What is Polycrystalline?
A type of solar cell made from multiple silicon crystals, offering lower cost but also lower efficiency.
Quick Answer
Polycrystalline panels were common in the UK's early solar installations but have largely been replaced by monocrystalline panels. If you received quotes with polycrystalline panels, it may be worth asking about monocrystalline alternatives, as the price difference has narrowed significantly.
Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy
Polycrystalline Explained
Polycrystalline (or multicrystalline) solar cells are made by melting raw silicon and pouring it into a mould to form a block, which is then sliced into wafers. The resulting cells contain many small crystals, giving them a speckled blue appearance. They are cheaper to manufacture than monocrystalline cells but less efficient (15–18% vs 20–24%). Polycrystalline panels are gradually being phased out of the market as monocrystalline prices have fallen.
How Does Polycrystalline Work in the UK?
Polycrystalline panels were common in the UK's early solar installations but have largely been replaced by monocrystalline panels. If you received quotes with polycrystalline panels, it may be worth asking about monocrystalline alternatives, as the price difference has narrowed significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I still consider polycrystalline panels?
Generally no. Monocrystalline panels now cost almost the same and offer 15–30% more power per panel. Most UK installers have stopped offering polycrystalline panels entirely.
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John Rooney is the founder of Solar Info and has been covering the UK solar energy market since 2023. He researches every battery and inverter brand against manufacturer datasheets, MCS and Ofgem data, and feedback from the MCS-certified installers in our directory before publishing.