Polycrystalline solar panels are one component of the rooftop solar PV systems available to renewable energy buyers. Solar panels benefit you as the homeowner and they also render a service to society and the environment. They reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and help keep your air cleaner.

As the owner of a solar PV system you can save on your energy costs and you can feel good about having done your bit in saving the world, or at least, contributing to keeping the air less polluted.

A solar system consists of solar panels that are made up of silicon crystals. The job of these crystals is to convert sunlight into electrical energy. The electrons in these silicon crystals get into motion on receiving the sunlight and produce an electric current which gets converted into clean and green energy.

Solar panels for a photovoltaic (PV) system can be broadly classified into two categories: mono-crystalline (mono) and polycrystalline (poly). Both mono-crystalline and polycrystalline solar panels play exactly the same role in a photovoltaic system and that is to harness the energy from the sun and convert it into solar energy.

Another similarity between polycrystalline solar panels and mono-crystalline solar panels is that they are both made from the same material, that is silicon and it is quite durable. While looking at solar panels for your home solar system, you need to first understand the primary differences in the technology behind both kinds of panels. Depending on your need, you can select from either of these two.

Let’s first understand what exactly polycrystalline and monocrystalline solar panels are.

The first solar panels based on polycrystalline silicon technology entered the market in 1981. Polycrystalline solar panels are made by melting several fragments of raw silicon together. Melted silicon is then poured into square moulds and cooled. These are then cut into perfectly square wafers that are used in the solar panels. Polycrystalline solar panels do not use a single crystal of silicon.  

In common parlance, polycrystalline solar panels are also known as multi-crystalline, or many-crystal silicon panels, names that are derived from their manufacturing technology. The presence of multiple crystals in each cell restricts the movement of the electrons, which leads to polycrystalline solar panels having an efficiency level lower than that of mono-crystalline panels.

Monocrystalline solar panels are made by forming higher grade silicon into bars and then cutting them into wafer size subsequently. They are made out of silicon ingots, which have a cylindrical shape. These cylindrical ingots are further cut on four sides to make silicon wafers and give the mono-crystalline solar panels their shape. This cutting optimizes their performance and lowers the costs of a single mono-crystalline solar cell.

Unlike polycrystalline solar panels, these types of panels use single-crystal silicon thus giving them their name of mono-crystalline. Since the cell in these panels comprises a single crystal, it facilitates free movement of the electrons which increases their efficiency by several notches.

The composition of the cells is what marks the major difference between monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar cells.

Now let’s consider some other factors that make both these panels different from each other.

You as a homeowner need to evaluate the polycrystalline solar panels advantages and disadvantages before you come to a decision about whether polycrystalline is the right choice for you. We have listed out for you some major pros and cons of polycrystalline panels below.

​ Check out the video below for the manufacturing process of polycrystalline solar panels 

Listed below are some of the top polycrystalline solar panels in the US and the latest offerings by them to the solar industry.

Renogy have given their 270Watt 24Volt Polycrystalline Solar Panel to its customers and this panel has them floored with its gorgeous aesthetics. This Renogy 270-Watt polycrystalline solar panel offers industry leading performance and it's the first step to converting your house to being a solar generator. The one we looked at is a 10 piece set but other sizes of kit are available.

It is perfect for residential rooftop systems to decrease your electrical bill. Renogy even sell it for a large off-grid system commercial and utility systems.

The Renogy monocrystalline panels will give you more efficiency per square area of roof space if the right number of Renogy Polycrystalline panels won't fit. Either type of solar module have the ability to withstand extreme elements and severe weather. The panels come with a 25-year power output warranty, plus 10-year material and workmanship warranty.

Gearing up for 270 Watts of power, here are the specifications: 

Those are some of the key features of this panel. Each panel weighs 40 lbs so when you get them delivered make sure you check them immediately to ensure the delivery crew didn't drag them to your door and damage the frames.

The ​JinkoSolar 310W x 4 poly panel set boasts of an effective range of 15.98 percent and 72 Cells Per Module. Going by the industry standards, this is good for polycrystalline solar panels. It is powerful enough to generate electricity to the tune of 310 Watts and an output voltage of 37 Volts. The panel comes equipped with high durability and puts aside the snow and wind-related concerns of homeowners. It can withstand high-pressure levels up to 5400 Pa and 3600 Pa in snow and wind conditions.

Those are some of the key features of this panel. Each panel weighs 58.5 lbs so on the heavy side so be sure you check them immediately on arrival to ensure the delivery crew didn't literally drop them at your door and damage the Clear Aluminium Module Frame Materials.

With high efficiency solar cells (approximately 19 percent), the Grape Solar GS P60 has rightly earned a space in this list. Polycrystalline made from quality silicon material for high Module Conversion efficiency, long term output stability, reliability and using high transmittance, low iron tempered glass makes this panel quite sturdy with enhanced impact resistance. It can cough up an energy output of 265 watts along with a maximal voltage of 37 Volts. 

The Grape Solar 265-watt polycrystalline solar panel pack bundles 4 Grape Solar 265-watt solar panels for extra savings. The Grape Solar 265-watt polycrystalline is virtually maintenance free.

This website provides information that educates and informs on a range of solar options. This blog deals with Polycrystalline solar options. There are links if you would like to explore pricing of the solar panels reviewed.

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