Here’s a concise breakdown of solar panel cost differences:
Cost Comparison by Solar Panel Type
1. Monocrystalline
- Price range: Higher cost ($2.90-$3.50/W before incentives)
- Key factors: Highest efficiency (20-23%), longer lifespan, and premium pricing due to single-crystal silicon manufacturing.
2. Polycrystalline
- Price range: Mid-tier ($2.50-$3.00/W before incentives)
- Key factors: Lower efficiency (15-17%) but more affordable than monocrystalline due to multi-crystal manufacturing.
3. Thin-Film
- Price range: Lowest upfront cost ($1.50-$2.50/W before incentives)
- Key factors: Shortest lifespan and lowest efficiency (10-13%), but lightweight and flexible installation options.
| Type | Cost Per Watt* | Efficiency | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monocrystalline | $$$$ | 20-23% | 25-35 yrs |
| Polycrystalline | $$$$ | 15-17% | 25-30 yrs |
| Thin-Film | $$ | 10-13% | 10-20 yrs |
*Before federal tax credits and installation costs. Actual prices vary by brand (e.g., VSUN polycrystalline at $2.92/W vs premium monocrystalline at $3.50/W).
Key Tradeoffs: While thin-film has the lowest upfront costs, monocrystalline offers better long-term value through energy savings and durability. Polycrystalline strikes a balance for budget-conscious buyers.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-main-differences-in-cost-between-monocrystalline-polycrystalline-and-thin-film-solar-panels/
