When you evaluate solar panels for your photovoltaic (PV) system, you will encounter two main categories of panel options: monocrystalline solar panels (mono) and polycrystalline solar panels (poly). Both types of panels produce energy from the sun, but there are some key differences to be aware of.

Monocrystalline solar panels and polycrystalline solar panels: it's all about the cells

Both monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels serve the same function in the overall solar PV system: they capture energy from the sun and turn it into electricity. They are also both made from silicon, which is used for solar panels because it is an abundant, very durable element. Many solar panel manufacturers produce both monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels.

Both monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels can be good choices for your home, but there are key differences between the two types of technology that you should understand before making your final solar purchase decision. The main difference between the two technologies is the type of silicon solar cell they use: monocrystalline solar panels have solar cells made from a single crystal of silicon, while polycrystalline solar panels have solar cells made from many silicon fragments melted together.

Monocrystalline solar panels

Monocrystalline solar panels are generally thought of as a premium solar product. The main advantages of moncrystalline panels are higher efficiencies and sleeker aesthetics.

To make solar cells for monocrystalline solar panels, silicon is formed into bars and cut into wafers. These types of panels are called “monocrystalline” to indicate that the silicon used is single-crystal silicon. Because the cell is composed of a single crystal, the electrons that generate a flow of electricity have more room to move. As a result, monocrystalline panels are more efficient than their polycrystalline counterparts.

Polycrystalline solar panels

Polycrystalline solar panels generally have lower efficiencies than monocrystalline options, but their advantage is a lower price point. In addition, polycrystalline solar panels tend to have a blue hue instead of the black hue of monocrystalline panels.

Polycrystalline solar panels are also made from silicon. However, instead of using a single crystal of silicon, manufacturers melt many fragments of silicon together to form the wafers for the panel. Polycrystalline solar panels are also referred to as “multi-crystalline,” or many-crystal silicon. Because there are many crystals in each cell, there is to less freedom for the electrons to move. As a result, polycrystalline solar panels have lower efficiency ratings than monocrystalline panels.

How do monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels compare on key metrics?

Monocrystalline vs. polycrystalline solar panels: which are right for you?

Saving money is one of the best reasons to solar, and whether you choose mono or poly solar panels, you’ll be decreasing your electricity bills. The option you choose comes down to your personal preferences, space constraints, and the financing option you choose.

1.  Personal preferences: If the color of your solar panels is important to you, remember that monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels tend to appear differently on your roof. The typical monocrystalline panel will tend to have a darker black color, while the typical polycrystalline panel will tend to have a bluer color. If where your panels were manufactured is important to you, then ensure you know enough about company that made your mono or poly solar panels.
2. Space constraints: You should prefer higher-efficiency solar panels if your PV system size is limited by the amount of space available on your roof. Because of this, paying the extra cost for more efficient monocrystalline panels that can help you maximize your electricity production will make more sense in these scenarios. Alternatively, if you have a lot of roof space or are installing ground-mounted solar, then lower-efficiency polycrystalline can be a more economic option.
3. Solar financing: How you finance your system can also play a part in determining which type of panel you choose. For example, if you choose a power purchase agreement (PPA), you pay per kilowatt-hour for the electricity produced by the system. This means that, above any type of equipment you’re being offered, your monthly payments will determine your savings. By contrast, if you are buying your system, paying more for high-efficiency monocrystalline panels can result in higher returns on your solar investment.

Compare Mono vs. Poly solar panel options before deciding on a system

We recommend you explore your options with both mono and poly solar panels before making a final purchase decision. When you register your property on SUNER POWER, our network of pre-screened, vetted installers will provide you with quotes that you’ll be able to easily compare side-by-side to find the system and panels that are best for your unique situation.

Solar energy uses often expand beyond what people consider. Harnessing the sun's power isn't limited to solar panels for commercial and residential use, and battery chargers are the perfect example of how solar energy can benefit you in numerous ways while outside the home. Battery chargers may just be the next best thing in terms of practical applications. Not only are battery chargers capable of charging small devices or things like lawnmowers and laptops, but batteries for cars, RVs, and boats as well.

