There’s a lot to consider when switching to solar, including which type of solar panel is best for your energy needs and aesthetic preferences. There are two main types of solar panels on the market: monocrystalline and polycrystalline. At Solaris Renewables, we only offer monocrystalline solar panels. Monocrystalline brands include Maxeon, Solaria, and CertainTeed, all of which we highly recommend due to their incredible functionalities. However, polycrystalline panels are a good fit for some. Keep reading to determine which is the best choice for you!
About Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Panels And Types of Solar Panels
Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels function by capturing sunlight and converting it to usable energy. Most solar systems in the United States are PV. There are two main types of PV solar panels: monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are considered PV as well, but they’re not as popular and don’t hold much market value. About 90% of solar panels installed in the US in 2021 were monocrystalline, and they continue to be the most popular option.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Makeup of Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Monocrystalline solar panels are created from a singular silicon cell. The silicon crystal begins as a cylinder shape, known as an ingot. The ingot is then sliced into very thin pieces, resembling discs. Manufacturers cut each disc along their edges to create an octagon, which allows more cells to fit on a singular panel. The single-cell design allows electrons to move more freely throughout, resulting in increased power production.
Efficiency of Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Monocrystalline solar panels are widely considered the highest quality on the market. Monocrystalline panels generally have an efficiency rate of about 20% (sometimes more), which is an incredibly strong score. This percentage means that monocrystalline panels can convert about 20% of the sunlight they’re receiving into electricity. This is a better efficiency rate than any other type of solar panel. Their unique single-silicon cell design allows electrons to flow more freely through the panel, prompting additional energy production. Maxeon solar panels, a leading monocrystalline option, have among the highest efficiency rates in the industry.
Durability of Monocrystalline Solar Panels
The typical lifespan on monocrystalline panels is typically 25 years or longer. Some even last over 40 years. This is because they’re designed using state-of-the-art materials that can withstand most types of wear and tear.
A temperature coefficient measures a solar panel’s productivity levels in warm temperatures. The closer to zero the percentage, the better. Monocrystalline panels have a temperature coefficient of about -0.25%-0.35% This means that they’re extremely heat-resistant. Monocrystalline also fares well in cold temperatures. Most monocrystalline panels – including Maxeon, Solaria, and CertainTeed – are designed to withstand elements such as snow, rain, hail, and more. Maxeon, for instance, is built using a copper foundation to prevent breakages from temperature fluctuations. Solaria solar panels can withstand over 100 pounds per square foot of snow, and they’re also well-known for being hail-resistant. All of our monocrystalline options are equipped with unique features that protect against other weather-related issues. All of our options are also designed to prevent common weather-related solar panel issues, such as microcracks, snail trails, hotspots, and more.
Appearance of Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Monocrystalline panels are typically black in color, adding aesthetics to the list of reasons we highly recommend them. They’re sleek and unimposing, designed to blend seamlessly with your home or commercial space. Because more solar cells fit on a singular panel, monocrystalline panels also don’t take up as much roof space.
Cost of Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Monocrystalline panels generally cost more than all other types of solar panels. Monocrystalline panels are made of pure silicon, as opposed to a mix of fragments, making them more attractive, durable, and efficient than other types of panels. They’re the most highly regarded panel on the market, resulting in higher demand and a slightly higher price. The production process also isn’t cheap, so manufacturing costs must be offset. However, you can count on monocrystalline panels to reliably power your space for about 40 years, which is one of the reasons why they’re so popular. You’re also eligible for solar incentives that will help reduce costs. This includes 30% off the total upfront cost of your solar system from the federal government. Certain states also offer specific incentives to their residents, such as Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and more. Depending on your utility company, you may also be eligible for net metering. If you’re enrolled in net metering, you’ll most likely earn enough credits to net meter your utility bill away entirely. Monocrystalline panels generate enough energy that you’ll most likely overproduce energy and gain net metering credits.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Solar Production of Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Polycrystalline panels are made of numerous silicon fragments melted together. The melted fragments are then shaped into cubes, which manufacturers then cut into wafers. The production process is generally considered “easier” than for monocrystalline panels.
Efficiency of Polycrystalline Solar Panels
The efficiency rating for polycrystalline solar panels is about 15%-17%. They don’t produce as much energy as monocrystalline panels for a few reasons. Their multiple-cell design doesn’t allow electrons (which are the source of energy production) to move as freely throughout the panel. Because polycrystalline cells are shaped into cubes (as opposed to octagons), manufacturers can’t fit as many cells on a panel. These cells are where sunlight is absorbed and then turned into energy, so the fewer cells there are on a panel, the less opportunity for energy production.
