Monocrystalline vs. Polycrystalline: Which Solar Panel Is Right For Your Project

If you've been looking into investing in solar PV to help reduce your electricity bills or help the environement you have likely come across two common types of panels, monocrystalline and polycrystalline. We're going to briefly explain the difference and help guide you in your selection.

 

Monocrystalline

Monocrystalline solar panels are made with a single layer of silicon during the Czochralski method. They have a higher efficiency than polycrystalline panels and therefore do better in low light environments. When compared to a polycrystalline panel of the same same size, they are able to create a larger amount of energy out of the same footprint making them a better option for people looking to get as much energy as they can from a limited amount of space.

Polycrystalline

As the name implies polycrystalline panels are comprised of multiple silicon crystals. The processes used in making these panels is both quicker and less expensive to manufacture which translates to a lower cost to the consumer. However, the polycrystalline panels are less efficient than their mono counter parts. In order to get the same amount of energy as monocrystalline panels they would need a larger footprint. If you have a large amount of unobstructed roof space or land that is not being used these slightly lower priced panels may be a better option.

Farms Progressing with Solar

When people think of solar panels, more often than not, they think of them on residential roofs or maybe even spanning large commercial buildings. But with the cost of electricity going up there are other, less obvious structures that are incorporating solar electric systems. Century old farms are beginning to look for an alternative energy source which is both cost effective and safe for the environment.

This has led a number of local Connecticut farms to install solar electric systems on their property. While ground mounts are often a popular choice, some are choosing to use their existing barns as a way to progress with modern technology, without interfering with the valuable land they use to grow crops and feed their livestock. The Hickories of Ridgefield is an organic farm in Ridgefield, CT that has been growing crops for over 2 centuries. They decided they wanted to decrease their carbon foot print as well as their electricity bills and asked PurePoint Energy to make that happen. The end result was a 52 panel, 10.66kW solar array on their west facing barn. Stone Wall Dairy, another organic farm, decided they too wanted a way to offset their electricity usage and felt that solar technology was the way to go. PurePoint Energy designed and installed a 48 panel 10.56kW solar electric system on the barn roof.
Both systems provided a maintenance free, clean energy solution that was cost effective. They were able to take advantage of the available state and federal incentives making this investment decision a no-brainer. These farms will hopefully be the begging of a long list of farms that continue progressing by combining their historical infrastructure with modern technology to help both the agricultural industry as well as the environment.