What is the difference between monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels?

Monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels are both made using silicon solar cells, but they differ in terms of performance, appearance, and price. We’ve summed up the key differences between the two in the following table: * Estimated using a 350 watt (W), 2 m², monocrystalline panel as the basis for calculation

What is a polycrystalline solar panel?

Polycrystalline solar panels are also made from silicon. However, instead of using a single silicon crystal, manufacturers melt many silicon fragments together to form wafers for the panel. Polycrystalline solar cells are also called "multi-crystalline" or many-crystal silicon.

Why are monocrystalline solar panels more efficient?

Having a single-crystal structure means the electrons that produce electricity have more room to move around, making monocrystalline solar cells highly efficient. This increased efficiency also means that monocrystalline panels can easily achieve a higher power output than polycrystalline panels, using fewer cells.

What does a monocrystalline solar panel look like?

These wafers have a black appearance to them, which tends to look more aesthetically pleasing than the blue hue you find in other panels. Having a single-crystal structure means the electrons that produce electricity have more room to move around, making monocrystalline solar cells highly efficient.

Why are polycrystalline solar panels blue?

The silicon-crystal fragments give polycrystalline panels a dark blue colour. The use of silicon-crystal fragments, instead of single crystals, means that polycrystalline solar panels are cheaper than monocrystalline panels – but it also makes them less efficient.

Are polycrystalline solar panels a good investment?

However, the superior efficiency and durability often make them a worthwhile investment for homeowners seeking maximum energy generation. Polycrystalline solar panels, also known as multi-crystalline, are made from silicon that has been cast into square wafers, rather than a single crystal.