Solar energy, once a sideline to carbon-based energy sources, is rapidly proliferating and is powering more homes than ever. Of the estimated 3 million solar installations across the country, one-third were built just in the last couple of years – with searches for the best solar companies increasing yearly.
So it pays to scrutinize all aspects of your solar energy system, especially the choice between monocrystalline or polycrystalline solar panels. Efficiency, cost and durability hinge on your choice of the type of solar panel.
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Explore OptionsThere are two types of solar panels: thermal and photovoltaic. Thermal solar panels concentrate sunlight to produce heat. Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels capture energy from the sun and convert it into electricity.
Photovoltaic solar panels are often favored by homeowners as the best solar panels for residential use. Though they are actually less efficient than solar thermal panels, they work better on a residential scale because they do not require large facilities.
A solar panel can be likened to a picture frame. It is rectangular; it has a metal frame around it and the front has protective glass. There are several layers to a solar panel, the most important of which is the layer that contains the matrix of solar cells.
Anywhere from 32 to 96 solar cells are arranged within each solar panel, with all of the cells wired together side to side and outputting anywhere from 230 to 275 watts of electricity.
The solar cells can either be monocrystalline or polycrystalline. Monocrystalline solar cells comprise the more premium panel since they more effectively harness the sun’s rays. But polycrystalline panels are less expensive and can be a good option for high sunlight areas.
Monocrystalline Cells
Monocrystalline solar panels (or mono panels) are made from monocrystalline solar cells. Each cell is a slice of a single crystal of silicon that is grown expressly for the purpose of creating solar panels.
In the lab, the crystal is grown into a cylindrical log shape called an ingot and is then sliced into thin discs. Each disc is cut along the edges to form octagons.
When the solar cells are placed on the solar panel, the octagonal shapes help the solar panels fit a maximum number of solar cells into the array. It’s much like cookies on a baking sheet. Even tightly spaced round cookies always have spaces between them, but octagonal cookies can be placed tightly together with little wasted space.
Distinctive for their black color, monocrystalline solar panels typically have an efficiency range of between 15% to 20%, with some newer experimental models even reaching close to 50%.
Polycrystalline Cells
Polycrystalline solar panels (or poly panels) are made of individual polycrystalline solar cells.
Just like monocrystalline solar cells, polycrystalline solar cells are made from silicon crystals. The difference is that, instead of being extruded as a single pure ingot, the silicon crystal cools and fragments on its own. These fragments are melted in an oven and formed into cubes which are cut into thin wafers. So, many different crystals form this amalgam, rather than the single crystal of the monocrystalline solar cell type. It’s a less exacting production process than with monocrystalline cells, so it allows for more solar cells to be produced faster and less expensively.
The blue-colored square polycrystalline cells fit neatly side by side, eliminating any empty space between the cells. Polycrystalline solar panels operate less efficiently than monocrystalline panels because the melted fragments of silicon afford less room for the electrons to move around.
Polycrystalline panels generally have an efficiency rating of between 13% and 16%. While only a few percentage points less than monocrystalline panels, it’s a difference that can count for a lot when compounded across many solar panels.
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Find a Solar Panel InstallerMonocrystalline solar panels are best for areas where space is limited since they produce more electricity on a smaller scale than poly panels. Monocrystalline solar panels can draw out the maximum amount of energy even in areas of lower sunlight. So, they are ideal when the goal is efficiency more than cost.
Though all solar panels are bulky, monocrystalline solar panels, with their dark hue, fade into the background better than poly units.
Monocrystalline solar panels tend to have better heat tolerance than polycrystalline panels. So, they are a good choice for areas of extreme heat, such as desert environments.
Polycrystalline solar panels are best when you need to observe the bottom line.
Because monocrystalline panels tend to cost about $0.05 per watt more, the polycrystalline units are a better value, as long as you have enough space for the panels.
Polycrystalline solar panels work better in areas that are rich in sunlight since they deliver less wattage than the panels.
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Find a Solar Panel InstallerThe bluish tint and speckled appearance of the polycrystalline panels may not suit everyone, especially when installed in large numbers in residential areas. But they do work well for rural areas or for urban areas where the panels can be conveniently tucked away, like on a rooftop or in back of the property.
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Explore OptionsHow Do Monocrystalline vs. Polycrystalline Solar Panels Compare?
Monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels are two common types of photovoltaic panels used to harness solar energy and convert it into electricity. While both solar panel types serve the same purpose, they differ in appearance, efficiency, durability, etc.
Color
If you’re looking for a more modern and sleek aesthetic, monocrystalline solar panels are your best bet. They’re typically black in color and have a more uniform appearance. Polycrystalline solar panels are bluish in color and have a less uniform appearance due to the multiple silicon crystals used in their manufacturing process.
Cost
Typically, monocrystalline solar panels are more expensive to produce than polycrystalline panels due to their manufacturing function and higher efficiency. However, the cost gap has been narrowing over time, and both types are now more competitively priced, with only modest cost differences.
The average cost of monocrystalline solar panels, known for their high energy efficiency, ranges from $1 to $1.50 per watt. Consequently, setting up a 6kW solar panel system would cost approximately $6,000 to $9,000. Polycrystalline solar panels are available at a lower cost ranging from $0.75 to $1 per watt. Consequently, installing a 6kW solar panel system with polycrystalline panels would cost approximately $4,500 to $6,000, making it a more budget-friendly choice.
Efficiency Rating
In terms of efficiency, monocrystalline solar panels usually outperform polycrystalline panels thanks to their higher conversion rates of sunlight into electricity resulting from the single-crystal structure. In contrast, polycrystalline solar panels have lower efficiency ratings due to the presence of multiple crystals, which can ultimately hinder the smooth flow of electrons, making them less efficient.
Life Span
Monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels both have a long life span. Under proper maintenance and care, they can last for 25 to 30 years or more The degradation rate over time is generally low for both types, and most manufacturers provide warranties that guarantee a certain percentage of power output after a specified number of years.
Temperature Coefficient
The temperature coefficient measures how much the efficiency of your solar panel decreases as the temperature rises. A lower temperature coefficient is desirable because it means your panel performs better in hot conditions. Monocrystalline solar panels typically have a slightly lower temperature coefficient than polycrystalline panels, making them perform slightly better in high-temperature environments.
Durability
Both monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels are designed for durability, so you can trust your solar energy system won’t be affected by the elements. However, monocrystalline panels may have a slight advantage over polycrystalline panels due to their single-crystal structure. This enhanced structural integrity makes them an appealing choice for those seeking increased reliability and longevity in their solar energy systems.
Other Types of Solar Panel Cells
In addition to monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels, there are other types of solar panels as well: thin-film solar cells, bifacial solar cells, copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) solar cells, organic solar cells and dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). These alternative technologies offer different benefits and applications than traditional silicon-based polycrystalline or monocrystalline panels.
Thin-film solar cells
: Thin-film solar cells utlize thin layers of semiconducting materials to convert sunlight into electricity. They offer flexibility and are suitable for specific applications such as building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) due to their lightweight and adaptable nature.
Bifacial solar cells:
Bifacial solar cells generate electricity from both sides, boosting overall efficiency. They could be used on the roofs of buildings where they would capture sunlight reflected off their own surface and direct sunlight hitting them.
Copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) solar cells:
CIGS is a type of thin-film solar cell that combines materials to convert sunlight into electricity. CIGS solar cells are known for their good efficiency and versatility, making them suitable for various applications in the renewable energy industry.
Organic solar cells:
Organic solar cells are lightweight and flexible that utilize organic materials as the semiconductor to convert sunlight into electricity. However, their efficiency is currently lower compared to traditional crystalline silicon-based solar cells.
Are Monocrystalline or Polycrystalline Solar Panels Worth It?
Deciding between monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels depents on many factors, and no option is necessarily better than the other. It’s important to consider what you’re looking for in a solar panel and how much money you want to spend.
Monocrystalline panels are generally more efficient and space-efficient than polycrystalline panels, meaning they produce more energy with less space. This makes them ideal if you have limited roof space or want to maximize energy production. Their higher efficiency means you might need fewer monocrystalline panels to achieve the same energy output as polycrystalline panels, leading to cost savings in the long run.
If your goal is to achieve a cost-effective solar installation without compromising performance, polycrystalline panels might be the right fit. Additionally, technological advancements have improved the efficiency of polycrystalline panels, making them a viable and cost-efficient choice for many homeowners.
To further determine if monocrystalline or polycrystalline solar panels are worth it, it’s essential to conduct thorough research, seek quotes from reputable solar providers and consult with solar professionals to determine the best option for your home’s needs.
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