ASingle crystal solar panel

What are polycrystalline solar panels?

Polycrystalline solar panels are made from silicon crystals that are melted together. Instead of using a single crystal, the silicon used in polycrystalline panels is composed of multiple smaller crystals. This results in a panel with a slightly less efficient energy conversion rate compared to monocrystalline panels.

What is a single crystal solar panel?

The manufacturing process involves slicing thin wafers from a single crystal of silicon, which is why these panels are often referred to as “single crystal” panels. Their efficiency rates are generally higher because the single crystal allows for better electron flow, leading to more electricity being produced from the same amount of sunlight.

How do monocrystalline solar panels work?

Monocrystalline solar panels transform sunlight into electrical energy using monocrystalline silicon cells, which are the most effective type of solar cell. These cells are produced by cutting a single silicon crystal into thin wafers.

How are polycrystalline solar panels made?

Polycrystalline solar panels are also made from silicon. However, unlike monocrystalline panels, they are created from multiple silicon crystals melted together. During manufacturing, molten silicon is poured into a square mold, which cools and sets into a solid block containing many silicon crystals.