Monocrystalline vs. Polycrystalline Solar Panels: What's the ...

At a glance, all solar panels might look alike, or at least very similar. Look closely and you'll notice some subtle differences, namely the color of the solar cells. Those differences can mean a lot, both in terms of how much they cost and how much electricity they generate.

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Several types of solar panels are available on the market, including monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film panels, each with different performance characteristics and price points. 

The different types of panels can determine how much you pay, how many panels you need, and even whether you can put enough panels on the right part of your home to meet your energy needs.

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Here's what to know about the main types of solar panels.

Defining monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels

The difference between the two main types of solar panels installed today, monocrystalline and polycrystalline, starts with how they're made, a difference that affects how they perform, how long they last and how they look on your roof, said Rohit Kalyanpur, CEO of Optivolt, a Silicon Valley-based solar technology company. Monocrystalline panels typically perform better but cost a bit more, he said.

If the solar market were a contest, monocrystalline panels would be winning. Around 90% of solar panels installed in were monocrystalline, according to a September report by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

If you have to choose between solar panels, you're likely to be choosing between monocrystalline options. Regardless of whether you're choosing from among just monocrystalline panels or there are some polycrystalline options to consider, you'll need to consider the panels' sizes versus your available space, their warranties, your budget and the way they look.

Monocrystalline solar panels

Monocrystalline panels are made from a single silicon ingot. To create ingots, a rod of pure crystal silicon, called a seed crystal, is placed in molten silicon. It is then slowly pulled and rotated upward, turning into a single silicon ingot. The ingot is cut into thin wafers, whose surface is roughened so it can refract more sunshine. Then a layer of phosphorous is added to each wafer. It takes between 32 and 96 pure silicon wafers to create each solar panel. The more silicon cells in each panel, the higher the energy output.

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Monocrystalline models are the most efficient solar panels for residential installations (17% to 22% efficiency, on average) but are a bit more expensive than their polycrystalline counterparts (about $1 to $1.50 per watt before installation). They can have an all-black appearance, which some people prefer, and are typically warrantied for 25 years, though their useful life can be much longer.

Polycrystalline solar panels

Polycrystalline solar panels are sometimes called multi-crystalline or many-crystal solar panels. They are also made from silicon, but instead of being created from a single wafer, they are made from multiple silicon fragments. The silicon is melted and then cools as fragments, which are molded together before being cut for the panel. The finishing process is the same as for the monocrystalline panels.

They're a bit cheaper (90 cents to $1 per watt before installation) and less efficient (15% to 17% on average). They also perform a bit worse in heat but still have a useful life that extends well beyond 20 years.

Monocrystalline vs. polycrystalline solar panels

Here's how the two most common solar panel types stack up.

MonocrystallinePolycrystallineAppearance Black and very sleek in appearance. The cells have square wafers with rounded cornersBlue in appearance. The cells are square-shaped without rounded corners.Efficiency Ranges from 17% to 22%.Ranges from 15% to 17%Temperature coefficient From -0.26% to -0.35% on the Celsius scale.Typically about -0.5%.Lifespan 25 years and longer25 years and longerCost $1 to $1.50 per watt, without considering installation.$.90 to $1 per watt, without considering installation.

Appearance

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but monocrystalline panels have a darker appearance that blends in better with most roofs. Polycrystalline panels look blue and stand out a bit more. There are differences in the shape of the actual cells, but those probably won't draw the eye as much as color.

Winner: Monocrystalline

The main difference in appearance between monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels is their color.

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Efficiency

Efficiency measures the amount of sunlight that a solar panel turns into electricity. The higher the number, the more efficient the system. Monocrystalline panels have an efficiency range from 17% to 22%, while the efficiency range for polycrystalline solar panels is from 15% to 17%.

Winner: Monocrystalline solar panels

Temperature coefficient

Temperature coefficient is a measure of how much less efficient a solar panel gets for every degree Celsius over 25 (77 degrees Fahrenheit) they get. The most popular monocrystalline models have temperature coefcifients that range from -.26% to -.35%. For polycrystalline solar panels, the rate is a bit worse. 

Winner: Monocrystalline solar panels

Lifespan

The amount of electricity produced by solar panels is reduced, or degrades, each year. This affects the panels' lifespans. For monocrystalline solar panels, you're likely to have about 85% of the initial output after 25 years, the length of a typical warranty. Many systems can last even longer. The degradation of polycrystalline solar panels is slightly worse, resulting in a steeper decline and shorter lifespan.

