Monocrystalline vs polycrystalline solar panels
This used to be a real choice. In home solar today, the records show it mostly isn't.
Monocrystalline. In utility records for home systems installed in 2022–2023, 97% or more of systems in every state I checked used monocrystalline silicon panels, with a median panel efficiency of 20.5–20.9%. Polycrystalline (multi-crystalline) panels are now a small share, so compare quotes on price per watt, warranty and output instead.
What home systems use, by state
| State | Systems with known panel type | Monocrystalline | Polycrystalline | Median panel efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | 487,781 | 98.0% | 2.0% | 20.8% |
| Arizona | 33,713 | 97.3% | 2.7% | 20.6% |
| New York | 30,396 | 99.8% | 0.2% | 20.8% |
| Texas | 14,772 | 99.6% | 0.4% | 20.6% |
| Massachusetts | 13,211 | 99.1% | 0.9% | 20.5% |
| Colorado | 2,779 | 99.3% | 0.7% | 20.9% |
LBNL Tracking the Sun 2024 public data, residential systems installed 2022–2023, first panel model listed; records without a panel type excluded.
The difference in one line each
- Monocrystalline: cells cut from a single silicon crystal; higher efficiency, so more watts per square foot of roof.
- Polycrystalline: cells cast from many crystals; historically cheaper and less efficient.
What to compare instead
- Price per watt of the whole system against local averages: solar panel cost.
- Panel warranty: product years and the output it guarantees after 25 years.
- Watts per panel and panel count, if your roof is small.
- Inverter type: what a solar inverter does.
Run your own numbers
Enter your ZIP and bill to see system size and cost where you live.
Keep reading
- How much solar panels cost in 2026 — Average price per watt by state and city, and what a 5, 7 or 10 kW system costs before incentives.
- How many solar panels you need — Size a system from your electric use and local sunshine, in four steps.
- How long solar panels last — Lifespan, how much output drops each year, and what a 7 kW system still makes in year 25 in each city.
Installer records by city: solar companies in Phoenix, solar companies in Tucson, solar companies in San Antonio, solar companies in Austin, solar companies in San Diego, solar companies in Fresno, solar companies in Chandler, solar companies in Scottsdale, solar companies in Gilbert, solar companies in Glendale, solar companies in Tempe, solar companies in Peoria, solar companies in Surprise, solar companies in San Jose, solar companies in Bakersfield, solar companies in Clovis, solar companies in Chula Vista, solar companies in Oceanside, solar companies in Carlsbad, solar companies in Toms River, solar companies in New York, solar companies in Elizabeth, solar companies in Yonkers.
Updated 2026-09-22.