What is the difference between Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline solar panels
When you begin researching Solar PV Panels you will soon realise there are two main types of Solar PV Panels: monocrystalline solar panels (mono) and polycrystalline solar panels (poly). Both Mono and Poly panels produce energy from the sun, but there are some differences between the two panels.
Both monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels do the same thing when it comes to turning light from the sun into electricity. They are also both made from silicon, which is used for to manufacturer all solar panels, it is very durable and silicon is in large supply. Many solar panel manufacturers produce both monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels.
Both monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels can be good choices for your home, but there are key differences between the two types of technology that you should understand before making your final solar purchase decision. The main difference between the two technologies is the type of silicon solar cell they use: monocrystalline solar panels have solar cells made from a single crystal of silicon, while polycrystalline solar panels have solar cells made from many silicon fragments melted together.
Monocrystalline solar panels
Monocrystalline solar panels are generally thought of as a premium solar product. The main advantages of moncrystalline panels are higher efficiencies and sleeker aesthetics.
To make solar cells for monocrystalline solar panels, silicon is formed into bars and cut into wafers. These types of panels are called “monocrystalline” to indicate that the silicon used is single-crystal silicon. Because the cell is composed of a single crystal, the electrons that generate a flow of electricity have more room to move. As a result, monocrystalline panels are typically more efficient than their polycrystalline counterparts.
Polycrystalline solar panels
Polycrystalline solar panels typically are less efficient than monocrystalline options, there efficiencies have improved greatly over the last few years but are still generally efficient as their mono counterparts. There are some advantages to Poly Panels,
1.they are cheaper, cheaper for manufacturers to make mainly down to less wastage of silicon
2. they have a lower heat tolerance so will work better in extreme heat.
3. In addition, polycrystalline solar panels tend to have a blue hue instead of the black hue of monocrystalline panels, which some people prefer aesthetically.
Polycrystalline solar panels are also made from silicon. However, instead of using a single crystal of silicon, manufacturers melt many fragments of silicon together to form the wafers for the panel. Polycrystalline solar panels are also referred to as “multi-crystalline,” or many-crystal silicon. Because there are many crystals in each cell, there is less freedom for the electrons to move. The fact that there is less freedom for the electrons is why the panels are generally less efficient.
How do monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels compare on key metrics?
|
Monocrystalline solar panels |
Polycrystalline solar panels |
Cost |
More expensive |
Cheaper |
Efficiency |
Average 19% |
Average 17% |
Aesthetics |
Solar cells are a black hue |
Solar cells have a blue-ish hue |
Longevity |
25+ years |
25+ years |
Major manufacturers |
Trina Sunpower LG Jinko SolarWorld |
Hanwha Kyocera Hyundai SolarWorld Trina |
Monocrystalline vs. polycrystalline solar panels: which are right for you?
Saving money is one of the best reasons to go solar, and whether you choose mono or poly solar panels, you’ll be decreasing your electricity bills. The option you choose comes down to your personal preferences, space constraints and the financing option you choose.
Personal preferences: For the Irish climate monocrystalline panels generally perform better under low light so they would be our panel of choice we would recommend. The performance and efficiency of polycrystalline panels are improving and in countries where extreme heat may be issue may be the panel of choice but generally this would not be a problem in Ireland. Going with a monocrystalline panel with perch technology will be more efficient and work better under low light, I would recommend paying the extra few €€’s and go with the mono.