Monocrystalline vs Polycrystalline Solar Panels — The India Guide
If you've been getting solar quotes in India, you've probably heard both terms. In 2026, this is actually a simpler decision than it was a few years ago. Here's the complete comparison.
The Short Answer
In 2026, monocrystalline (mono) panels are the better choice for most Indian homes. The price difference has shrunk to near zero, while efficiency and low-light performance advantages of mono panels remain significant.
What Is the Difference?
Silicon Crystal Structure
Both types use silicon as the semiconductor material, but manufactured differently:
- Monocrystalline: Made from a single crystal of pure silicon (Czochralski process). Uniform dark black/blue cells. Octagonal cell shape (corners cut).
- Polycrystalline (or multicrystalline): Made from multiple silicon crystal fragments melted together. Blue/metallic non-uniform appearance. Square cells.
Efficiency Comparison
| Panel Type | Typical Efficiency | Best in Class | Watts per sq. metre |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monocrystalline (PERC) | 19–22% | 22–24% | 190–220W/m² |
| Monocrystalline (TOPCon) | 21–23% | 24–25% | 210–230W/m² |
| Polycrystalline | 15–18% | 18–19% | 150–180W/m² |
Practical impact: A mono panel generates the same electricity in ~20% less roof space compared to a poly panel. If your roof is small, this matters a lot.
Price Comparison in India (2026)
| Panel Type | Price per Watt (installed) | 3kW System Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Poly (standard) | ₹35–42/W | ₹1.05–1.26 lakh |
| Mono PERC | ₹38–48/W | ₹1.14–1.44 lakh |
| Mono TOPCon | ₹45–55/W | ₹1.35–1.65 lakh |
The price gap between poly and mono PERC is now only ₹3,000–15,000 for a 3kW system — much smaller than 2–3 years ago when it was ₹20,000–40,000. TOPCon panels cost more but offer next-generation efficiency.
Performance in Indian Climate Conditions
High Temperature Performance
Both panel types lose output as temperature rises (temperature coefficient). Mono panels generally have slightly better temperature coefficients:
- Mono PERC: −0.34 to −0.38%/°C
- Poly: −0.40 to −0.45%/°C
In a city like Ahmedabad or Jaipur where summer panel temperatures hit 65–70°C, mono panels generate 3–6% more electricity in peak summer due to better temperature response.
Low-Light Performance (Monsoon/Cloudy Days)
Mono panels perform significantly better in diffuse/low-light conditions. The single-crystal structure captures more photons at lower light intensities. During monsoon months:
- Mono panels: 15–25% output at full overcast
- Poly panels: 10–18% output at full overcast
For states with long monsoon seasons (Kerala, Maharashtra, West Bengal), this difference accumulates to hundreds of additional units per year.
Degradation Rate
- Mono PERC: ~0.45%/year typical degradation
- Poly: ~0.55–0.60%/year typical degradation
Over 25 years, mono panels retain more of their original output — meaningful for long-term ROI calculations.
Space Efficiency — Critical for Indian Rooftops
India's urban homes often have small usable roof areas (30–60 sq. metres after obstructions). Space efficiency directly affects how many kW you can install:
| Roof Space | Poly Panels (17% eff) | Mono PERC (20% eff) | Mono TOPCon (22% eff) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 sq. metres | ~2.8 kW | ~3.3 kW | ~3.7 kW |
| 30 sq. metres | ~4.2 kW | ~5.0 kW | ~5.5 kW |
| 50 sq. metres | ~7.0 kW | ~8.3 kW | ~9.1 kW |
For a constrained rooftop, mono panels can mean an extra 0.5–1 kW of capacity — generating ₹5,000–10,000 more per year in electricity savings.
Aesthetics
Mono panels have a uniform dark appearance that many homeowners find more attractive than poly's non-uniform blue/metallic look. For visible roof areas (street-facing), this may matter.
Should You Buy Polycrystalline Panels in 2026?
Honestly, the market has moved on. Most Tier-1 manufacturers (LONGi, Jinko, Trina, Canadian Solar) have largely phased out poly production in favour of mono PERC and TOPCon. Poly panels are increasingly sold by smaller, less reputable manufacturers at low prices.
If you see very cheap poly panels from unknown brands, treat this as a red flag — not a bargain.
Types of Monocrystalline Panels Available in India
- Mono PERC (Passivated Emitter Rear Contact): Most common, good efficiency, reasonable price. Best for most Indian homes.
- Bifacial Mono PERC: Glass on both sides — captures reflected light from the roof. 5–15% more generation. Best for light-coloured or white roofs. Popular for commercial rooftops.
- TOPCon: Next-generation technology with 22–24% efficiency. Slightly higher cost but best performance. Available from LONGi, Jinko, Waaree, Adani in India.
- HJT (Heterojunction): Highest efficiency (23–25%) but most expensive. Niche products from REC, Panasonic.
Recommendation for Indian Homes in 2026
| Situation | Recommended Choice |
|---|---|
| Budget-conscious, large roof | Mono PERC (Indian brands: Waaree, Adani) |
| Small roof, want max capacity | Mono PERC or TOPCon |
| Monsoon-heavy state (Kerala, WB) | Mono PERC — better low-light performance |
| Hot climate (Rajasthan, Gujarat) | Mono PERC with better temp coefficient |
| Commercial rooftop (large area) | Bifacial Mono PERC |
| Premium installation, best ROI | TOPCon (LONGi, Jinko, Waaree TOPCon) |
Top Mono Panel Brands Available in India (2026)
- Waaree Energies (India): Largest Indian manufacturer, 12-year product warranty, good service
- Adani Solar (India): Tier-1 quality, government project track record
- LONGi Solar (China/India): World's largest mono panel maker, excellent quality, 30-year performance warranty
- Jinko Solar (China): Most shipped globally, consistent Tier-1 quality
- Trina Solar (China): Strong in India market, good value
- Canadian Solar (Canada/China): Reliable brand, good Indian distribution
Bottom Line
Choose monocrystalline PERC panels from a Tier-1 brand. The price premium over polycrystalline has effectively disappeared, while the efficiency, low-light, and longevity advantages are real. In 2026, polycrystalline makes sense only if you have abundant roof space and a very tight budget — and even then, Indian-made mono panels like Waaree are competitively priced.