Solar Panel Types — Monocrystalline vs Polycrystalline
Published 2026-02-18 · Updated 2026-07-07 · MySunROI Research Team
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Monocrystalline panels dominate US residential installs in 2026 — 19–22% efficiency, black aesthetic, premium price. Polycrystalline is cheaper but less efficient.
Panel types compared
Your installer typically recommends tier-1 monocrystalline modules (REC, Qcells, Panasonic, etc.).
- Monocrystalline: best for limited roof space
- Polycrystalline: budget option, less common now
- Efficiency matters more than brand for ROI
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does panel brand affect payback?
Total system cost and production matter more than brand alone.