Choosing the right Solar panel in Nigeria in 2023

Choosing the right solar panels for your home can take time and effort. There are various factors to consider, from the cost of the panels to their efficiency and how well they will suit your needs. In this article, we will break down the basics of solar panels so you can decide which type is best for you. Choosing the right Solar panel in Nigeria in 2023 can be daunting task we think you need some help with this article. The two most common types of solar panels are polycrystalline and monocrystalline. Polycrystalline panels are the most affordable option, while monocrystalline panels are the most efficient. This article will help you make that choice, if you are on a budget, you can begin to look at great polycrystalline, and if you have a deep pocket and care about efficiency, then the right choice is a monocrystalline solar panel. We explain why 

Understanding Solar Panels.

Solar panels absorb the sun’s rays, converting them into electricity or heat; they have surfaces that directly face the sun. A solar panel is a collection of photovoltaic cells that can generate electricity through the photovoltaic effect. The cells are arranged in a grid-like pattern on the surface of solar panels. Thus, it may also be described as a set of photovoltaic modules mounted on a structure supporting it to face the sun. A photovoltaic (PV) module is a packaged and connected assembly of 6×10 solar cells. Most panels are built rigid. When it comes to wear and tear, these panels are very hardy. Solar panels wear out exceptionally slowly. In a year, their effectiveness decreases by only about one to two percent. In some instances, solar panels’ yearly degradation is so tiny that manufacturers usually give as much as 20 years warranty for solar panels to degrade, if ever.

How solar panels work

A solar PV panel consists of many cells made from layers of semi-conducting material, most commonly silicon. When light shines on this material, a flow of electricity is created. The cells don’t need direct sunlight and can even work on cloudy days. However, the stronger the sunshine, the more electricity is generated. Solar PV systems are made of several panels, each generating around 355W energy in solid sunlight. Typical systems contain about ten panels and generate direct current (DC) electricity. Because the electricity used for household appliances is alternating current (AC), an inverter is installed along with the system to convert DC electricity to AC. This electricity can be used throughout your home or exported to the grid.

Solar panels need space.

Space is a crucial consideration. The average system size is around 3.5kWp, and this will typically take up around 20m2roof area. An unshaded, South facing roof is ideal for maximum electrical output. It would help if you considered east or west-facing tops, but North-facing roofs are not recommended. A system facing East or West will yield around 15-20% less energy than one facing directly South. Shaded roofsAny nearby buildings, trees, or chimneys could shade your roof and negatively impact your system’s performance. Finding an unshaded spot is best; however, shading is sometimes unavoidable. Some solar PV systems can minimize the impact of shading using ‘optimizers.’ If you don’t have shading, the use of optimizers is not necessary or beneficial, other than the increased monitoring opportunities they offer – they won’t generate more energy.

Do you need permission to install a solar panel?

The answer is no because solar panels are considered permitted development and do not require planning permission. There are exceptions in some countries, and hence best to check with your local planning office for proper guidance. You might need documentation and approvals if you live in a listed building, a conservative area, or a national park.

Types of solar panels

There are four main types of Solar panels in the market today, and they are monocrystalline, polycrystalline, PERC, and thin-film panels. For this piece, we have only selected to write about the two main types: the Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline solar panels, because of their better efficiency and affordability.

Monocrystalline solar panels

This type of solar panel is also known as a single-crystal panel, made from a single pure silicon crystal cut into several wafers. Since they are made from pure silicon, they can be readily identified by their dark black color. Pure silicon also makes These panels the most space-efficient and lasts longer than all three solar panel types. You can now understand that the efficiency comes at a cost that demands a decision to be made by you — a lot of silicon is wasted to produce one monocrystalline cell, sometimes reaching over 50%. This results in a hefty price tag.

Polycrystalline solar panels

As the name implies, these come from different silicon crystals instead of one. The silicon fragments are melted and poured into a square mold. This makes polycrystalline cells much more affordable since there is hardly any wastage and gives them that characteristic square shape. However, this makes them less efficient in energy conversion and space since their silicon purity and construction are lower than monocrystalline panels. They also have lower heat tolerance, making them less efficient in high-temperature environments.

Make a final decision on the type of solar panel for your facility 

The article by the GZ team rightly acknowledged polycrystalline solar panels as the best solar panel in the market. This could not be more understandable because of the price, friendliness, and availability. Go for what sounds familiar and make the decision. Buy from GZ Industrial supplies online shop, also buy from Tikweld.com or contact us