Which is better monocrystalline or polycrystalline solar panels?

Whilst monocrystalline solar panels are preferred due to their efficiency, polycrystalline solar panels are popular as they are more affordable. However, you should consider all the pros and cons as mentioned in this guide on Monocrystalline vs Polycrystalline solar panels before making your decision.

What are monocrystalline solar panels?

As the name suggests, the monocrystalline solar panels consist of single silicon crystals and often go by the name of single-crystal panels. The monocrystalline cells are made from pure silicon which is shaped into bars. These bars are then sliced into thin octagonal-shaped wafer-forming cells.

What is a polycrystalline solar panel?

The polycrystalline solar panel or “multi-crystalline” panels are also composed of the same materials i.e. silicon, but the process of manufacturing the cells is much simpler as compared to monocrystalline cells. Unlike monocrystalline cells, polycrystalline cells are not made from a single crystal of silicon.

Are monocrystalline solar panels expensive?

Monocrystalline solar panels come under the category of premium solar panels and are expensive. This is because of the single silicon crystal used in making the cells and the complex manufacturing process.

Which solar panels have the highest power rating?

Mono-PERC Half Cut panels, which combine monocrystalline Half Cut cells with PERC technology have the highest power rating among commercially available solar panels. This is because of the high efficiency of monocrystalline cells combined with PERC technology.

How much does a monocrystalline panel lose a year?

In years 2 to 25, monocrystalline panels reduce in rating by 0.55% per year and polycrystalline panels by 0.7% per year. Hence, monocrystalline panels lose approximately 15% of their power rating at the end of 25 years and polycrystalline panels lose about 19% over the same period.