Are Monocrystalline or Polycrystalline Solar Panels Right for You?

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Are Monocrystalline or Polycrystalline Solar Panels Right for You?

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Monocrystalline vs. Polycrystalline Solar Panels

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Written by Tamara Jude + 1 other Reviewed by Roger Horowitz

Tamara Jude

Tamara Jude is a seasoned content writer with more than seven years of experience in research and content production. She specializes in the solar energy, home warranty, and windows categories. Her interest in home improvement began as a child, when she regularly completed home projects alongsid&#;

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Homeowners can choose from three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film. Monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels are the most common for residential installations, but they each have different costs, efficiency rates, and pros and cons.

We&#;ve broken down the key differences between monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels so you can determine the best solar panels for your home.

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3 Best Solar Companies of

Best East Coast Installer : Solar Energy World

Best Solar Leasing : SunRun

Monocrystalline vs. Polycrystalline Solar Panels

Monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels are the two most common types of solar panels. Like all solar panels, they capture the sun&#;s energy and convert it into electricity. Both types use silicon, a material that&#;s abundant and durable. 

The most significant difference between these two designs is the manufacturing process. Monocrystalline (mono) panels use a single silicon crystal, while polycrystalline (poly) panels use multiple crystals melted together. Here&#;s a breakdown of how each type of cell is made.

Monocrystalline

Polycrystalline

Mono panels contain monocrystalline solar cells made from a single silicon crystal. This crystal is grown in a lab and formed into a cylindrical shape called an ingot.

The silicon ingots are cut into thin discs known as silicon wafers, which then undergo a

series of treatments to maximize their efficiency.

The rounded edges are shaved into straight edges and chamfered corners.

This nearly square, octagonal shape allows more crystalline silicon cells to fit into a solar panel, minimizing the wasted space that would exist between circular cells

.

U

sing a single crystal improves the solar panels&#; efficiency and results in a sleek black surface.

However, the mono cell manufacturing process is more expensive, and the shaved pieces cannot be reused for other mono cells.

Poly solar panels also use silicon, but the manufacturing process is different. Whereas mono solar panels use a single silicon crystal, poly panels use multiple silicon fragments melted together

.

To create polycrystalline cells,

molten silicon material is typically poured into a square mold and cut into thin wafers once cool.

The multi-crystalline process is simpler and less expensive than producing monocrystalline cells, and it creates less waste.

On the other hand, fusing the crystal fragments together creates small imperfections that hamper their efficiency compared to mono cells. These imperfections also give polycrystalline cells their distinctive speckled blue appearance.

Once the individual mono or poly solar cells are manufactured, they undergo further processing to become complete solar panels. A thin layer of conductive material, typically in the form of metal lines or &#;fingers,&#; is printed onto the front and back surfaces of the cells to collect the generated electricity. The cells are then sandwiched between protective layers of tempered glass to improve their durability.

Compare Monocrystalline vs. Polycrystalline Solar Panels

Here&#;s an overview of the differences between mono and poly solar panels.

Factors Monocrystalline Panels Polycrystalline Panels

Color

Black

Blue

Cost

More expensive

Less expensive

Efficiency rate

Over 20%

15%&#;17%

Life span

25&#;40 years

25&#;35 years

Temperature coefficient

Lower temperature coefficient, more efficient in heat

Higher temperature coefficient, less efficient in heat

In-Depth Comparison

Mono and poly panels both harness the sun&#;s power, and both are popular choices. Understanding the differences between the two will help you choose the best panels for your home.

Aesthetics

Monocrystalline solar panels are black and blend in better with most rooftops. Polycrystalline panels are blue, making them more visible on roofs. You will also need more of them to produce the same amount of energy, which translates into a larger and more obtrusive array.

Cost

Monocrystalline cells are more complicated and expensive to produce than polycrystalline cells. Mono panels can cost $1&#;$1.50 per watt, while poly panels fall between $0.90 and $1 per watt. However, your price will vary wildly, especially with the current oversupply on the market. These costs may not seem that different, but those pennies add up when installing a 5 kWh system. Also, the difference in efficiency means you&#;ll need more poly panels to power your home.

