Differences between Mono Crystalline and Poly Crystalline panels

Differences between Mono Crystalline and Poly Crystalline panels

Advantages and Disadvantages of Mono and Poly Panels

Both monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels can be great choices for your home, but there are key differences between the two types of technology that you should understand before making your final 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 is that they have higher efficiencies and better aesthetics. This type of solar panels have the highest efficiency rate of 15%-20%.

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 more efficient than their polycrystalline counterparts.

Polycrystalline solar panels

Polycrystalline solar panels generally have lower efficiencies than monocrystalline options, but their advantage is slightly lower prices.

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 panel. Polycrystalline solar panels are also referred to as “multi-crystalline,” or many-crystal silicon. 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Monocrystalline Solar Panels Modules

Advantages:

Mono solar panels have the highest efficiency rate (usually around 15%-20%)

Monocrystalline modules are space-efficient. Because these modules deliver the highest power output, they require the least amount of space comparing to other solar panels;

Mono solar panels have a long lifespan – most manufacturers offer a 25-year warranty on their mono solar panels;

They perform better than other types of solar modules in low-light conditions.

Disadvantages:

Monocrystalline modules are the most expensive;

If they are covered with dirt, the entire system may be affected;

Advantages and Disadvantages of Polycrystalline Solar Panels Modules

Advantages:

The process used to manufacture poly solar panels is simpler and therefore cost friendly.

They usually have a lower heat tolerance than monocrystalline modules.

Disadvantages:

Because the silicon purity is lower than mono modules, poly solar panels are less efficient than their mono counterparts. Their efficiency is usually rated at around 13%-16%.

Not only that they are less energy efficient, but they have a low space efficacy as well. You need to cover a larger surface to get the same power as you would with monocrystalline modules.