Polycrystalline Solar Panels

By: Ashley B. Servio

[This is the second blog post of our three-part series on Types of Solar PV Panels]

Solar panels consist of numerous photovoltaic (PV) cells that convert electrical energy upon absorbing photons from sunlight [1]. The efficiency of this energy conversion depends on the type and materials from which a solar panel is made.

One type of solar panel commonly used is polycrystalline, also referred to as the “multi-crystalline” panel, first introduced to the market in 1981. As the name suggests, it comprises many (poly) fragments of crystal silicon solar cells melted together. This composition causes less freedom for electrons to move, making it less efficient for energy conversion; available ones on the market have almost 15-17% efficiency [2]. Moreover, since it is melted, there is more flexibility in shaping it into solar wafers, thus reducing material waste and faster and cheaper manufacturing procedures, consequently making it a more economical option for consumers [1][4]. Polycrystalline panels are commonly used in large solar farms, standalone or self-powered devices such as traffic lights in remote areas, and off-grid households [3].

Another feature that plays a vital role in its overall efficiency is heat tolerance, polycrystalline has a lower temperature coefficient or heat tolerance than other crystalline panels, ranging around -0.3% / C to -0.5% / C. This means a degree Celsius of increase in temperature over 25 °C, the solar cell will temporarily lose 0.3% to 0.5% of its efficiency [2]. For this reason, the lifespan of the panel is shortened but is not much of significance. Rather, this increases its dust tolerance, making it suited to use in shady/dusty/snowy regions [4]. Unlike their single-crystal counterparts, these panels do not face circuit breakdowns if a single solar cell (or more) accumulates dust [5]. Still, it is recommended to clean the photovoltaic units periodically.

References:

[1] Deege Solar. (2021, August 23). Types of Solar Panels | Monocrystalline, Polycrystalline & Thin-Film. Deege Solar. https://www.deegesolar.co.uk/types_of_solar_panels/

[2] Lane, C. (2021, December 29). Types of solar panels: Which one is the best choice? Solar Reviews. https://www.solarreviews.com/content/blog/pros-and-cons-of-monocrystalline-vs-polycrystalline-solar-panels

[3] Lavaa, A. (2021, January 20). Polycrystalline Solar Panel: Features, Working Principle, Applications | Linquip. https://www.linquip.com/blog/polycrystalline-solar-panel/

[4] The Solar Quote. (2018, July 2). Monocrystalline vs Polycrystalline Solar Panels. Sunpower. https://www.sunpowerbythesolarquote.com/post/monocrystalline-vs-polycrystalline-solar-panels

[5] Chadha, S. (2020, March 16). Monocrystalline or Polycrystalline: Which Solar Panel Is Right For You?SOLARMYPLACE. https://solarmyplace.com/blogs/news/monocrystalline-or-polycrystalline-which-solar-panel-is-right-for-you

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