Homeowners can reduce solar panel costs by using solar incentives, credits, and rebates. The federal solar tax credit provides a tax reduction equal to 30% of your solar panel installation costs, regardless of your solar panel type. Additional solar incentives and credits are available at the state and city levels. Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) for more information.

Efficiency

Solar panel efficiency indicates how well your panels convert solar energy into electricity. This rating is expressed in a percentage. For example, a panel with an efficiency rating of 22% will convert 22% of the sunlight it absorbs into usable energy. Efficiency rates vary due to differences in solar cell technology. Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient solar panels due to their improved solar cell technology, with rates over 20%. Polycrystalline solar panels have lower efficiency ratings in the range of 15%&#;17%.

Life span

Both panels have a great life span, but mono panels last longer. Mono panels can last 30&#;40 years with optimal care and maintenance. Poly panels degrade a little faster and typically last 25&#;35 years with proper upkeep.

Many panels come with a 25-year warranty. However, the warranty period is not the same as how long solar panels last. Well-maintained solar panels will typically outlive their warranty by several years.

Temperature Coefficient

Mono and poly panels also have different temperature coefficients due to their technology. The temperature coefficient indicates how well your solar panels perform when temperatures change. Panels are tested in standard conditions of 77 degrees Fahrenheit but remain at peak efficiency between 59 degrees Fahrenheit and 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

The higher the temperature coefficient, the more the panel&#;s power output declines in temperatures outside this range. Polycrystalline panels have a higher temperature coefficient, meaning they experience a more significant drop in efficiency as the temperature rises. Monocrystalline panels have a lower temperature coefficient and work well in heat.

*Cost data sourced from contractor estimates used by Angi.

Are Monocrystalline or Polycrystalline Solar Panels Right for You?

Monocrystalline panels are the right choice if you want the highest power output and efficiency or if you want less noticeable solar panels. A higher efficiency rating also means you&#;ll need fewer panels to power your home, making mono panels a good choice for roofs with less space.

Polycrystalline panels are more affordable but have lower efficiency ratings, so you&#;ll need more panels to run your home. This will also require more roof space. In addition, polycrystalline panels are more noticeable on your roof due to their blue color.

Keep in mind that it takes around six to 10 years to pay off solar panels. Though monocrystalline panels are more expensive upfront, you&#;ll generate more energy savings and potentially shorten your payback period.

For more information about choosing the right solar panels for your home, check out this video with heating expert Richard Trethewey and Mark Trout, Group CEO of Sunworks (formerly Chief Technology Officer of Vivint Solar):

Our Top Solar Company Picks

Sunrun

4.5

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We like Sunrun for its four financing options, including its unique leasing options if you don&#;t want to own your system. This stands out to us because the other companies on this list don&#;t offer as many options.

Prepaid and leased systems also include a 25-year warranty with system service and maintenance, ongoing monitoring, and theft insurance. The company even offers financing plans for quality monocrystalline solar panels and products from trusted brands such as LG.

How We Scored Sunrun

Sunrun earned 4.4 out of 5 stars based on our methodology. The company gained many points for its positive reputation, comprehensive leasing options, and well-rounded warranty coverage. It lost some points for is limited service selection.

• Solar Equipment and Services (15 out of 25 points):

  Sunrun provides solar panel and battery installation but uses third-party installers. Though this is becoming an industry standard, in-house installers typically yield better communication and quality. The company also doesn&#;t provide roofing services or energy audits but does offer quality active monitoring assistance. 

• Warranty and Performance Guarantees (19 out of 25 points):

  Sunrun offers quality warranties, such as its 25-year manufacturer and labor warranty, but doesn&#;t include a performance guarantee. 

• Brand Reputation and Professional Certifications (13 out of 15 points):

  Sunrun has one of the higher customer BBB ratings we&#;ve encountered, and the company maintains an overall positive customer reputation online.

