Polycrystalline Photovoltaic Panels: when and why to choose them

Dreaming of harnessing clean solar energy to power your home or business?
Polycrystalline photovoltaic panels are an excellent option for those who want an efficient, durable, and cost-effective solar system.

What are polycrystalline photovoltaic panels?

Polycrystalline photovoltaic panels are devices designed to convert solar energy into electricity. The main feature that distinguishes polycrystalline panels from monocrystalline ones is the composition of the photovoltaic cells, made from polycrystalline silicon.

Unlike monocrystalline panels, which are made from a single silicon crystal, polycrystalline photovoltaic panels are composed of multiple crystals arranged irregularly, giving them their characteristic shimmering blue appearance.

Polycrystalline photovoltaic panels: main features

• Efficiency: Polycrystalline panels offer lower energy conversion efficiency compared to monocrystalline panels, but still higher than thin-film panels. On average, their efficiency ranges between 15% and 17%;

• Cost: The main strength of polycrystalline panels is their price, which is significantly more competitive than monocrystalline panels thanks to a simpler production process;

• Color: Polycrystalline solar panels are known for their characteristic shimmering blue color, making them an aesthetically interesting feature for your roof;

• Lower sensitivity to shading: A notable advantage is their resistance to shading. Even if part of the panel is covered, energy production doesn’t drop drastically.

Polycrystalline photovoltaic panels offer a number of pros and cons to consider when choosing the most suitable system for your needs.

Polycrystalline panel: advantages

• Lower cost: The production process for polycrystalline panels is less complex than for monocrystalline ones, making them a more economical choice for those looking to reduce overall photovoltaic system costs;

• Greater efficiency compared to thin-film panels: Polycrystalline panels provide good conversion efficiency, better than other technologies like thin-film panels;

• Heat resistance: These panels tend to maintain good performance even in very hot environments, making them suitable for areas with warm climates.

Polycrystalline panel: disadvantages

• Lower efficiency compared to monocrystalline: Although efficient, polycrystalline panels deliver lower performance than monocrystalline ones, which have a higher energy conversion capacity;

• Larger surface area required: To generate the same amount of energy as a monocrystalline system, more polycrystalline panels must be installed, due to their lower efficiency;

• Aesthetics: Polycrystalline panels have a shimmering blue coloration that can appear less uniform compared to monocrystalline panels, which tend to have darker, more consistent colors;

• Greater sensitivity to shading: Although not a critical issue, polycrystalline panels are less tolerant of shading, and energy production can drop significantly if even a small portion of the panel is shaded;

In general, polycrystalline photovoltaic panels represent a solid and economical choice for solar energy production. However, the final decision depends on your specific needs and the conditions of the site where the system is to be installed.

Polycrystalline photovoltaic panels: prices

The prices of polycrystalline photovoltaic panels can vary based on several factors, such as panel power, brand, quality, and the retailer.

These panels are affordable and fairly common in the solar market. To determine the best choice for your needs, it's important to consider not only the price but also energy performance and long-term durability.

If you want to save money when purchasing polycrystalline photovoltaic panels, you can opt for used ones. On KeepTheSun, you can find many sellers who might have the model you're looking for.

As mentioned, prices may vary, so it's always a good idea to check supplier websites or contact retailers directly to get more accurate and up-to-date information.

Who are polycrystalline panels recommended for?

Polycrystalline photovoltaic panels are an ideal choice for various types of users, especially those looking for an efficient solar system at a lower cost. Here are some cases where these panels might be the best solution:

• For those with limited space: If the installation space is small, polycrystalline panels are a valid option, offering a good balance between cost and performance;

• For warm climates: These panels are particularly suitable for areas with high temperatures, as they tend to maintain good performance even in hot environments;

• For those on a tight budget: If budget is a priority, polycrystalline panels are a more economical choice compared to monocrystalline panels, while still providing sufficient energy production;

• For residential projects: If you're installing a solar system on a private home and don’t need large amounts of energy, polycrystalline panels can offer excellent value for money;

If you have a limited budget but still want to install an efficient and long-lasting photovoltaic system, polycrystalline panels are the ideal choice. They’re perfect for those who don’t have a roof with perfect sun exposure and don’t require the highest possible energy yield.

Alternatives to polycrystalline panels

There are alternatives such as monocrystalline panels, which offer higher efficiency but come at a higher cost, and thin-film panels (such as amorphous panels), which are even less expensive but also less efficient. The choice of panel type depends on several factors, such as the available budget, the roof’s sun exposure, and specific energy needs.

What’s the difference between monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels?

Monocrystalline and polycrystalline photovoltaic panels mainly differ in the composition of the cells and their respective energy performance.

• Cell composition:

  • Monocrystalline panels are made from a single silicon crystal, giving them a uniform appearance and a dark, almost black color.

  • Polycrystalline panels, on the other hand, are composed of multiple silicon crystals, which gives the surface a less uniform texture and a bluish tone.

• Energy efficiency:

  • Monocrystalline panels offer higher efficiency, with average values around 19.4% and peaks that can reach up to 22.6%.

  • Polycrystalline panels have lower efficiency, usually around 17.5%.

• Performance in different conditions:

  • Monocrystalline panels maintain good performance even in low light or cold temperatures.

  • Polycrystalline panels are more suitable for warm climates, as they show less efficiency loss when temperatures rise.

• Cost:

  • Monocrystalline panels are more expensive, as their production is more complex and requires higher-quality materials.

  • Polycrystalline panels are cheaper to produce and therefore have a lower market price.

In conclusion, the choice between monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels depends on several factors, such as your available budget, local climate conditions, and the energy efficiency needs of your system.

In conclusion:

Polycrystalline photovoltaic panels are an excellent choice for those who want an efficient, reliable, and cost-effective solar system. Their competitive price, solid durability, and ease of installation make them an accessible option for many. If you're looking for good value for money and don’t have extremely high energy production needs, polycrystalline panels are the ideal solution for you. If you’re thinking about installing a photovoltaic system, remember:

• Talk to an expert: Before installing a photovoltaic system, it’s important to consult a qualified installer to evaluate the solution that best suits your needs.

• Compare quotes: Request quotes from different companies to get the best price and quality.

• Learn about incentives: There are national and regional incentives for the installation of photovoltaic systems.

By choosing polycrystalline panels and relying on an experienced installer, you can make the most of solar energy and save on your electricity bills.