Solar panels are made up of smaller units that are called solar cells. The most common solar cells are made from silicon, a semiconductor that is the second most abundant element on Earth. In a solar cell, crystalline silicon is sandwiched between conductive layers. Each silicon atom is connected to its neighbors by four strong bonds, which keep the electrons in place so no current can flow.
Did you know that 173 thousand of terawatts of solar energy are intercepted by the Earth every year? That’s ten thousand times more power than the planet’s population uses. So it is possible in the future that one day the world could completely rely on solar energy. If you want to install solar panels at your place, Ur Local Solar is one of the best solar companies in Adelaide.
When you’re evaluating solar panels for your photovoltaic (PV) system, you’ll find two main categories of panels: monocrystalline solar panels (mono) and polycrystalline solar panels (poly). Both types of panels generate energy from the sun, but there are some key differences to be aware of.
What are monocrystalline solar panels (mono) and polycrystalline solar panels (poly)?
Both monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels serve the same function in the overall solar PV system, they capture energy from the sun and turn it into electricity. Both monocrystalline solar panels and polycrystalline solar panels are good choices for your home.
- Monocrystalline Solar Panels (mono)
A monocrystalline solar panel is a solar panel that consists of monocrystalline solar cells. These cells are made from cylindrical silicon ingots grown from a single crystal of high-purity silicon, similar to semiconductors. These cells have a unique appearance due to their octagonal shape.
- Polycrystalline Solar Panels (poly)
Polycrystalline solar panels are solar panels that contain multiple crystals of silicon in a single PV cell. Several pieces of silicon are melted together to form polycrystalline solar panel wafers. These solar panels are square and have a shining blue color as they are made up of many crystals of silicon.
Compared Monocrystalline Solar Panels (mono) & Polycrystalline Solar Panels (poly) on key metrics:-
| Monocrystalline Solar Panels | Polycrystalline Solar Panels | |
| Cost | More expensive | Less expensive |
| Efficiency | More efficient | Less efficient |
| Aesthetics | Solar cells are Black | Solar cells are blue |
| Lifespan | 25+ years | 25+ years |
| Temperature coefficient | Lower temperature coefficient / more effective when the temperature changes. | Higher temperature coefficient / less effective when the temperature changes. |
- Cost:-
Monocrystalline solar panels are more expensive than polycrystalline solar panels when comparing individual panels. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t be the best option for you. The main factor that determines the price difference between these two solar panels is the silicon structure. When manufacturing monocrystalline panels, the solidification of silicon must be very carefully controlled, which is a more complex process and makes single-crystal solar cells more expensive. Apart from this, the cost of the inverter, wiring, electrical protection, racking, and labor is the same for both solar panels. If you want to install solar panels at the cheapest rates, Ur Local Solar is one of the most affordable best solar installers in Adelaide.
- Efficiency:-
Now we all know that monocrystalline solar panels are more efficient than polycrystalline solar panels because monocrystalline panels are cut from a single crystal of silicon, which makes it easier for electricity to move through the panel. And this made monocrystalline solar panels more expensive than polycrystalline solar panels. If you want to install commercial solar systems for your place, contact Ur Local Solar and get the best solar installers in adelaide.
- Aesthetics:-
The main difference in aesthetics between these two Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline types of solar panels is that monocrystalline panels are usually black, while polycrystalline panels are blue.
- Lifespan:-
Both solar panels, monocrystalline solar panels & polycrystalline solar panels are similar in terms of lifespan. Both panels will produce electricity efficiently for 25 years or more.
- Temperature coefficient:-
A panel’s temperature coefficient is an important measure of how well it performs in hot temperatures. As with efficiency, monocrystalline solar panels outperform polycrystalline solar panels when it comes to temperature coefficient. So monocrystalline solar panels have a better track record at higher temperatures.
Saving money is one of the best reasons to go solar, and whether you choose mono or poly solar panels, you’ll reduce your electricity bill. If you too want to go solar and reduce your electricity bill, Ur Local Solar is one of the best Residential solar panel installation in Adelaide.