• Financing Options (13.5 out of 15 points):

  The company doesn&#;t offer any in-house financing but provides more warranty coverage for customers interested in solar leasing than other providers, such as Palmetto.

• Industry Experience (9 out of 10 points):

  Sunrun holds 17 years of experience in the solar industry, making it a veteran compared to a newer company such as Blue Raven Solar.

• State Availability (8 out of 10 points): The company only serves 18 states.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Provides system monitoring that signals issues with your system

Offers diverse financing options to suit various budgets

Provides EV and solar battery solutions

Cons

Limited online information on solar incentive disqualification with leases

Requires added costs for the same coverage plans as leased and prepaid customers

Varies solar battery availability by state

Warranty and Financing

Warranty

Sunrun backs its systems with a 10-year comprehensive warranty which includes product, roof penetration, and workmanship coverage.

Financing Options

&#; Full purchase
&#; Loan
&#; Lease
&#; PPA

State Availability

Available in: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.

Reputation and Reviews

The company earned DroneDeploy&#;s Guardian of Safety Award for incorporating drone technology in its site assessments. In and , Sunrun was recognized by Comparably with 14 awards. Its accolades include Best CEOs for Diversity , Best Company Culture , and Best Company for Women two years in a row.

Sunrun currently holds an A+ rating from the BBB and is accredited. Former customers praised the comprehensive coverage for leased systems but complained about delayed installations, poor customer service, and poor communication with project managers. Additionally, some customers note being confused by Sunrun&#;s leasing and PPA options, though they also mention Sunrun is willing to discuss and clarify these plans.

Solar Energy World

4.4

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Solar Energy World (SEW) is one of the most robust and well-regarded solar installation companies. It boasts several impressive features, such as its 30-year manufacturer&#;s warranty. Its service area is limited, and it doesn&#;t offer energy auditing services. We like that SEW discloses what solar panels it primarily works with and that the panels are from trusted, quality brands such as Qcells and Silfab.

Roughly 11% of our surveyed solar users purchased their system from Solar Energy World.

How We Scored Solar Energy World

SEW scored 4.4 out of 5 stars according to our methodology. The company received many points because of its warranty, which is longer than most other solar companies&#; warranties. SEW offers a 30-year manufacturer&#;s warranty on all its solar panels and inverters, whereas many providers only offer 25-year warranties.

• Solar Equipment and Services (18 out of 25 points):

  The company is an ideal option for many basic solar products and services, such as solar panels and battery installation. It lost points because it doesn&#;t install EV chargers or perform energy audits.

• Warranty and Performance Guarantees (19 out of 25 points):

  SEW&#;s manufacturer and labor warranties are standout features, but the company doesn&#;t include any production guarantees with its work. 

• Brand Reputation and Professional Certifications (15 out of 15 points):

  The company&#;s reputation is one of the best, with high BBB and Google Reviews ratings. We also found no active alerts or lawsuits.

• Financing Options (13.5 out of 15 points):

  SEW offers all possible solar payment options but doesn&#;t provide an in-house financing department. 

• Industry Experience (8 out of 10 points):

  The company has been in business since , so it received most of the points in this category.

• State Availability (6 out of 10 points): SEW limits its service area to eight East Coast states.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Features an extensive solar product catalog with trusted brands

Includes free active monitoring

Hires NABCEP-certified installers and designers

Cons

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Polycrystalline Solar Panels Custom.

Reviews mention communication issues with staff

Warranty coverage varies by solar panel brand

Doesn&#;t offer a power production guarantee

Warranty and Financing

Warranty

SEW offers a 30-year manufacturer&#;s warranty on all purchased solar panels and inverters. However, coverage varies by brand, and the company doesn&#;t guarantee them with every panel option. 

Financing Options

&#; Full purchase
&#; Loan
&#; Lease
&#; PPA

State Availability

Available in: Washington, D.C, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia

Reputation and Reviews

The company landed on Solar Power World&#;s Top Solar Contractors List in the No. 10 spot.

