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Monocrystalline vs. Polycrystalline Solar Panels

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Written by Tamara Jude + 1 other Reviewed by Roger Horowitz

Tamara Jude

Tamara Jude is a seasoned content writer with more than seven years of experience in research and content production. She specializes in the solar energy, home warranty, and windows categories. Her interest in home improvement began as a child, when she regularly completed home projects alongsid&#;

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Roger Horowitz

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Homeowners can choose from three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film. Monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels are the most common for residential installations, but they each have different costs, efficiency rates, and pros and cons.

We&#;ve broken down the key differences between monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels so you can determine the best solar panels for your home.

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Monocrystalline vs. Polycrystalline Solar Panels

Monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels are the two most common types of solar panels. Like all solar panels, they capture the sun&#;s energy and convert it into electricity. Both types use silicon, a material that&#;s abundant and durable. 

The most significant difference between these two designs is the manufacturing process. Monocrystalline (mono) panels use a single silicon crystal, while polycrystalline (poly) panels use multiple crystals melted together. Here&#;s a breakdown of how each type of cell is made.

Monocrystalline

Polycrystalline

Mono panels contain monocrystalline solar cells made from a single silicon crystal. This crystal is grown in a lab and formed into a cylindrical shape called an ingot.

The silicon ingots are cut into thin discs known as silicon wafers, which then undergo a

series of treatments to maximize their efficiency.

The rounded edges are shaved into straight edges and chamfered corners.

This nearly square, octagonal shape allows more crystalline silicon cells to fit into a solar panel, minimizing the wasted space that would exist between circular cells

.

U

sing a single crystal improves the solar panels&#; efficiency and results in a sleek black surface.

However, the mono cell manufacturing process is more expensive, and the shaved pieces cannot be reused for other mono cells.

Poly solar panels also use silicon, but the manufacturing process is different. Whereas mono solar panels use a single silicon crystal, poly panels use multiple silicon fragments melted together

.

To create polycrystalline cells,

molten silicon material is typically poured into a square mold and cut into thin wafers once cool.

The multi-crystalline process is simpler and less expensive than producing monocrystalline cells, and it creates less waste.

On the other hand, fusing the crystal fragments together creates small imperfections that hamper their efficiency compared to mono cells. These imperfections also give polycrystalline cells their distinctive speckled blue appearance.

Once the individual mono or poly solar cells are manufactured, they undergo further processing to become complete solar panels. A thin layer of conductive material, typically in the form of metal lines or &#;fingers,&#; is printed onto the front and back surfaces of the cells to collect the generated electricity. The cells are then sandwiched between protective layers of tempered glass to improve their durability.

Compare Monocrystalline vs. Polycrystalline Solar Panels

Here&#;s an overview of the differences between mono and poly solar panels.

Factors Monocrystalline Panels Polycrystalline Panels

Color

Black

Blue

Cost

More expensive

Less expensive

Efficiency rate

Over 20%

15%&#;17%

Life span

25&#;40 years

25&#;35 years

Temperature coefficient

Lower temperature coefficient, more efficient in heat

Higher temperature coefficient, less efficient in heat

In-Depth Comparison

Mono and poly panels both harness the sun&#;s power, and both are popular choices. Understanding the differences between the two will help you choose the best panels for your home.

Aesthetics

Monocrystalline solar panels are black and blend in better with most rooftops. Polycrystalline panels are blue, making them more visible on roofs. You will also need more of them to produce the same amount of energy, which translates into a larger and more obtrusive array.

Cost

Monocrystalline cells are more complicated and expensive to produce than polycrystalline cells. Mono panels can cost $1&#;$1.50 per watt, while poly panels fall between $0.90 and $1 per watt. However, your price will vary wildly, especially with the current oversupply on the market. These costs may not seem that different, but those pennies add up when installing a 5 kWh system. Also, the difference in efficiency means you&#;ll need more poly panels to power your home.

Homeowners can reduce solar panel costs by using solar incentives, credits, and rebates. The federal solar tax credit provides a tax reduction equal to 30% of your solar panel installation costs, regardless of your solar panel type. Additional solar incentives and credits are available at the state and city levels. Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) for more information.

Efficiency

Solar panel efficiency indicates how well your panels convert solar energy into electricity. This rating is expressed in a percentage. For example, a panel with an efficiency rating of 22% will convert 22% of the sunlight it absorbs into usable energy. Efficiency rates vary due to differences in solar cell technology. Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient solar panels due to their improved solar cell technology, with rates over 20%. Polycrystalline solar panels have lower efficiency ratings in the range of 15%&#;17%.

Life span

Both panels have a great life span, but mono panels last longer. Mono panels can last 30&#;40 years with optimal care and maintenance. Poly panels degrade a little faster and typically last 25&#;35 years with proper upkeep.

Many panels come with a 25-year warranty. However, the warranty period is not the same as how long solar panels last. Well-maintained solar panels will typically outlive their warranty by several years.

Temperature Coefficient

Mono and poly panels also have different temperature coefficients due to their technology. The temperature coefficient indicates how well your solar panels perform when temperatures change. Panels are tested in standard conditions of 77 degrees Fahrenheit but remain at peak efficiency between 59 degrees Fahrenheit and 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

The higher the temperature coefficient, the more the panel&#;s power output declines in temperatures outside this range. Polycrystalline panels have a higher temperature coefficient, meaning they experience a more significant drop in efficiency as the temperature rises. Monocrystalline panels have a lower temperature coefficient and work well in heat.

