Efficiency Of Monocrystalline And Polycrystalline Solar Panels

Monocrystalline panel efficiencies can range from 17 to 22.

Efficiency of monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels.

Because monocrystalline solar cells are made out of a single crystal of silicon electrons are able to flow easier through the cell which makes the pv cell. In addition when you seek polycrystalline solar panels for sale the sellers may highlight the blue hue of these panels compared to the monocrystalline panels black hue. The average efficiency of solar panels falls between the 17 to 19 percent efficiency range. Polycrystalline refers to the makeup of the solar cells in each type of panel.

Because there are many crystals in each cell there is less freedom for the electrons to move. There is a third type of solar technology called thin film panels which are usually deployed for large scale utility projects and some specialty applications. The majority of solar panels deployed today are made from either monocrystalline or polycrystalline solar cells. Monocrystalline solar panels usually have the highest efficiency and power capacity out of all types of solar panels.

As a result polycrystalline solar panels have lower efficiency ratings than monocrystalline panels. Polycrystalline solar panels are also referred to as multi crystalline or many crystal silicon. This makes monocrystalline solar panels suitable for places where there is a space crunch and more. You would need a much larger array of polycrystalline panels to produce the same amount of energy than if you used monocrystalline which may not work for households with limited roof space.

Polycrystalline panels have about 13 to 16 efficiency while monocrystalline panels have an efficiency rate of anywhere from 15 to 20. Monocrystalline panels are more power efficient than the polycrystalline ones due to their structural difference. The efficiency of polycrystalline solar panels is somewhat lower but the benefit for customers is that this option is more affordable. Roof space the higher the efficiency of the panel the less of them you will need to make up an entire system.

For instance a polycrystalline 100 watt solar panel can give you efficiency at the rate of 17 maximum while its monocrystalline counterpart at the same rating can deliver up to 19. The price of a monocrystalline panel ranges from 200 to 300 which mainly depends on the quality and size of a solar panel.