The BBB accredits SEW, and the company holds an A+ rating. Former customers praise the company for its professionalism, assistance with applying for financial incentives, and smooth installation process. However, some reported discrepancies in finances and scheduling.

Blue Raven Solar

4.4

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Blue Raven Solar has one of the best reputations for reliability and trustworthiness. It has won awards for its team and CEO, and customer reviews report great customer service and prompt installations. The company also stands out for its in-house financing, which includes 18 months of free solar energy.

Out of all solar brands in the market, 6.5% of our survey respondents chose Blue Raven.

How We Scored Blue Raven Solar

Blue Raven received 4.4 out of 5 stars according to our rating system. The company scored the most points for its customer service reputation and warranty coverage. It also earned points for providing all standard solar panel services but lost some due to its limited financing options and lack of roof leak coverage.

• Solar Equipment and Services (18 out of 25 points):

  Blue Raven offers solar panel and battery installation, active monitoring services, and energy audits. However, it doesn&#;t offer solar roofs, EV chargers, or additional roofing services. 

• Warranty and Performance Guarantees (22 out of 25 points):

  The company offers top-of-the-line warranties, including a 25-year workmanship warranty. The company earned points fo providing a performance guarantee, but its guarantee is shorter than many other providers. However, it doesn&#;t provide any roof leak coverage. 

• Brand Reputation and Professional Certifications (13 out of 15 points):

  Blue Raven has high customer review ratings on its BBB profile and other popular review sites. The company uses in-house installers but doesn&#;t ensure they&#;re NABCEP-certified, which made it lose some points in this category.

• Financing Options (12 out of 15 points):

  Blue Raven offers some of the best in-house financing of the companies this list, but it limits this financing to solar loans. You may want to consider a different provider, such as Sunrun, if you&#;re looking for a lease or PPA.

• Industry Experience (7 out of 10 points):

  Blue Raven has less experience than other providers, with only 10 years in the industry.

• State Availability (7 out of 10 points): The company limits its service area to 19 states.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Offers SunPower&#;s high-efficiency panels and storage options

Provides a unique in-house financing option which includes 18 months of free solar energy

Recognized as one of the industry&#;s most reputable solar companies

Cons

Offers one of the shortest production guarantees among our reviewed companies

Some customer reviews mention poor communication

Workmanship warranty falls slightly below the industry standard

Warranty and Financing

Warranty

A Blue Raven system has a 25-year product warranty, a 10-year workmanship warranty, and a two-year production guarantee.

Financing Options

&#; Full purchase
&#; Loan

State Availability

Available in: Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington

Reputation and Reviews

Blue Raven has won numerous awards from Comparably, a site known for its company culture and reputation reviews. It also ranked No. 20 on Glassdoor&#;s Best Place to Work in the USA in .

Blue Raven is accredited by the BBB and currently holds an A+ rating. We noted that customers praised the knowledgeable staff and prompt installation but cited poor communication after completing projects. We analyzed several consumer reviews and found that some of these issues stem from the company&#;s financing department and third-party installers.

Read our review of Blue Raven Solar for more information.

Other Types of Solar Panels

Mono and poly panels are not the only available panel types. You can also install thin-film solar panels. These are made from thin layers of photovoltaic material deposited onto a backing such as glass, plastic, or metal.

Thin-film solar panels are black, thin, and flexible, which means they offer the most inconspicuous appearance. They&#;re also the least expensive of the three options, but they last only 10&#;20 years and have low efficiency rates between 9% and 15%. These panels work best for small solar installations, such as a shed or garage.

There are three main types of thin-film solar panels to consider:

• Amorphous silicon (a-Si): Though thin-film solar panels do not use silicone crystals, some do use amorphous silicon. This is the oldest and most established option. Amorphous silicon is much more flexible than crystalline silicon and cheap to produce. However, it is less efficient than other PV materials.
• Cadmium Telluride (CdTe): Cadmium telluride panels are another popular option. They offer a good balance of efficiency and affordability, and they perform well in hot climates. The biggest drawback is that cadmium is a toxic heavy metal, while telluride is relatively scarce.
• Copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS): Thin-film panels that use a mix of copper, indium, gallium, and selenide can achieve efficiency rates similar to polycrystalline panels. CIGS panels are also durable and work better in low light or extreme temperatures than silicon ones. However, they cost more than CdTe or a-Si panels.

