While the efficiency of polycrystalline panels has improved over the years, they still lag behind monocrystalline panels. They have an efficiency rate that usually hovers around 15-17%. On the other hand, monocrystalline solar panels can achieve efficiencies north of 20%.
The cost of monocrystalline silicon solar panels has always been higher than polycrystalline. That is because of the higher production cost of monocrystalline silicon. In fact, monocrystalline silicon itself is produced from polycrystalline silicon, so naturally, the former will always be more expensive than the latter.
Yes, you can technically use polycrystalline and monocrystalline solar panels together for the same property. However, it’s not common to do this – nor is it recommended, since it requires a more complicated electrical set up.
However, the disadvantages of polycrystalline solar panels include the lower efficiency rate due to the less pure silicon used, and their appearance, which some consider less appealing due to the blue, speckled look of the panels. Polycrystalline solar panels, also known as multicrystalline, are a commonly chosen type of solar panel.
Monocrystalline solar panels typically have a longer lifespan than polycrystalline solar panels, but only by a few years. Both types of solar panels will last over 25 years – but monocrystalline panels can last up to 40 years, while polycrystalline panels can usually make it to 35 years.
Monocrystalline solar panels cost around 20% more than polycrystalline solar panels. On average, monocrystalline solar panels cost £350 per square metre (m²), or £703 to buy and install a 350-watt (W) panel. Polycrystalline panels, on the other hand, cost around £280 per m², or £562 for a 350 W panel.
Use solar for 10 years: If you want to use solar panels only for 5-10 years and not planning to use them for 25 years, then go for the cheapest polycrystalline solar panel as they produce almost same power and they are definitely not going to …