Solar Panel Cell Types 101
Monocrystalline
Description:
As the name implies, monocrystalline solar panels are made from a single crystal structure. They are the oldest of the technologies and the solar cells have a uniform flat color. Monocrystalline solar panels are a little more efficient and more expensive. You can install fewer high-efficiency mono panels, but the cost per watt is more expensive.
Application:
Residential and Commercial Solar Projects, especially if there is limited installation space.
Polycrystalline
Description:
Making polycrystalline panels is cheaper and it's a newer technology. The silicon cools unevenly and creates many different crystals giving it a less uniform appearance. Polycrystalline solar panels tend to be the most affordable, but they also put out a little less power. Even so, poly panels are gaining in efficiency and will usually have the lowest price per watt.
Application:
Residential, Commercial, Utility-Scale Solar Projects
