Quick Summary
Polycrystalline panels are constructed by melting raw silicon crystals together in a mold. This cheaper manufacturing process produces a speckled blue cell structure with slightly lower efficiency (15% to 18%) than monocrystalline panels.
Polycrystalline cells represent a budget-friendly option for properties with ample, unshaded roof space where footprint constraints are not an issue.
Pros and Cons of Polycrystalline Solar
- Pro - Lower Upfront Costs: Molds are cheaper to produce, resulting in savings on equipment purchase prices.
- Con - Larger Footprint: Requires more solar modules to generate the same kilowatt capacity as monocrystalline.
- Con - Temperature Sensitive: Suffers slightly higher power drops during peak summer months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are polycrystalline panels still used today?
Yes, though they have largely been phased out of residential rooftops in favor of high-efficiency monocrystalline cells, they are still used in utility projects.