Solar Monocrystalline Vs Polycrystalline

Polycrystalline solar panels are also made from silicon.

Solar monocrystalline vs polycrystalline. In recent years polycrystalline silicon solar panels have surpassed monocrystalline to become the highest selling type of solar panel for residential projects. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient than polycrystalline modules with the top of the range sunpower panels achieving 22 efficiency. The efficiency of polycrystalline solar panels is somewhat lower but the benefit for customers is that this option is more affordable. However there are certain differences that relate to the types of technology used for the manufacturing of these panels.

Monocrystalline solar cells are more efficient because they are cut from a single source of silicon. The monocrystalline panels typically have an efficiency of between 18 22 while polycrystalline panels achieve between 15 17 efficiency. So monocrystalline solar panels will usually have a higher power output rating than either polycrystalline or thin film modules. In addition polycrystalline solar panels tend to have a blue hue instead of the black hue of monocrystalline panels.

Monocrystalline solar panels remained the number one seller in the industry for many decades yet that s no longer the case. Polycrystalline solar panels generally have lower efficiencies than monocrystalline options but their advantage is a lower price point. Thin film technology costs less than mono or poly panels but is also less efficient. In fact both polycrystalline and monocrystalline solar panels serve the purpose well by producing the required amount of electricity for your home.