Monocrystalline vs Polycrystalline Solar Panels: What’s their Difference?
Solar panel technology has dramatically improved over the years, and a range of innovative solar panels are now being introduced in the market. However, when you evaluate your solar panel choices for your PV system, you will come across two major categories of panels: monocrystalline solar panels and polycrystalline solar panels. Both these are conventional options that have been in use for decades. Both types of panels harness sun’s energy, but you must consider the differences between monocrystalline vs polycrystalline solar panels objectively before making your buying decision.
What are monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels?
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
When you look for monocrystalline panels for sale, you will find them positioned as a relatively premium solar product. Monocrystalline solar panel manufacturers highlight the superior aesthetics as well as efficiency of this panel to convince customers. SunPower monocrystalline panels and LG monocrystalline panels are two of the popular models in this category.
Solar cells for monocrystalline panels are produced with silicon wafers (the silicon is first formed into bars and then it is sliced into thin wafers). The panel derives its name “mono” because it uses single-crystal silicon. As the cell is constituted of a single crystal, it provides the electrons more space to move for a better electricity flow. This is the reason behind the higher efficiency of monocrystalline vs. polycrystalline solar panels.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
The efficiency of polycrystalline solar panels is somewhat lower, but the benefit for customers is that this option is more affordable. In addition, when you seek polycrystalline solar panels for sale, the sellers may highlight the blue hue of these panels compared to the monocrystalline panels’ black hue.
Although polycrystalline solar panels are also composed of silicon, it does not involve the use of single-crystal silicon. Polycrystalline solar panel manufacturers melt multiple silicon fragments together to produce the wafers for these panels. For this reason, they are called “poly” or multi crystalline. The electrons in each cell will have less space to move because of many crystals in a cell. Therefore, the efficiency ratings of polycrystalline solar panels are relatively lower.
Comparison chart: Monocrystalline vs. Polycrystalline solar panels
|
Parameters |
Monocrystalline |
Polycrystalline |
|
Cost |
High |
Low |
|
Efficiency |
High |
Low |
|
Appearance |
Black color panels |
Bluish color panels |
|
Lifespan |
Minimum 25 years |
Up to 25 years |
|
Temperature Coeff. |
High |
Low |
To choose between the best monocrystalline solar panels and best polycrystalline solar panels, you should evaluate them on the following parameters:
Price
Monocrystalline solar panels for sale will be relatively more costly compared to polycrystalline solar panels for sale. You should draw a careful cost-benefit analysis and determine your budget to make the right choice for you.
Efficiency
Among the key advantages of monocrystalline solar panels is their high-efficiency rate.
These products are made from superior grade silicone, which has a single-crystal structure. Therefore, electricity flow has minimal resistance in these cells. On the other hand, although one of the advantages of polycrystalline solar panels is their lower price, but their efficiency is also lower (between 14 and 16 percent) due to their reduced silicon purity.
Lifespan
When you compare the initial installation costs between monocrystalline vs. polycrystalline solar panels, you should also look at the average lifespan of each. Monocrystalline solar panel manufacturers will usually offer a 25-year warranty because of the longer lifespan of the product. On this parameter of lifespan, polycrystalline solar panels are not very different, but the warranty period offered by the manufacturers may vary.
Temperature Coefficient
In warm weather, monocrystalline solar panels can deliver higher efficiency because of their higher temperature coefficient. The output degradation in monocrystalline panels is lower as the temperature rises. If you are living in a region where the summers are longer and warmer, you should carefully consider the temperature coefficient of the solar panels you are choosing.
Aesthetics
Attractive physical appearance of the solar panels depends on an individual’s personal sense of aesthetics. But many users find that the speckled blue hue of polycrystalline silicon is not too easy on the eyes. Therefore, they may prefer monocrystalline solar panels as they find them more uniform in appearance, and thus more aesthetically desirable.
Monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels: Which one is right for you?
Once you have considered the pros of monocrystalline solar panels versus the pros of polycrystalline solar panels, it gets easier to make your decision. But do not focus only on the pros, and also dispassionately evaluate the cons of monocrystalline solar panels versus the cons of polycrystalline solar panels. In addition, the following considerations should help you determine which one is the right choice for you:
Individual Preferences
If the color of your solar roof matters to you, you should know that monocrystalline vs. polycrystalline solar panels will appear somewhat differently in terms of color. The typical polycrystalline panel will have a bluer shade, while the monocrystalline panel will be darker (black) in color.
If you have a personal preference for a particular solar panel manufacturer, you should consider whether they are more popularly known for their poly or mono solar panels.
Space Limitations
If the available space on your roof is limited but you have a need for more solar output, you may consider monocrystalline solar panels because of their higher efficiency. It is worth paying the additional cost for these panels in your situation because you can maximize your power output even within your space constraints to accommodate a PV system.
On the other hand, if you have plenty of free space available on your roof, or you plan to install a ground-mounted PV system, you may consider the more economical choice of polycrystalline solar panels.
Amount of Dust, Snow, and Shade
According to some industry experts, monocrystalline solar panel systems have been known to break down if they are only marginally covered in snow or dust or a part of the panel becomes shaded. Polycrystalline solar panels, on the other hand, are somewhat more resilient in these conditions.
Therefore, if your roof is partially shady, or you live in a region where the climate is snowy or dusty, you might find polycrystalline solar panels to be a more suitable option. If you have a strong preference for monocrystalline solar panels even in this situation, you may consider installing a micro-inverter to counter these issues. However, that will mean an additional investment on hardware.
Climate
As discussed in the earlier sections, the heat tolerance of a monocrystalline solar panel is higher than that of a polycrystalline panel. If you reside in a region that has a hotter climate for better part of the year, this could effectively reduce the lifespan of your panels if you choose the polycrystalline option.
But industry observers tend to agree that the effect would only be minor in the long run, unless you are living in a desert climate. It is best to discuss this issue with your installation company who can guide you better according to the local climate-related facts and data in your region.
Final Word
Your home deserves the best that solar technology offers today at an affordable cost. You can achieve that if you are willing to consider the unique features, suitability and pros and cons of various solar panel options available to you. Draw your own comparison between monocrystalline vs. polycrystalline solar panels as well as other choices to make the right decision for your home.
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