MONO CRYSTALLINE OR POLY CRYSTALLINE SOLAR PANEL; WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE? WHICH ONE SHOULD I CHOOSE?
- rentechsyst
- Jun 9, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 20, 2024
Manufacturers of panels offer these two types of panels and there’s a lot of misunderstanding about the differences between these two types and the advantages and disadvantages of each type.
Well to start with, both panels operate on the same principle (please refer to our earlier post “Do solar panels work in winter…” if you missed it). Both panels are commonly made from silicone cells with the difference being in method of manufacture of the cells. Mono-crystalline panels are made from one single crystal of silicone (as the prefix “mono” suggests meaning “one”) poly-crystalline solar cells are made from several silicone fragments (from many sources) that are joined by melting them together.
Ok, enough of the technical jargon :) How do the two compare in terms of performance?
· Efficiency: Mono-crystalline panels typically have higher efficiencies, between 15-21.5% as they are manufactured from single high quality crystals [1]. However currently poly-crystalline panels are in some instances, now matching this efficiency (check the efficiencies of our JA and Canadian Poly panels) [5]
Space utilisation: relatively high efficiency of mono-panels results in a better energy yield per square meter compared to poly-panels. This is particularly advantageous for large installations with many panels, and where space might be a challenge.
Cost: mono-crystalline panels are relatively more expensive compared to poly. However the cost of mono-panels has been falling over the years due to improvements in the manufacturing process, and prices are now almost the same
Overall Manufacturing Process: advances in manufacturing processes in recent years have made the two types of panels reasonably comparable and competitive
Overall Performance: Mono-Crystalline panels are said to perform slightly better in warm temperature climates and low light areas [4] (Note Zimbabwe’s winter is classified as “low temperature, and high light [2].. with summer classified as “high temperature, high light”[3]). Mono panels have higher efficiencies in “hotter” conditions though the difference is small, especially for domestic installations. Difference in performance is seen only in winter; with Monos gving about 15-20% better performance compared to Poly
So clearly Mono panels have an edge over popy panels. The benefits of mono-crystalline over poly-crystalline are realised more as the installation size gets bigger.
The more important questions should be:
(i) Which are the good brands available??. Look for the ones that focus on high quality manufacturing processes ,have a reputation to protect, have been tested and certified by independent bodies and offer you a warranty for their products
(ii) Who will design and install my system??- no matter how good the panel and system components are it’s very important that you get the right installer who understands the solar system and can install it within recommended practices otherwise you might even risk losing your products’ warranties and performance if installation is not done right.
SOURCES:
1. https://energyinformative.org/best-solar-panel-monocrystalline-polycrystalline-thin-film/
3. International Conference on Alternative Energy in Developing Countries and Emerging Economies. (2017) Study on Isolated Solar Home Systems for Application in Zimbabwe. Available at https://pdf.sciencedirectassets.com
About Author:
Lovewell Chitiyo is a Mechanical Engineer with 15 years experience in the building services Engineering consultancy, renewable energy systems and sustainable design fields. He is currently studying Masters in Renewable Energy at Stellenbosch University in South Africa
Lovewell is an Accredited Professional with the Green Building Council of South Africa for Existing Buildings Performance and New Buildings; Interiors, holding several qualifications and certification in Renewable Energy and Sustainability.
Lovewell also has vast experience in design, supervision, installation and commissioning of several projects locally and regionally in the last 15 years.
Comments