Winner: Monocrystalline solar panels

Cost

The cost of purchasing and installing solar panels depends on the number of panels you need, your average energy use, the output of the solar panels and the amount of sunshine at your home.

The average cost of a solar installation is somewhere between three and four dollars per watt, depending on your market. For the first time in a long time, the cost of solar panels actually increased in , thanks to inflation and lingering supply chain issues. Despite the volatility, polycrystalline solar panels will still be cheaper upfront, though you'll likely save less over the lifetime of your solar panels.

Winner: Polycrystalline solar panels

Best applications for monocrystalline vs polycrystalline solar panels

Monocrystalline panels are known for their higher efficiency and sleek, uniform black appearance. As such, homeowners tend to favor them because they're a bit prettier. Given their superior efficiency, they can generate more electricity from a smaller area, making them an excellent choice when your roof size is smaller.

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Additionally, monocrystalline panels' higher electricity yield means you'll save significant money on your electricity bills and get a higher return on your investment over time, likely part of the reason they're far more commonly installed in residential applications.

On the other hand, polycrystalline solar panels are a more cost-effective option for customers on a budget. They're best used on commercial buildings with a large roof size.

How to save on solar panels

Optivolt's Kalyanpur notes there are several creative ways to save money on your solar panel investment. Homeowners can take advantage of tax credits, grants or other local incentives that can significantly reduce the net cost of the solar system, irrespective of the type of solar panel chosen.

Any investment in a solar panel system requires a delicate balance between upfront costs, long-term savings, and the customer's unique situation. Polycrystalline panels are more affordable than monocrystalline panels, but you must contend with their lower electricity output.

Other types of solar panels

Thin-film solar panels are the third most popular type of solar panels. They are primarily used on solar farms and rarely for residential purposes due to their low efficiency ratio, ranging from 10% to 13%. They need a larger surface area to generate the same amount of electricity as monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels. Their lifespan typically ranges from 10 to 20 years.

Despite their relatively low efficiency and greater space requirements, thin-film panels have the best temperature coefficient, which makes them great for use in high-temperature locations with warmer climates. The price of thin-film solar panels ranges between $1 and $1.50 per watt.

The bottom line

When choosing between monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels, it's essential to understand the key differences of both types of solar panels and how those differences may impact the system's overall performance. Monocrystalline solar panels are better suited for residential uses and offer greater savings over a long period due to their higher efficiency rates. The downside is they cost more.

Polycrystalline panels, on the other hand, are slightly cheaper than monocrystalline panels but less efficient. You're likely to get monocrystalline solar panels if you work with a solar company since they're much more common. In a few cases, polycrystalline panels may make sense, though they're currently a much smaller portion of the residential panels out there.

Are monocrystalline solar panels the best choice?

Monocrystalline solar panels are the most common type of solar panel installed in residential contexts. They have higher efficiency ratings and longer lifespans than polycrystalline panels. Some people prefer the appearance of monocrystalline panels too.

What's the difference between monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels?

Monocrystalline solar panels are made from a single, pure silicon crystal, giving them a uniform, black appearance. They have a higher efficiency rate, typically between 17% and 22%. Polycrystalline solar panels are made from multiple silicon crystals melted together, resulting in a blueish hue and slightly lower efficiency rates, usually around 15% to 17%. They are also cheaper than monocrystalline solar panels.

What are some advantages of polycrystalline solar panels?

Polycrystalline solar panels are generally more affordable than their monocrystalline counterparts, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. They're a reliable energy source, although less efficient than their monocrystalline counterparts.

There are three main types of solar panels used in solar projects: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film.

Each kind of solar panel has different characteristics, thus making certain panels more suitable for different types of solar installations. 

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Luckily, we&#;ve created a complete guide to help you differentiate each type of panel, and help you decide which type is right for your home.

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Key takeaways

• There are three different types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin film.

• Monocrystalline solar panels are highly efficient and have a sleek design, but come at a higher price point than other solar panels.

• Polycrystalline solar panels are cheaper than monocrystalline panels, however, they are less efficient and aren&#;t as aesthetically pleasing.

• Thin film solar panels are the cheapest, but have the lowest efficiency rating and require a lot of space to meet your energy needs.

• The brand of solar panels and the solar installer you choose is far more important than which type of solar panel you install.