*Cost data sourced from contractor estimates used by Angi.

Are Monocrystalline or Polycrystalline Solar Panels Right for You?

Monocrystalline panels are the right choice if you want the highest power output and efficiency or if you want less noticeable solar panels. A higher efficiency rating also means you&#;ll need fewer panels to power your home, making mono panels a good choice for roofs with less space.

Polycrystalline panels are more affordable but have lower efficiency ratings, so you&#;ll need more panels to run your home. This will also require more roof space. In addition, polycrystalline panels are more noticeable on your roof due to their blue color.

Keep in mind that it takes around six to 10 years to pay off solar panels. Though monocrystalline panels are more expensive upfront, you&#;ll generate more energy savings and potentially shorten your payback period.

For more information about choosing the right solar panels for your home, check out this video with heating expert Richard Trethewey and Mark Trout, Group CEO of Sunworks (formerly Chief Technology Officer of Vivint Solar):

Other Types of Solar Panels

Mono and poly panels are not the only available panel types. You can also install thin-film solar panels. These are made from thin layers of photovoltaic material deposited onto a backing such as glass, plastic, or metal.

Thin-film solar panels are black, thin, and flexible, which means they offer the most inconspicuous appearance. They&#;re also the least expensive of the three options, but they last only 10&#;20 years and have low efficiency rates between 9% and 15%. These panels work best for small solar installations, such as a shed or garage.

There are three main types of thin-film solar panels to consider:

• Amorphous silicon (a-Si): Though thin-film solar panels do not use silicone crystals, some do use amorphous silicon. This is the oldest and most established option. Amorphous silicon is much more flexible than crystalline silicon and cheap to produce. However, it is less efficient than other PV materials.
• Cadmium Telluride (CdTe): Cadmium telluride panels are another popular option. They offer a good balance of efficiency and affordability, and they perform well in hot climates. The biggest drawback is that cadmium is a toxic heavy metal, while telluride is relatively scarce.
• Copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS): Thin-film panels that use a mix of copper, indium, gallium, and selenide can achieve efficiency rates similar to polycrystalline panels. CIGS panels are also durable and work better in low light or extreme temperatures than silicon ones. However, they cost more than CdTe or a-Si panels.

It&#;s also worth noting that you have several options within the broader categories of mono and poly panels. One example is passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) technology, an enhancement that boosts efficiency. PERC panels have a special layer on the back that reflect unused light back to the cell, giving it a second chance to be absorbed.

Our Conclusion

Whether monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels are better for your home depends on your roof space, budget, and personal preference. Mono panels are more efficient and require less space but cost more. Poly solar panels are less efficient and need more roof space but are more affordable.  

Monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels are available through most solar companies. Request quotes from at least three solar companies to compare panels, services, and costs. Use the tool below to begin your search for your new mono or poly solar panels.

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FAQ About Monocrystalline vs. Polycrystalline Solar Panels

Which solar panel is better: monocrystalline or polycrystalline?

Monocrystalline panels are better in quality but more expensive. These panels have higher efficiency ratings and provide more power per panel, so it takes fewer panels to run your home. Polycrystalline panels are more affordable but have lower efficiency ratings, which means you&#;ll need a bigger array.

Which type of solar panel is the most efficient?

Monocrystalline solar panels are generally the most efficient type available. Their single-crystal cell structure allows electrons to flow more freely, improving the energy conversion process. However, due to their high efficiency and complex manufacturing process, mono panels tend to be the most expensive solar panel option.

Which type of solar panels works better in hot climates?

Monocrystalline panels have a lower temperature coefficient, meaning they work better than poly panels in hot, dry environments. However, they&#;re affected by cooler temperatures.

What is the main disadvantage of monocrystalline panels?

The main disadvantage of monocrystalline panels is cost. They&#;re the most expensive type of solar panel due to their complex manufacturing process.

What are the advantages of polycrystalline panels?

The advantages of polycrystalline panels include lower cost and less waste.

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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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Monocrystalline vs Polycrystalline Solar Panels

There 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.

Monocrystalline Solar Panel Pros and Cons

Pros

• Highly efficient at producing energy
• Panels require less space
• Black panels blend with darker shingles or foliage
• Better heat tolerance

Cons

• Expensive
• Less sustainable production methods

Polycrystalline Solar Panel Pros and Cons

Pros

• Less expensive than monocrystalline panels
• Lifespan comparable to that of monocrystalline panels yet at a lower cost

Cons

• Panels require more space
• Less efficient at producing energy
• Less sustainable production
• The bluish color stands out more than the black of the polycrystalline panels
• Less heat tolerance

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Best Applications for Monocrystalline Solar Panels

• Smaller applications
• Areas with less sunlight
• Efficiency, not cost, is more important
• Appearance is an issue

Monocrystalline 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.

Best Applications for Polycrystalline Solar Panel

• Larger areas
• Areas with maximum sunlight
• Cost is most important
• Aesthetics not a priority

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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The 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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How 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.

MonocrystallinePolycrystalline

Color

Black

Blue

Cost

$1 &#; $1.50 per watt

$0.75 &#; $1 per watt

Efficiency Rating

More efficient

Less efficient

Life Span

25 &#; 30 years

25 &#; 30 years

Temperature Coefficient

Lower temperature coefficient

Higher temperature coefficient

Durability

More durable

Less durable

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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