What is a solar battery charger?
Portable solar battery chargers use the sun's power to supply electricity to devices or to charge batteries. Charging is often indirect - meaning the solar battery chargers don't directly charge the battery - but instead, charge their own chemical or lithium-ion batteries through solar modules, and redistribute their charge to your battery/gadget. One of the main benefits is that no external electrical source is required.

What can you use a solar battery charger for?
Anyone from outdoor enthusiasts to people who work with autos find excellent uses for solar battery chargers. You can charge flashlights, phones, tablets, laptops, car, boat, and RV batteries, and GPS systems. The key is being in places where you can rely on at least a couple hours of sunlight each day. As technology improves, we are likely to see further uses, more efficiency, and expanded capabilities.

It's important to note that battery chargers have a wide variety of uses, so knowing what you need is essential to find one that is best for you and your situation, device, or battery. For example, there are many levels to choosing a solar battery charger for cars. People will need to research voltage needs, but in general, it will be between 6V and 24V, whether you want a normal solar car battery charger or a trickle charger (note that trickle chargers are ideal for RVs), or whether you need a jump start feature. You'll also want to consider charge controllers and power.

Due diligence is essential when picking a solar battery charger. Ask yourself:

• What do I want to charge?
• How fast do I want things to charge?
• Do I want to charge multiple devices at the same time?
• How portable do I need the solar battery charger to be?
• Do I want individual solar battery chargers for each prospective use or one that serves multiple purposes?

Other things to consider are making sure it's waterproof if it is used for a boat, or dust-proof if for camping and hiking. There are even solar battery chargers that are better for low-light or cloudy situations. You can narrow down your search by getting specific about what role your solar battery charger is going to play.

What are some of the best solar battery chargers for cars?
SUNER POWER BC-6W Poly Solar Battery Trickle Charger and Maintainer
SUNER POWER BC-8W Mon Solar Battery Charger and Maintainer
SUNER POWER BC-2.4W Amorphous Solar Battery Charger and Maintainer

What are some of the best solar battery chargers for RVs?
SUNER POWER BC-12W Poly Solar Battery Trickle Charger and Maintainer
SUNER POWER BC-14W Mon Solar Battery Charger and Maintainer
SUNER POWER BC-4.8W Amorphous Solar Battery Charger and Maintainer

Another consideration for RVs is portable solar panels. It takes some legwork and math to figure out your requirements, but it can be a great way to camp and travel without needing an electrical source other than the sun.

What are some of the best solar battery chargers for equipment, electronics, and personal devices?
SUNER POWER SP-10W Solar Panel Kit with 12V/24V 10A Charge Controller
SUNER POWER SP-20W Solar Panel Kit with 12V/24V 10A Charge Controller

The charge controller is exclusive equipped with photocell light control with 1-13h setting time. Turn on the light in dusk and turn off light in dawn without manual operation, 1 to 13 working hours setting according to personal requirements, practical and useful.

The market has also seen an increase in products and people who use them. Publications now encourage those going off the grid but want to stay connected to invest in solar battery chargers, while green living sites tout the clean-energy benefits and cost savings of using as many renewable resources as possible in your life.

What are the benefits of solar power?
Solar power has several benefits, including those you get from using solar battery chargers. They are:

• A way to handle charging when "off the grid"
• Solar power is a clean energy
• There is marked cost savings in solar power
• Using renewable resources will help save the environment
• Solar power creates energy independence
• Going solar is easy
• Many solar battery chargers are incredibly affordable
• Boosting your solar power use

Solar battery chargers are an excellent step toward using solar power. However, optimizing your home with other solar energy solutions is beneficial as well. Using an estimate tool, you can weigh the upfront costs and long-term savings of installing a solar system for your home, and find out extensive information, like how many panels you'll need, what the prices are in your area, and if there are incentives available.