Three types of solar panels

1. Monocrystalline

Monocrystalline solar panels are the most popular solar panels used in rooftop solar panel installations today. 

Monocrystalline silicon solar cells are manufactured using something called the Czochralski method, in which a &#;seed&#; crystal of silicon is placed into a molten vat of pure silicon at a high temperature. 

This process forms a single silicon crystal, called an ingot, that is sliced into thin silicon wafers which are then used in the solar modules. 

2. Polycrystalline

Polycrystalline panels, sometimes referred to as &#;multicrystalline panels&#;, are popular among homeowners looking to install solar panels on a budget.

Similar to monocrystalline panels, polycrystalline panels are made of silicon solar cells. However, the cooling process is different, which causes multiple crystals to form, as opposed to one. 

Polycrystalline panels used on residential homes usually contain 60 solar cells. 

3. Thin-film

Thin film solar cells are mostly used in large-scale industrial and utility solar installations because of their lower efficiency ratings, but you can purchase portable thin-film solar panels from BougeRV. 

Thin film solar panels are made by depositing a thin layer of a photovoltaic substance onto a solid surface, like glass. Some of these photovoltaic substances include Amorphous silicon (a-Si), copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), and cadmium telluride (CdTe). Each of these materials creates a different &#;type&#; of solar panel, however, they all fall under the thin film solar cell umbrella.

During the manufacturing process, the photovoltaic substance forms a thin lightweight sheet that is, in some cases, flexible. 

Solar panel type by performance

Highest performance: Monocrystalline

Efficiency ratings of monocrystalline solar panels range from 17% to 22%, earning them the title of the most efficient solar panel type. The higher efficiency rating of monocrystalline panels makes them ideal for homes with limited roof space, as you&#;ll need fewer panels to generate the electricity you need. 

Monocrystalline solar panels have their manufacturing process to thank for being so efficient. Because monocrystalline solar cells are made of a single crystal of silicon, electrons are able to easily flow throughout the cell, increasing overall efficiency. 

Not only do monocrystalline panels have the highest efficiency ratings, they typically also have the highest power capacity ratings, as well. Most monocrystalline panels on the market today will have a power output rating of at least 320 watts, but can go up to around 375 watts or higher! 

Mid-tier performance: Polycrystalline

Polycrystalline panel efficiency ratings will typically range from 15% to 17%. The lower efficiency ratings are due to how electrons move through the solar cell. Because polycrystalline cells contain multiple silicon cells, the electrons cannot move as easily and as a result, decrease the efficiency of the panel. 

The lower efficiency of polycrystalline panels also means they tend to have a lower power output than monocrystalline panels, usually ranging between 240 watts and 300 watts. 300 watt solar panels aren't seen as often in residential applications, but some polycrystalline panels have power ratings above 300 watts. 

However, new technologies and manufacturing processes have given the efficiency and power ratings of polycrystalline panels a slight boost over the years, slowly closing the performance gap between mono and polycrystalline panels. 

Lowest performance: Thin-film

Thin-film solar panels have incredibly low efficiency ratings. As recently as a few years ago, thin-film efficiencies were in the single digits. Researchers have recently achieved 23.4% efficiency with thin film cell prototypes but thin-film panels that are commercially available generally have efficiency in the 10&#;13% range.

In order to meet your energy needs, you would need to install more thin-film panels over a large area to produce the same amount of electricity as crystalline silicon solar panels. This is why thin-film solar panels don&#;t really make sense for residential installations where space is limited. 

Fun fact! Thin film panels have the best temperature coefficients!

Despite having lower performance specs in most other categories, thin film panels tend to have the best temperature coefficient, which means as the temperature of a solar panel increases, the panel produces less electricity. The temperature coefficient tells you how much the power output will decrease by for every 1°C over 25°C the panel gets. 

The standard temperature coefficient for mono and polycrystalline panels typically falls somewhere between -0.3% and -0.5% per °C. Thin film panels, on the other hand, are around -0.2% per °C, meaning thin film panels are much better at handling the heat than other panel types. 

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Solar panel type by cost

Highest cost: Monocrystalline panels

Monocrystalline panels are the most expensive of the three types of solar panels because of their manufacturing process and higher performance abilities. 

However, as manufacturing processes and solar panel technology in general has improved, the price difference between monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels has shrunk considerably. According to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, monocrystalline solar panels now sell for just about $0.05 per watt higher than polycrystalline modules.

