Monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels are both made using silicon solar cells, but they differ in terms of performance, appearance, and price. We’ve summed up the key differences between the two in the following table: * Estimated using a 350 watt (W), 2 m², monocrystalline panel as the basis for calculation
Solar cells for monocrystalline panels are produced with silicon wafers (the silicon is first formed into bars and then it is sliced into thin wafers). The panel derives its name “mono” because it uses single-crystal silicon. As the cell is constituted of a single crystal, it provides the electrons more space to move for a better electricity flow.
Polycrystalline solar panel manufacturers melt multiple silicon fragments together to produce the wafers for these panels. For this reason, they are called “poly” or multi crystalline. The electrons in each cell will have less space to move because of many crystals in a cell.
Here are a few applications of monocrystalline solar panels. The array of monocrystalline cells can charge rural homes and are a reliable home backup solution. When used as standalone panels, they are ideal for street lightning. What Is The Polycrystalline Solar Panel?
Having a single-crystal structure means the electrons that produce electricity have more room to move around, making monocrystalline solar cells highly efficient. This increased efficiency also means that monocrystalline panels can easily achieve a higher power output than polycrystalline panels, using fewer cells.
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.