What does BP Solar say about the efficiencies of various crystalline cells?
It sounds like a simple question. However, in practice there are a few variables. The simple answer is approximately 14 to 16% for monocrystalline cells (such as the BP Series) and 13 to 15% for polycrystalline cells (such as the SX Series). High efficiency monocrystalline cells (such as the BP Satumcells) featured on page 6 and 7, have an efficiency of approximately 16.5 %. Variables include the type of anti-reflective coating the cell receives (most mono cells don’t use it; all poly cells have it) and also its encapsulation in a module. Both factors improve efficiency of a cell. Module efficiency is another matter. Polycrystalline cells make better use of the modules surface area while mono cells can’t be a s closely packed due to their shape. For the end user, module efficiency is the most relevant perspective and the easiest to calculate. First, take the outer dimensions of the module’s rate power and divide it by its surface area. The resulting Watts per Square Meter will give you
