Depending on your area and service provider, you could get suggestions to install different types of solar panels on your rooftop (or at a commercial setup). However, it is vital for you to understand the difference between the types of solar panels widely available across the country, as it gives you an idea about the technology you’re spending your hard-earned money on, which will stay with you for decades.
Key Factors For Comparison Between Different Solar Panels
- Material: This is the primary semiconductor material that converts sunlight into electricity.
- Energy Efficiency: The percentage of sunlight the solar panel converts into electricity, under ideal test conditions. Higher test efficiency usually leads to better efficiency in real-world scenarios.
- Expected Lifespan: This refers to the number of years a panel generates electricity after its installation.
- Temperature Coefficient: The term refers to the drop in power output for every one-degree rise in temperature over 25°C.
Also Read: The Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Panels in the Indian Context
Monocrytsalline vs. Polycrytsalline vs. Thin-Film vs. Mono PERC Solar Panels: Key Differences
| Monocrystalline | Polycrystalline | Thin-Film (General) | Mono PERC | |
| Material Used | Single Silicon Crystal | Multiple Silicon Crystals | Amorphous Si, CdTe, CIGS, etc. | Monocrystalline + Passivation Layer |
| Energy Efficiency | 15% – 22.5% | 13% – 17% | 7% – 15% | 19% – 23%+ |
| Expected Lifespan | 25 – 30 years | 20 – 25 years | 10 – 20 years | 25 – 30+ years |
| Advantages | High efficiency, space-saving, and aesthetics | Lower cost, simpler manufacturing | Lightweight, flexible (some), good high-temp/low-light perf. | Very high efficiency, better temp/low-light perf. |
| Disadvantages | Higher cost, more waste in prod. | Lower efficiency, more space needed | Lowest efficiency, shorter lifespan | Higher cost than standard mono |
| Avg. Price (₹/Wp) | ₹30 – ₹38 | ₹25 – ₹32 | ₹22 – ₹28 | ₹32 – ₹40 |
| Best Suited For | Limited space, high efficiency needs | Budget projects, ample space | Large-scale, BIPV, specific light/temp | Max output in a limited space |
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
First on the list of different types of solar panels is monocrystalline silicon solar panels. As the name suggests, they are made from a single, high-quality silicon crystal (with a characteristic black hue).
Due to the use of pure silicon, the monocrystalline solar panels offer the highest energy efficiency of around 15 to 22.5% (or even higher with newer generation panels). Thanks to their higher energy efficiency, such solar panels can generate more power from a smaller area.
Besides having higher energy efficiency, monocrystalline panels are known for their durability. If maintained well, the panels can last for as long as 30 years or more. It is the confidence in monocrystalline panels’ durability that manufacturers often extend power output warranties on the panels.
Pros
- The higher energy efficiency leads to better space utilization, offering a key advantage for urban settings with smaller rooftops.
- Lower temperature coefficient (around -0.36% to -0.40% per °C) results in better output at higher temperatures.
- Higher cumulative energy generation over the solar power system’s life, as monocrystalline panels have a higher expected lifespan.
- Monocrystalline panels have a sleek, uniform black appearance, which looks premium and might complement a modern building’s design.
- Manufacturers provide 10 to 12 years of product warranty and around 25 years of linear power output warranty.
Cons
- With the higher energy efficiency and exceptional durability, monocrystalline solar panels are generally the most expensive ones on the market.
- Such panels are more sensitive to shades than others; hence, even partial coverage can lead to a significant drop in the total energy output.
- The process of manufacturing pure silicon crystals is energy-intensive, which could be an environmental concern.
In conclusion, monocrystalline solar panels are best suited for compact residential or commercial spaces with limited rooftop space, provided the buyers don’t have budget constraints.
Also Read: Rooftop Solar Pros and Cons For Indian Homes (2025)
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Instead of one silicon crystal, polycrystalline solar panels are made from multiple silicon fragments melted together, poured into molds, and then solidified into multiple interlocking silicon layers. Such panels have a characteristic blue appearance.
Regarding energy efficiency, polycrystalline panels come next to monocrystalline panels, offering an efficiency of 13 to 17%. The presence of multiple crystals within one cell results in a lower efficiency. This also means that to generate the same amount of power as a set of monocrystalline panels, one would need more polycrystalline panels.
When it comes to life expectancy, polycrystalline panels can last from around 20 to 25 years without a significant drop in energy production. Theoretically, the panels can last longer, but the degradation is faster toward the end. Moreover, the panels last long enough to give you a decent return on your investment.
Pros
- Compared to monocrystalline panels, lower manufacturing costs make polycrystalline panels more affordable, making the technology accessible to more people.
- The average price per watt of polycrystalline panels is lower (around Rs. 25 to 32 Wp) than that of the monocrystalline panels (around Rs. 30 to 38 Wp).
- It is generally considered that polycrystalline panels generate less silicon waste than monocrystalline panels, making them more beneficial for the environment right from the get-go.
