There are two types of panels that are commonly chosen for roof-top solar projects:
- Monocrystalline
- Polycrystalline
Which one is more suitable for Bangladesh and why?
Let us first look into the properties and characteristics of these two types of panels:
In Bangladesh most of the roof-top solar installations are done using Polycrystalline panels even though they produce 20% less power than Monocrystalline panels of same size and Polycrystalline panels are not suitable for warm climate like Bangladesh. The reason is one: costing. Polycrystalline panels are only 10% cheaper than Monocrystalline panels, but if one considers that long-term financial impact, Polycrystalline panels should never be used in Bangladesh. Roof-top solar installation has a life of 25 to 30 years. Therefore, for such a long duration, if one loses 20% of free energy from the sun, who loses in the long run?
In Bangladesh for two reasons solar is installed:
- To get new electricity connection; as now Government has made it mandatory to install 3% to 10% of total requested load with Solar. Here most installs Polycrystalline panels to get a cheap solution and only to get the requested power from grid. They do not care about the long term impact.
- Reduce the overall cost of electricity for home and industries. They have long term vision and for them Monocrystalline panels are the best option.
The diagram below shows the key differences between the panels.
