The cells on monocrystalline (mono) and polycrystalline (poly) panels are formed by creating a large silicon ingot, which is then sliced up into cells and laid out across a panel. The difference between the two is in the method used to create the initial silicon ingot. Mono cells use a process that consumes more energy and only grows in a circular form, but the result is silicon of higher purity (hence higher efficiency) and a more uniform, darker finish, something many homeowners find appealing.

Polycrystalline cells require less energy and can be moulded into a square shape, which reduces wasted silicon when they’re sliced into wafers. They aren’t quite as efficient as monocrystalline cells and generally have a dark blue, non-uniform appearance. When it comes to choosing the right panels for you, neither monocrystalline or polycrystalline cells are a clear indicator of quality. That being said, most mono panels are more efficient than their equivalent poly counterparts. While this is not the only factor to keep in mind when determining the quality and efficiency of panel, it is well worth keeping in mind when making your panel purchase decision.

Aside from issues arising from your installation, studies have shown that the most likely fault you’ll have with your solar PV system will be with your inverter. This means that proven reliability is paramount if solar is a long term investment for you and your home and the most assured way you’ll get this is with a better inverter.

Reliability is not determined by your inverter warranty. Many customers have been stranded by manufacturers who had poorly designed inverters, the failures (and costs) of which they couldn’t support and so they soon disappeared from the solar market. Some manufacturers have even been known to offer extended warranties as a way of enticing a purchase, however, these are of no value to the homeowner when the manufacturer is no longer operating to honour them. Manufacturers who have been in the market for a long time (e.g. Fronius) have clearly demonstrated their products are reliable and have shown they will be there to support future warranty claims or issues.

Yes. Battery systems work independently to solar power systems, so they can be added to any existing system. This method is called AC coupling, and it involves adding a battery and a battery inverter to your home’s existing solar power system. If you’re not currently exporting a lot of power and have evening consumption you would like to cover with a battery, you should consider increasing the size of your solar PV system first (or as part of the battery upgrade).

Many people underestimate the production differences across the seasons. In most cases, you’ll produce three times more in December compared to June - a massive difference, and something you should be mindful of when reviewing performance and savings over the year. This difference can be even greater for east and west-facing installations and most severe in south-facing ones.