Are solar panels monocrystalline or polycrystalline?

The solar cells can either be monocrystalline or polycrystalline. Monocrystalline solar cells comprise the more premium panel since they more effectively harness the sun’s rays. But polycrystalline panels are less expensive and can be a good option for high sunlight areas.

How do polycrystalline solar panels work?

The blue-colored square polycrystalline cells fit neatly side by side, eliminating any empty space between the cells. Polycrystalline solar panels operate less efficiently than monocrystalline panels because the melted fragments of silicon afford less room for the electrons to move around.

How are monocrystalline solar panels made?

Monocrystalline solar panels – as the name suggests – have a single crystal per photovoltaic cell. This is down to a manufacturing process in which a single crystal of silicon is grown and processed into an ingot, which is then melted down, poured into a mold, and separated into wafers which form the monocrystalline modules.

What is a polycrystalline solar cell?

Polycrystalline solar cells are also called "multi-crystalline" or many-crystal silicon. Polycrystalline solar panels generally have lower efficiencies than monocrystalline cell options because there are many more crystals in each cell, meaning less freedom for the electrons to move.

How efficient are polycrystalline solar panels?

Polycrystalline panels generally have an efficiency rating of between 13% and 16%. While only a few percentage points less than monocrystalline panels, it’s a difference that can count for a lot when compounded across many solar panels. Pros

How much does a polycrystalline solar panel cost?

Polycrystalline averages roughly 13-16%, with monocrystalline panels topping out just over 20%. This means that they can produce more electricity with the same amount of sunlight. Due to the production methods we’ve already covered above, polycrystalline wins out on the solar panel cost. For a 200W panel, you can expect around $200-300.