Mono Crystalline Solar Panels Are More Efficient Than Polycrystalline Panels

Monocrystalline solar panels remained the number one seller in the industry for many decades yet that s no longer the case.

Mono crystalline solar panels are more efficient than polycrystalline panels.

The blanket statement that monocrystalline panels are better than polycrystalline cells however is not accurate. Monocrystalline solar panels are highly efficient and have a sleek design but come at a higher price point than other solar panels. Polycrystalline solar panels generally have lower efficiencies than monocrystalline options but their advantage is a lower price point. In recent years polycrystalline silicon solar panels have surpassed monocrystalline to become the highest selling type of solar panel for residential projects.

As a result monocrystalline panels are more efficient than their polycrystalline counterparts. They take up a lot of space. Because monocrystalline solar cells are made from purer grade silicon they lay claim to the most efficient solar panels on the planet at 24 1 efficiency. Since polycrystalline solar panels are made from inferior quality silicon they have a lower efficiency rate of about 13 to 16 which is significantly lower than that of monocrystalline solar panels.

Thin film technology costs less than mono or poly panels but is also less efficient. The efficiency of polycrystalline solar panels is somewhat lower but the benefit for customers is that this option is more affordable. Polycrystalline solar cells are blended from multiple silicon sources and are slightly less efficient. The polycrystalline solar panels are also made from silicon.

Polycrystalline solar panels generally have lower efficiencies than monocrystalline options but their advantage is a lower price point. Monocrystalline solar cells have historically had a higher peak efficiency and were more readily available than polysilicon solar cells. However when we turn away from premium ultra efficient panels and look at more standard offerings the efficiency of mono and poly panels are actually quite similar. In addition when you seek polycrystalline solar panels for sale the sellers may highlight the blue hue of these panels compared to the monocrystalline panels black hue.

Each panel and its manufacturer should be considered on a case by case basis. It is mainly used in large scale commercial applications. Also polycrystalline solar panels tend to have a blue hue instead of the black hue of monocrystalline panels. Manufacturers use silicon in making solar panels.