Monocrystalline, Polycrystalline & Thin-Film

Also referred to as “multi-crystalline” panels, Polycrystalline are often considered the mid-range panel. Although less efficient, Polycrystalline Solar panels are the more affordable option.

Just like monocrystalline solar panels, polycrystalline cells are made from silicon. However, as the name suggests, polycrystalline cells are made from many (Poly) fragments of silicon crystal melted together. For this reason, Polycrystalline solar panels have a lower efficiency and short lifespan. Meaning they don’t generate as much electricity from the sun compared to Monocrystalline panels for as long either. This is because there is less freedom for the electrons to move, as there are many crystals in each cell.

Polycrystalline panels are made by melting raw silicon together, and pouring it into a square mould to make wafers. Unlike their Monocrystalline rivals, polycrystalline cells do not require each of the four sides to be cut. This is better for the environment as it results in less waste. Overall the process is faster and cheaper than manufacturing monocrystalline panels. These wafers are then assembled together to form a polycrystalline panel.

Polycrystalline cells can be identified by their blue finish, rectangular shape and speckles. They appear blue and speckled, as they contain many crystals in each cell and because of the way the sunlight reflects off these crystals.