It&#;s also worth noting that you have several options within the broader categories of mono and poly panels. One example is passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) technology, an enhancement that boosts efficiency. PERC panels have a special layer on the back that reflect unused light back to the cell, giving it a second chance to be absorbed.

Our Conclusion

Whether monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels are better for your home depends on your roof space, budget, and personal preference. Mono panels are more efficient and require less space but cost more. Poly solar panels are less efficient and need more roof space but are more affordable.  For some homeowners, ground mounting solar panels may be appropriate.

Monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels are available through most solar companies. Request quotes from at least three solar companies to compare panels, services, and costs. Use the tool below to begin your search for your new mono or poly solar panels.

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FAQ About Monocrystalline vs. Polycrystalline Solar Panels

Which solar panel is better: monocrystalline or polycrystalline?

Monocrystalline panels are better in quality but more expensive. These panels have higher efficiency ratings and provide more power per panel, so it takes fewer panels to run your home. Polycrystalline panels are more affordable but have lower efficiency ratings, which means you&#;ll need a bigger array.

Which type of solar panel is the most efficient?

Monocrystalline solar panels are generally the most efficient type available. Their single-crystal cell structure allows electrons to flow more freely, improving the energy conversion process. However, due to their high efficiency and complex manufacturing process, mono panels tend to be the most expensive solar panel option.

Which type of solar panels works better in hot climates?

Monocrystalline panels have a lower temperature coefficient, meaning they work better than poly panels in hot, dry environments. However, they&#;re affected by cooler temperatures.

What is the main disadvantage of monocrystalline panels?

The main disadvantage of monocrystalline panels is cost. They&#;re the most expensive type of solar panel due to their complex manufacturing process.

What are the advantages of polycrystalline panels?

The advantages of polycrystalline panels include lower cost and less waste.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at .

There are three main types of solar panels used in solar projects: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film.

Each kind of solar panel has different characteristics, thus making certain panels more suitable for different types of solar installations. 

Luckily, we&#;ve created a complete guide to help you differentiate each type of panel, and help you decide which type is right for your home.

Find out how much you can save monthly by installing rooftop solar panels

Key takeaways

• There are three different types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin film.

• Monocrystalline solar panels are highly efficient and have a sleek design, but come at a higher price point than other solar panels.

• Polycrystalline solar panels are cheaper than monocrystalline panels, however, they are less efficient and aren&#;t as aesthetically pleasing.

• Thin film solar panels are the cheapest, but have the lowest efficiency rating and require a lot of space to meet your energy needs.

• The brand of solar panels and the solar installer you choose is far more important than which type of solar panel you install.

Three types of solar panels

1. Monocrystalline

Monocrystalline solar panels are the most popular solar panels used in rooftop solar panel installations today. 

Monocrystalline silicon solar cells are manufactured using something called the Czochralski method, in which a &#;seed&#; crystal of silicon is placed into a molten vat of pure silicon at a high temperature. 

This process forms a single silicon crystal, called an ingot, that is sliced into thin silicon wafers which are then used in the solar modules. 

2. Polycrystalline

Polycrystalline panels, sometimes referred to as &#;multicrystalline panels&#;, are popular among homeowners looking to install solar panels on a budget.

Similar to monocrystalline panels, polycrystalline panels are made of silicon solar cells. However, the cooling process is different, which causes multiple crystals to form, as opposed to one. 

Polycrystalline panels used on residential homes usually contain 60 solar cells. 

3. Thin-film

Thin film solar cells are mostly used in large-scale industrial and utility solar installations because of their lower efficiency ratings, but you can purchase portable thin-film solar panels from BougeRV. 

