Solar panels are composed of the semiconductor material silicon (the second most abundant element in the earth’s crust), which absorbs light energy and excites atoms to produce electrical current. There are two types of photovoltaic solar modules: monocrystalline and polycrystalline which refer to the crystal formation of the silicon solar cells. Remembering the distinction is simple; monocrystalline modules are made of single silicon crystal cells while polycrystalline modules are made up of cells with many silicon crystals.
The difference comes from the manufacturing process. A mono cell solidifies as a single cylindrical ingot that is made from slowly pulling a single monocrystalline seed crystal from high-heat molten silicon. The ingot is then sliced into thin pieces, which are laid down to form the mono solar module. The many crystals that make up polycrystalline cells are formed due to the quick cooling of silicon from molten liquid form in large casts by the solar panel manufacturers in Ontario. Polycrystalline cells are less expensive to make because they are faster to factory produce while producing a mono cell is more time consuming.
Is one better than the other? Comparing monocrystalline and polycrystalline modules (without looking at specific requirements) is like comparing apples to oranges. It is a common misconception that mono modules are better because they are more expensive and made of single crystals. Mono may have a higher rated power per square feet (saving physical space) but this doesn't necessarily mean it is a better module.
The important thing to note is the energy yield of the module (the actual energy produced per kWh). Solar system owners are paid by the kilowatt hours they supply to the grid with the Ontario feed-in-tariff (FIT) program. In practical testing conditions (PTC) polycrystalline modules usually outperform monocrystalline modules. Practical testing conditions generally provide accurate performance estimates as they test “real world” conditions. Since poly modules perform better, they generate more energy and therefore more energy is fed into the grid, which the system owner will financially benefit from due to the FIT program.
Light degradation of the module is also an important factor to consider. This phenomenon occurs in the first 60 hours of the module being exposed to the sun and the wattage power of the module is reduced as light degrades the cells. Mono cells have a 3% degradation rate and therefore a 250Wp monocrystalline module, for example, will actually perform at around 242Wp while a 250Wp polycrystalline module which only has a 1% light degradation rate and will perform at around 247Wp. Considering the Ontario solar provider is paid by kilowatt, the consumer is paying more for mono while actually getting a higher energy yield with poly.
Whether you are leaning towards mono modules or poly modules, the most important thing you must consider is the Ontario solar panel manufacturer. Different brands have different manufacturing methods and quality standards that greatly affect performance and durability. In conclusion, the wattage of the module is not as important as the energy generated by the module, which is directly correlated to the quality of the module. This will maximize the solar system owner’s investment return..
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