Monocrystalline vs. Polycrystalline Solar Panels (2024 Guide)

Sharon Wu is a contributing writer at USA TODAY Homefront. With a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of California, San Diego, she combines her research skills with insights from interviewing industry experts to create helpful, authoritative content. Sharon strives to empower readers to make smart decisions about their homes. She has written about home security, moving and home warranties and insurance for publications such as CNN Underscored, ConsumerAffairs and Switchful. When not writing, Sharon enjoys barre classes, car shows and beach outings with her two pugs. She is based in Encinitas, California.

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Monocrystalline panels offer higher efficiency but cost more upfront.

Polycrystalline panels are cheaper but less efficient and need more space.

Consider energy needs, available space and long-term value when choosing between panel types.

Monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels, two popular solar panel types, have key differences that can impact your energy production and savings. Monocrystalline panels, made from a single pure silicon crystal, stand out from polycrystalline panels, which use multiple silicon fragments melted together. This distinction influences their efficiency, appearance and cost.

Generally, solar specialists favor monocrystalline panels. “Mono is superior with lower degradation rates, low temperature coefficient, better power tolerance and in some cases, better metals for conduction power,” said Mark Licon, sales manager at Sunlogix Energy, a solar energy company in Palm Desert, California. However, monocrystalline panels are usually more expensive upfront.

When deciding between monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels, consider long-term performance, energy costs, return on investment and personal preference. To help you make an informed choice, we’ve consulted renewable energy experts to break down the characteristics of each panel type.

Monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels differ mainly in how they’re made, which affects their performance and appearance. Monocrystalline panels use a single, pure silicon crystal, while polycrystalline panels blend several silicon pieces.

“Solar panels are made up of a series of solar cells, and those cells are derived from silicon crystals which are lab-grown for this purpose,” explained David Bridge, president of Great Sky Solar, a Massachusetts-based solar energy company.

This difference in manufacturing impacts how well the panels perform. Mono panels have higher efficiency rates thanks to their pure silicon. The multicrystalline nature of poly panels leaves less room for electrons to move. As a result, they’re not as efficient — but they are more affordable.

Now, let’s see how these differences affect important factors such as energy output, space requirements and long-term value.

Between the two, mono solar panels are typically more expensive. But “polycrystalline panels aren’t worth the cost savings anymore given the at-scale manufacturing processes of mono have dropped precipitously,” Bridge said.

While poly solar panels might seem cheaper, you should think long-term. In solar, everything comes down to return on investment (ROI). Despite their higher upfront cost, monocrystalline solar cells often provide better ROI due to their higher efficiency.

Efficiency rating tells you what portion of the sun’s energy a panel can turn into usable power. Polycrystalline panels range from 13% to 16% efficiency, while monocrystalline panels range from 17% to 22.8%, according to Licon.

The difference in efficiency is due to the manufacturing process. “The more pure the silicon is, the better the efficiency,” he said. Monocrystalline panels can produce more power in the same amount of space.

For you as a homeowner, higher efficiency means you might need fewer panels to meet your energy needs. This can be especially helpful if you want to maximize energy production with a space-efficient solution.

Here’s a simple comparison of panel efficiency:

A solar panel’s temperature coefficient measures how its performance changes with temperature. Specifically, it represents the percentage drop in power output for every 1-degree Celsius increase in temperature above 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). A lower temperature coefficient is better — it means the panel’s performance is less affected by heat.

“Poly panels fare a bit worse than mono panels,” said Sequoya Cross, vice president of Energy Storage, Briggs & Stratton-Energy Solutions in Oxnard, California. They have a higher temperature coefficient, which means they become less efficient in hot weather.

Licon provided specific percentages for a quick comparison:

This means mono panels will likely do better over time if you live somewhere scorching hot such as the desert. However, “the cost difference may make up for the loss in efficiency if you have space to put more solar panels,” Cross said. For larger installations or areas with mild climates, polycrystalline panels could still be cost-effective despite their lower heat tolerance.

Bridge describes monocrystalline panels as looking “like black glass with black frames.” He highlights that it’s much more attractive and resilient than roof shingles made from asphalt and sand. This sleek, uniform appearance blends well with modern home designs.

In contrast, polycrystalline solar cells have a bright blue hue with silver frames. This color comes from the multiple silicon fragments used in their construction. While some homeowners prefer this look, others find it less visually appealing or harder to integrate with their home’s style.

