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What Is a Polychrystalline Solar Panel?

Solar panels attempt to do something Mother Nature has done for millions of years; namely, take advantage of sunlight, converting it into energy. Plants do this through photosynthesis, which allows them to breakdown sunlight and combine it with water to create sugars. The main types of solar panels on the market are known as "crystalline" panels, which consist of two sub-types -- "monocrystalline" and "polycrystalline."

  1. Purpose

    • Like monocrystalline cells, the main purpose of a polycrystalline cell is to absorb sunlight. These cells provide a means to convert sunlight -- or at least 20 percent to 25 percent of the sunlight -- into electricity. The cells must be attached to a battery storage system, which subsequently supplies the energy to any objects needed.

    Silicon

    • As the world depends heavily upon diminishing fossil fuels, reliable alternative energy sources are being sought after, one of the main targets being solar panels. All panels with crystalline cells stem from silicon material, which is grown into a crystal. The main difference in the two types is that monocrystalline cells are created as a large, single crystal, whereas, polycrystalline cells are grown as multiple crystals. Both types are sliced into "wafer-shaped" panels.

    Look and Efficiency

    • Polycrystalline cells are fairly easy to spot as they have a unique look compared to monocrystalline cells. They contain a "shattered-glass" look, unlike monocrystalline cells, which have a more uniform and smooth look. As polycrystalline panels grow several crystals as opposed to one, the energy efficiency lessens to about 13 percent, although they are only slightly less efficient than monocrystalline panels, which normally max out at around 18 percent.

    Costs

    • Although monocrystalline panels have been available since the 1980s, polycrystalline panels have become a more widespread option among consumers. The main reason is in the price, which is lower than that of monocrystalline panels. The other benefit related to cost is in maintenance; because polycrystalline panels feature several different sets of crystals, if damage occurs to one, it does not require replacement of the entire panel.

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