How to distinguish single crystal solar cells

What is the difference between monocrystalline and monocrystalline solar panels?

Both types produce energy from the sun, but there are some key differences to be aware of. Monocrystalline solar panels have black-colored solar cells made of a single silicon crystal and usually have a higher efficiency rating. However, these panels often come at a higher price.

How are monocrystalline solar panels made?

In order to produce monocrystalline solar panels the silicon is formed into bars before being cut into wafers. The cells are made of single-crystal silicon which means that the electrons have more space to move around and can therefore generate more energy.

What is a polycrystalline solar cell?

Polycrystalline solar cells are also called "multi-crystalline" or many-crystal silicon. Polycrystalline solar panels generally have lower efficiencies than monocrystalline cell options because there are many more crystals in each cell, meaning less freedom for the electrons to move.

Are polycrystalline solar panels cheaper?

However, these panels often come at a higher price. Polycrystalline solar panels have blue-colored cells made of multiple silicon crystals melted together. These panels are often a bit less efficient but are more affordable.

Why are solar cells more expensive than Polycrystalline cells?

The cells are made of single-crystal silicon which means that the electrons have more space to move around and can therefore generate more energy. However, because the panels are more efficient, they are usually more expensive than polycrystalline.

What is single crystalline silicon?

Single crystalline silicon is usually grown as a large cylindrical ingot producing circular or semi-square solar cells. The semi-square cell started out circular but has had the edges cut off so that a number of cells can be more efficiently packed into a rectangular module.