Both monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels work for home solar setups, but most solar installers use the former today.

This shift isn’t just about how well the panels work, though. “Polycrystalline panels fell out of favor [because] they’re no longer manufactured at scale,” Bridge said. “They were mainly used in large-scale commercial and industrial installations. In these settings, they could account for the slightly higher chance of panel failures in their planning.” This change has made monocrystalline panels easier to get (and preferred) for home use.

Yet, Licon argues there’s “no difference in application” between the two types. He believes some homeowners still pick polycrystalline panels to save money. Your choice depends on your priorities, budget and what’s available in your area.

Both monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels can last for decades. Bridge debunks a common misconception: “The standard 25-year warranty from solar panel manufacturers doesn’t reflect the actual life span of solar panels.” It’s a conservative estimate balancing manufacturer costs with customer expectations.

In fact, many solar panels often exceed their warranty periods. “Look at the solar systems from the 1970s and early 1980s. Many are still working and producing energy at a decent rate, considering how old they are,” he pointed out. This longevity applies to both monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels.

Reliability is high for both as well. Even the less favored polycrystalline panels show impressive durability, with a failure rate of under 10% at 15 years, according to Bridge. This suggests you can expect long-term performance from your solar investment — whichever type you choose.

Monocrystalline panels offer higher efficiency and better heat tolerance but cost more. Polycrystalline panels are cheaper but less efficient and may require more space. Both types are durable, but their appearance and long-term value differ.

Let’s look at their advantages and disadvantages in greater detail.

Monocrystalline solar panels offer high efficiency and sleek looks — but at a higher price tag. They’re ideal for homeowners who have less space on their roofs, live in areas with inconsistent sunlight or want maximum energy production.

Both Bridge and Licon recommend these panels for their performance and longevity. They’re preferable over polycrystalline, especially if you’re not planning to move anytime soon and view solar installation as an investment. But they might not be the best choice if you’re on a tight budget or have ample roof space where efficiency becomes less of a priority.

Pros of monocrystalline solar panels include the following:

Cons of monocrystalline solar panels include the following:

Polycrystalline solar panels offer a lower upfront cost but have reduced efficiency and potential long-term drawbacks. They may be suitable for homeowners with large roof areas or low renewable power goals, those in consistently sunny climates or those working with a tighter budget.

Pros of polycrystalline solar panels include the following:

Cons of polycrystalline solar panels include the following:

Investing in solar photovoltaic panels is worthwhile if you plan to live in your home for over a decade. Bridge emphasized that quality solar installations can make your cash flow positive in less than 12 years, depending on the local market. “Some don’t see the appeal until they understand their solar payments can be equal to or lower than what they’ve been paying the utility company each month,” he said.

When choosing between types of solar panels, consider your energy needs, budget and roof space. And as you research the best solar companies, be wary of those that market heavily. “Watch out for providers that claim to be installers but are just middlemen. Many solar businesses focus on sales and hand off solar panel installation to other parties,” he warned. This may lead to unpredictable quality in your installation.

To find high-quality installation companies, Bridge and Cross offered this advice:

Finally, while traditional solar panels are popular, don’t overlook alternatives such as solar shingles. These blend seamlessly with your roof, giving a more cohesive aesthetic than standard panels. Even though they have lower efficiency rates, they’re promising if your top priority is curb appeal.

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Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Sharon Wu is a contributing writer at USA TODAY Homefront. With a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of California, San Diego, she combines her research skills with insights from interviewing industry experts to create helpful, authoritative content. Sharon strives to empower readers to make smart decisions about their homes. She has written about home security, moving and home warranties and insurance for publications such as CNN Underscored, ConsumerAffairs and Switchful. When not writing, Sharon enjoys barre classes, car shows and beach outings with her two pugs. She is based in Encinitas, California.

Mike Miller is an editor for USA TODAY Homefront, covering topics that range from moving to gutters and gutter guards. He lives in North Carolina, but as a Minnesota transplant he has firsthand knowledge of long-distance movers’ pain points. Mike has written about home and life insurance providers for Marketwatch, This Old House and Architectural Digest. He also edited three national consumer magazines about natural health and wellness — Alternative Medicine, Eating Naturally and Natural Solutions. He has a BS in creative advertising with a certificate for technology, arts and media. In his spare time, Mike rides his motorcycle, plays with his two cats and spends time with his wife and twins.

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