It’s not that polycrystalline panels can’t reliably power your home or commercial space, but they simply don’t function as efficiently as monocrystalline panels. You can still get many of the benefits of solar with polycrystalline.
Durability of Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Despite their decreased efficiency, polycrystalline panels generally have a lifespan of around 25 years. If properly maintained, they can last a long time.
Polycrystalline panels usually have a higher temperature coefficient than monocrystalline panels at closer to -0.3% / c to -1% / c. Again, the closer to zero the temperature coefficient, the higher the functionality in warm temperatures. Polycrystalline solar panels can generally withstand high temperatures, but not as well as monocrystalline panels do.
Polycrystalline panels are also durable in cold temperatures. If you do purchase polycrystalline panels, they’ll last you through the winter. Both monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels are fundamentally designed with the same material – silicon – which is known to withstand the cold.
Appearance of Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Polycrystalline panels are typically blue in color. They typically have a silver frame and a silver or white backsheet. They’re not known to be as attractive as monocrystalline panels, especially because the color blue tends to stand out on most roofs. The grids on polycrystalline panels are also more defined and noticeable. You won’t get the same sleek or blended look that monocrystalline solar panels offer.
Cost of Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Part of polycrystalline’s appeal is the lower cost. Polycrystalline panels have a lower cost because they’re not as high quality or as in demand as monocrystalline (partly because the silicon used in polycrystalline panels isn’t as pure). While polycrystalline panels cost less, it’s important to remember that you’ll save less money over time with polycrystalline panels versus monocrystalline because polycrystalline panels aren’t as effective or efficient. They don’t produce as much energy, and therefore you don’t have as much solar energy to use. If you’re enrolled in net metering, you also may earn fewer credits for this same reason. However, you will still be eligible for the same 30% federal tax credit and other incentives that you would get with monocrystalline panels.
Thin-Film Solar Panels
Thin-film solar panels use less material than standard panels. As the name suggests, they’re designed with thin layers of different materials instead of solely silicon cells, making them very lightweight. Thin-film solar panels also aren’t known to be very efficient, especially compared to standard solar panels. They are typically the lowest performance PV solar panel on the market. Thin-film panels aren’t all that popular, and monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels hold the biggest share of market value for solar panels.
Many thin-film solar panels are portable, which is one of their biggest appeals. Monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels can be moved if absolutely necessary, but they’re not designed to be portable, unlike thin-film panels. Thin-film panels are flexible and occasionally foldable for easier transport. Many RV owners use thin-film for their vehicles because these panels can be moved more easily than other types. Thin-film panels are generally more affordable than monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels because they don’t typically use as much silicon material as monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels vs. Polycrystalline Solar Panels: Which is Best for You?
We entirely recommend monocrystalline solar panels. They’re the most efficient and durable option on the market, and you’ll get better results than with polycrystalline or thin-film panels. If you’re purchasing solar for a home or small commercial space, monocrystalline panels would be an especially great choice for you. The investment is worth it, especially considering the many solar incentives available. Solar panels are visible on most regular-sized buildings, so passerbyers will probably be able to see them from the street. Monocrystalline panels are considered far more attractive than other types. If you have limited roof space, monocrystalline panels can generate more electricity using fewer panels.They are significantly more efficient than polycrystalline panels.
Polycrystalline panels are cheaper in both cost and quality. However, you’re most likely not going to get the best results because of their lower efficiency rating. Since polycrystalline panels aren’t known to be as aesthetically pleasing as monocrystalline panels, some solar users purchase them for taller commercial buildings where the panels wouldn’t be visible from the street. This allows purchasers to save money without being concerned about aesthetics. However, it’s important to note that polycrystalline solar panels often don’t have the same long warranties as monocrystalline panels. Most monocrystalline panels have warranties of about 25-30 years, while polycrystalline panels can have warranties as low as 12-15 years. They’re also not as efficient. If you’re looking for the most reliable and powerful option for your home or commercial space, polycrystalline panels aren’t the best option for you.
Thin-film is typically the lowest performance PV solar panel. There aren’t many cases in which they have significant advantages, and they’re rarely the best choice for homeowners or business owners.
Overall, monocrystalline is the clear winner in most departments, but it’s still important to be educated on the different types of solar panels. While polycrystalline and thin-film are useful in their own rights, monocrystalline panels are the highest quality on the market. Contact us today to get started on your monocrystalline solar panel installation!
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