Thin film solar panels are made by depositing a thin layer of a photovoltaic substance onto a solid surface, like glass. Some of these photovoltaic substances include Amorphous silicon (a-Si), copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), and cadmium telluride (CdTe). Each of these materials creates a different &#;type&#; of solar panel, however, they all fall under the thin film solar cell umbrella.

During the manufacturing process, the photovoltaic substance forms a thin lightweight sheet that is, in some cases, flexible. 

Solar panel type by performance

Highest performance: Monocrystalline

Efficiency ratings of monocrystalline solar panels range from 17% to 22%, earning them the title of the most efficient solar panel type. The higher efficiency rating of monocrystalline panels makes them ideal for homes with limited roof space, as you&#;ll need fewer panels to generate the electricity you need. 

Monocrystalline solar panels have their manufacturing process to thank for being so efficient. Because monocrystalline solar cells are made of a single crystal of silicon, electrons are able to easily flow throughout the cell, increasing overall efficiency. 

Not only do monocrystalline panels have the highest efficiency ratings, they typically also have the highest power capacity ratings, as well. Most monocrystalline panels on the market today will have a power output rating of at least 320 watts, but can go up to around 375 watts or higher! 

Mid-tier performance: Polycrystalline

Polycrystalline panel efficiency ratings will typically range from 15% to 17%. The lower efficiency ratings are due to how electrons move through the solar cell. Because polycrystalline cells contain multiple silicon cells, the electrons cannot move as easily and as a result, decrease the efficiency of the panel. 

The lower efficiency of polycrystalline panels also means they tend to have a lower power output than monocrystalline panels, usually ranging between 240 watts and 300 watts. 300 watt solar panels aren't seen as often in residential applications, but some polycrystalline panels have power ratings above 300 watts. 

However, new technologies and manufacturing processes have given the efficiency and power ratings of polycrystalline panels a slight boost over the years, slowly closing the performance gap between mono and polycrystalline panels. 

Lowest performance: Thin-film

Thin-film solar panels have incredibly low efficiency ratings. As recently as a few years ago, thin-film efficiencies were in the single digits. Researchers have recently achieved 23.4% efficiency with thin film cell prototypes but thin-film panels that are commercially available generally have efficiency in the 10&#;13% range.

In order to meet your energy needs, you would need to install more thin-film panels over a large area to produce the same amount of electricity as crystalline silicon solar panels. This is why thin-film solar panels don&#;t really make sense for residential installations where space is limited. 

Fun fact! Thin film panels have the best temperature coefficients!

Despite having lower performance specs in most other categories, thin film panels tend to have the best temperature coefficient, which means as the temperature of a solar panel increases, the panel produces less electricity. The temperature coefficient tells you how much the power output will decrease by for every 1°C over 25°C the panel gets. 

The standard temperature coefficient for mono and polycrystalline panels typically falls somewhere between -0.3% and -0.5% per °C. Thin film panels, on the other hand, are around -0.2% per °C, meaning thin film panels are much better at handling the heat than other panel types. 

Calculate your solar panel payback period

Solar panel type by cost

Highest cost: Monocrystalline panels

Monocrystalline panels are the most expensive of the three types of solar panels because of their manufacturing process and higher performance abilities. 

However, as manufacturing processes and solar panel technology in general has improved, the price difference between monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels has shrunk considerably. According to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, monocrystalline solar panels now sell for just about $0.05 per watt higher than polycrystalline modules.

Mid-cost: Polycrystalline panels

Historically, polycrystalline panels have been the cheapest option for homeowners going solar, without majorly sacrificing panel performance. Low prices allowed polycrystalline panels to make up a significant market share in residential solar installations between and . 

But as we said earlier, the price gap between monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels is narrowing. Now, more homeowners are willing to pay a slightly higher price to get significantly better efficiency and power ratings from monocrystalline panels. 

