Polycrystalline solar panels are made from silicon, just like other solar panels. But, instead of using one big silicon crystal, they are made by melting lots of small silicon pieces together to make the panel. That’s why they are sometimes called “multi-crystalline” or “many-crystal” silicon panels.
These panels are usually not as good at turning sunlight into electricity as monocrystalline panels because they have lots of crystals in each cell, which makes it harder for the electricity-moving electrons to move around. They are cheaper to make, so they usually cost less to buy.
Polycrystalline panels are usually blue, unlike the black color of monocrystalline panels. Since they’re not as efficient, you’ll need more of these panels to power your home, but each panel costs less.
How Does Polycrystalline Solar Panels Work?
Polycrystalline solar panels work by using multiple cells made of silicon crystals, which act as semiconductors. Here’s a simple breakdown of how they generate electricity:
- Silicon Crystals: Each cell in the panel has silicon crystals. These crystals are important because they help convert sunlight into electricity.
- PN Junction: Inside each cell, there’s something called a PN junction. This is where two types of silicon – N-type and P-type – meet. N-type silicon has extra electrons, while P-type is short on electrons.
- Sunlight Interaction: When sunlight (which is made of photons) hits the solar panel, it reaches the PN junction.
- Energy Transfer: The energy from the sunlight gives electrons in the P-type silicon enough power to move. This movement of electrons creates an electric current.
- Electrodes: There are two electrodes connected to each solar cell. One electrode is on the top and has tiny wires, and the other is at the bottom and looks more like a foil. These electrodes help collect and carry the electric current that’s generated by the electrons moving.
Features of Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Polycrystalline solar panels are kinder to the environment than monocrystalline panels. This is because they don’t waste much material during production – they use most of the silicon they’re made from.
These panels work best between temperatures of -40 °C and 85 °C. However, they’re not as good as monocrystalline panels in hot conditions. When it gets really hot, polycrystalline panels don’t make electricity as efficiently.
Also, polycrystalline panels are more affected by temperature changes compared to monocrystalline panels. Despite this, they can still produce a lot of power for their size.
An added bonus is that they come with their own frame. This makes it easier and cheaper to put them up, since you don’t need to buy a separate frame for mounting.
Pros & Cons of Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Polycrystalline solar panels have their own pros & cons. Let’s break them down:
Pros
- They cost less than monocrystalline panels because they’re easier to make and use lots of silicon cells together.
- Making these panels doesn’t waste much material, which is great for the environment.
- They can be used in systems that have batteries and inverters.
- The process to make them doesn’t use much fossil fuel, so it’s better for the planet.
Cons
- They don’t turn sunlight into electricity as well as monocrystalline panels because the silicon isn’t as pure.
- To get the same amount of power as the best monocrystalline panels, you usually need more space for polycrystalline panels.
- They could have a shorter lifespan compared to monocrystalline panels.
- They can get damaged more easily in high temperatures.
Polycrystalline vs. Monocrystalline Solar Panels
|
Monocrystalline Panels
|
Polycrystalline Panels
|
|---|---|
| More expensive | Less expensive |
| More efficient | Less efficient |
| Solar cells are a black hue | Solar cells have a blue-ish hue |
| 25+ years | 25+ years |
| Lower temperature coefficient/more effective when temperature changes | Higher temperature coefficient/less effective when temperature changes |