Mid-cost: Polycrystalline panels

Historically, polycrystalline panels have been the cheapest option for homeowners going solar, without majorly sacrificing panel performance. Low prices allowed polycrystalline panels to make up a significant market share in residential solar installations between and . 

But as we said earlier, the price gap between monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels is narrowing. Now, more homeowners are willing to pay a slightly higher price to get significantly better efficiency and power ratings from monocrystalline panels. 

Lowest cost: Thin-film panels

Thin film solar panels have the lowest cost of the solar panel types, largely because they are easier to install and require less equipment. However, they also have much lower performance abilities and require a substantial amount of space to generate enough electricity to power a home. 

Plus, thin film panels degrade much faster than other panel types, meaning they need to be replaced more often, which leads to more long-term recurring costs. 

Solar panel type by appearance

Most attractive: Thin film panels

Thin film panels have a clean, all-black look. Their thin design allows them to lie flat against roofs, so they are able to blend in more seamlessly. In fact, with some thin film panels, it&#;s hard to even see the individual cells within the panel. They also tend to have less wiring and busbars, meaning there&#;s less white space. 

However, because they are so inefficient, you would need to cover your entire roof in thin film panels - which may or may not be your style. 

Mid-tier appearance: Monocrystalline panels

Monocrystalline panels have a solid black appearance, making them pretty subtle on your roof. But, the way monocrystalline solar cells are shaped causes there to be quite a bit of white space on the panel. Some manufacturers have worked around this with black packing or shaping the cells differently, but these aesthetic changes can impact both the price and performance of the panels. 

Overall, monocrystalline panels still look sleek, but they&#;re a bit more pronounced than thin film panels. 

Worst appearance: Polycrystalline panels

Polycrystalline panels tend to stick out like a sore thumb. The process in which polycrystalline solar cells are manufactured causes the cells to have a blue, marbled look. This means each individual polycrystalline panel looks substantially different from the one next to it. Most homeowners aren&#;t too keen on the aesthetics of polycrystalline panels. 

Fun fact! Crystalline panels are more durable than thin film

Thin film panels tend to have lower wind and hail ratings than mono and polycrystalline panels. So, while thin film panels might look nice at first, one bad storm could cause significant damage. 

What is the best type of solar panel for your home?

Monocrystalline solar panels are the best solar panel type for residential solar installations. 

Although you will be paying a slightly higher price, you&#;ll get a system with a subtle appearance without having to sacrifice performance or durability. Plus, the high efficiency and power output ratings you get with monocrystalline panels can provide you with better savings over the lifetime of your system.

If you&#;re on a tight budget, polycrystalline panels might make more sense for you. We do not recommend thin film solar panels for residential installations - their performance and durability don&#;t make the low cost worth it, and it&#;s unlikely you&#;ll have nearly enough space to install the number of thin film panels you would need to cover your household electricity usage. 

Here&#;s a quick summary to help you choose the right one for your home!

Monocrystalline solar panels

• Characterized by smooth, black appearance and high-quality silicon

• Occupy less space and have a longer lifespan

• Formed through energy-intensive production process which generates a lot of waste

• Carry a higher price tag for installers and consumers

Polycrystalline solar panels

• Characterized by visible crystals, more scattered look, and lower-quality silicon

• Require slightly more space for producing the same amount of energy as black panels

• Less complicated production process with minimal waste production

• More affordable

Factors to consider besides solar panel type

There are two things we here at SolarReviews think are more important than solar PV cell type when choosing panels for your home: the brand of solar panels and finding the right solar installer. 

Going with a high-quality solar panel manufacturer ensures that you&#;re installing a great product on your roof, regardless of the type of panel it is. Our official ranking of the best home solar panel brands of can help you find what solar panels will work best on your roof without sacrificing quality. 

Regardless of which type of solar panel you choose, installing solar to power your home is a sustainable decision that has the following benefits:

• Reduces harmful emissions

• Get easy financing options for solar panel installation

• Claim sales and property tax exemptions

• Receive credits for surplus power production

And the most important of all, installing either type of panel will significantly lower your monthly energy bills.

Perhaps the most important thing to consider when going solar is the installer. A solar panel system will be on your roof for at least 25 years, so you need an installer you can trust for two-plus decades! We recommend local, reputable solar installers with high customer review scores, as they give the most personalized customer service on solar projects.

See what local solar installers are charging for solar panel installations

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