Lowest cost: Thin-film panels

Thin film solar panels have the lowest cost of the solar panel types, largely because they are easier to install and require less equipment. However, they also have much lower performance abilities and require a substantial amount of space to generate enough electricity to power a home. 

Plus, thin film panels degrade much faster than other panel types, meaning they need to be replaced more often, which leads to more long-term recurring costs. 

Solar panel type by appearance

Most attractive: Thin film panels

Thin film panels have a clean, all-black look. Their thin design allows them to lie flat against roofs, so they are able to blend in more seamlessly. In fact, with some thin film panels, it&#;s hard to even see the individual cells within the panel. They also tend to have less wiring and busbars, meaning there&#;s less white space. 

However, because they are so inefficient, you would need to cover your entire roof in thin film panels - which may or may not be your style. 

Mid-tier appearance: Monocrystalline panels

Monocrystalline panels have a solid black appearance, making them pretty subtle on your roof. But, the way monocrystalline solar cells are shaped causes there to be quite a bit of white space on the panel. Some manufacturers have worked around this with black packing or shaping the cells differently, but these aesthetic changes can impact both the price and performance of the panels. 

Overall, monocrystalline panels still look sleek, but they&#;re a bit more pronounced than thin film panels. 

Worst appearance: Polycrystalline panels

Polycrystalline panels tend to stick out like a sore thumb. The process in which polycrystalline solar cells are manufactured causes the cells to have a blue, marbled look. This means each individual polycrystalline panel looks substantially different from the one next to it. Most homeowners aren&#;t too keen on the aesthetics of polycrystalline panels. 

Fun fact! Crystalline panels are more durable than thin film

Thin film panels tend to have lower wind and hail ratings than mono and polycrystalline panels. So, while thin film panels might look nice at first, one bad storm could cause significant damage. 

What is the best type of solar panel for your home?

Monocrystalline solar panels are the best solar panel type for residential solar installations. 

Although you will be paying a slightly higher price, you&#;ll get a system with a subtle appearance without having to sacrifice performance or durability. Plus, the high efficiency and power output ratings you get with monocrystalline panels can provide you with better savings over the lifetime of your system.

If you&#;re on a tight budget, polycrystalline panels might make more sense for you. We do not recommend thin film solar panels for residential installations - their performance and durability don&#;t make the low cost worth it, and it&#;s unlikely you&#;ll have nearly enough space to install the number of thin film panels you would need to cover your household electricity usage. 

Here&#;s a quick summary to help you choose the right one for your home!

Monocrystalline solar panels

• Characterized by smooth, black appearance and high-quality silicon

• Occupy less space and have a longer lifespan

• Formed through energy-intensive production process which generates a lot of waste

• Carry a higher price tag for installers and consumers

Polycrystalline solar panels

• Characterized by visible crystals, more scattered look, and lower-quality silicon

• Require slightly more space for producing the same amount of energy as black panels

• Less complicated production process with minimal waste production

• More affordable

Factors to consider besides solar panel type

There are two things we here at SolarReviews think are more important than solar PV cell type when choosing panels for your home: the brand of solar panels and finding the right solar installer. 

Going with a high-quality solar panel manufacturer ensures that you&#;re installing a great product on your roof, regardless of the type of panel it is. Our official ranking of the best home solar panel brands of can help you find what solar panels will work best on your roof without sacrificing quality. 

Regardless of which type of solar panel you choose, installing solar to power your home is a sustainable decision that has the following benefits:

• Reduces harmful emissions

• Get easy financing options for solar panel installation

• Claim sales and property tax exemptions

• Receive credits for surplus power production

And the most important of all, installing either type of panel will significantly lower your monthly energy bills.

Perhaps the most important thing to consider when going solar is the installer. A solar panel system will be on your roof for at least 25 years, so you need an installer you can trust for two-plus decades! We recommend local, reputable solar installers with high customer review scores, as they give the most personalized customer service on solar projects.

See what local solar installers are charging for solar panel installations

Want more information on Monocrystalline 72 Cells Solar Panel? Feel free to contact us.