Efficiency Of Monocrystalline And Polycrystalline Solar Panels

The efficiency of polycrystalline solar panels is somewhat lower but the benefit for customers is that this option is more affordable.

Efficiency of monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels.

Thin film technology costs less than mono or poly panels but is also less efficient. It is mainly used in large scale commercial applications. Polycrystalline solar panels generally have lower efficiencies than monocrystalline options but their advantage is a lower price point. However thanks to new technologies polycrystalline panels are now much closer in efficiency to monocrystalline solar panels than they have been in the past.

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. Polycrystalline panel efficiency ratings will typically range from 15 to 17. 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 panels are also made from silicon.

This crystal structure makes the efficiency rate of polycrystalline panels lower than monocrystalline panels. Monocrystalline solar cells are more efficient because they are cut from a single source of silicon. Polycrystalline solar cells are blended from multiple silicon sources and are slightly less efficient.