Question

What is difference between monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panel?

Answer 1

Monocrystalline Solar Cells=

The monocrystalline solar cells are also known as single crystalline cells. They are incredibly easy to identify because they are a dark black in colour. Monocrystalline cells are made from an incredibly pure form of silicon, which makes them the most efficient material for the conversion of sunlight into energy.

Additionally, monocrystalline cells are also the most space-efficient form of silicon solar cell. They also have the advantage of being the ones that last the longest out of all the silicon-based solar cells. In fact, many manufacturers will offer warranties of up to 25 years on this type of system – a warranty that lasts half of their expected life.

However, while these systems are superior, they do come at quite a hefty price. Monocrystalline cells are the most expensive option out of all of the silicon solar cell types, mostly because the four-sided cutting system results in a large amount of waste. Polycrystalline acts as a cheaper alternative.

Here are some of the advantages of monocrystalline solar cells:

They have the highest level of efficiency at 15-20%

They require less space compared to other types due to their high efficiency

Manufacturers state that this form of solar cell lasts the longest, with most giving them a 25-year warranty

They perform better in low levels of sunlight, making them ideal for cloudy areas

Here are some of the disadvantages to monocrystalline solar cells:

They are the most expensive solar cells on the market, and so not in everyone’s price range

The performance levels tend to suffer from an increase in temperature. However, it is a small loss when compared to other forms of solar cell

There is a lot of waste material when the silicon is cut during manufacture

 

Polycrystalline Solar Cells=

The polycrystalline solar cells are also known as polysilicon and multi-silicon cells. They were the first solar cells to be developed when the industry started in the 1980s. Most interestingly, polycrystalline cells do not undergo the same cutting process as the monocrystalline cells. Instead, the silicon is melted and then poured into a square mould. This is what creates the specific shape of the polycrystalline.

One of the benefits of this process is that the solar cells become much more affordable. This is because hardly any silicon is wasted during the manufacturing process. However, they are less efficient than monocrystalline solar cells, and also require a lot more space. This is due to the fact that they have lower levels of purity than the single crystalline cell models.

Polycrystalline also has a lower tolerance for heat than monocrystalline. This means that they are unable to function as efficiently in high temperatures. This can be a massive disadvantage in areas with hot climates.

Here are some of the advantages of polycrystalline solar cells:

The manufacturing process is cheaper and easier than the monocrystalline cells

It avoids silicon waste

Here are some of the disadvantages to polycrystalline solar cells:

High temperatures have less negative effects on efficiency compared with monocrystalline cells. This makes the polycrystalline cells more attractive to people in warmer areas as the price is lower

Efficiency is only around 13-16% due to low levels of silicon purity. So they are not the most efficient on the market

They have lower output rates which make them less space efficient. So more roof space is needed for installation