The most common question clients ask when shopping for solar panels is “between Polycrystalline and Monocrystalline solar panels, which should I choose? ” This is what we are going to discuss today.
The monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels serve the same purpose in a solar PV system: they convert solar energy into electricity. Both are made from silicon, which is a very abundant, durable element used for solar panels. Monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels are available from many manufacturers.
Before making your final solar purchase decision, you should understand the key differences between monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels. A major difference between these two technologies is their types of silicon solar cells: monocrystalline solar panels use silicon crystals, while polycrystalline solar panels use silicon fragments that are melted together.
Monocrystalline solar panels
The monocrystalline solar panel is generally considered a premium product in the solar industry. High efficiency and sleeker aesthetics are the main advantages of monocrystalline panels. In terms of efficiency, mono solar panels have the highest rate (between 15% and 20%);
In monocrystalline solar panels, silicon is cut into wafers and formed into bars. They are called monocrystalline panels because they are made from silicon that is single-crystalline. Single crystals allow electrons to move more freely in the cell, which generates electricity. Therefore, monocrystalline panels are more efficient than polycrystalline ones.
Polycrystalline solar panels
In general, polycrystalline panels are less efficient than monocrystalline panels, but they are more affordable.
Similarly, polycrystalline solar panels are made from silicon. However, the silicon wafers used in panels are made from many fragments of silicon instead of one single crystal. Multicrystalline, or many-crystalline silicon, is another term used to describe polycrystalline solar panels. In each cell, electrons have less freedom to move due to the many crystals. Therefore, polycrystalline solar panels are less efficient than monocrystalline panels.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Monocrystalline Solar Panels Modules
Advantages:
• The most efficient solar panels are monocrystalline (usually around 15%-20%);
• Compared to polycrystalline modules, monocrystalline modules take up less space. Solar modules with the highest power output require the least amount of space because of their high power output;
• The lifespan of mono solar panels is long – most manufacturers offer a 25-year warranty;
Disadvantages:
• In low-light conditions, they perform better than other types of solar modules.
• Monocrystalline modules are the most expensive;
• The entire system may be affected if they are covered with dirt;
Advantages and Disadvantages of Polycrystalline Solar Panels Modules
Advantages:
• Solar panels made of polymers are simpler to manufacture and, therefore, less expensive.
• The heat tolerance of these modules is usually lower than that of monocrystalline modules.
Disadvantages:
• Since poly solar panels have a lower silicon purity than mono modules, they are less efficient than mono modules. In general, their efficiency ranges between 13% and 16%.
• Not only are they less energy efficient, but they are also less space efficient. To get the same power as monocrystalline modules, you need to cover a larger surface area.
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