Monocrystalline Silicon
Solar cells made from a single continuous crystal of silicon. They offer the highest efficiency (20-24%) among mainstream technologies and are identified by their uniform dark appearance.
Why It Matters
Monocrystalline panels dominate the residential market because their higher efficiency means more power per square foot of roof — critical when roof space is limited.
Related Topics
Related Terms
Polycrystalline Silicon
Solar cells made from multiple silicon crystal fragments melted together. Slightly less efficient (17-20%) than monocrystalline but historically cheaper to manufacture.
Module Efficiency
The percentage of sunlight that a solar panel converts into electricity. Modern panels range from 15-22% efficient.
Solar Panel
A photovoltaic (PV) module that converts sunlight into electricity. Multiple panels are combined to form a solar array.