When you evaluate solar panels for your photovoltaic (PV) system, you will encounter two main categories of panel options: monocrystalline solar panels (mono) and polycrystalline solar panels (poly). Both types of panels produce energy from the sun, but there are some key differences between the two.
Monocrystalline solar panels
Monocrystalline solar panels are generally thought of as premium solar products. The main advantages of monocrystalline 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 more efficient than their polycrystalline counterparts.
Polycrystalline solar panels
Polycrystalline solar panels generally have lower efficiencies than monocrystalline options, but their advantage is a lower price point. In addition, polycrystalline solar panels tend to have a blue hue instead of the black hue of monocrystalline panels.
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 too less freedom for the electrons to move. As a result, polycrystalline solar panels have lower efficiency ratings than monocrystalline panels.
Comparison chart: Monocrystalline vs. Polycrystalline solar panels
| Parameters | Polycrystalline | Monocrystalline |
|---|---|---|
Cost |
Less Expensive |
More Expensive |
Lifespan |
+25 years |
+25 years |
Efficiency |
Less Efficient |
Highly Efficient |
Appearance |
Solar cells have a blue hue |
Solar cells have a black hue |
Manufacturing |
The process is simpler |
Waste of silicon during manufacturing |
| Solar Cell Type | Efficiency-Rate | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
MonocrystallineSolar Panels (Moni-SI) |
~20% |
High-efficiency rate; optimized for commercial use; high lifetime value |
Expensive |
PolycrystallineSolar Panels (p-Si) |
~15% |
Lower price |
Sensitive to high temperatures; lower lifespan & slightly less space efficiency |
Thin-FilmAmorphous Silicon Solar Panels (A-SI) |
~7-10% |
Relatively low costs; Lightweight Portable & Flexible |
Lowest efficiency/performance shorter warranties & lifespan |
Concentrated PVCell (CVP) |
~41% |
Very high performance & efficiency rate |
Solar tracker & cooling system needed (to reach high-efficiency rate) |
