panels is relatively cheaper when compared with bifacial panels.