What Is the Difference Between Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline Solar Panels?

Solar panels capture energy from the sun and convert it into electricity. There are two types of solar panels as monocrystalline (mono) and polycrystalline (poly) panels. Both types of panels generate electrical energy, but there are some important differences between the two that should be noted.

Monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels are made of silicon as it is durable. The main difference between the two technologies is the type of silicon solar cell used. Monocrystalline solar panels have solar cells made from a single silicon crystal. On the other hand, Polycrystalline solar panels have solar cells made of many pieces of silicon melted together.

To make solar cells in a monocrystalline solar panel, silicon is shaped into rods and divided into slices. Since the silicon used is a single crystal silicon, such panels are called monocrystalline. Since the solar cell consists of a single crystal, electrons have more room to move. This makes monocrystalline panels more efficient.

Polycrystalline solar panels are also made of silicon. Instead of a single silicon crystal, multiple pieces of silicon are melted together to form solar cells. Since silicon consists of multiple crystals, such panels are called polycrystalline. Since the solar cell consists of a large number of crystals, the electrons have less space to move. Therefore, polycrystalline panels are less efficient than their monocrystalline counterparts.

Monocrystalline solar panels are more efficient than polycrystalline panels. This means more electrical energy. Monocrystalline panels, on the other hand, are more expensive.

Monocrystalline panels are usually black in color, while polycrystalline panels are mostly blue in color. It is not enough to look at the color of the panel to understand the type. When looking at the cells on the front of the polycrystalline panel, a wavy structure is seen on the back. Mono crystal panels are flat on the back.

Panel selection is shaped according to budget, application area and personal preferences. Many solar panel manufacturers produce both monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels.