What are polycrystalline solar panels?

Key takeaways

• Polycrystalline solar panels are made by fusing multiple small pieces of silicon to create the solar cells.

• Polycrystalline panels are less expensive than monocrystalline panels, but also less efficient and less durable.

• The best applications for polycrystalline panels are large-scale operations like solar farms, where space isn’t a concern.

Polycrystalline solar panels are an affordable option for the primary component of a solar energy setup. While their price point may be attractive to potential buyers, they also have significant downsides compared to pricier options.

In this article, we provide insight into how polycrystalline panels are made and how they perform. You’ll also learn how they stack up to monocrystalline solar panels as well, which solar panel technology might be a good option for you.

How polycrystalline panels are made from silicon fragments

The photovoltaic (PV) cell layer in solar panels uses a silicon crystal to capture sunlight and convert it to electricity. In polycrystalline panels, the sheet is made by melting numerous smaller pieces of silicon together. That’s where “poly” comes from.

This sheet then goes through a process of wafering, which cuts the silicon sheet into layers. Then, these wafers are “doped” with boron (N-type silicon) and phosphorus (P-type silicon) to make them more conductive and increase their energy-generating capacity. 

Polycrystalline panel performance and energy output explained

Polycrystalline solar panels aren’t the most efficient type of panels on the market, but they can still produce enough energy to be sufficient for many home solar applications. Let’s take a look at some of the specific performance aspects of polycrystalline panels in the list below.

• Efficiency: Polycrystalline panels have an average solar efficiency of 13% to 16%. This is lower than monocrystalline panels but higher than some other types.

• Temperature resilience: Solar panel performance degrades under high heat conditions for all types of panels. However, polycrystalline panels are more susceptible to heat impact than some other types of solar panels.

• Lifespan: The working life of polycrystalline panels averages 25 to 30 years with high output, and this is similar to that of higher-end panels. Their efficiency gradually decreases over time at a rate of between 0.5% to 0.8% per year, which is also common to other panel types.

• Power output: Under normal conditions, polycrystalline solar panels can deliver an average of 250 to 350 watts.

It’s important to note that each of these factors varies depending on the manufacturer of your solar panels. Check the product information of your potential options for specific figures. 

Monocrystalline vs polycrystalline panels

Monocrystalline solar panels are the higher-end alternative to polycrystalline panels. These panels are made from a single piece of silicone, rather than a combination of smaller pieces. This gives them advantages in energy production and longevity compared to polycrystalline panels.

Here’s a detailed look at these two panel types:

Mono vs poly solar panels efficiency

Compared to polycrystalline solar panels, monocrystalline panels can be far more efficient. Average solar efficiency for monocrystalline panels ranges from about 15% to 20%, but some can achieve as high as 22% efficiency.

Mono vs poly solar panel price

While monocrystalline panels offer an advantage in efficiency, that comes at an additional cost. On average, monocrystalline panels can cost anywhere from 10% to more than 60% more than polycrystalline panels. Nonetheless, the difference in cost is usually made up over time in increased energy savings due to better efficiency.

Where polycrystalline solar panels are used in real-world applications

Monocrystalline panels are often preferred in residential and off-grid systems because they generate more power per square foot, making them effective where space is limited.

Polycrystalline panels remain useful in commercial settings, especially where roof space is abundant. In these cases, installing more lower-cost panels can match the output of fewer monocrystalline ones at a reduced upfront cost.

Environmental impact of polycrystalline panel production

Waste reduction: One advantage polycrystalline panels have over monocrystalline panels is that their production process generates less waste, making them less taxing on raw material resources.

Recyclability: Both panel types can be broken down and recycled for use in new panels or consumer products, but polycrystalline panels typically involve lower emissions during manufacturing due to simpler fabrication methods.

Monocrystalline vs polycrystalline in today’s solar panel market

At this time, monocrystalline panels have become the dominant type of solar panel for new installations throughout the country. The vast majority of residential solar panels are now monocrystalline.

However, the lower price of polycrystalline solar panels means they haven’t completely fallen out of use. Solar farms and businesses housed in large buildings with lots of roof space often still go with polycrystalline panels due to the cost differential, as total energy output is a priority, and space isn’t. 

That said, it is unlikely that polycrystalline panels will be a focus for solar engineers going forward. Most solar energy research and development has shifted towards improving monocrystalline panels or looking into newer technology, like tandem cell solar panels and building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) technology like solar shingles. 

Bottom line: Are polycrystalline solar panels worth it?

Polycrystalline solar panels can be worth it in specific applications where space limitations aren’t much of a concern. However, when it comes to residential use, polycrystalline panels don’t offer much cost advantage once energy production is factored in. In addition, space constraints of smaller homes may make polycrystalline panels simply not a viable option.

Solar isn’t best for everyone, so research all your options and calculate your potential savings to decide if you should put panels on your roof.

FAQ about polycrystalline solar panels

Below are a few frequently asked questions about polycrystalline solar panels:

What are the advantages of polycrystalline solar panels?

The main advantage of polycrystalline solar panels is price, since they are significantly less expensive than monocrystalline panels. They are also less resource-intensive to produce, giving them a smaller environmental footprint.

Which is better: monocrystalline or polycrystalline solar panels?

Monocrystalline panels tend to be better for most applications, especially residential installations. However, polycrystalline panels may be better for applications where space isn’t a concern, like large-scale solar farms.

Where are polycrystalline solar panels used?

Polycrystalline solar panels are typically used for commercial purposes where total energy output is the primary concern and where space isn’t a limiting factor. Some examples include solar farms and large warehouses.

How efficient are polycrystalline solar panels?

Polycrystalline solar panels have an average solar efficiency of 13% to 16%. They are less efficient than monocrystalline panels.

How do polycrystalline solar panels work?

Polycrystalline solar panels and other types of solar panels work by capturing sunlight and converting it to electricity through the photovoltaic effect. The generated electricity is in the form of DC energy, so it passes to a solar inverter to be converted into AC energy. Once it is transformed, the electricity can be used to power a home or stored in a battery while being regulated by a solar charge controller.

Can you use polycrystalline panels in a hybrid solar system?

You can use polycrystalline panels to generate energy in a hybrid solar energy setup, but they still won’t be as efficient as monocrystalline panels. However, with a solar battery for storage, that may be less of a factor.