• Solar panels help make the sun's energy more useful.Solar Panels image by alessbonaventura from Fotolia.com
  
  Monocrystalline solar panels are one of the most effective yet expensive solar panel technologies out there, according to the Solar Power Fast website. If you are seeking a dependable option for solar power, you will need to look no further than monocrystalline solar panels. Each panel is constructed from a single silicon crystal and operates more efficiently than the cheaper, new polycrystalline versions.
  
  

Space Advantages

• Monocrystalline panels are a great choice for urban settings or where space is limited; monocrystalline solar panels are more efficient than polycrystalline and other types of solar energy panels. According to the Solar Power Fast website, each monocrystalline solar panel provides more wattage per square foot than other solar panels. Monocrystalline panels average about 36 inches in length, 31 inches in width and weigh about 30 lbs. Since you will need fewer panels to convert the solar energy, you will be able to save space.
  
  

Efficiency

• In terms of cost efficiency, whatever solar energy panels you use will likely result in a lower electricity bill. However, since monocrystalline panels are more efficient, you will see a greater cost reduction with electric bills, rather than with other solar panel options. Eventually, a solar panel's savings will allow buyers to recoup their original expense. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient than other solar panels, since each panel is constructed from stacks of a single crystal in uniformly rounded cells, according to the Solar Power Fast website. Since cells are used this way, inefficiency is minimized.
  
  Monocrystalline panels also withstand sunlight temperatures better than their polycrystalline counterparts. Once temperatures reach 115 degrees F, a reduction of 12 to 15 percent can result.
  
  

Long-Term Advantages

• Monocrystalline panels have a typical lifespan minimum of 25 years and can last for up to 50 years, according to the Solar Power Fast website. In that span of time, you will meet more than substantial returns on your original investment. However, you should take into consideration that panels are extremely fragile and can be easily broken by tree branches or drifting objects carried by the wind. Furthermore, for those who are "going green" and are concerned about the environmental impact of solar panels, monocrystalline panels reduce the amount of electricity needed from local power plants, reducing the dependence on fossil fuels. The greater benefit is a reduction in the use of limited fuel sources and greenhouse gases being pumped into the atmosphere.