Compare Monocrystalline And Polycrystalline Solar Panels

Monocrystalline solar panels contain cells that are cut from a single crystalline silicon ingot.

Compare monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels. Monocrystalline solar panels appear to be quite expensive when compared to polycrystalline panels. The composition of these cells is purer because each cell is made from a single piece of silicon. The key difference between monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels is that comparatively the monocrystalline solar panels are black in color and are more efficient and durable whereas polycrystalline solar panels are blue in color and are less efficient and less durable. You would need a much larger array of polycrystalline panels to produce the same amount of energy than if you used monocrystalline which may not work for households with limited roof space.

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. As a result mono panels are slightly more efficient than poly panels. Polycrystalline panels have about 13 to 16 efficiency while monocrystalline panels have an efficiency rate of anywhere from 15 to 20. However polycrystalline solar panels are relatively cheaper than monocrystalline panels.

The main difference between the two technologies is the type of silicon solar cell they use. The price of a monocrystalline panel ranges from 200 to 300 which mainly depends on the quality and size of a solar panel. Monocrystalline solar panel manufacturers will usually offer a 25 year warranty because of the longer lifespan of the product. Monocrystalline solar panels are highly efficient and have a sleek design but come at a higher price point than other solar panels.

Manufacturers use silicon in making solar panels.