what is the difference between mono crystalline and polycrystalline solar panels? and which one is better?
Both poly-crystalline and mono-crystalline solar panels are made from the same material, silicon. However the difference is that the poly-crystalline material is made up of millions or billions of small silicon crystals while the mono-crystalline material is actual just that, one large singe crystal of silicon.
Single crystal silicon is more efficient at converting photons to electrons for electricity, the poly-silicon its much less efficient because electrons are captured or generated less efficiently where the crystals of silicon touch. However, even though poly solar panels are not as efficient, they are cheaper to manufacture so they can still be competitive on a $/watt basis. They would just need more area to produce the same amount of electricity as the mono-crystalline panels.
http://www.professionalsolar.com/
|
|
Goal Zero Elite Nomad 7m 7watt Mono-Crystalline Solar Panel W/ Usb Foldable Rugged Design New $124.23 Foldable rugged design. Weather resistan. 1 X Nomad 7 Solar Panel, 1 x 12V cigarette adapter…. |
|
|
Instapark® NEW All Black 5W Mono-crystalline Solar Panel with 12V Solar Charge Controller $34.45 Tired of all the noise and smell from your diesel generator? The Instapark SPCC-5W offers you a quiet, clean while carbon-free alternative. Capable of converting virtually unlimited solar energy into clean, green, most importantly, free electricity, the Instapark SPCC-5W includes a 5-Watt mono-crystalline solar panel with solar charge controller. This solar panel is made of high efficiency mono-c… |
|
|
Goal0 12301 Nomad 7M Solar Panel $59.99 For the minimalist on the go the Nomad 7M delivers an ultra-compact yet powerful solar panel that enables you to charge your handheld devices directly from its USB and 12 Volt DC charging ports…. |
|
|
Instapark® 10 Watt Solar Panel Portable Solar Charger with Dual USB Ports for iPhone, iPad & all other USB Compatible Devices $69.40 Converting virtually unlimited supply of solar power to much needed battery juice for your mobile devices such as an iPhone, iPad and many, many more USB portable devices while you are on the go or there is a power outage or disaster strikes, the Instapark Mercury 10 is a light and compact USB solar charging system that easily fits in your purse, messenger bag or backpack. It combines three solar … |
|
|
Goal0 32201 Boulder 30M Solar Panel $239.95 When you are deep in the heart of nowhere, power and recharge your battery faster than ever with the technology of this 30w highly efficient mono-crystalline solar panel that can be linked to other panels for maximum energy…. |