Types of Solar Panel


There are many conversations among those of us involved with solar energy products as to whether we should be using mono-crystalline, amorphous or poly-crystalline solar panels. Each of the three main types available on today’s market and each contains a different silicon crystal structure:

  • Monocrystalline solar panels: These panels are the most efficient type of solar panels, i.e. they are able to convert the highest proportion of the sun’s rays into electricity (up to 21.5%). They are, however, the most difficult to manufacture and the most expensive to buy because the silicon crystals must be grown in a controlled, single direction. If space is a large concern, these panels are generally smaller than their counterparts. When the temperature from the sun exceeds 50˚C, all solar panels are 10-15% less efficient; whilst monocrystalline panels do show this characteristic, the reduction in efficiency is typically slightly less.

    • Example of a monocrystalline solar panel: Sunpower SPR-90 Solar Panel

  • Polycrystalline solar panels: Often called Multi-crystalline, these types of solar panels are typically a little less expensive to manufacture as the silicon crystals are allowed to grow in many directions. As a result, they are a small amount less efficient than the monocrystalline panels, making them slightly larger. However, this difference is minimal, i.e. up to 17% as compared 21%. Many people prefer the polycrystalline solar panels as they are often more cost-effective and available in much larger configurations. Some manufacturers, such as Kyocera, have found new, innovative ways to incorporate extremely high build quality and repeatability into their solar panel products.

    • Example of a polycrystalline solar panel: Kyocera KD135 135W Solar Panel

  • Amorphous solar panel: In reality, amorphous silicon solar panels are not crystal based, but rather a thin layer of silicon is deposited onto a base material. Historically, this base material was metal or glass, although in recent years, technology has allowed manufacturers to use flexible polymers. Whilst amorphous silicon based solar panels are technically the least efficient, being flexible, they can be rolled up and are extremely robust since they cannot shatter.

    • Example of an amorphous solar panel: Flexcell Sunpack 7W