Do Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline PV panels mix?

[affinite]

I want to add 2 x 40W PV panels to my existing Sharp 80W Polycrystalline PV panel. Is there any reason why I shouldnt add Monocrystalline ones in parallel ? There seem to be more Monocrystaline ones around at present and I read that they are more efficient than Polycrystaline ones.

Separate question - Some time ago (12-18 months) I remember reading about some breakthrough in California that was going to result in production of very cheap, thin PV "material" that was set to revolutionise the market. Has that come to anything ?

Thx Steve

 

[Sy-Revolution]

I have 2 x 80w poly mixed with 2 x 80w mono, all working fine. On your second point I seem to remember that rumour, no news from me though, sorry.

C.

 

[dmmbruce]

Mix fine. Mono work better in full sun. Poly copes with shade much better. Important to use a MPPT controller to get the best from them.

Mike.

 

[noelex]

Yes they will work.
Keeping the panel characteristics exactly the same is helpful in maximising performance from the system, but you wont do any damage mixing the solar panels.

There are reports of solar breakthroughs often. I think they take longer to filter into real production than the press releases would have us believe.
I purchased my first solar panel for a boat about 20 years ago. The panels you can buy today are essentially the same with similar efficiency although in real terms they are cheaper.
In that 20 years there have been “breakthroughs” in solar reported in the boating press every year or so. The only practical improvement I have seen other than cost reduction is now the option of flexible panels.