Monocrystalline vs. Polycrystalline Solar Panels: 2023 Guide

The type of solar panels you choose determine your system's overall performance and cost-saving potential. Monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels are the most popular options from top solar companies. Although they both work well with home solar systems, their efficiency, appearance and long-term benefits differ. We at the Guides Home Team have created this comprehensive guide to help you compare the pros and cons of monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels.

Monocrystalline and polycrystalline photovoltaic (PV) panels are the two most popular types of solar panels for homes. They’re made from pure silicon, a chemical element that's one of the most common materials available on Earth. Its semiconductor properties make it an excellent choice for solar cell technologies since it helps absorb sunlight for power conversion. After absorbing the sunlight, PV cells convert the energy into usable electricity. Both monocrystalline (mono) and polycrystalline (poly) panels use crystalline silicon cells. However, the way these cells are manufactured differ for each type of panel.

The "mono" in monocrystalline refers to the process of using a single silicon crystal during production. The crystal is processed in a lab and molded into a cylinder-like shape called an ingot. Solar panel manufacturers cut silicon ingots into thin discs, or silicon wafers, shaved to form octagons to fit more ingots into a panel. These wafers are then formed into photovoltaic cells and inserted into the panel modules.

Using single crystals provides higher efficiency than other solar panels, resulting in better power production for your home. However, the production process is expensive, so monocrystalline panels cost more. The process also creates an excess of wasted silicon material that can't be reused for mono panels.

Polycrystalline solar cells are composed of multiple fragmented silicon crystals. These fragments sometimes include the wasted silicon from the mono panel process. The silicon pieces are melted together to form polycrystalline solar cells. These multi-crystalline cells are formed and sliced into thin cubes.

Silicon fragments are prone to surface imperfections, resulting in reduced efficiency. However, their silicon wafers are easier to produce at a lower price. Plus, leftover crystals from the monocrystalline production process can be reused, reducing silicon material costs. This makes polycrystalline panels less expensive.

Monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels differ across various factors, including overall cost, appearance and efficiency. Below is an overview of how the differences between these panels might impact your solar panel system.

The manufacturing process has the biggest impact on solar panel costs. Monocrystalline panels have a complex production process and use higher-quality materials. Polycrystalline panels are produced with lower-quality silicon cells, some of which are recycled from the monocrystalline production process. These savings translate to lower costs. Additional components of the solar panel installation process, including the inverters and wiring, cost the same for both panel options.

Your selected panel type can also influence your system's payback period, typically six to 10 years. With more efficient mono panels, your system will convert more energy, leading to better solar power production for your home. Since solar power costs less than expensive fossil fuels, those savings could speed up your payback period. Polycrystalline panels don't offer those same long-term savings, so they won't decrease your payback period.

An important difference between mono and poly panels is their efficiency rating. Solar panel efficiency expresses how much sunlight the panel can absorb and convert into electricity. For example, a solar panel with a 15% efficiency rating can absorb and convert 15% of the sunlight it receives. Polycrystalline panels have an average efficiency of 13% to 16%. Monocrystalline panels’ efficiency ranges from 15% to 23%.

Many homeowners have a personal preference regarding their solar panels’ appearance. If preserving your home's aesthetics is important to you, monocrystalline panels might be a better option. These panels are black and blend better with most roof types. Polycrystalline panels have a blue hue, making them more noticeable on rooftops.

Roof space is another key factor when choosing between mono and poly panels. Since mono solar panels are more efficient, they convert sunlight at a better rate. Thus, homeowners need fewer monocrystalline panels to power their homes effectively. These panels are a great choice for homes with less roof space.

The opposite is true for poly solar panels. Due to their lower efficiency rating, you’ll need more panels to meet your home energy needs. You’ll also need ample roof space to accommodate these additional panels.

Most crystalline solar panels have a life span of about 25 years. This corresponds with the length of a typical solar panel warranty. However, your panels can last longer than the manufacturer's 25-year warranty with regular maintenance. Polycrystalline panels can last 25 to 35 years, while monocrystalline panels can last up to 40 years.

Although panels can last for decades, they lose their efficiency over time. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy, solar panels have an average degradation rate of 0.5% per year. This is how much they drop in power output and wattage. High-efficiency panels have a higher wattage and efficiency, so a degradation drop isn't as impactful. A drop in performance can have a significant impact on lower-efficiency panels.

Manufacturers test solar panels’ performance in Standard Test Conditions (STC) of 77 degrees Fahrenheit. The panels remain at peak efficiency between 59 degrees Fahrenheit and 95 degrees Fahrenheit, but anything outside of this range will cause a drop in efficiency.

The amount a panel will decrease power production when exposed to extreme temperatures is represented by its temperature coefficient. The higher the temperature coefficient, the worse a panel will perform in extreme weather. Monocrystalline panels have a low temperature coefficient and perform well under extreme temperatures. Polycrystalline panels have a higher temperature coefficient and typically decrease performance in hot climates.

You can save on installation costs by taking advantage of solar incentives and credits. For example, the federal solar tax credit allows customers to receive a tax reduction equal to 30% of their solar panel installation costs. This credit is applied toward your federal tax liability when you file.

State and local credits, rebates and tax exemptions provide additional savings. You may also have access to net-metering programs, which allow you to sell your excess solar energy for credits on your future bills or end-of-the-year payouts. We recommend visiting the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) for an up-to-date listing of solar incentives in your area.

Thin-film solar panels are an alternative to crystalline panels. They use thin layers of PV materials, providing more flexibility and offering a more low-profile appearance than traditional panels. However, they have low efficiency ratings of 8% to 14%. They’re also not as durable as crystalline panels and have an average life span of 10 to 20 years. Thin-film solar panels work best for small solar projects that require lower power production, such as a small shed or garage that needs independent power from the rest of your house.

The type of solar panels you install affect your system performance, energy production and payback period. Monocrystalline panels cost more but provide higher efficiency and better performance in extreme temperatures. They also have a more inconspicuous design and require fewer panels for installation.

Polycrystalline panels are more cost-effective but have lower efficiency ratings and require more roof space Their blue color makes them more noticeable and could impact your home's curb appeal.

We recommend getting quotes from at least three solar companies and comparing their solar panel selections. Check their efficiency ratings, life span, warranty coverage and pricing. We’ve provided a tool below to help you start your solar journey.

Yes, monocrystalline solar panels are the best choice due to their high efficiency rating and higher power capacity per square foot.

Monocrystalline solar panels offer better efficiency because they’re produced from pure silicon. They have a sleek, black color and produce more power per square foot but are more expensive. Polycrystalline solar panels use multi-crystalline silicon, which results in lower efficiency. Polycrystalline systems require more panels to power your home effectively and have a noticeable blue hue, but they’re more affordable.

Polycrystalline panels are more affordable than monocrystalline panels because they have a simpler production process. By using multi-crystalline solar cells, these panels generate less waste and can use excess silicone from monocrystalline panel manufacturing. They offer long-term energy savings and have efficiency ratings between 13% and 16%.

Tamara Jude is a writer specializing in solar energy and home improvement content. She has a background in journalism and an enthusiasm for research, with more than six years of experience producing and writing content. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, attending concerts and playing video games.

Angela Bunt is an accomplished editor with more than a decade of experience writing, producing and editing content. She has a breadth of knowledge spanning the home, travel, music and health industries, and she is a proud New Hampshire homeowner. In her spare time, Angela enjoys live music, watching the Real Housewives and hanging out with her dog, Jim.