Caravan Solar Panels

We sell both Monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels for motorhomes. A polycrystalline solar panel module is made from a block of silicon that has multiple crystals.  These panels are square in shape, and may have a surface that looks somewhat like a mosaic.  That’s because of all the different crystals that make up the module.  Other types of panels may appear smooth and even, because they are made up of only silicon crystals.  These are called monocrystalline modules. The third type of panel uses a thin film layer of material otherwise known as amorphous.

Polycrystalline solar modules are less efficient than a single crystal.  However, they are much simpler to produce, and cost far less to manufacture.  This makes them much less expensive.  The durability and longevity, however, are comparable to monocrystalline panels. Generally, polycrystalline panels  have approx 12% conversion efficiency.  That means twelve percent of the energy in the sunlight that strikes these panels is converted into electricity. 

It should be remembered that standard ratings are not always indicative of the conditions in which you will be using your panels.  These panels assume relatively cool climates, and are rated on a standard of twenty-five degrees Celsius (about seventy-seven degrees Fahrenheit).  Panels operating at a higher temperature – fifty degrees Celsius or more – will be a lot less efficient. 

That may sound like a lot, but these are dark coloured panels in direct sun.  The likelihood of them rising to those temperatures is greater than you think.  Expect the panels to lose somewhere between fourteen and twenty-three percent of their power converting capacity in these conditions.  It should be noted that these standards apply to all solar panels – not just the polycrystalline type. 

Motorhomefacts.com has a very useful Solar Power Calculator which makes it easier to ascertain power requirements.