Solar panels monocrystalline silicon and polycrystalline silicon

What is a monocrystalline solar panel?

Monocrystalline solar panels have black-colored solar cells made of a single silicon crystal and usually have a higher efficiency rating. However, these panels often come at a higher price. Polycrystalline solar panels have blue-colored cells made of multiple silicon crystals melted together.

What is a polycrystalline solar cell?

Polycrystalline solar cells are also called "multi-crystalline" or many-crystal silicon. Polycrystalline solar panels generally have lower efficiencies than monocrystalline cell options because there are many more crystals in each cell, meaning less freedom for the electrons to move.

Why are polycrystalline solar panels better than monocrystalline panels?

Polycrystalline solar panels generally have lower efficiencies than monocrystalline cell options because there are many more crystals in each cell, meaning less freedom for the electrons to move. Due to the easier manufacturing process, these panels have a lower price point on average.

How are monocrystalline solar cells made?

Monocrystalline silicon solar cells are manufactured using something called the Czochralski method, in which a ‘seed’ crystal of silicon is placed into a molten vat of pure silicon at a high temperature. This process forms a single silicon crystal, called an ingot, that is sliced into thin silicon wafers which are then used in the solar modules.