Multicrystalline photovoltaic panel installation

What are polycrystalline solar panels?

Polycrystalline solar panels have blue-colored cells made of multiple silicon crystals melted together. These panels are often a bit less efficient but are more affordable. Homeowners can receive the federal solar tax credit no matter what type of solar panels they choose.

Are monocrystalline solar panels better than polycrystalline panels?

Monocrystalline panels are usually more efficient than polycrystalline panels. However, they also usually come at a higher price. When you evaluate solar panels for your photovoltaic (PV) system, you'll encounter two main categories of panels: monocrystalline solar panels (mono) and polycrystalline solar panels (poly).

How are monocrystalline solar panels made?

Monocrystalline solar panels (or mono panels) are made from monocrystalline solar cells. Each cell is a slice of a single crystal of silicon that is grown expressly for the purpose of creating solar panels. In the lab, the crystal is grown into a cylindrical log shape called an ingot and is then sliced into thin discs.

How are polycrystalline solar panels made?

This manufacturing distinction gives polycrystalline panels a unique appearance that resembles a mosaic of different shades of blue. The production of polycrystalline solar panels involves several steps. It begins with the processing of raw silicon, which is extracted from silica, a plentiful and widely available resource.

How much does a polycrystalline solar panel cost?

Poly panels are cheaper to produce and are in less demand within the residential solar industry. Typically, a polycrystalline panel costs around $0.75-$1 per watt. One of the main disadvantages of polycrystalline panels is that, due to their lower efficiency, they require more space to produce the same output as monocrystalline panels.

What is a polycrystalline panel?

Polycrystalline panels provide a balanced combination of efficiency, affordability, and durability, making them a popular choice for commercial and industrial uses. The term polycrystalline is derived from its cell structure, which contains multiple (“poly”) silicon crystals (“crystalline”).