Which is better: polycrystalline or monocrystalline solar cells?

Choosing between monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar cells is not easy. Both are made from crystalline silicon, the most efficient semiconductor material on the market today, but in different waves.

A monocrystalline panel is made of individual silicon wafers all cut from the same cylindrical ingot. Polycrystalline panels, sometimes referred to as multicrystalline, are made from cast square ingots of silicon produced by cooling and solidifying molten silicon.

Determining which is better requires weighing cost against efficiency.

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In terms of high performance, monocrystalline solar cells are the most efficient, readily available ones to date. The best reach 22 percent conversion efficiency in the real world. Polycrystalline cells are less efficient, although higher than thin-film solar cells for now, but cost less to manufacture than their single-crystal siblings.

So much of the issue - and why polycrystalline panels sell better - is price. Up-front price, to be specific, because the thing is, monocrystalline cells are the most experienced, most efficient and most dependable product on the market. In the long run, they earn their keep quite well.

Increased cost equals increased efficiency, which for many homes with limited south-facing roof space is a worthwhile investment.

If you can get around the added costs, if you need to make the most out of a small space, and if thin, integrated panels are not a preference, then monocrystalline panels are probably your best choice. They simply deliver more wattage per square foot and more bang for your extra bucks.