Monocrystalline v. Polycrystalline: What Difference?

Once you’ve browsed through a few stores to look for new solar panels, you will notice that there are two varieties of solar panel cells: monocrystalline and polycrystalline. At first glance the only apparent difference between the two cells are color; monocrystalline cells have a black hue, while polycrystalline cells have a blue hue. The difference in these panels, however, goes far beyond color and deep into scientific explanation. A monocrystalline cell consists of a single crystal ingot, whereas a polycrystalline cell consists of a growth containing multiple crystal structures. Both types of cells are made from silicon ingots, but the purity requirement of the silicon is higher on a monocrystalline base. Therefore, monocrystalline panels are more efficient, and thus, more expensive. By using a single cell, monocrystalline based silicon allows the electron greater freedom to move, so less energy is lost and higher efficiency is created. Most monocrystalline cells peak at 22% efficiency, whereas most polycrystalline cells peak at 18% efficiency. As polycrystalline cells are less expensive, they are often the top choice of large-scale contractors working within a budget. Monocrystalline solar panels, on the other hand, are usually the top choice of consumer solar users. Browse the full selection of solar panels on Renogy-store.com to choose which panel is right for you.