- Manufacturers offer around 10 years of warranty on the product and around 25 years of linear power output warranty (however, the number could change based on the company and model you’re choosing).
Cons
- Given that polycrystalline panels have a lower energy efficiency, you’ll require more panels (which would directly contribute to the cost) for the same power output as monocrystalline panels. For instance, where monocrystalline panels might produce 2.5 to 3 kW from an urban rooftop with limited space, polycrystalline panels might produce around 2 kW from the same area.
- The temperature coefficient for such panels ranges from -0.39% to -0.45% per °C, resulting in a higher power loss on hot days.
- Higher degradation rate compared to monocrystalline solar panels (around 0.5 to 0.7% per year).
In summary, polycrystalline panels are the mid-rangers of solar panels: they offer next-to-flagship performance at a relatively affordable price, making them suitable for budget-conscious residential and commercial buyers. Large-scale utility installations could also make use of polycrystalline panels.
Also Read: Extending the Lifespan of Your Solar Panels in India’s Diverse Climates: A Comprehensive Guide
Thin-Film Solar Panels
As the name indicates, thin-film solar panels are thinner than crystalline silicon. They are made by depositing thin layers of photovoltaic material on a substrate, whether glass, plastic, or metal.
Thin-film solar panels can be of several types, including Amorphous Silicon, Cadmium Telluride, and Copper Indium Gallium Selenide. The choice of the material and substrate depends on the intended application.
While Amorphous Silicon panels aren’t the most energy-efficient panels on the market (rated at around 10%), the Cadmium Telluride panels provide around 12 – 18% energy efficiency. The Copper Indium Gallium Selenide panels also have a higher energy efficiency of around 15% or more.
Thin-film solar panels have a shorter lifespan than crystalline solar panels (including monocrystalline and polycrystalline). Depending on the type of semiconductor and the substrate, the expected lifespan of a thin-film panel is around 10 to 20 years.
Pros
- When manufactured at large volume, the production cost of Cadmium Telluride and Amorphous Silicon solar panels can be controlled, resulting in affordable solar panels that can find their way to economical devices like solar-powered power banks.
- Such panels are lightweight and flexible, which opens up applications where the heavy crystalline panels aren’t viable, such as for non-load-bearing roofs, portable solar chargers, automotive or marine applications, etc.
- Lower temperature coefficient (around -0.20% to -0.30% °C).
Cons
- Depending on the material, thin-film solar panels can offer poor energy efficiency. For a given power requirement, thin-film solar panels will occupy much more space than traditional crystalline panels.
- A higher degradation rate often leads to a shorter lifespan.
Their flexible and affordable nature makes thin-film solar panels suitable for large-scale utility projects with abundant land, building materials like facades, rooftop tiles, or semi-transparent skylights, or smaller and economical consumer tech items.
Also Read: What is Solar AC and How Does It Work?
Mono Passivated Emitter And Rear Cell (PERC) Solar Panels
At the core of Mono PERC solar panels are monocrystalline silicon wafer (with a single-crystal structure and high purity), but it is combined with a dielectric passivation layer toward the back, i.e., on the rear surface. The layer acts as a mirror for electrons, preventing the loss of electrons to heat and reflecting more light toward the photovoltaic cells.
As a result of better light capture and reduced electron loss, the energy efficiency of Mono PERC panels is slightly higher than that of monocrystalline panels, around 19 to 23%, or even higher on some newer modules with advanced cell technology like N-type silicon and half-cut cells.
These panels are as durable as monocrystalline panels, with the average lifespan hovering around 25 to 30 years (or more).
Pros
- Mono PERC solar panels have higher energy efficiency and are suitable for high power demands. Fewer panels are needed for an energy production target, which might reduce additional costs (like framework, installation, etc).
- Given that Mono PERC layers have a rear reflective layer, they are better at absorbing light during periods of low solar irradiance, such as cloudy days, dusk, dawn, etc.
- Such panels typically come with 10-15 years of product warranty and 25-30 years of linear power output warranty, ensuring that they provide an excellent return on the initial investment.
Cons
- Mono PERC solar panels are one of the most expensive on the market. While the additional energy yield could justify the price increment, it might not suit everyone.
Mono PERC solar panels are becoming more common. Further, the additional power yield often justifies the increase in price over monocrystalline solar panels. They are suitable for residential and commercial installations alike.
Also Read: Cheap Printed Solar Panels Could Make It To Your Rooftop Very Soon
FAQs
What are the different types of solar panels?
There are several different types of solar panels, including monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film, Mono PERC panels, and so on.
Which is the most efficient solar panel?
Typically, Mono PERC solar panels have a high energy efficiency, which is even better than the standard multicrystalline solar panels.
Which is the most affordable solar panel for residential use?
Polycrystalline solar panels offer the right balance between affordability and energy efficiency.
What is the typical lifespan of a solar panel?
The typical lifespan of a solar panel is around 20 to 25 years. With proper maintenance, the solar panels can even last for over 30 years.
You can follow Smartprix on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Google News. Visit smartprix.com for the latest tech and auto news, reviews, and guides.
