Mono Crystalline Solar Panels Are More Efficient Than Polycrystalline Panels

Monocrystalline solar panels tend to be more efficient in warm weather.

Mono crystalline solar panels are more efficient than polycrystalline panels.

It is mainly used in large scale commercial applications. Thin film technology costs less than mono or poly panels but is also less efficient. They normally have a 335w output for a 72 cell panel. The polycrystalline solar panels are also made from silicon.

As a result monocrystalline panels are more efficient than their polycrystalline counterparts. Since they are monocrystalline and perform better in heat these panels are projected to have the longest life. However when we turn away from premium ultra efficient panels and look at more standard offerings the efficiency of mono and poly panels are actually quite similar. Performance suffers somewhat as temperature goes up but less so than with polycrystalline solar panels.

Polycrystalline solar panels generally have lower efficiencies than monocrystalline options but their advantage is a lower price point. To make my point let s compare the specs of 2 similarly priced good quality solar panels that are available in australia in 2019 one polycrystalline and one monocrystalline. Monocrystalline solar cells have historically had a higher peak efficiency and were more readily available than polysilicon solar cells. The blanket statement that monocrystalline panels are better than polycrystalline cells however is not accurate.

They are more efficient than polycrystalline cells and can be smaller in size for the same output. Monocrystalline silicon solar panels are more space efficient these solar panels are capable of yielding the highest power outputs. Polycrystalline solar panels generally have lower efficiencies than monocrystalline options but their advantage is a lower price point. Mono cells are also found in ridged panels.

Each panel and its manufacturer should be considered on a case by case basis. Also polycrystalline solar panels tend to have a blue hue instead of the black hue of monocrystalline panels. Monocrystalline solar cells are more efficient because they are cut from a single source of silicon. Polycrystalline silicon p si panels on the other hand are made of wafers from various silicon fragments melted together.

Instead of black they come in a blue finish with perfectly square wafers making them quick to distinguish from mono si panels. Because monocrystalline solar cells are made from purer grade silicon they lay claim to the most efficient solar panels on the planet at 24 1 efficiency. Polycrystalline solar cells are blended from multiple silicon sources and are slightly less efficient.