Choosing Monocrystalline vs. Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Monocrystalline and polycrystalline are the two most commonly available solar panels. Read this blog to find out which will likely work best for you.
Monocrystalline solar panels are made from a single, continuous crystal structure of silicon, which gives them a uniform, dark appearance and makes them more efficient but generally more expensive. Polycrystalline solar panels are made from multiple silicon crystals melted together, resulting in a blue, speckled look, and are less efficient but cheaper than monocrystalline panels.
Here is the comparison of monocrystalline vs polycrystalline solar panels based on the most important factors:
Cost
Monocrystalline panels are more difficult to manufacture, translating into a higher price for consumers. The higher cost is due to the complex production process of creating single silicon crystals.
Polycrystalline panels are cheaper due to the more straightforward manufacturing process. Polycrystalline panels are approximately 20 percent cheaper.
The cost of inverters, wiring, and other elements are the same regardless of whether you use monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels.
The type of panel you choose has no impact on your eligibility for a solar tax credit in the United States.
Efficiency
For solar panels, efficiency means just how well the sun energy is translated into electricity. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient in converting sunlight into electricity. This is due to the high purity of silicon used. They typically have efficiencies ranging from about 15% to over 20%, up to 25% in some advanced, energy-efficient models. Polycrystalline panels have lower levels of silicone purity, which leads to a lower efficiency of 13% to 16%.
Looks
Monocrystalline panels are uniform black thanks to a single-crystal silicone, making them more visually appealing. Polycrystalline panels have a characteristic blue hue resulting from molten silicon cooling. This makes them more noticeable on roofs and facades. Some would say that blue panels are less appealing, even though it is subjective.
Lifespan
Monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panel manufacturers now offer warranties for approximately 25 years, which may differ from one company to another. Thanks to technological advancements, there is no significant difference in the lifespan of modern monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels. However, if you intend to use the panel longer than the warranty terms suggest, there is a slight difference: mono panels can last up to 40 years, while poly panels can last up to 35 years.
Temperature coefficient
The temperature coefficient indicates how much the efficiency of a solar panel decreases with every 1°C increase in temperature above 25°C (or 77°F). A lower temperature coefficient is better because it means the panel's performance is less affected by heat.
Monocrystalline panels might have temperature coefficients of -0.3% to -0.5% per degree Celsius, while polycrystalline solar panels generally have a slightly higher temperature coefficient compared to monocrystalline panels of-0.4% to -0.5% per degree Celsius, which results in slightly worse performance in higher temperatures.
The temperature coefficient gives us a way to estimate how much a panel's efficiency will decrease as the operational temperature rises above the standard 25°C. In this example, with a 10°C increase in temperature, a monocrystalline panel would lose 3% of its efficiency, while a polycrystalline panel would lose 4%. Although these percentages seem small, they can impact the panel's overall energy production in hot climates with temperatures above 35°C.
Space
As more efficient panels, monocrystalline ones occupy less space than their polycrystalline counterparts, making them ideal for limited spaces. Because they are more efficient, you'll need fewer monocrystalline panels than polycrystalline panels to generate the same amount of electricity.
Applications
Monocrystalline panels are right for you:
- If you want panels that would be less noticeable on your roofs.
- If you want higher efficiency rating place fewer panels in your house, or if you have significant space concerns.
- If you have money upfront, and want to save later in the long run due to higher energy efficiency.
- If your solar project is lower-scale.
- If the area where the panels will be installed has lower sunlight.
Polycrystaline panels are for:
- If you care about upfront cost and want cheaper panels.
- If you are OK with noticeable blue color.
- If you have plenty of space, and energy efficiency is not a concern.
- If there is plenty of sunlight in your designated area.
- If your project involves community and utility-scale solar farms.
- If you are building an off-grid solar system.
Regardless of which type of panel you choose, cables remain the same.
NNC offers a full range of cables for solar projects, including:
