"Poly cell" likely refers to polycrystalline solar cells, which are a type of solar cell made from multicrystalline silicon. Unlike monocrystalline solar cells, which are made from a single continuous crystal structure, polycrystalline solar cells are made from silicon fragments that are melted together to form the solar cell material.
Polycrystalline solar cells are recognizable by their blue speckled appearance, caused by the multiple crystals within the cell structure. Here are some key characteristics of polycrystalline solar cells:
Lower efficiency: Polycrystalline solar cells generally have a lower efficiency compared to monocrystalline solar cells. This is due to the presence of grain boundaries between the crystal structures, which can impede electron flow and reduce overall efficiency.
Cost-effectiveness: Polycrystalline solar cells are often more cost-effective to produce than monocrystalline solar cells. The manufacturing process for polycrystalline cells typically results in less waste of silicon material, making them a more economical choice.
Space requirements: While polycrystalline solar cells have lower efficiency, they are still capable of generating significant power. However, they may require more space to achieve the same power output as monocrystalline cells.
Performance in high temperatures: Polycrystalline solar cells generally perform slightly better than monocrystalline cells in high-temperature conditions, making them suitable for certain environments.
Varied applications: Polycrystalline solar cells are commonly used in a wide range of applications, including residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar installations.