CHOOSE THE RIGHT SOLAR PANEL TECHNOLOGY

How to Choose The Right Solar Panel Technology

Technology	Monocrystalline	Polycrystalline / Multicrystalline
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Solar cell image
Visual identification	Monocrystalline solar panels are quite easily recognizable by an even coloring and uniform look, and usually a black or deep dark blue color of the solar cells. Further, they usually have a small cut on the corners of the solar cells, resulting in a Diamond pattern between the cells.	Poly or multicrystalline solar cells have a dark blue to medium blue color. The cells are square-shaped and hence give a more filled appearance in the Solar panels.
Technology generation	Older technology. Proven in Solar application since nearly 40 years. Used very commonly worldwide for other applications apart from solar, like semiconductors, etc.	Newer technology as compared to Mono in existence since nearly 20 years.
Type of silicon	Silicon Ingots are drawn in a single-crystal structure using the Czochralski process, hence the name monocrystalline.	Multicrystalline technology involves random crystal formation, hence the name POLY or MULTI, because it consists of multiple crystals to make a single Ingot.
Efficiency of panel	Due to the very high purity of the solar cells, monocrystalline solar panels have the Highest amongst crystalline silicon and all commercially used solar photovoltaic technologies. Typically, monocrystalline panels reach efficiencies of 16 to 18.2%	Due to the random crystal properties of the solar cells, Poly Solar panels have a lower efficiency as compared to monocrystalline solar panels, with efficiencies ranging from 13 to 17.5%
Temperature effect	Although the theoretical temperature coefficients are nearly similar for both technologies. However, practically, monocrystalline will generally deliver a better energy output in locations with an average temperature up to 3. For locations above 35 deg C, they tend to show lower energy generation as compared to similar-capacity polycrystalline panels.	Although the theoretical temperature coefficients are nearly similar for both technologies. However, practically, polycrystalline panels generally deliver a better energy output in locations with average temperatures above 35 deg C. Thus, making them more suited to Tropical or hot regions.
Annual Degradation	Solar panels usually have an annual 0.7% degradation. Both technologies have the same kind of degradation properties in typical scenarios. However, monocrystalline technology has been shown to have lower degradation in the field as compared to poly / multi panels. In fact many Mono panels installed for 40 years are still delivering energy output well.	Solar panels usually have an annual 0.7% degradation. Both technologies have the same kind of degradation properties in typical scenarios. However, monocrystalline technology has been shown to have lower degradation in the field as compared to poly / multi panels. In fact many Mono panels installed for 40 years are still delivering energy output well.
Space requirement	Lesser space required to fit more capacity. Monocrystalline panels are ideally suited for locations which have a shortage of space. One can fit more KWp for the same area as compared to poly / multi. Typically require about 6 to 9 sq. Mtr per KW	More space required as compared to mono to fit same capacity. Typically require about 8 to 14 sq. Mtr per KW
Warranty	25 years	25 years
Price	Due to the silicon ingot and cell process and technology, Monocrystalline Solar panels are costlier amongst the two crystalline silicon technologies by about 14 to 25%	Since the ingot and cell technology allows a lower cost of production, hence polycrystalline Solar panels are cheaper amongst the two.
Conclusion	Mono-crystalline Solar panels are most suitable for the following scenarios : Very critical applications Eg. Telecom / Oil & Gas / Offshore / Remote areas / Hilltops / etc Further, they are more suited for locations having a lower annual average temperature	Poly-crystalline Solar panels are most suited for locations having a higher annual average temperature or Tropical / Hot / Desert conditions. Further for most rooftop/power plant / general applications, polycrystalline panels deliver a better Return on investment.