Solar panels are of three types – mono, poly, and thin-film, with mono and poly panels being the most common ones. Both monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels have the same functionality that is to produce electricity by absorbing sunlight. However, there are a few key differences that differentiate these two types of panels. In this article, we will discuss the mono vs poly panels and decide which one is better than the other.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels:
The monocrystalline solar panels are usually considered premium panels. The key benefits of installing mono panels are high efficiency and sleek aesthetics. Silicon is moulded into bars and cut into wafers in order to make mono solar cells. These panels are called monocrystalline solar panels to indicate the fact that the silicon used in making the mono panels is single crystal silicon.
Monocrystalline panels are known to have a higher efficiency than polycrystalline panels as the solar cell is composed by using a single crystal. The electrons that generate the electricity in the panels have more space to move due to the solar cell being made out of single-crystal silicon.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels:
The polycrystalline panels have a lower efficiency than monocrystalline panels, but the key advantage of the poly panels is that they are low cost solar panels. Poly panels are also formed using silicon, but they are made of different fragments of silicon. Solar panel manufacturers melt various silicon fragments to form panel wafers.
Due to the use of various silicon fragments, the poly panels are called multi-crystalline or many-crystal silicon. Poly panels have low efficiency as the electrons do not have much space to move. This is because of the use of multiple silicon fragments.
Mono vs Poly Solar Panels:
In order to choose which panel type is better than the other, let us evaluate the key differences between the mono and poly solar panels:
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Price:
Monocrystalline panels are more costly in comparison to polycrystalline panels. One of the key advantages of poly panels is that they are more affordable than mono panels. In order to choose the right type of solar panels for your home, make sure that you analyse the costs and fix a budget.
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Efficiency:
Monocrystalline panels have a higher efficiency rating compared to polycrystalline panels as they are formed using high quality single-crystal silicone. There is minimal resistance in the mono panels, which increases their efficiency. Poly panels have a lower efficiency rating due to their reduced silicon purity.
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Lifespan:
Lifespan is an important factor to consider when it comes to choosing a solar panel type for your home. Manufacturers of mono panels offer a product warranty of 25 years due to the lifespan of the product. Poly panels also have a product warranty of 25 years. Thus, we can conclude that there is not much difference in the lifespan of these two panel types. However, the warranty period offered on a solar panel depends on the manufacturer.
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Aesthetics:
Whether the physical appearance of the solar panels is attractive or not depends on the personal choice of the individuals. But according to many people, the poly solar panels’ blue hue is not appealing to the eye. And therefore, the majority of people prefer the mono panels as they are aesthetically desirable due to their black hue and appearance uniform.
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Temperature Coefficient:
Mono panels offer a higher efficiency rating in the warm Australian weather due to the high temperature coefficient of the panels. As temperature rises, a degradation of electricity output occurs in solar panels. The output degradation of mono panels in high temperatures is less than poly panels. Consider the temperature coefficient of the solar panels carefully if you live in a warmer region.
Poly vs Mono Solar Panels: Which is better?
Comparing and considering the pros and cons of the solar panel types helps customers to make their decisions. In addition, there are a few factors that enable customers to choose which solar panel type is better for them:
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Personal preferences:
If the colour and appearance of the solar panels you install matter to you, then you must consider the aesthetics of both the poly and mono solar panels. The mono panels will be darker in colour, while the poly panels will have a blue shade. Consider the type of solar panels the manufacturer specialises in if you have a preferred solar manufacturer.
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Limitation of Roof Space:
You must consider a highly efficient solar panel if you have a limitation of available roof space in order to maximise the energy output of the panels. In this case, mono panels will be a better choice than poly panels. However, if you have sufficient space available on your roof, then you should go for the more economically friendly option, which is poly panels.
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Amount of Snow, Shade, and Dust:
Expert studies show that mono panels are likely to break down if they are marginally covered in snow or dust or if they are partially shaded. On the other hand, poly panels are more resilient in such weather conditions. Poly panel is a more suitable choice for homeowners living in areas with high snow or dust or if the roof is partially shaded.
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Financing:
Installing solar panels is a costly investment, and the budget differs from customer to customer. In such cases, the customers compare the cost of the panels and choose the one that offers good performance at a reasonable price. Poly panels are a popular choice among homeowners who are looking for good performing panels within a stiff budget.
Conclusion:
Every home deserves the best solar technology offered in today’s date at an affordable price. You have the independence of choosing the solar panel type you think is more suitable for you and your home. Compare between mono and poly panels on your own to decide the right one for your home.
