Monocrystalline vs Polycrystalline Solar Panels – What are the differences?

Many people are not so clear about the difference between mono and poly crystalline solar panels. Let us take a look at the 2 types of panels and see which one is better and what makes them different from each other. Even though mono crystalline panels had the initial advantage of being seen as the superior technology, when time went both the technologies improved and the quality and reliability of the panel make is far more important than which of the two technology is chosen.

THE DIFFERENCES : 

A typical monocrystalline solar cell is dark black in color while polycrystalline cells are either light or dark blue color. The result in appearance is a result of the different type of manufacturing process.  During the solar PV boom in 2010monocrystalline panels were thought to be superior to polycrystalline panels.  The reasons for this are ready availability of mono panels when compares to poly panels and the higher peak efficiency of mono panels. It is not true that mono panels are always better than poly panels, the quality of the panels depends on the manufacture.

Comparisons of efficiency :

• GermanSolar brand 60-cell monocrystalline Premium Line panels have 15.47% efficiency.
• Conergy’s polycrystalline PowerPlus modules, 14.3% efficiency.
• Sun-Earth’s 190W monocrystalline module, 14.9%

Solar panel efficiency and its importance to the system :

For buildings with ample roof space, a panels peak efficiency is the not the most important factor. It is very important to use quality products so that the price and the quality is balanced. At the end, if you look at the overall performance of the system, it is defined not just by the quality of the panels, but the solar inverter has a huge role.  Some other small factors are, installers labour costs, the orientation and tilt of your panels.

Beyond efficiency and module, importance of the company from which the product is procured :   

Although quality technology is important in selecting the solar panels, both the panels have their advantages and one cannot be simply considered better than the other. Since the manufacturing equipment for silicon is now readily available, it is easier for the companies to manufacture the panels. What differentiates a quality company from a bottom line company is the R&D that investment.  For most houses balancing affordability with reliability is key. Solar power systems are expected to operate for more than 30 years + while they have a product warranty over 25 years.  Hence while selecting a panel it is important to make sure that years down the lane the manufacturer is likely to be around. If the panels need repairing, the cost would end up being greater than the initial investment.