What are polycrystalline solar panels?

Polycrystalline solar panels (or poly panels) are made of individual polycrystalline solar cells. Just like monocrystalline solar cells, polycrystalline solar cells are made from silicon crystals. The difference is that, instead of being extruded as a single pure ingot, the silicon crystal cools and fragments on its own.

Why are polycrystalline solar panels more expensive than monocrystalline panels?

Manufacturing polycrystalline solar panels consume less energy and produce less waste than monocrystalline panels. This makes the monocrystalline solar panels costlier. Manufacturing monocrystalline solar panels is energy-intensive and they produce a lot more silicon waste than polycrystalline solar panels.

Should you choose a polycrystalline or monocrystalline solar panel?

Therefore, if space is a consideration, more efficient panel types might be a better choice. While the lifespan of a solar panel is significantly dependent on its maintenance and exposure to environmental stressors, in general, polycrystalline solar panels may not last as long as monocrystalline ones.

What are the disadvantages of polycrystalline solar panels?

However, the disadvantages of polycrystalline solar panels include the lower efficiency rate due to the less pure silicon used, and their appearance, which some consider less appealing due to the blue, speckled look of the panels. Polycrystalline solar panels, also known as multicrystalline, are a commonly chosen type of solar panel.

How are monocrystalline solar panels made?

Monocrystalline solar panels (or mono panels) are made from monocrystalline solar cells. Each cell is a slice of a single crystal of silicon that is grown expressly for the purpose of creating solar panels. In the lab, the crystal is grown into a cylindrical log shape called an ingot and is then sliced into thin discs.

How are polycrystalline solar panels made?

This manufacturing distinction gives polycrystalline panels a unique appearance that resembles a mosaic of different shades of blue. The production of polycrystalline solar panels involves several steps. It begins with the processing of raw silicon, which is extracted from silica, a plentiful and widely available resource.