Differences Between Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline Solar Panels

One of the frequent questions clients ask when shopping for solar panels is: “What is the difference between monocrystalline and POLYCRYSTALLINE solar panels, and which of them is better to get?”

Here WE go, FAM!!!

What DO THEY HAVE IN COMMON?
Both have the same function of being used to generate electricity from sunlight, and both are made from silicon crystals.

What ARE THEIR MAIN DIFFERENCES?

A. MONOCRYSTALLINE Solar Panels:

i. They are made from mono-crystalline silicon, produced by slicing silicon wafers from a high-purity single-crystal ingot.

ii. They are largely perceived as a premium solar product because they have higher efficiencies and sleeker aesthetics. They have the higher efficiency rate (usually around 15%–20%).

iii. They are space-efficient because they deliver the higher power output compared to polycrystalline panels.

iv. They have a long lifespan. Most manufacturers offer a 25-year warranty on their monocrystalline solar panels.

v. They perform better than other types of solar modules in low-light conditions.

vi. Due to their better features and higher efficiencies, they are more expensive than Polycrystalline panels.

B. POLYCRYSTALLINE Solar Panels:

i. They are made from multi-crystalline silicon, made by sawing a cast block of silicon first into bars and then into wafers.

ii. They are of lower efficiency compared to monocrystalline (usually around 13%–16%).

ii. They usually have a lower heat tolerance than monocrystalline panels.

iv. You need to cover a larger surface to get the same power as you would with monocrystalline modules.

v. They are cheaper.

Which One Should I Choose?

The larger and purer the crystal, the more efficient the solar cells will be. As a result, monocrystalline modules are around 10%–15% more energy efficient than their polycrystalline counterparts.

Polycrystalline modules, on the other hand, are often thought to be of lower quality than monocrystalline solar panels because they are less efficient. Although they are cheaper than monocrystalline solar panels.