If you’re thinking about switching to solar power in Kenya or anywhere in Africa, you’re making a smart move. But let’s face it—when it comes to picking the right solar panels, the choices can be a bit confusing. Monocrystalline? Polycrystalline? Thin-film? What do they all mean, and more importantly—which is better for your home?
Don’t worry! At Plasma Solar, we’ve broken it down in simple terms. Let’s talk about the different types of solar panels, compare monocrystalline vs polycrystalline, and answer some common questions like how long solar panels last and how many solar panels you need to power a house.
🟢 Types of Solar Panels: The Basics
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Made from a single pure silicon crystal.
Sleek black appearance.
High efficiency (usually 18% to 22%).
Perform better in hot weather and low-light conditions.
Slightly more expensive than others.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Made from fragments of silicon melted together.
Blue-ish appearance.
Slightly lower efficiency (around 15% to 17%).
More affordable.
Great for larger spaces and budget-conscious buyers.
Thin-Film Solar Panels
Made from various materials (like cadmium telluride).
Flexible and lightweight.
Less efficient and not ideal for limited roof space.
Mostly used in large-scale or commercial setups.
🔍 Which Is Better: Monocrystalline or Polycrystalline?
Here’s the big question everyone asks:
Which is better, monocrystalline or polycrystalline solar panels?
Answer: It depends on your budget, space, and energy needs.
✅ Monocrystalline panels are more efficient, meaning they produce more power in less space. They’re perfect for rooftops where space is tight and you’re looking to get maximum energy.
💰 Polycrystalline panels, on the other hand, are more affordable and still do a great job—especially if you’ve got plenty of roof space to install several panels.
If you want premium performance and sleek aesthetics, go monocrystalline. If you’re after value for money, polycrystalline panels offer great bang for your buck.
⚡ Which Type of Solar Panel Is More Powerful?
The most powerful solar panels are definitely monocrystalline. Thanks to their high efficiency and superior build quality, they generate more solar power per square meter.
If you’re aiming to power more appliances, store extra energy in a battery, or reduce your power bills drastically, then monocrystalline panels are the champions.
But again, polycrystalline panels aren’t too far behind—and they’re still a solid choice for homes and businesses across Kenya and East Africa.
⏳ How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
Another common question: How long do solar panels last?
Good news—solar panels last 25 to 30 years or even more!
At Plasma Solar, we offer panels (like our Dahai 580W modules) with a 25-year warranty, meaning you can enjoy clean solar energy for decades. Sure, their performance may drop slightly over time, but your panels will still produce electricity well into their third decade.
Pro tip: Keep your panels clean and check them once in a while to make them last even longer!
🏠 How Many Solar Panels to Power a House?
Now to the golden question:
How many solar panels do I need to power a house?
It depends on:
Your monthly power usage (measured in kWh)
The wattage of each solar panel
The hours of sunlight you receive daily
For an average Kenyan household using about 300-600 kWh per month, you’d typically need:
👉 8 to 12 high-efficiency monocrystalline panels (around 450W to 580W each)
Of course, if you’re running extra appliances like a water pump, fridge, freezer, or even a borehole system, you may need more panels or consider solar battery storage.
At Plasma Solar, we offer free consultations to calculate exactly what you need, whether you want to go off-grid or simply reduce your electricity bill.
☀️ Final Thoughts
Switching to solar energy is one of the best investments you can make for your home, your pocket, and the planet. Whether you go for monocrystalline, polycrystalline, or even thin-film, each type of solar panel has its strengths.
✅ Want more power in less space? Go monocrystalline.
💰 Want to save on costs and still go green? Choose polycrystalline.
🏭 Doing a commercial installation? Consider thin-film.
Whichever you choose, Plasma Solar has your back with top-quality panels, expert installation, and solid warranties.
Need Help Choosing the Right Solar Panels?
📞 Call or WhatsApp us at +254 799 891 759
📧 Email: sales@plasmasolarafrica.com
🌍 Visit: www.plasmasolarafrica.com
Let’s light up your home with solar power—the smart, clean, and reliable way to energy independence.
