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Thinking about getting your roof fitted with a Solar System? Look no more, this is all you need to know about buying a polycrystalline solar panel system. Poly Solar Panels are one of the most widely used panels in residential solar systems.
What Are Polycrystalline Solar Panels?
Multiple Silicon Crystals, when melted together, form solar cells, a unique type of photovoltaic (PV) solar panel known as a Polycrystalline Solar Panel. These Solar Panels are made by melting multiple silicon fragments and then letting them cool to form wafers and then those wafers are cut into smaller cells and then assembled into a Solar Panel. This gives these Solar Panels their distinguished Blue colour and a slightly grainy texture.
How Do Polycrystalline Solar Panels Work?
A Poly Solar Panel uses the photovoltaic cells that are made of silicon crystals to convert sunlight into electricity. The silicon, when it comes in contact with sunlight, absorbs photons, i.e, light particles. This causes the electrons to become energized and move, which results in the creation of an electric current. The metal contacts then collect this current and direct it to an inverter, which transforms it into a usable form of electricity that powers our homes and businesses.
Advantages of Polycrystalline Panels
- Low Initial Cost: Polycrystalline Solar Panels have a simpler and less complex manufacturing process with the added benefit of low material costs, which makes the cost of production even lower, resulting in their affordability.
- Environment-Friendly Production: Its unique production process results in less waste material, which in turn reduces our carbon footprint and makes it comparatively more environmentally-friendly.
- Ready Availability: These types of Solar Panels are widely available in the market with a range of power wattage options, which makes these an excellent choice for both residential solar system and commercial solar system installations to generate Solar Energy.
Disadvantages to Consider
- Lower efficiency: Polycrystalline panels generally have a lower efficiency rating compared to monocrystalline panels, meaning you'll need more panels to generate the same amount of power.
- Requires more space: Due to their lower efficiency, you'll need a larger area of roof space or land to install the same wattage as with monocrystalline panels.
- Less aesthetically pleasing: The speckled blue color and non-uniform appearance of polycrystalline panels may not be as visually appealing as the uniform black of monocrystalline panels.
- Lower heat tolerance: Polycrystalline panels tend to perform slightly worse than monocrystalline panels in high temperatures.
- Shorter lifespan: Although very durable, polycrystalline panels may have a slightly shorter lifespan compared to monocrystalline panels.
Also See: 15 Amazing Benefits of Installing Solar Panels at Home
Polycrystalline Solar Panels vs Monocrystalline Solar Panels
| Feature | Monocrystalline Solar Panels | Polycrystalline Solar Panels |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Single Silicon Crystal | Multiple Silicon Fragments Melted Together |
| Cost | More Expensive | Less Expensive |
| Efficiency | More Efficient | Less Efficient |
| Aesthetics | Black Coloured | Blue-ish in colour |
| Lifespan | 25+ years | 25+ years |
| Space Requirements | Less | More |
| Efficiency Range | >20% | 15-19% |
Polycrystalline Panel Price in India (2025)
(Average cost of Poly Solar Panels Installation in India for government subsidies in effect in 2025, India)
In 2024–2025, prices for Solar Installation have stabilized due to increased domestic manufacturing and supportive government policies, making solar energy more accessible than ever. This guide provides an up-to-date overview of polycrystalline solar panel prices, installation costs, and subsidy options available in India.
| Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Polycrystalline Panel-only | ₹30–36/W → ₹9,000–₹12,000 per 300 W |
| Mid-size Panels (250-335W) | ₹11,000–₹20,000 |
| Small Modules (5-60W) | ₹499–₹2,200 |
| Installed System (Pre-Subsidy) | ₹40,000–₹70,000/kW |
| Installed After Subsidy | ₹24,000–₹42,000/kW |
Best Use Cases for Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Residential Rooftop Systems (Budget-Friendly Homes):
- Ideal for homeowners looking for an affordable solar solution.
- Suitable for homes with ample rooftop space, since poly panels require slightly more area than monocrystalline ones.
- Works best in hot and sunny climates—common in most parts of India.
Small Commercial Buildings:
- Shops, small warehouses, or office spaces with moderate power needs.
- Poly panels are a cost-effective way to reduce electricity bills and improve sustainability.
Agricultural Applications:
- Solar-powered water pumps, irrigation systems, and solar fencing.
- Especially suited for rural and semi-urban areas where space is not as much of a constraint as costs.
- Poly Solar Panels are durable and well-suited for open land installations.
Off-Grid Solar Systems:
- Villages and remote areas that are not connected to the power grid.
- Combined with batteries, poly panels can power lighting, fans, and basic appliances that make up the bare necessities.
Solar Street Lighting Projects:
- Cost-effective for municipal and panchayat-level lighting schemes.
- Preferred by local governments nationwide due to low installation and panel costs.
- Schools, clinics, and community centers in underdeveloped areas.
- NGOs and government programs often use Polycrystalline Solar Panels to maximize coverage within their restricted budget.
Government Subsidized Projects:
A lot of government-run projects and schemes, which often have limited funds, opt for Polycrystalline Solar Panels owing to their cheap cost and ease of availability.
Read More: Commercial Solar Panels: Pricing, Subsidies & Full Installation Guide
Maintenance Of A Polycrystalline Solar Panel
To ensure optimal performance, regular maintenance of polycrystalline solar panels is essential. While not overly complex, cleaning and inspecting the system requires attention and effort—especially since panels typically cover a large area. Below are some practical maintenance tips to enhance solar system output:
Clean with Water: Gently spray the panels with a water hose or a pipe to get rid of the dirt and dust that might have settled over the panels.
Use a Cloth & Mild Soap: To thoroughly clean the panels, you can even opt to use a soft cloth, a sponge, or a rag with a mild soap and wipe each panel. Be careful not to scratch the glass surface of the panels.
No Shade: To maximise the production of your system, be sure to trim any trees that might cast shadows on the panels, as they need uninterrupted sunlight during the day.
Check System Performance: Monitor the energy output and panel efficiency at least twice a year. Use the system's or inverter data for accurate insights.
Replace Damaged Components Promptly: Inspect wiring, connectors, and panels for any signs of damage. Replace faulty parts immediately to avoid a drop in system efficiency.
Conclusion
“The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.” — Amelia Earhart
Amelia Earhart has rightly said that the most difficult thing is to decide. So now, you have to decide whether Polycrystalline Solar Panels are the right panels for you to get installed or not. Be sure to get in touch with Ksquare Energy to buy your rooftop poly solar panel system installed!